Hello from central Florida

[Flwoolybugger]

Hello to all. I bought this 1980 GL1100 this past week. I had thought it had 49,000 miles on it and got a pretty good deal at $600. It wasn't running, and the PO said it wouldn't start and needed either a starter or a starter clutch, he said that you could hear it clicking. It looks a bit rough but I thought I'd give it a shot. I've restored 2 other Honda's, both mid-80s VF's, so I know enough to get myself into trouble.

But when I started looking at the title, I'm thinking that its got 149,00 miles instead of the 49,000. I've been reading through this forum quite a bit (great forum and great information by the way) and it doesn't seem that this number of miles is a big deal. Someone let me know if this is incorrect. I'd rather not have to split the cases but do you think I need to with this mileage?

There's a bit of rust on the frame, and the wiring is looking pretty bad. So I'm thinking I'll strip it down pretty far and try to restore as much as I can. I don't want to replace everything (I'm a bit too cheap for that) but I also figure that as long as I have the engine out I may as well do the obvious stuff. I'm thinking that I'll want to do the starter (any wisdom on new starter vs. just new brushes?), the starter clutch, the water pump (?), I'll want to check the valves to see if they need lapped, and maybe change the valve seals, then probably a carb-kit, new bearings all around, new tires, rebuilding the whole brake system, painting the frame and body-work, and new tires. When I type it all out it seems like I'm almost doing everything.

I've seen some of the quality work done by members here, I don't know that I'll be in that league but it'll be fun and maybe I can get an old wing back on the road.

 

[joedrum]

welcome to classic ..it looks pretty good to me ...

 

[dan filipi]

I would get the starter working and see what ya got.
Don't bother rebuilding carbs if they don't need it.

The starter often can be cleaned up good and put in new brushes then run a long time.
No need to pull engine for starter change by the way.

Once you have it running some then I'd do a compression check.
Don't be discouraged if the compression is low though (unless 0) because compression will usually come up with hours running.

Check all the fluids and put fresh oil in.
I wouldn't bother with changing coolant until it's running and you know the heads won't need to come off.

Once you get it running it might smoke a lot depending on what might be in the exhaust.
Run outside and watch coolant level, temperature, no coolant leaks, check that the fan comes on about 3/4 gauge scale.

That's the way I would start on the bike.
Figger out whatchya got then go from there.

 

[backlander]

Howdy and welcome to CGW. Looks like a 49,000 mile bike in the picture. I agree with above, get her running on the cheap and see what you got to work with before you tear it down, otherwise you might fix everything you Think is wrong and miss what actually is wrong if anything.

 

[slabghost]

Pull the plugs and look for fluid or rust in the cylinders starter might be okay. Welcome to the fun. Looks like a nice project.

 

[dan filipi]

slabghost » Sat Jul 20, 2013 4:28 pm[/url]":uyejavrn]
Pull the plugs and look for fluid or rust in the cylinders starter might be okay. Welcome to the fun. Looks like a nice project.

Good advise right there!

I bent a valve because there was rust on the valve stem keeping it from closing.

Pull the plugs and hand crank checking for interference.

 

[Ansimp]

Welcome from Oz. After you have visually checked the cylinders squirt some ATF into them and rotate the engine by hand. Standard stuff before running; timing belts, check water pump, fuel tank and replace all fluids.

 

[brianinpa]

Welcome to Classics from PA!

 

[zman]

Looks like a good project..Welcome to the forum. First since you really need to replace the timing belts you should remove the timing belt covers, then you will have access to the crankshaft bolt and from there you can turn the motor to be sure it isn't frozen or stiff, like Ansimp said you can add some ATF or PB Blaster into the cylinders to free them up if needed.
Good luck.

 

[Omega Man]

Welcome to teh forumz. Nice color to that girl fo so. k:

~O~

 

[Steve83]

Welcome from Southern California! You're off to a good start, looks like a nice bike. Take your time, don't force anything, and check the inside of the gas tank. Enjoy!

 

[Jungo]

Hey neighbor, welcome to the best classic Goldwings forum.

Greetings from Orlando 32824. If you need help don't hesitate to contact me.

Live long and prosper. God bless you.

 

[toytender01]

Welcome from central Calif.

 

[mcgovern61]

Welcome to the site from New Jersey! :clapping:

When you get started working on the bike, start a new thread in the restoration section so we can follow along (with pics of course)!

Just to give you a leg up, there have been modifications done to your bike such as the front fender is not from an 1100, the front master cylinder is from an older Goldwing or similar Honda, you have an after market exhaust system and some other minor things I can see in the pics. I only mention this because of your question about the mileage. There is nothing wrong with aftermarket or swapping parts if they fit, but it also will require due diligence before repairing or replacing any parts. Come see us if you have any questions!!

 

[joedrum]

old eagle eyed Gerry ... :shock:

 

[mwbill37841]

WELCOME FROM TENN.

 

[roncar]

Flwoolybugger, we need to get together.

I have some knowledge, lots of docs, some parts, and a local source for most of what I don't have. PM me.