Help Customizing 1978 GL1000

[Chris.N]

Hey guys, I am brand new to the forum and a total noob when it comes to working on a bike and customizing it

I just bought a 1978 Honda GL1000 for $800 thats seems to be running great. I am wanting to do a couple of things with the bike and need some pointers. I don't want to turn this bike into a cafe racer but love the look and would like to get it looking like a drag/cafe bike.

My first question is about the exhaust and mufflers. I am not a huge fan of the current mufflers but am not sure what mufflers will fit on the bike, I have seen guys add a ton of different looking mufflers and I like the shorty style muffler. Will any muffler fit on this bike or do I have to look for a specific muffler fitted for the bike? Also I would like to change out the gauges to make them a little more low profile but am having hard time finding some cause again I am not sure if they are compatible with the bike.

Can any help me out here and maybe point me in the right direction in finding after mark parts that will fit or are the items I am referring too universally fitted?

Thanks in advance. I attached of picture of my bike

[redial]

Not sure about your State/Federal laws, but here the exhaust system has to be stamped with the make, model, and the dBa for the particular motorcycle. It is not okay to have loud pipes, but if you can find someone to manufacture these, then that may be a way to go.

[dingdong]

What you have on there are Harley Sportster mufflers. The muffler of choice for most conversions. Almost any muffler that you can make fit will work on your bike. The 1000s are very receptive to exhaust changes without modifications to the carbs.

[Chris.N]

Thanks for the help guys!

Thanks for all the info guys. I have also noticed that the bike is running hot and the oil temp gauge shows hot only after 15-20 minutes of riding. Would a oil change and radiator flush with some new freeze in it help with that? or am I missing something?

[Chris.N]

Also where the hell can I find a replacement battery cover for the left side of the bike? I have been searching high and low with no luck and the battery is sticking out like a sore thumb which looks awful.

Also I would like to switch out the speedometer and stuff to something a little more low profile. Any good recommendations or sites with gauges that will work, or will any gauges work with the bike?

[SnoBrdr]

Thanks for the help guys!

Thanks for all the info guys. I have also noticed that the bike is running hot and the oil temp gauge shows hot only after 15-20 minutes of riding. Would a oil change and radiator flush with some new freeze in it help with that? or am I missing something?

it has a oil temp gauge?

Have you changed the oil and the timing belts yet?

First things you should do along with a whole list of other things.

[SnoBrdr]

Thanks for the help guys!

Thanks for all the info guys. I have also noticed that the bike is running hot and the oil temp gauge shows hot only after 15-20 minutes of riding. Would a oil change and radiator flush with some new freeze in it help with that? or am I missing something?

it has a oil temp gauge?

Have you changed the oil and the timing belts yet?

First things you should do along with a whole list of other things.

as far as the side cover, you can usually find those on ebay. Just be careful what you pay for it, people think what they have is worth its weight in gold.

Also the 78 fits the 78 and not any previous years without modifications.

[redial]

Not sure what goes with what, but for composite instruments including speedo and other indicators, try Acewell for a comprehensive range:

http://www.acewell-meter.com/

[Chris.N]

So I believe I flushed the radiator yesterday( bunch of green stuff came , assuming that is antifreeze) Can I use any old auto antifreeze? And do I need to mix the antifreeze with distilled water at 50/50 or can I do 100% antifreeze.

Also I am assuming that the large hex bolt to the left of the bolt that drained the antifreeze is to drain the oil, correct?

[SnoBrdr]

So I believe I flushed the radiator yesterday( bunch of green stuff came , assuming that is antifreeze) Can I use any old auto antifreeze? And do I need to mix the antifreeze with distilled water at 50/50 or can I do 100% antifreeze.

Also I am assuming that the large hex bolt to the left of the bolt that drained the antifreeze is to drain the oil, correct?

Never do 100% anti-freeze in anything. Also most of what you buy now is already a 50/50 premix.

I like using the pink stuff made for Japanese cars. etc.

Yes that is the oil bolt, the big housing next to it holds the filer. Don't lose the spring or washer on either the bolt or the filter when you change it.