The start circuit is a bit more complicated because of reverse. The first thing is to see if start relay A is actuating. There are a number of relays that will be clicking so you can touch it to be sure it's operating when you push start. If it's not, check the yellow/red and brown/red wires for pow...

Maybe, maybe not. The O-rings should be fine but gaskets sometimes tear coming apart.

The washers are to keep the spoke nipples from galling the aluminum rim. You should reuse them with your new parts. A drop of lube in that area also helps.

Bike carbs often have a float stick when parked on the side stand as the angle can cause a float to bind. Not an issue when running as the vibration will keep the floats moving freely.

Craigslist and ebay used to be a good places, but I hear that most of that traffic has moved to Facebook. The number of people looking for older models isn't that high. Unless it's a steal, it might take some time to find a buyer. Probably better to list it in the spring.

The big question is, have you left yourself any other time bombs?

Glad you caught it without too much drama.

I agree, if it is not affecting compression or cylinder leakage, clean it up as best you can and ride on. I would expect it would be years of storage, but it really depends on the storage conditions. Temperature swings and humidity as well as pressure changes control how much moisture can migrate. A...

More than likely this is from the bike sitting for an extended period. Condensation in the cylinder collects at the lowest point.
Have you tried to clean it up with solvent? It doesn't look like rust in the pictures, more like dried oil film or other crud.

Use a small putty knife or a wood chisel between the bracket and the engine, where the bolts were. You could also just tap on the bracket to slide it free. Loctite between two surfaces like that shouldn't be that hard to get apart.

Any good speedometer shop can convert the speedo for you.
Or they can just replace the face with one that has dual units.

You will need three for the brakes and one for the clutch. I've never had an issue reaching the lever with one hand and the bleed screws with the other. Also be sure to keep any brake fluid from hitting the plastics. ABS will crumble apart if exposed to brake fluid. There is an access hole in the le...

That was an aftermarket device to make the cornering lights run all the time. The 1500 didn't come with fog/driving lights, they are cornering lights and are only on when the turn signals are on. They were high power and would often melt things if modified to be on all the time. These days you can s...

The stator and rotor may have crashed into each other.

Sounds like you're talking about the swingarm. There are bearings and adjusters on each end. It does house the driveshaft and bolts up to the final drive gearcase. https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1981/gl1100-a-gold-wing/swingarm-propeller-shaft I would not remove it unless you hav...

The first electrical commandment is, thou shall check voltages,

Yes it is a standard right-hand thread. The hole is for a tool to keep the axle from turning when removing the nut. There is usually a rod or screwdriver shaft in the factory tool kit that fits that hole. Alternatively, you can just use an impact wrench to spin off the nut. The axle nut is torqued t...

The alternator buffers are rubber. They don't age well.
Perhaps you have a California model? They typically have extra emission control systems.

The fairing is pretty integral to the bike as lots of stuff is housed within it. Having said that, there are some who have extensively modified it or replaced it entirely. All it takes is time and/or money. The 97-2000 lights are a more modern design, when fitted with LED bulbs can make the bike loo...

The badge is probably vacuum metallized. The metal layer is so thin that any corrosion is probably all the way through it. It is typically aluminum with a tinted lacquer over it to give the gold effect. I've had the same thing done to some plastic parts. You have a few options. Remove the old platin...

Which one (there are two on that bike)?

Time to fire your garage cat.

Are these OEM solenoids? Some of the aftermarket ones need wires swapped as they don't match the Honda wiring exactly. There is a difference between lights dimming and turning off. It is normal for the headlights to turn off completely anytime the start button is depressed. However, if all the other...

Do you ever ride your GoldWing anymore?
All I ever see is the ST and the Ice Bear.

The small metallic particles could also be signs of stop-leak being used.