Jumping in With Both Feet! (NEWB ALERT!)

[HomeBru]

Last Saturday, I joined the Goldwing elite with the purchase of this 82 GL1100. As you can see, my boys are excited. She needs a bit of work, mostly cosmetic but it's also been sitting in a barn for two years. Carbs are done, fluids changed and it runs pretty well. The crankcase was full of gasoline and the pipes/mufflers were thick with oil that had been left by the draining gas/oil mix. They're all "mostly" clean but it still smokes quite a bit. This will be my fifth bike rebuild but also by far my biggest! It's getting warm, can't wait to ride.

I've already been burrowing through the forums to get information, data, and suggestions. Thanks to everyone who has provided info!

[scratcho]

Welcome HomeBru. Looks to be a 1983 to me. At least it has a 83 front wheel and trunk. Dennis

[HomeBru]

Welcome HomeBru. Looks to be a 1983 to me. At least it has a 83 front wheel and trunk. Dennis

You're correct. Thick fingers, small keyboard...

[thrasherg]

As you have it running quite well, it would be good to give some thought to the timing belts.. Do you know how old they are? It was standing for 2 years, so the belts won't have liked that.. If they fail its a big budget item, would be good to change them soon.

Gary

[HomeBru]

Thanks for the reminder, Gary! All of my past projects have had timing chains, not belts. I just ordered a pair. Come to think of it, I should probably think about changing out the timing belts on the old Subaru...

J-

[WingAdmin]

You're going to need to pull the radiator off to do the belts, you might as well flush it and replace the rad hoses while you're at it. You can get a cheap hose at NAPA that can easily be adapted - check out How to replace your radiator hoses.

[HomeBru]

Thanks Wingadmin, already have the rad flushed and hoses checked. Looks like they were replaced recently, no cracks or bulges. The guy two owners ago sold it in the middle of renovating it so there are some "new" things done, it's just a matter of going through everything with a fine-toothed comb. Pulled the forks off today: 1/4 cup of oil in one and about 1 cup in the other. New seals on the way...

[GreenDragon]

Welcome to the board. Hope those boys are getting to help with the rebuild. Looks pretty good!

[HomeBru]

If I go into the garage, they're both right behind me wanting to help. They're still learning "Lefty - Loosie" but they love being able to help. And they want to know what EVERY part of the engine, tranny, steering, electrical, etc. does. TONS of fun! (The Suburban in back is their Big Brother's project and they're both quick to help him as well. The neighbors are starting to wonder, though.