1976 GL1000 Project bike

[RobbyMoto]

Hello all. I am new to the forum. I don't have a Goldwing yet but I love the style and the over-engineered quality of the original 70's wings. I am looking for some advice on purchasing one of these bikes for restoration. I am a novice but I like to wrench on things and have had good success working on my bikes in the past. I love the '76 GL1000 and I know I want one.

I found a pair of Goldwings for sale. Both are non-running. $1200 takes both as well as a pile of spare parts: spare set of wheels (spoked), a new radiator, and a set of exhaust pipes as well as a spare shaft drive and a bunch of odds and ends (footpegs, etc.)
The seller is the third owner. He would be flipping them and will only sell as a pair. He claims he heard both motors spinning when he bought them 6 months ago. They have been sitting in storage for 2+ years.

The first bike is a '76 and may be a basket case. The motor wont turn even with the kick starter. The wiring is a rats nest. The second owner drained ALL the fluids for storage... (gas, brake fluid, coolant, and oil.) There is rust in the gas tank. There is a lot of rust on the body the chrome is in rough shape.



The other is a '77 (I believe.) This one is also not running but the motor turns freely with the kick starter. There is rust in the gas tank on this one too but the wiring and general condition of the bike is much better. This is the bike I would restore.



My questions are:

1 - What is the worst case scenario on the seemingly frozen '76 and what are my options if I can't get it running?
2 - Is there potential damage from storing the bikes in this way? Especially the braking system.
3 - Any red flags to look out for on these bikes

Thank you.

[Rambozo]

My questions are:
1 - What is the worst case scenario on the seemingly frozen '76 and what are my options if I can't get it running?
2 - Is there potential damage from storing the bikes in this way? Especially the braking system.
3 - Any red flags to look out for on these bikes

1. Worst case is the engine is junk. Without a more through inspection who knows. If it can't be made running, it's a parts motor.
2. Yes. The fluids often provide some protection from rust and corrosion. Again everything will need to be inspected and evaluated.
3. It somewhat depends on what you plan to do. A locked motor is never a good sign. It, might free up and run, or it could be junk. If you plan on a frame up restoration, having a complete bike would be one thing to check since many parts are no longer available.
As long as you enjoy the project, and are not looking at it as an investment, you are ok. No doubt you will sink far more money into it than it is worth.
If you think you can make a list of bad parts, go down to Honda and order them, think again. You may end up having to make or modify parts to suit. There is a lot of info here about what can be swapped and workarounds for unavailable parts. A lot depends on your skills and equipment.

[joecoolsuncle]

the frozen engine may be because the piston/valve collided. before trying anything further, remove belt cover and inspect. i personally would not give 1200 bux for that deal. 1200 is running driving bike that needs a couple tires and catching up on maintenance. but, if you just absolutuely love a 1976? go for it!

reference rambozo every time you cut a finger, freak out over prices, lose patience, wish you hadnt, etc:
those bags and fairings are worth more than the bikes themselves!!!

FYI a basket case was one that had been disassembled and never looked at again, parts dropped into a basket and left that way.

[RobbyMoto]

Thanks guys. Just to be clear, It was $600 per bike but they must go as a pair.

What is the market like for the fairings and bags? I would like to remove those and sell.