Bobber Wiring

[SRob]

I just bought a 1987 1200 Interstate and I'm going to bob it. I've removed the fairing and bags etc. and I'm about to tackle the wiring. Basically I want to end up with a headlight, tail/brake light, license plate light and the starter switch. (Arizona doesn't require turn signals). I'm ditching all the guages, speedo, etc. What are the "essential" electrical systems that I HAVE to keep? (I know I need the cooling fan and fuel pump), but what about stuff like the crankshaft sensors, suspension sensors, etc. I'm jazzed about the possibilities for this project! Thanks in advance!

[Outbound86]

I am still playing with mine and love it. You will be surprised how hard it runs after taking a couple hundred pounds off. Ditch the rear shocks ---- way to stiff without a fat chick on the back. I will send you a link for some shocks that work well and they are cheap, look good and adjustable. (my old pics still had the old bone jarring shocks). Mine has the speedo, temp gauge and fuel gauge. I have the stock mufflers but gutted and opened the airbox much larger so it now howls when you crack it. I will also send you my tire size --- assuming you will want BIG TIRES on a bobber. Fun bike and everyone wants to know what it is --- they all seem to like it.

[Outbound86]

Here is the link to Ebay on the shocks that I mentioned. Check around because this shock comes in different lengths. The 13.5 is about 1/2 inch shorter than a deflated goldwing shock so the back end drops some -- just what I wanted. The length is adjustable to go longer, but not shorter, so the 13.5 can be made back to 14 inches if needed. I installed them out of the box and they work great ---- stopped my teeth from rattling and now my eyes can focus. Part of the problem is my small seat -- looks cool but not much of a cushion for the bottom. My bobber is not for the long haul --- my rides are paved country back roads and I am back home in two hours or less. It is no longer a cross country sled, but it sure is fun.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221778585445?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

[SRob]

Wow that is awesome! I like your solution for the tank. I ended up pulling the rear end and removing the tank. I found a Fatbob tank that will mount but I cut the upper tank mounting bars. Did you do the rewire? I can't believe how many wires there are! Yes I'd love the info on aftermarket stuff! I'm still cutting and chopping but this is where I'm at so far. I have to get the rewriting done before I can mount the seat and tank etc so stuff is just dry fit so far. Thanks!

[SRob]

Outbound86, Do you have the tire sizes for the wheels? I ordered the shocks yesterday. 70.00 is amazing! I was quoted almost 400.00 for some progressives.

[Outbound86]

I am running Kenda tires and they seem to work just fine. I have never been caught in the rain with them so you might want to check with some other riders --- I am retired so I only ride on the good days. The bike is at my friends pole barn right now and I don't want to make a mistake on the tire size --- I should be out there either today or tomorrow. Mine is an 84' model and these tires max out the clearance on the swing arm and forks; they look good and ride good. Being that the bike is much lighter I only run 25 lbs. air pressure. If you like to lay it over in the turns at high speed you might push it up to 30, although mine seems to stick well within the speed limits. I am almost 71 now, so I have slowed down some. Back to you shortly.

[Tommy Coogan]

my 1987 gl 1200aspencade headlight is not working bulb and fuse are fine
the only thing that is working is the pass flasher button how can I fix this problem all the other lights are working ok

[Outbound86]

Not sure, but check the fuse first. See if you have power at the switch and the light --- could be the socket? Some of the things still on my list ---- LED headlight bulb so as to cut the headlight amps, iridium plugs and looking to change the coils out to later 1500 coils. I am also doing some carb work (jetting and etc) and eliminating the EPA anchors that Honda had to put on the bike to sell it --- I'll let you know how it works out.

[Outbound86]

I have the tire size for you ----- REAR, Kenda K673 - 150/90-15 M/C 74H. FRONT, Kenda K673 - 140/90-16 MC77H. I think your rear wheel is 16" ---- just checking??? I sent you a PM with my phone number so we can compare notes --- a little faster than writing back and forth.

[AdamMBA]

Back to your initial question, I did the same thing with a 87 Interstate 1200- stripped everything including gauges lights, etc. If I had to do it over again, I would strip the entire wiring harness and wire it like a hot rod. I am still having issues with the wiring harnesses, burnt connectors, etc. I hardwired new headlights, simplified the turn signals (but didnt replace the relays so they still dont work), simplified a single taillight/license plate light for a minimalist look. I kept the Dunlop/Harley tires because I like to take the longer rides and find the tires hold up well over the mountains and through the woods... I kept the stock shocks and put about 4lbs of pressure in them (seems fine to me).
It's still a work in progress. I rode all last summer and started to have electrical issues again....

[AdamMBA]

Another view of before and after-

[fencejumper09]

I am currently doing the same thing with a 1985 Interstate. Getting the carbs figured out now and then on to the wiring harness. Any info that others have will be greatly appreciated!

[bournouw]

I'm currently going through the process of rewiring my GL1200. Thinking about cutting it down to the bare minimum using an m.unit blue (https://revivalcycles.com/collections/f ... -unit-blue). When you remove all the electrical features from the original bike, maintaining the original harness is pointless.

[wongsol]

This is a few years old but wanted to see if there was something of a lean wiring diagram that someone has shared.

My Franken-Wing is devoid of all fairings and I've stuffed all the wiring minus a few tails that led to the radio etc but it's still a mass of crud under the faux tank cover and has caused me a bit of a headache; the coil wires have come loose, signal wiring has done the same. I'm still a fan of signals and full if not the majority of instrumentation.

I will see if I can put something together on Visio or something and post it here in between life at the shop and life....stay tuned.

[ryancarmody]

Resurrecting this thread. Did anyone come up with a leaned out wiring diagram for Speedo, blinkers, lights, etc?

[JayPoorJay]

Hey All. Good morning...

I've been lurking here for a long time. I have an 86 Aspencade that I grabbed a while back now. 12k + original miles. I've basically pulled off all of the plastic and am looking to go down to bare-ish bones.

I am intimidated by all the wires... It's kinda where I'm stuck and it's causing me to procrastinate. Sure, I'll stare at the thing all doggone day - but there are a LOT of wires up and around the faux tank.

If there is some kind of basic layout of the a SUPER cut down wire set up, I would be very appreciative...

Also, I checked that eBay link for shocks but it's outdated and I'm wondering if there is something similar OR a basic set of specs one aughta/needs-ta stick to when considering rear shocks?

[Rambozo]

This comes up all the time, but every case is different. You have two options. Start with the stock Honda and remove what you don't want, or start with a clean sheet and just add what you do want. The GoldWing has a lot of things that are special so often you want to replace things like the control pods to get a more simplified system.