GL 1100 Ignition Question

[Jake1100]

Hi -new to group - picked up an 1100 last fall and had a 1200 before. My local wrench (factory trained Honda w/ lots of experience) recently told me that Honda no longer produces/supports the 1100 in terms of ignition parts being available. So, if my ignition fails I'm left to searching for a used part. He also said he's never seen one fail. Can others comment on this? Seems like a big risk - but - thought others on here could advise. Thanks!

[WingAdmin]

Hi -new to group - picked up an 1100 last fall and had a 1200 before. My local wrench (factory trained Honda w/ lots of experience) recently told me that Honda no longer produces/supports the 1100 in terms of ignition parts being available. So, if my ignition fails I'm left to searching for a used part. He also said he's never seen one fail. Can others comment on this? Seems like a big risk - but - thought others on here could advise. Thanks!

Most parts for the 1100 have not been made in many, many years, with the exception of parts common to bikes still being produced (i.e. final drive fill cap).

So yes, if the ignition fails, you're looking at eBay for a used part. They don't fail often, but it's not unheard of. But there are still plenty of used parts out there.

[Jake1100]

Thanks for the note back. Do folks usually buy a used back up ignition? I'm not wanting to be stranded somewhere. How much worry does this situation require?
thanks
Jake

[albinoredneck]

hi Jake, I have an extra set of pick ups for a GL1100. they came off a 82 Interstate. if you are that concerned about yours failing, drop me an email, we'll see if we cant work out a deal.
my email is
albinoredneck (AT) gmail (dot) com

[Jake1100]

Hi AT
thanks for the note. I'm just trying to figure out whether or not the bike is reliable or am I going to be stranded somewhere. Went thru that years ago with a guy who bought a mint 750K - full dress - and we made it 50 miles into a week long tour and the ignition puked. He'd been riding it for a month or two (after buying) to make sure - and then when shops finally opened (at 10am, lol) we learned it would be 10 days to get the part shipped in - if it could be found. My recent years have been on airheads and guzzi's - easy to fix on the road, no electronic ignition to fail, etc - so I was surprised when my wrench told me of this recently. Said he's facing the same thing with this ST1100. I like the GW1100 for a good basic ride (while I'm getting the Guzzi back on the road) but want to assess this risk properly. And, have to find out if I can even change out the ignition if/when it fails. Yikes, thought I was picking up a bullet-proof scooter, lol! Do you know if other folks carry a spare with them? Thanks

[albinoredneck]

I've had my GW for a few years.. don't go anywhere on it. really don't ride it. I've had almost every other problem except ignition.. Brakes, Water Pump, Head Gasket, Shocks(rear), Forks,Fairing, 3 speed odometers, on and ON AND ON... but not ignition.
but when I got my GW I ended up buying a parts bike and have lots of parts just sitting around.
I still have my GW Aspencade but I ride my Suzuki SV650,,,a lot more fun

[Jake1100]

I put 60K on a GL1200 - few problems and the biggest was the stator dying on a cross-country run. Cost me 1 1/2 days in Paducah, KY, lol. Sold 'cause I was doing almost exclusively solo riding and just didn't need that much bike. That's when I went to the 850-T Guzzi - a lot more fun! Made it into a sport tourer so I have plenty of luggage space and it's a bike with a soul! It'll be back on the road, but for now was hoping the GL1100 would suffice. It's a good bike and all the maintenance is up to date- so I may put it up for sale and focus on the Goose. Thanks for your tips!

[DenverWinger]

Got over 100000 miles on my '80, ignition has never given any trouble. They're actually pretty bullet-proof.

For what it's worth, the 1100 essentially has TWO Separate ignition systems, one for the front cylinders, one for the rears. If a coil, pulse generator or Ignitor module quits the other system is independent and will keep on working. The bike will still run on two cylinders. Won't be fast but you won't be stranded.

[Jake1100]

Thanks DW - you're helping me learn more about this bike as I try to decide whether it stays or goes. More to learn, but appreciate the miles you accomplished. Having only recently learned of this situation I am assuming there are plenty of 1100's out there running along just fine.
thanks

[DenverWinger]

10000 of the 100000 miles were traveling 2-up pulling fully loaded camper trailer cross-country. Never thought twice. Never any issues either, just put fuel in it and continue down the road. One of those trips was a 3500 mile loop thru 9 states!

[Wilcoy02]

On my trip to Alaska on a GL1100 (10.600 miles) I took an extra clutch cable, brake pads, and Oil filter. Never ever thought anything about my ignition.

[Jake1100]

thanks for the votes of confidence and reports of the experiences. Now, to figure out this advance issue - bike doesn't have the usual oomph.

[albinoredneck]

Have you checked the vaccum advance?

[Jake1100]

I thought my carbs had gotten gummed up (d/t previous 1200 experience) but my wrench was pretty sure that wasn't it. He found problems with the "electronic advance" (hope I'm saying that right) and to get me back on the road he took that off, noting that this repair was a bit pricey mostly b/c he'd have to remove the rear wheel, etc, to access the part. So now I'm operating just under "mechanical advance" - little acceleration, increased fuel consumption, and it's working to get up to 70. In short, not running like a Wing should. I'm heading back to discuss further with him soon - bike is just not fun to ride at present.

[DenverWinger]

Spark at all four plugs? Regardless of the mechanical and vacuum advance it should be able to get up to 70MPH easily.

The vacuum advance on my 1100 is not working either. Haven't yet had the urge to disassemble the bike to repair it. Still runs decent, the fuel mileage is a little lower than it should be though.