New in Virginia USA

[dcmike]

Hello to all!

I have been looking at this forum for a while before I finally found a bike. I got a 1978 GL1000 off eBay from Florida, so needless to say I was pretty nervous when it showed up here in VA.

I couldn't have asked for more considering the price paid and the condition of the bike! First of all it is CLEAN. It has a new battery, new fork seals, brakes were recently flushed and bled, new rear shocks, new plugs, oil and filter change, and the carbs were just cleaned and synced. I was told the timing belts were changed at 25,000, which was about 4 years ago. the bike currently has 36.000 mi.

After it was unloaded, it fired right up and I rode it around the block several times. Next stop was the DMV to register and title it and all that. I have since ridden it about 150 miles. I love this thing! Its got plenty of power and rides so easy. I already got compliments from random people asking what it is

I'm never one to leave anything alone, so I already have plans to modify this. I know, I know, it doesn't make sense to change something that is perfect as is, but it's just in my nature. Motorcycles are personalized things, and I want to make this one mine.

I'm looking for a cheap, beat up old stock seat so I can pull it apart and rework the foam, I'm trying to make a straight flat seat. The current seat is too nice to cut up, and I want to still be able to bolt it on when its time for 2 up rides with the lady.

I've never liked Comstars. The front wheel has been growing on me, but something about that rear wheel with the stubby fat "spoke" look just drives me crazy.
Is the rear spoked wheel (75-77) a direct swap like I have read? That would make life a little easier

I know changing the front wheel to spokes the conventional way involves new forks, speedo drive, rotors, calipers...and then the wheel.

Does anyone have experience with the conversion kit offered by "motosynthesis" ? (motosynthesis dot blogspot dot com)
Using his method I could use an old Comstar, pull the hub, bolt his plate on and wire to a new rim. This would likely be more cost effective than the entire front end swap.

I'm thinking 17" front and 17" rear, both with some fat knobby dualsport tires. Is this a terrible idea? I've always liked the symmetrical balanced look when both wheels and tires are the same

Anyway, sorry for the excessively long first post, my name is Mike and I'm excited to join this community and learn from everyone. There is SO MUCH great knowledge and advice on this site. Thanks!

[rcmatt007]

welcome to NGW

[chewy999]

I was told the timing belts were changed at 25,000, which was about 4 years ago. the bike currently has 36.000 mi.

Hi Mike and welcome to the forum from the UK. CHANGE THOSE BELTS straight away. They could last another 10 years or 50000 miles, but if you are not sure it is far cheaper to change them now than have to get a new engine. We all say it to all the new members so don't worry. Any problems just ask away and someone will be along to help.

[oldwings 78]

Welcome Mike,
Nice introduction and a very nice bike! I don't know why but I've always liked the '78 model the best.
Terry

[robbie202]

Hey I'm in dc

[Casper]

Howdy from Canada, welcome to the club. Good intro. Sounds, and looks like a sweet ride. Keep us up to date, with a new build thread in the Technical Section You should be able to come up with a used seat pan for not many bucks, try CL or eBay, or the Wanted section at the bottom of this site. I agree with Chewy, those belts should be done sooner rather than later, an easy job that does not cost a lot. Check out Shop Talk, if you have not already done so, lots of good advice for new owners.

Cheers,

[Mrirbic71]

Welcome from New Jersey

[Jai]

Welcome from New Hampshire. Nice bike to start with.

[rcmatt007]

Welcome Mike,
Nice introduction and a very nice bike! I don't know why but I've always liked the '78 model the best.
Terry

oldwings 78 is right!

[brokentoe]

Welcome from Indy. Yes, changing the wing around is a lot of fun. The way I Iook at it, I know what Honda did, now I'm interested in the ideas that other people have. Keep us posted.

[duke182]

Welcome from arkansas.
Looks like you have a nice platform to begin with.

[D,F.C. Industries]

Welcome from RVA

[gliderwing]

Welcome from San Francisco!

[dcmike]

CHANGE THOSE BELTS straight away. They could last another 10 years or 50000 miles, but if you are not sure it is far cheaper to change them now than have to get a new engine.

I agree with that, thanks for the advice! I was planning on doing the belts over the winter, and with the wealth of knowledge and "how-to" articles on here, I know I'll be able to get the job done. You never know the quality of the belts a PO may have put in, and I want this bike to last forever.

[chewy999]

I want this bike to last forever.

And I want a busty blonde bimbo millionairess, but...............