Hi Guys, I was recently given an 83 GL1100 and I have a few issues I hope you can help me with.
1) Where would I buy some rear shocks? I haven't had any luck with Google.
2) I have an issue with the Front Wheel feeling like it doesn't quite move with the handle bars sometimes. I was reading this could be a bearing issue, but does anyone have any real experience with this and could shed some more light on it?
3) I am hearing a squeaking noise some where around the speedometer/tachometer area that comes and goes even when the bike is not moving. Is this a lubrication issue with the tachometer cable? If so, where would I go to learn how to fix it?
Thanks for any input, it is much appreciated.
83 GL1100 Rear Shocks and Front Wheel Issue.
- WingAdmin
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1982 GL1100A Aspencade (sold)
1989 PC800 (sold)
1998 XV250 Virago (sold)
2012 Suzuki Burgman 400 (wife's!)
2007 Aspen Sentry Trailer
Re: 83 GL1100 Rear Shocks and Front Wheel Issue.
1) You can find Progressive 416 replacement shocks at many retailers online, and they are a fantastic replacement shock for your bike.
2) Check the bearings, also check the triple tree - clamp the front wheel in place and try to turn the handlebars to check for free play. You might want to also look into a fork brace if you don't have one already.
3) It could be the cable or the tach itself. You can lubricate the tach cable with regular oil, cable oil, or (my favorite) graphite lubricant.
2) Check the bearings, also check the triple tree - clamp the front wheel in place and try to turn the handlebars to check for free play. You might want to also look into a fork brace if you don't have one already.
3) It could be the cable or the tach itself. You can lubricate the tach cable with regular oil, cable oil, or (my favorite) graphite lubricant.
- Arcane
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- Location: Nashville TN
- Motorcycle: 1983 Goldwing Interstate GL1100
Re: 83 GL1100 Rear Shocks and Front Wheel Issue.
Thanks for all the info man. I went ahead and ordered the bearings so those will be getting replaced, but I will definately check the Tripple tree too.
- LittleGoldy
- Posts: 84
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- Motorcycle: 1983 GL1100, 1982 GL100 Aspencade (parts bike, ugh got shafted on ebay) 1983 XJ750 Seca Sold, 2003 Kawasaki ZX1R Sold, 1980 GS750E Sold, 1973 Kawasaki H1 Triple 500 (first bike ever) Sold
Re: 83 GL1100 Rear Shocks and Front Wheel Issue.
The 416 Progressive Shock has been discontinued by Progressive with extremely limited stock remaining. When it's gone, kiss it good bye.
You can do anything, but not everything.
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

- newday777
- Posts: 2128
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- Location: Milford NH summer/fall & Oceanside, CA winters(N San Diego) with lots of miles riden between
- Motorcycle: 2008 Cabernet Red. Level 4
1983 GL1100A Wineberry 36,000 miles
1975 CB750 K5 Planet Blue 7,800 miles
1976 CB750 K6 Anterris Red 25,000 miles
Past rides
1999A Restored from PO neglect & sold at 19,000 miles
1999SE Totaled by cager at 105,000 miles
Re: 83 GL1100 Rear Shocks and Front Wheel Issue.
Good information for those not in the know.....LittleGoldy wrote: ↑Wed Dec 09, 2020 5:50 am The 416 Progressive Shock has been discontinued by Progressive with extremely limited stock remaining. When it's gone, kiss it good bye.
Did you look at the dates of this thread before posting???? Almost 10 years old now...... Dragging up the dead?
- LittleGoldy
- Posts: 84
- Joined: Sun Jul 26, 2015 11:41 pm
- Location: Lake Worth FL
- Motorcycle: 1983 GL1100, 1982 GL100 Aspencade (parts bike, ugh got shafted on ebay) 1983 XJ750 Seca Sold, 2003 Kawasaki ZX1R Sold, 1980 GS750E Sold, 1973 Kawasaki H1 Triple 500 (first bike ever) Sold
Re: 83 GL1100 Rear Shocks and Front Wheel Issue.
No just informing those that did not know. Why is providing information on an older thread "dragging up the dead"?
I am rebuilding a GL1100 and found this out. Not sure in what world providing information that is accurate to the times and applicable to this model a bad thing, but, thanks for your pessimistic view.
I am rebuilding a GL1100 and found this out. Not sure in what world providing information that is accurate to the times and applicable to this model a bad thing, but, thanks for your pessimistic view.
You can do anything, but not everything.
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

- WingAdmin
- Site Admin
- Posts: 21673
- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:16 pm
- Location: Strongsville, OH
- Motorcycle: 2000 GL1500 SE
1982 GL1100A Aspencade (sold)
1989 PC800 (sold)
1998 XV250 Virago (sold)
2012 Suzuki Burgman 400 (wife's!)
2007 Aspen Sentry Trailer
Re: 83 GL1100 Rear Shocks and Front Wheel Issue.
Keep in mind, the VAST majority of traffic to this site is from people doing Google searches. So despite the fact that a thread may have been started 9 years ago, if that thread holds valuable information, Google will send people to it.
So updating an older thread with updated information is definitely worthwhile, in order to help prevent people from following outdated advice.
So updating an older thread with updated information is definitely worthwhile, in order to help prevent people from following outdated advice.