Marty's 1981 Goldwing resto

Mad Dog Tannen · Mar 2, 2013

I just bought a 1981 Goldwing last week for $450. I have started to take it apart and collect some parts. The Honda shop close by is closing so I got a good deal on new seals for the shocks. I need a carburetor rebuild kit and the rest I'm going to try and recondition the original parts. I plan on either painting or polishing every surface and cleaning/hiding/fixing all of the wiring. I was thinking of sectioning the tank and bending it to accommodate some lower handlebars. It looks like its made to be modified. In the end I hope to achieve a sportier comfortable riding cafe racer style bike.

Ill post pictures as soon as I can.

slabghost · Mar 2, 2013

Congrats on finding such a good deal. Sounds like an interesting build.

Mad Dog Tannen · Mar 2, 2013

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slabghost · Mar 2, 2013

Looks like you bought a jewel of a bike. I tried the cafe thing on one of my other bikes with clubman bars. Looked cool but too uncomfortable to ride more than 20 minutes. I turned the bars up and the look isn't bad and it's a lot more comfortable for me to ride.

backlander · Mar 2, 2013

Nice looking ride. Good luck with your project.

mwbill37841 · Mar 2, 2013

welcome from tenn.

brianinpa · Mar 2, 2013

Sweet deal. Now the fun can begin for you.

skiri251 · Mar 2, 2013

Wow!
Only $450 for this?!
And this is CA.

Why did I pay $1600 for my weathered 82 GL1100A?
Yes, I am an idiot.

toytender01 · Mar 2, 2013

Welcome from central Calif. Paradise is not too far from SAC.

Ansimp · Mar 2, 2013

I paid a grand for my non running "Rats Nest" . Looks like you have a great purchase, congratulations.

MarkB · Mar 3, 2013

That doesn't look like your run of the mill sub 1K Oldwing. That looks more like your in the right place at the right time kind of find. Congrats!

dan filipi · Mar 3, 2013

MarkB":1o6hl99z said:
That doesn't look like your run of the mill sub 1K Oldwing. That looks more like your in the right place at the right time kind of find. Congrats!

That's what I think. Especially in California.

David Mantle · Mar 3, 2013

Never mind about being found in California - that is one hell of a good price no matter where in the world . Over here in the UK it would have been more likely £1000 ( about $1500 ). Mine cost me £2000 and i was happy to pay that at the time.

Mad Dog Tannen · Mar 4, 2013

Well the shocks need seals, the Carbs need rebuilding, it does not run right now and I got it with just a bill of sale. I'm working out getting the title right now, they said $70 at the DMV and a ass load of paperwork :laptop:

slabghost · Mar 4, 2013

Carbs probably need a good cleaning and adjustment but I really doubt they need rebuilt. Could add transmission sealer fluid to the shocks if they aren't leaking too bad. Check the airlines and connections for leaks too.

Mad Dog Tannen · Mar 4, 2013

Shocks are laeking bad. When I strapped it down in the trailer they pissed all over. I just got all new seals for the forks, I am looking at carb rebuild kits, but I will definately have to crack them open to see whats going on.
And the previous owner said the diaphrams where blown out in the Carbs.
I also wanted to do the timing belts, just because they are rubber and 30 years old. Basically anything I see that looks worn is getting replaced.

joedrum · Mar 4, 2013

prepare for sticker shock

Mad Dog Tannen · Mar 4, 2013

The last thing I want failing is the timing belt.

I plan on using a lot of salvage parts where I can. I also like Sportbikes so I will probably use a lot of modern sportbike parts where I can.

brianinpa · Mar 4, 2013

Timing belts are a lot cheaper than heads!

Mad Dog Tannen · Mar 4, 2013

brianinpa":unpewxit said:
Timing belts are a lot cheaper than heads!

Cheaper than pistons too. They look much easier to change than on the cars I've had.

Marty's 1981 Goldwing resto

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