Just picked up my first goldwing, just joined the forum. tips and pointers would be appreciated

[Holmes5150]

I just picked up a 78 gl1000 2 days ago, it ran fine on the way home (1.5 hr ride). I ran it around near my girlfriends house to get all the old gas out of it, it did have some trouble starting up which I thought was the battery.

Come the next morning it wouldn't start, looked around the forum on my phone and found it was probably the solenoid. I got what I could from the part shop being 3pm on a sat 4th of july weekend. It was one of the aftermarket 40$ ones. Got it hooked up and it ran for a bit after I jumped it (it still has an old battery with water in it, not sure how old) made it around the block and it died, surely from the drained battery. After cranking it a few times it went back to the single click and I'm sure the solenoid has been burnt out , again ( I have 2 coming from ebay one is an actual Honda one).

I don't know much about bikes, I bought this with the intent of restoring it and learning along the way.

Could there be something shorting out that solenoid? the fuse connected to it didn't fry, I'm not sure where to to start on this thing. I have to wait until wed to do anything anyways.


I'll spend some time wandering around this forum now that I'm on a computer rather than a phone. But I would aooreciate some tips on where to start upgrading things, what can go, where the best place to get parts would be. Not looking for a hand hold just a few guides and shortcuts to tide me over. Id much appreciate it.

[dingdong]

Don't spend any more money on solenoids until you isolate the problem. If the battery is bad the chances are good that the solenoid is still good. No reason to suspect the solenoid if it is clicking since it started with a jump. Just means there is not enough battery voltage to run the starter. Get a new AGM battery and it will probably start just fine. One of the first things to do is get a copy of the service manual. Second is to replace the timing belts if you don't have proof that they have been changed recently. Welcome to the forum.

[SnoBrdr]

How long has it been sitting?

How old are the timing belts?

If you don';t know, change the belts before you run it again.

[harvey01]

While you are doing the belts, change all fluids, give the tires a good look and if the manufacture date is more than 5 years ago, consider replacing--I don't care what the tread looks like! And it is time to look at all rubber hoses--fuel lines, vacuum hoses, brake lines and consider changing/updating them all.

Get a service manual and get the maintenance caught up and then maintain!