Mystery16
Member
As a college student currently on winter break, I purchased a 'wing with the intention of having something to work on over the next few weeks before the semester begins again towards February, and if today is any indication of what is to come, it looks like I will be in for some long days in order to have the bike where I want it to be by the end of break! That being said, I was able to get a great start today, so here goes with the documentation of my restoration of a 1981 Honda GL1100I for everyone to enjoy! Pic heavy, scroll down at one's own risk...
So, upon picking up the bike on Sunday the 16th and riding it back to my hometown (owner was about 40 miles out), I had already some idea of the condition of the bike. That being said, as soon as I saw it in person I knew it had been neglected for quite some time. According to previous owner, 20 years in the backyard before he bought it. Had the paperwork showing about 4500 dollars worth of engine work done, and from everything I saw ran nicely and handled well, etc. Had all of the luggage and side covers, but nothing installed. Paint just absolutely destroyed, and definitely dirty.
Unfortunately, 20 years of sun, rain, insects and etc. does not do well for plastic. The front windjammer fairing is toast. Cracked everywhere, missing bolts, rattles, barely hangs on. Unfortunately, it has to go. Fortunately, I like it better without it.
Getting the freaking thing off was a major pain in my rear, but an hour later, the damn thing is off. I even managed to find the original speaker unit tucked into the back!
Front fairing is off!
Getting the frame supports off proved to be the hardest project today. The bolts were so rusted they snapped my socket wrench head. Good thing I have spares...
peek at the dust and rust...
Next it was time to get to the rear fender for paint. So long bag supports!
before...
After!!!
evicting some spiders...
The exact moment that I realized I may have to rewire the entire bike. Hopefully not.
With the removal of the rear mudguard and hardware, all that was left was the front end. Taking the tank cover off was very easy in comparison, just 4 bolts. The hardest part came next, when I finally had the space to rip out the subframe supports for the front fairing. The bolts that weren't missing were rusted down pretty hard, but thankfully I have my breaking bar with me. Greatest investment ever. Unfortunately I don't have a rip saw, nor the know-how and experience to remove the front tire by myself, so wringing the d4mn thing out of the gap between the radiator and the forks was crazy impossible. I ended up having to remove one side of the engine guards completely to get it out of there.
This pic shows the bike with every piece that will be painted taken off. Sorry for the gratuitous shot of my Pilot in the background, I didn't want to leave her out in the rain! God I love Honda!
Close-up of above...
Reverse angle...
so.... much..... cleaning..... left..... :Awe:
Tomorrow, I will be going through my remnants and listing everything that I will not be re-using on the bike for sale, so if anyone needs anything, let me know once I get that put up! In the lower Sacramento area, so if anyone wants to swing by sometime over the rebuild and have a beer, PM!
Things that need to be done:
* complete cleaning of entire engine and frame
* straightening of front forks (handlebar and tire out of alignment)
* paint on all components
* complete reassembly
* custom fabrication and wiring of new headlight
* RIDE THAT SH1T!
Holla.
So, upon picking up the bike on Sunday the 16th and riding it back to my hometown (owner was about 40 miles out), I had already some idea of the condition of the bike. That being said, as soon as I saw it in person I knew it had been neglected for quite some time. According to previous owner, 20 years in the backyard before he bought it. Had the paperwork showing about 4500 dollars worth of engine work done, and from everything I saw ran nicely and handled well, etc. Had all of the luggage and side covers, but nothing installed. Paint just absolutely destroyed, and definitely dirty.
Unfortunately, 20 years of sun, rain, insects and etc. does not do well for plastic. The front windjammer fairing is toast. Cracked everywhere, missing bolts, rattles, barely hangs on. Unfortunately, it has to go. Fortunately, I like it better without it.
Getting the freaking thing off was a major pain in my rear, but an hour later, the damn thing is off. I even managed to find the original speaker unit tucked into the back!
Front fairing is off!
Getting the frame supports off proved to be the hardest project today. The bolts were so rusted they snapped my socket wrench head. Good thing I have spares...
peek at the dust and rust...
Next it was time to get to the rear fender for paint. So long bag supports!
before...
After!!!
evicting some spiders...
The exact moment that I realized I may have to rewire the entire bike. Hopefully not.
With the removal of the rear mudguard and hardware, all that was left was the front end. Taking the tank cover off was very easy in comparison, just 4 bolts. The hardest part came next, when I finally had the space to rip out the subframe supports for the front fairing. The bolts that weren't missing were rusted down pretty hard, but thankfully I have my breaking bar with me. Greatest investment ever. Unfortunately I don't have a rip saw, nor the know-how and experience to remove the front tire by myself, so wringing the d4mn thing out of the gap between the radiator and the forks was crazy impossible. I ended up having to remove one side of the engine guards completely to get it out of there.
This pic shows the bike with every piece that will be painted taken off. Sorry for the gratuitous shot of my Pilot in the background, I didn't want to leave her out in the rain! God I love Honda!
Close-up of above...
Reverse angle...
so.... much..... cleaning..... left..... :Awe:
Tomorrow, I will be going through my remnants and listing everything that I will not be re-using on the bike for sale, so if anyone needs anything, let me know once I get that put up! In the lower Sacramento area, so if anyone wants to swing by sometime over the rebuild and have a beer, PM!
Things that need to be done:
* complete cleaning of entire engine and frame
* straightening of front forks (handlebar and tire out of alignment)
* paint on all components
* complete reassembly
* custom fabrication and wiring of new headlight
* RIDE THAT SH1T!
Holla.
