GL1200 False Tank Cover Options

[3KidsinAustin]

Greetings! I just sold my 85 Limited that I resurrected over the fall/winter and am planning out my next build. I have a vision rattling around in my head that involves stripping down a GL1200 to at least "Standard" level but with modern touches. I have been searching through this site for options people have used in the past for a more streamlined tank cover. Using a GL1100 is certainly an option, but are there other good tanks that can used for the shelter? Obviously the bottom of the tank has to be cut out, but are there ones that people have tried that look better than others?

Starting with a GL1100 is also an option. I've been approached by a couple of people locally that have offered up their bikes and I might go that route.

Once I select the bike, I'll be putting together a fairly thorough build thread, like I did for the Limited. (added link to the signature)

Just finished building a motorcycle lift table for this project as I got tired of laying on the concrete floor all the time!

[CYBORG]

I'm, no fairing. Single rear shock. 75 wing tank.

[CYBORG]

bye the way ... welcome to the club

[pidjones]

It is confusing (at least to me) when you mix the terms "tank" and "shelter" like that. Totally different items on a GoldWing.

[CYBORG]

It is confusing (at least to me) when you mix the terms "tank" and "shelter" like that. Totally different items on a GoldWing.

Ya I agree. And I was a bit confused About what I have. Had to think about it. Actually it is a 1200 engine in a 75 frame. So the 75 tank/shelter fits good.
the front forks are 1200, with harley leather bags on the back. And harley exhaust. And the shelter/tank and side covers are customized, and has a 1200 seat. First Clance you see 1200. And I tend to not pay enough attention to it. And then there's my memory. Once again I plan to play with it more this summer. ....But we will see

[Fred Camper]

We know you let the 85 go to a new owner, but if you have pics please post them as it gives us an idea of your likes. The Idea of streamlining a 1200 sounds good to me and will be interested in your approach.

[3KidsinAustin]

We know you let the 85 go to a new owner, but if you have pics please post them as it gives us an idea of your likes. The Idea of streamlining a 1200 sounds good to me and will be interested in your approach.

How do I log into the gallery? When I use my NGW credentials, I get an error message and I don't see how to register an account there. Used the search function and that seems to indicate I need to register as it is a different system. Any tips?

[Fred Camper]

Humm, might be above my pay grade. Oh wait, we are all at the same pay grade on here. You tried the small Login button in the upper right corner with your normal credentials. So perhaps just wait a day or so and see if it resolves itself. The Gallery is a someone old system from what I understand. There are other ways to post pictures, if you use the Full Editor & Preview button during a post. Likely a private message to guru Whiskerfish can yield a great response.

[3KidsinAustin]

Thanks for the idea! I have reached out to the admin, hopefully will get to share images of the Limited soon.

[3KidsinAustin]

A big thinks to our Administrator, Whiskerfish, for the quick tutorial on uploading pictures! I never looked far enough down on the screen to see the attachments tab

(Insert palm to forehead slap her)

Below are some of the beauty pics that I took of the Limited for its sale listing. All original in appearance, new stuff under the skin.

(and of course, half the pictures point the wrong way. Oh well)

20250201_160631.jpg

20250201_160639.jpg

20250201_160820.jpg

20250201_160838.jpg

[Fred Camper]

Nice looking ride, but not ideal for you or me. If all the pictures were straight, it would have made us all look bad. Straight pictures are only for the top admin but a member we lost, Roadie, was superb at posting pictures as well.

[ritalz]

I built a 1200 recently that has some of the qualities you mention (see it here viewtopic.php?t=77817). Feel free to ask questions about the build. Have been contemplating doing another and possibly a FI model to replace my daily rider. Currently on a '03 1800 but it is progressively getting too heavy for me to feel safe at low speed times. It's a great bike with lots of creature features that make traveling a real pleasure. I rode a 1200 for several years and was very comfortable with the size and weight of the bike.

[3KidsinAustin]

I built a 1200 recently that has some of the qualities you mention (see it here viewtopic.php?t=77817). Feel free to ask questions about the build. Have been contemplating doing another and possibly a FI model to replace my daily rider. Currently on a '03 1800 but it is progressively getting too heavy for me to feel safe at low speed times. It's a great bike with lots of creature features that make traveling a real pleasure. I rode a 1200 for several years and was very comfortable with the size and weight of the bike.

I read through your entire build thread this morning. What a great looking bike! I had always thought I needed to fiberglass the tank to reshape it, but you did it with ABS? Do you recall what you used for the source material? The end result came out very nice.

[ritalz]

I picked up a broken car bumper and scavenged a couple of pieces. Sketched out a pattern and used heat for the final shape. All new processes to me but it seemed to work well.

[3KidsinAustin]

Great idea! How did you end up mounting it to the frame? I saw the two holes at the front that the fairing bracket originally mounted to. Is there a spot on the frame that lines up? That would seem almost too easy!