1977 GL1000 restore or part out?

[badandy]

Researching info on the early wing's brought me here. I recently acquired a free 1977 GL1000. Yes FREE! A co worker's friend wanted it out of his basement and was going to scrap it. I volunteered to take it off his hands.

Here is the caveat. It hasn't run or moved in 17 years. It was parked because of overheating issues to the point he by passed the fan switch to run full time. It didn't get hot enough to damage the engine he said, but every time he rode for extended periods it would climb to 3/4 of the temp bar. It has low miles with 37K on the clock. It was stored with a full tank of gas so I feel the tank should still be salvageable. It would need all the usual items addressed after sitting for that length of time. All of which I am capable of doing. I have returned to life a 1983 Honda Shadow VT500 that sat for 23 years and a 1982 GL500 Interstate that sat for 16 years. Both of which I ride and would take cross country without hesitation.

It has a Vetter Windjammer fairing with working radio, generic luggage and what looks like a Travelcade king/queen seat. I would return it to the naked state if I keep it.

Debating on whether to part this out or save another classic Honda.

[smittyboy734]

for sure keep it.a low mile bike like that ,sounds like it should run easily,once gone thru

[ekvh]

No way. That's junk!! When should I come get it??

Seriously, number one is change the belts. Interference motor. Snap a belt and you damage valves or worse.

Pull the lower hose bracket where it enters the motor. You will be able to wiggle the water pump from there. A little rotational is normal, but side-to-side indicates a new pump is needed.

Another caveat to these is that many think they're overheating based on the gauge. The temp and fuel gauges are controlled by a 7v regulator. When it fails the meters get 12v and begin to peg. Run them too long and gauges burn out. So when you get it to the run stage, watch the gauges.

[Maz]

It's gotta be worth restoring! "Freebee's" like that never turn up in the UK, but, if it did, I'd be on it like a tramp on a sandwich!

Maz

[sfruechte]

Motorcycles are always worth rescuing. No true motorcyclist would ever part one out and sell its soul.

[Fred Camper]

Perhaps it was never really overheating. It is not unusual to be at the upper end of Normal. Might have been a quart down on coolant and the water pump has a limited lifespan also. Certainly looks like a great bike to bring back.

[badandy]

Attached my sync fuel tank to carbs and bike started and ran. Like crap of course, but ran none the less! Blew mouse nests out of both mufflers. Definitely needs the carbs removed and rebuilt. Found the turn signals, fuel gauge and horn don't work. Going to try and get the electrical issues sorted out before going any further. This may turn into a money pit.

Here is a little video I took:

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[SnoBrdr]

Attached my sync fuel tank to carbs and bike started and ran. Like crap of course, but ran none the less! Blew mouse nests out of both mufflers. Definitely needs the carbs removed and rebuilt. Found the turn signals, fuel gauge and horn don't work. Going to try and get the electrical issues sorted out before going any further. This may turn into a money pit.

Here is a little video I took:

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They truly are money pits if you can't do most of the work yourself.

Doing the carbs right can cost you $450+ if you can't do them yourself.

The rebuild kit alone is $150 +.

Tires are another couple hundred.

It all adds up.

[sfruechte]

You don't learn much unless you do it yourself. Anybody can throw money at a problem.

[badandy]

I do all my own work, but I figure I'll have at least $1,000 in it before I could safely ride it.

[sfruechte]

It'll be worth it. That would be the sales tax on some new bikes.

[badandy]

That's for sure. The sales tax on a new Wing would be more than that!

[sfruechte]

In case you need some inspiration:

http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/from- ... mz16ndzhur

http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/class ... GMENTATION

[badandy]

I was on the fence, but I guess I am committed now. Sorted out the electrical issues. Dirty, corroded fuse holders, lamp sockets and plug connectors. Only thing not working now is the fuel gauge and the horn. I'll soak the horn in penetrating oil and take it apart. Brought back a lot of horns in the past. Fuel gauge sending unit will need de-rusted and cleaned before troubleshooting. I bought a battery and rebuilt the front calipers so I can at least move it und its own power. Still have my IV sync tank attached to run the thing.

I ran my "special mix" of acetone/gasoline (5:1 ratio) through the carbs. I fill up the bowls and let it sit for several days. Drain the bowls and then run the same mix through the carbs while it is running. Ran about a quart of mix through and it is now idling fine w/o choke and has a nice snappy throttle on straight gas. I have done this on the last two barn finds I bought with good results. Will definitely go through the carbs later.

Tank cleaning is next along with the timing belts, rad hoses, etc.

[sfruechte]

Is the tank rusty or dirty? What is your method for cleaning?

[badandy]

Tank has light rust in it of course, but nothing major. Its not bad enough to pull the tank. Fill with white distilled vinegar and let sit for two or more days. Shake as much as possible and drain. Blow out with air hose and dry as good as possible. Fill with fresh gas and some Sea Foam. Replace fuel filter and hoses.

I use the transparent filters so you can see how dirty they are. Change when dirty.

My last bike had a pretty rusty tank. I did the same to it. Kept an eye on the filter and changed when dirty. The rust itself is not going affect the fuel, but large pieces can plug up the screens in the petcock and pick up tubes if not removed. You have to keep those clean too. My opinion is rust in the tank is way overrated. You just gotta keep it out of the carbs.

[Fred Camper]

The sport is in the wrenching and we pay to play this sport. After that, the rides are free. So you are not putting money into the bike, just into your chosen sport.

[badandy]

Even putting $1,000 into it and riding it for a season I surely can recoup the funds plus a minimal profit. Low mileage vintage bikes seem to sell pretty good in my area. I might keep the darn thing for extended highway rides. My little 500's are good for around town, but get buzzy on the freeway.