New to GoldwingDocs withan 83 GL1100A Aspencade

[mikejana]

Hello,
Happy to have found the site. Just brought home a 1983 GL110A Aspencade, been in the family since new, but not ridden or registered since 1996. Stored inside and had no gas in the carbs so outlook is good.

New tires, battery and tune along with fresh E-free gas and she is running oKay. Stopping is another story. About to tackle the brakes.

Cheers, Mike

[Stew]

I recently found this forum too, and there's a wealth of knowledge here. My situation is similar, I recently was handed down my dad's Goldwing which he bought new, so I'm carrying the torch moving forward. The weather here is cool but sunny this morning and I just got back from a quick ride, so far I'm loving it!

[virgilmobile]

Replace those timing belts first thing.

[mikejana]

Thanks Guys,
Gotta get it rolling first, the timing belt is on the list though.

Maybe a stupid question, how much do you have to remove to replace the brake lines and where is the proportioner located?

[mikejana]

WTF????
so the rear master cylinder controls both a front and rear brake? Who thought of this?
Does everyone leave it stock or what?

[DamienSteel]

Hey guys! Welcome to the site!! Congrats on your Aspencade. I, too have an 83 Aspencade I bought this past summer as a restoration project. Sadly the snow has fallen and I have to wait until spring to take her out for a ride but hopefully the restoration can begin shortly. The folks here have a wealth of information and are always happy to help so by all means dive in and ask questions.

[Hoosier Jack]

WTF????
so the rear master cylinder controls both a front and rear brake? Who thought of this?
Does everyone leave it stock or what?

Yep, the 83 1100s came with an integrated brake system that works off the foot petal. That controls the rear and one of the front calipers (the right side I believe), and the handlebar lever controls the other side. I believe some have tried to separate these, but why? I have an 82 and used to have an 83 and can't figure out why anyone would. Quality master cylinder, calipers, pads and stainless lines will give you good performance.

Here is a good list of starting maintenance from Randakk for your viewing pleasure.

http://www.randakksblog.com/starting-a- ... /#more-687

[mikejana]

It just doesn't seem right, but I'm guessing I should think of it as a 2 wheeled car.

[mikejana]

Thanks for the advice and this great resource.
I got the calipers cleaned up and flushed the brake lines with new hydraulic fluid and she is stopping just fine, in a 1983 non-ABS kind of way. Needed nothing more than 1 set of brake pads, PB Blaster and brake fluid. Stock braking configuration.
She slept in a nice comfy garage since 1993. I've got new tires, battery and plugs. The gas had been run dry, so getting her running was easy.
Put about 3 miles on the odometer tonight. I've got some electrical gremlins to take care of and then a new timing belt before I try riding outside of the neighborhood.
She starts okay, but runs really rough. Won't idle down adequately. Hoping the clean full tank of e-Free 93 octane with seafoam will help clear the cobwebs out.
Here's a picture. More to come in the daylight.

Anyone know where to find the 1983 GL1100 Aspencade service manual to download?
Need to stay close to my budget of almost nothing.

Thanks again,
Mike

[Hoosier Jack]

Pretty sure that there is an 1100 service manual here. If you can't find it PM me and I will email mine along with some other 1100 stuff.

[mikejana]

Awesome, Thank you.
The only link I could find sent you to another website and the manual was $45.
BTW, great avatar!

[Grindl]

Mikejana ; I also have a 83 "Cade" , and I whole-heartedly agree with changing the timing belts as soon as possible . Not doing so it could very expensive , very quickly . As far as the so called "Integrated Braking" system is concerned , Honda did that as a compensation to all of the "Morons" with deep wallets , and ZERO riding experience . Period ! The majority of Goldwing buyers in 82-83 were average age of 35-40 , and had virtually zero riding experience . Like a lot of todays new generation Harley riders . No ridin time , just deep pockets and big check-books . As the Wing transitioned to a fully factory dressed bike in late 81-82 , they became the "new" toy for forty-somethings to play with . The "new" Corvette , so to speak . And that is one of the major reasons there are still so many 82-3-4's still around today . With low miles on them . Like yours...They've sat covered up in a garage somewhere for a decade or two , while the "Owners" sat in a bar somewhere , bragging about their "Wing". But don't say , "Let's go for a ride". Cause they'll tell you they're waitin for parts .

These new riders had no comprehension of stopping a near 1,000 lb. of rider/motorcycle correctly , and were constantly dumping them on the ground , due to lack of riding / braking skills . Split the braking capabilities of the bike for softer , more balanced braking , and problem solved . Another YUPPIE crisis solved . So people who really had no business on a bike that big could keep wrecking them . And Honda could keep selling them .

I did split my braking system to have the front brake lever take care of the front wheel , and the pedal the back , as on every motorcycle I've ever owned . Works just fine that way . But do not do it if your stock system is working . Surprised you haven't had issues with the Air suspension . I converted mine back to hydraulic , front and rear .