Been thinking for a while about our older vintage Gold Wings, and how we are willing to work on these, and/or modify these to keep them on the road.
There have been comments on which Gold Wing year is the best, which Gold Wing to shy away from such as the FI models - '85/'86. Lots of posts about parts availability, what has been done to overcome parts issues, and many more.
The topic for this thread is the "Cuban" connection. This is apropos in that it has been long known that the vintage cars in Cuba are mechanical marvels. May look like a '57 Chev on the outside, but the power plant and other parts may not be from a Chev.
Our older Gold Wings are heading this way as well, maybe not for basic mechanical items such as bearings and such, but for more specific items such as replacing the 4 carbs with a single automotive carburetor - the SCC, replacing the 3 part alternator system with an automotive alternator driven off the crankshaft, sensors such as MAP and Gr/Gl sensors on the FI models.
To start this off, this is what I have gleaned from the various forums, may have to think of more:
Installing an external automotive alternator when the OEM three part alternator system, specifically the stator fails
Installing an automotive carburetor in place of the four OEM carbs - various reasons
Replacing the PB (MAP) sensors on the '85/'86 FI models with Suzuki MAP sensors
Replacing the Gr/Gl sensors on the '85/'86 FI models with sensors from a Dodge product
Replacing the Ns (crank) sensor on the '85/'86 FI models with one from a GL1500, or a GL1200 PG sensor harness - two sensors instead of one
Replacing the throttle body sensor (TBS) on the '85/'86 with an aftermarket TBS
Using aftermarket fuel pumps for carbureted and FI models.
Rear brake MC mod - 1800 made to fit
Going to trial a speed sensor from a 750 Honda. Same fit and wiring.
Lots of examples of how ingenious the collective is with regards to keeping our Gold Wings on the road. Chime in with what you have done, seen or heard about.
Putting this out there, it's winter, can't travel much, lots of time to think of things to do.
Cheers
There have been comments on which Gold Wing year is the best, which Gold Wing to shy away from such as the FI models - '85/'86. Lots of posts about parts availability, what has been done to overcome parts issues, and many more.
The topic for this thread is the "Cuban" connection. This is apropos in that it has been long known that the vintage cars in Cuba are mechanical marvels. May look like a '57 Chev on the outside, but the power plant and other parts may not be from a Chev.
Our older Gold Wings are heading this way as well, maybe not for basic mechanical items such as bearings and such, but for more specific items such as replacing the 4 carbs with a single automotive carburetor - the SCC, replacing the 3 part alternator system with an automotive alternator driven off the crankshaft, sensors such as MAP and Gr/Gl sensors on the FI models.
To start this off, this is what I have gleaned from the various forums, may have to think of more:
Installing an external automotive alternator when the OEM three part alternator system, specifically the stator fails
Installing an automotive carburetor in place of the four OEM carbs - various reasons
Replacing the PB (MAP) sensors on the '85/'86 FI models with Suzuki MAP sensors
Replacing the Gr/Gl sensors on the '85/'86 FI models with sensors from a Dodge product
Replacing the Ns (crank) sensor on the '85/'86 FI models with one from a GL1500, or a GL1200 PG sensor harness - two sensors instead of one
Replacing the throttle body sensor (TBS) on the '85/'86 with an aftermarket TBS
Using aftermarket fuel pumps for carbureted and FI models.
Rear brake MC mod - 1800 made to fit
Going to trial a speed sensor from a 750 Honda. Same fit and wiring.
Lots of examples of how ingenious the collective is with regards to keeping our Gold Wings on the road. Chime in with what you have done, seen or heard about.
Putting this out there, it's winter, can't travel much, lots of time to think of things to do.
Cheers