1981 GL1100 "Dual Sport"

[dontwantapickle]

Well....... maybe "Dual Sport" is a bit of a reach, so I'll just call it "dirt road oriented".

I have always thought that a Goldwing would make a solid "Fire road / Jeep trail" type of bike, so I made one.
This is my 81 1100. It's pretty much stock, with the exception of progressive springs up front, Taller aftermarket shocks,
and 80/20 adventure bike tires.

I had to run into town today, so I stopped off and took some pics on the way:

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[dontwantapickle]

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[chewy999]

Very nice looking bike. Be a shame to get it dirty!

[CYBORG]

looks good. nice work

[opcracer212]

I live on a gravel road, two miles from pavement, so I've been considering dual-sport tires for my '77, which I will be making road-ready this winter.

Curious to know what tires you are using.

Gravel roads can be a bit sketchy on my CX (with straight road tires), so I assume it only gets worse with the heavier GL.

[Sugs]

Nice. What fly screen is that?

[Track T 2411]

Sweet...

[digschopper]

Curious about tires as well.

[dontwantapickle]

Thanks all!

Sugs - the fly screen is from ebay

Tires - they are Shinko 705's.

They are low profile which I thought might be an issue, but no... they ride nice.
I have had them on gravel and they do feel better than street tires.

However, I have a feeling that they are only going to last a couple of thousand miles (soft rubber, heavy bike, two up, etc.)
but that's OK, I'm thinking that I might replace them with some that looks a little more aggressive.
Also..... they make a tube and a tubeless version. make sure that you order the right ones.

Riding it with the new fork springs and 14" rear shocks is a pleasure. It is definitely easier to control on dirt
than my Valkyrie with it's cruiser seating position, and not as hard on my 'ol aching back.

I think that this one is going to be my everyday ride this winter.
By spring, I am expecting to know the bike's limits and start taking it over some of the dirt mountain passes
here in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

[dontwantapickle]

I'm still riding this bike, took these pics last Sunday.
social distancing - Moab, Utah:

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[dontwantapickle]

[wannabridin]

Sharp looking bike! What bags are those??

[dontwantapickle]

the saddlebags are stock.

[cbrianroll]

Looks good, I'm thinking of 80/20 or heck 50/50 lol. Tkc 70s or 80s maybe....

[dontwantapickle]

Remember this one?
This 1100 has been my go to ride since I put it together back in 2018 and it is still going strong.

I just finished getting it ready for another season and took it out for a test ride today and took a few pics.
It got tires, front pads, oil change and a new seat.

I've put just over 44 thousand miles on it.
Mostly two up, lots of dirt roads, lots of two lane roads, lots of overnighters, lots of memories.

I like this bike.
It runs great and looks different than most.
The plan is take it up to Montana again this summer on vacation.

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