The Mayflower: AKA - I bought a non-running '82 GL1100

[saganaga]

Took off the seat today and added the brakelight modulator, which quickly flashes the taillight four times before going solid.

The modulator looks like this:

Removed the wire tap connectors that I found, cut into the wiring at the same spot, and added some bullet connectors that I had laying around. That way I can easily bypass the modulator or remove it if I wish.

Added a double female connector for the brake line, in case I want to wire up more lights later. Then tucked the whole thing under the seat.

Reassembled it and tested all of the rear lights - running, turn signals, and brake. Everything worked.

 

[saganaga]

Went to ride May after this, and found that the fuel gauge read empty. <_<

Removed the seat again, and everything looked good. Touched the electrical connectors to the fuel level sending unit, and the fuel gauge went to full. Took the connectors off, removed corrosion with a bit of sandpaper, slathered it in dielectric grease, and reassembled. Hopefully that will give me no further issues.

 

[saganaga]

Threw what is literally an Ikea sheepskin rug on the motorcycle and rode it a few hundred miles this weekend. Got an expert in comfort to inspect the result.

The sheepskin helps, but doesn't solve the issue. My working theory is that the foam under the rider is pretty well shot and compresses easily. While the foam under where the legs exit from the seat wasn't subject to the same weight, and is partially reinforced by the side of the seat. That leads to a pressure point.

I probably need to redo the seat, but I don't want to. :crying:

Maybe some sort of pad underneath the sheepskin for now.

 

[GTC@MSAC]

I have a 12 yr old chocolate minpin the same color and size as your seat-tester there. I bought my GL1100 so I could make room for him to ride, but, sadly he doesn't like bikes one tiny bit

 

[pidjones]

If the seat pan is plastic, it wouldn't be a big job to redo the foam with built-up carpet padding (the shreded foam type). Use 3M 90 spray (by directions) to attach each layer and an electric carving knife to shape (DON'T USE THE WIFE'S!!!). Staple the cover back on. If it has a metal seat pan, you will need to re-use the original attachment system.

 

[saganaga]

GTC@MSAC » Today, 3:03 am[/url]":hrjj54pl]
I have a 12 yr old chocolate minpin the same color and size as your seat-tester there. I bought my GL1100 so I could make room for him to ride, but, sadly he doesn't like bikes one tiny bit

This is my mom's Chihuahua/Corgi mix. He's such an affectionate dog, he loves everyone. For some reason, he also wanted to see what was on top of my motorcycle.

pidjones » Today, 5:46 am[/url]":hrjj54pl]
If the seat pan is plastic, it wouldn't be a big job to redo the foam with built-up carpet padding (the shreded foam type). Use 3M 90 spray (by directions) to attach each layer and an electric carving knife to shape (DON'T USE THE WIFE'S!!!). Staple the cover back on. If it has a metal seat pan, you will need to re-use the original attachment system.

I have the plastic pan. The cover is in good shape, I'd like to reuse it. I notice two chrome-colored trim pieces on either side of the saddle. (One can be seen under the dog.) Does that attach to the seat pan, or not? Would I be able to detach the existing cover, remove the old foam, shape a new foam seat, and reinstall the cover?

 

[pidjones]

I believe the chrome strip has spikes that go through the cover and seat pan. Check to see if they exit from the pan underneath and are bent to retain them. There should be instructions online or even Youtube videos on this.

 

[saganaga]

I'll have to take a look. I was thinking the seat rebuild would make a decent winter project.

 

[Ansimp]

saganaga » Wed Aug 14, 2019 12:36 pm[/url]":1x6yb3mz]
I'll have to take a look. I was thinking the seat rebuild would make a decent winter project.

viewtopic.php?p=209255#p209255
I also added a gel pad :good:

 

[saganaga]

Ansimp » August 17th, 2019, 9:52 pm[/url]":217gdxy7]

saganaga » Wed Aug 14, 2019 12:36 pm[/url]":217gdxy7]
I'll have to take a look. I was thinking the seat rebuild would make a decent winter project.

viewtopic.php?p=209255#p209255
I also added a gel pad :good:

Thanks, that was informative.

How are you liking the gel pad?

 

[Ansimp]

When I first rode the Rats Nest after changing the front progressives and new fork seals I couldn’t believe how good the ride was. Then I remembered that I had also done my seat mod with the gel pad. :doh:
The only thing I will say is that My pad could of been longer or I should of made sure that it was all the way forward, there is now gel under the backrest/bolster. :head bang:

 

[saganaga]

Tempted to find a spot for something like this on the Vetter.

 

[GTC@MSAC]

saganaga » 27 Aug 2019, 22:46[/url]":2a9uudgd]
Tempted to find a spot for something like this on the Vetter.

An ammeter might be more practical, but you don't see many these days in small sizes for bikes.

 

[saganaga]

GTC@MSAC » 25 minutes ago[/url]":2njo0379]

saganaga » 27 Aug 2019, 22:46[/url]":2njo0379]
Tempted to find a spot for something like this on the Vetter.

An ammeter might be more practical, but you don't see many these days in small sizes for bikes.

Agreed. But as long as the voltmeter is showing the 13.5V or so when the motorcycle is running, it should be charging the battery, AFAIK.

 

[GTC@MSAC]

saganaga » 28 Aug 2019, 02:05[/url]":3e8yj151]

GTC@MSAC » 25 minutes ago[/url]":3e8yj151]

saganaga » 27 Aug 2019, 22:46[/url]":3e8yj151]
Tempted to find a spot for something like this on the Vetter.

An ammeter might be more practical, but you don't see many these days in small sizes for bikes.

Agreed. But as long as the voltmeter is showing the 13.5V or so when the motorcycle is running, it should be charging the battery, AFAIK.

I agree. And that is a cute little button gauge, so it couldn't hurt to add it, lol! My fairing already has the factory voltmeter, which rarely pay any attention to, too busy watching for potholes, gravel, lane-wandering cagers on cell-phones, cops, thunderclouds, hidden cops, the usual.

 

[mcgovern61]

Back when I had a Vetter faring, I had installed an analog voltmeter inside the lower left side:

After I removed the faring and went back to a Standard, I installed a digital voltmeter on the handlebars:

 

[saganaga]

I saw that digital voltmeter, but I wished it matched the color of the instrument backlights on the rest of the bike.

Ever have a problem with your stereo in the Vetter fairing if your bike was out in the rain? Or did you cover it?

 

[chilidawg]

I found this "not so bright" blue one on Amazon for $9. looks like it might fit right in, I'm getting me one. Thanks for the heads up.

https://www.amazon.com/XCSOURCE-Univers ... a704eaedee

 

[mcgovern61]

saganaga » Wed Aug 28, 2019 8:40 pm[/url]":afecnjf1]
I saw that digital voltmeter, but I wished it matched the color of the instrument backlights on the rest of the bike.

Ever have a problem with your stereo in the Vetter fairing if your bike was out in the rain? Or did you cover it?

My stereo is a Sony Marine AM/FM/CD/iPod unit. It is completely sealed watertight for use in boats so it works great on motorcycles. I still have it even after removing my Vetter faring. I moved it into my trunk and added the Sony waterproof remote to my handlebars.

 

[saganaga]

I've looked at marine stereos on Amazon. Judging by the reviews, an amazing amount of them aren't waterproof. :shock: