GL1100 longevity

[prs2xs]

Hope I'm not bringing up something already discussed in another post- but I wonder what distance a properly maintained GL1100 can travel before major overhaul? Way back in 1975 I bought a GL1000, and it died on me in Memphis TN with only 28000 miles on it. I admit to drag racing the poor bike every chance I got, and always travelled at high speed, but the diagnosis was the wrist pins went south on it, and in those days I didn't have the money to fix it, being so far from home. American Honda was apparently fixing this problem for free, but when I contacted my dealer in Canada, I was told the warranty is up and nothing would be done. SO, I picked up an old 81 now, and I really like these bikes, I want to fix it up, and it has 55000 miles on it. It seems to run evenly, fires up instantly, but i have an apparent problem with water/oil pump seals ( leaks oil through orifice under water pump) and left exhaust smokes on start up then clears after running. Wanted to do a comp check, but I don't have a small enough adapter for the plug size. Sorry for the long story.
So, what do you think- is it worth putting money towards this, or should I look for a wing in better shape?? The bike is in decent shape otherwise.
Thanx!

 

[backlander]

With proper care and maintenance these old wings have gone 250,000 miles and farther. I have 116,000 on mine now and it's as strong as ever. The smoking on start up, especially after sitting on the sidestand is normal and nothing to worry about. It's definitely worth keeping if it's in as good a shape as you indicate

 

[joedrum]

carbs are big deal and shold not leak ...as it getin oil and was probably what took out rist pins as they are splasned lubed....on the second problem run atf in gas as mix 6-8oz per tank it will smoke some at first but its cleaning the whole time and will get things cleaner and cleaner to a point that smoking on start up will be reduce or eliminated like on a couple of my bikes ...these bikes are probably one of the best as bikes go to me ...id take one around the world if there was black top to do so

 

[OldWrench]

The Goldwing engine is one of the best engine designs anywhere, and normally very reliable. However it is like anything else, if you abuse it you will eventually lose it. The Goldwing engine wasn’t designed for racing even though it is a very strong and powerful engine, it was designed as a touring engine, and when used in that manner is a true workhorse.
Now what color is the smoke when you first start it up. Blue or dark color is oil, white is coolant. My 83 never smokes when I start it, even if it has been setting for a few days. Make sure the oil level is right and not overfilled.

 

[prs2xs]

Smoke is blue(oil),I'll probably pull the heads and do the valves and guides if the compression is good.

 

[mcgovern61]

I had an '81 engine with 169K miles on it before it was taken out of service. It still ran like a clock even though the wrist pins were shot, all bearings worn out and few knocks.

Here is a thread with videos and pictures:

viewtopic.php?p=56923#p56923

Just an FYI, the PO of that bike also liked to think he had a race bike and basically did the same damage! Lesson here I think is, these engines are NOT designed for drag racing! :hihihi:

 

[zman]

If the compression checks out and before you pull the heads try changing the oil and running 12-16 Oz. of marvel mystery oil in the crankcase and only fill the oil to the half way line on the oil check window, run it like that awhile and see if things don't clear up, If the bike had a long lay up like many have had it just may need a good shakeout.

 

[prs2xs]

LOL I drove everything hard in those days, now I just ride for the joy of it!
Thanx for the info with the marvel oil, I used to mix diesel in the crankcase to clean the engines in cars that burned oil, with some good effect as well!

 

[Bobo]

With all due respect to all here: That engine isn't even broken in. It would have to have been really dogged to be done by that mileage. I have an '83 1100 that sat for the better part of 10 years before I got it. It was a "throw in" with the '85 Aspy that I really wanted. The oil was full of putrid gas, as was the tank, the carbs were the worst carbs I've ever seen, and I've rebuilt many, not only on bikes, but cars, trucks, buses, and other stuff. They were hideous! Hell, I had to use a fine drill bit to cut the crap out of the idle/slow jets by hand, and there wasn't a bit of brass shavings in the residue! Had to use one STEEL clipping off a guitar string to open the tiny holes on those jets and the main. This bike was DEAD, even without the electrical problems that emerged later.

Because it had sat so long, I soaked the rings/cylinders with 2-cycle oil through the plug holes for months, turning the engine not with the starter but with the timing belt covers off using the crankshaft nut. The timing belts were original, with Japanese language on them. Oh, hell no! They've been replaced before firing it off was even thought of. Carbs were rebuilt, valves were adjusted to spec, engine was turned by hand many, many times before ever trying to fire it. It started fine, even revved, but then it would only hold a low idle with blueish GAS smoke coming out of the pipes. The electronics were identified as the problem, particularly the weak coils, and replacement components are on they're way from a salvage '83 in Georgia; the spark was weak and I set the pilot screws a bit too rich for them to burn correctly, 2.5 turns out from bottom and spec is only 2. But it's close, and only has 72,000 on the dial.

While we worked together a bit on my '85, a friend of mine who has ridden Wings for 25+ years told me that they were "bulletproof." I thought he was exaggerating. He wasn't. They were and still are so perfectly manufactured that unless they have been totally abused and poorly maintained, they WILL come back to life and serve us well for at least 200,000 miles. Quite the machines. "And that's all I have to say about that." :Egyptian: :yahoo: :music: :music:

 

[joedrum]

yes bobo im with ya

 

[prs2xs]

Thanx for the replies! I have another question related to longevity- what would you say the maximum cruising rpm is for the 1100 motor? I've always felt that 60% of redline was the number, but that is only about 75 mph actual??

 

[AApple]

80mph on my '81 is just over 5000 rpm....and mine sees that quite a bit. I normally run around 75mph, tho, and all of my riding is on the highway to/from work. Remember that these things were designed/built during the 55mph speed limit years, so that's where they are tuned to be the best they can be...at that speed. Doesn't mean ya cain't wring it out tho....mine LOVES cruizin at 75....it's as smooth as it can be at that speed/rpm. Coming up on 90,000 miles, too. arty: