Honda GL1000 Goldwing

[DeanR]

That's the original Wing isn't it? Looking great!

[motoman]

Lots goog James............hope you checked that stator is good as it would suck to have to pull that motor to fix on those..............BTW, u think those are a bit different...........jump in the middle and wrench on an ST............like workin on a minature half of a V-8.......

[James England]

Phew! I'm pleased you said that. I've had a hell of a job with the carbs though and they are more complicated than those on our beloved XS1100's.

The GL has been good practice for a total stripdown, with all components bagged and tagged and generally being organised. The engine comes out much more easily than on an XS, with part of the frame unbolting and the engine sliding out on a jack. Really easy. Apart from that, really complicated!

I get the panels back from the spray shop later this week. I've sent a few bits off for rechroming. The exhaust came from the USA and UK customs put an import tariff on it! A 30 year old, used exhaust and they put a charge on it!

So, pretty soon, the GL will be finished. I do like the bike and the design is brilliant, especially for the era in which it was made but.....but...... nothing can beat the XS1100 IMO. They do look nice, next to each other in the workshop. It's a bit weird... I mean they are both big motorbikes but so different in design, corporate image, styling etc. The GL kind of confirms a theory I've had for years.... if a bike manufacturer gets you at the right time, they've got you forever. What did it for me was the allen bolts as standard on the Yamahas. The love affaire began there......

Here's another pic. Note the green Dynas, newly installed and bought from the USA:

[DGXSER]

If I look really close I think I can see some improvement. Seriously James, awesome job! Looks 1000% improved!!

[natemoen]

Very nice! Looks way better in the after pics

Can't wait to see how it proceeds!

[James England]

Hi Folks

Some people my have noticed that I've not been on the forum so much for the last few months. Hurray! I hear you say. I bought another of the bikes of my youth.. a 1976 GL1000 ... and have been renovating it. Hell, I thought I knew what I was doing but the engine is a whole new experience for me compare to the XS1100's. Water cooling... water travelling in tubes inside oil, O rings, gaskets, seals... a pump with bearings and seals..... It makes me realise how nice air cooling is!

Here's a before pic.....




After getting the frame and loads of bits powder coated, here's a 'work in progress' shot. PLEASE tell me it looks better....please!