OK, so I am part way into a large project. I am turning my 1984 GL1200 Aspencade into a semi Adventure bike. I have it stripped down to a naked bike right now.
I also have an 89 GL1500 that will donate some part.
Here is what I do know. The rear tire/wheel/final drive is all going to be going on the 1200. I want this for the 16in rear wheel. It gives better tire options than the 15in.
But, here is where I have questions. It looks like the front forks from the 1500 will fit the 1200. I want to swap the forks, wheel/tire and brakes over. My measurements tell me it will work, anyone tried it? The 1500 does not have air into the forks, this is good for my plan also.
In the rear I want to get a set of non-air shocks. What will fit, 1100? 1000? or only 1200?
Because I want to use the front from the 1500, I will loose the speedo drive. I plan to use a GPS speedo. However this will cause me to loose the Gas gauge, temp gauge, and Tach.
I can live without the tach, the temp gauge I can do aftermarket, but the gas gauge is a problem, any suggestions?
I want to do this on a small budget and so far I think I can get the bike where I really want it for very little investment.
At the end of the day, the goal is a bike that I can take down rough dirt and gravel roads while still travel long distances on the Hwy. Maybe 75% Hwy 25% dirt/gravel and nothing too radical. I can't afford a R1200GSA.
1200 parts compatibility? Building an Adventure Bike
Re: 1200 parts compatibility? Building an Adventure Bike
I believe 1500 rear shocks can work on a 1200. They are longer and should give a bit more rear clearance. The 2000 I stripped has a traditional shock on one side and an air shock on the other. If you got two traditional, you’d gain some height, eliminate the air, but it could be tough on ujoint of shaft.
Not sure of 1500 front fork length, but I’d want some height there also. Lots of 41mm forks available in longer lengths, but probably not a bolt-on for width. I used 85Magna forks on my bike, just because I had them. I shortened them internally two inches and they still gave me about four inches of lift. They have axles behind the center line of the forks to keep trail respectable. Wheel had to be shimmed to accommodate brakes and wider spacing of GL triple trees.
The height of the jugs on a Goldwing are considerably lower than a BMW.
Not sure of 1500 front fork length, but I’d want some height there also. Lots of 41mm forks available in longer lengths, but probably not a bolt-on for width. I used 85Magna forks on my bike, just because I had them. I shortened them internally two inches and they still gave me about four inches of lift. They have axles behind the center line of the forks to keep trail respectable. Wheel had to be shimmed to accommodate brakes and wider spacing of GL triple trees.
The height of the jugs on a Goldwing are considerably lower than a BMW.
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oldmopars
- Posts: 226
- Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2013 9:25 am
- Location: Selah, Washington
- Motorcycle: 1996 GL1500 SE
1989 GL1500 parts bike
1984 GL1200 Aspencade FOR SALE
Re: 1200 parts compatibility? Building an Adventure Bike
Thanks for the Info, I have a set of Progressive air shock to go on my 96 GL1500, so the regular shock off of it will work and I found someone local that has another one I am sure I can get on the cheap.
So, the rear may be sorted out. As for the front, I will see what happens when I install the 1500 forks.
My goal is not to make a BMW R1200GSA, I know that it will never match what that bike offers. However I do not intend to use it to the extent that the BMW was meant to be used. My plan for it is to use it on mostly rough dirt roads and gravel roads. The kind of places that I would not want to take my 96 SE. I want a bike that can take some abuse, if I drop it, I want to just pick it up and keep riding. If it gets a scratch or two, who cares.
It will be a bike that allows me to ride with my friend that has a CB500X RR. I will be able to to comfortable Hwy speeds, go long distances, and still be able to hit those dirt roads.
I have a plan for a skid plate that will help compensate for the lack of ground clearance. It will not gain any clearance, but I won't have to worry about smacking a rock if I don't have the clearance to go over it. Last thing I want is to crack the case.
What has lead me to this point is really wanting another ADV bike, not having the money to buy what I really want, and having a 1989 GL1500 and a 1984 GL1200 both sitting in the back yard.
The GL1200 is a good running titled in my name bike that as an Aspendcade I never liked, the GL1500 has no title and is therefore a parts only bike.
I feel like even if this does not turn out perfectly, I have very little to loose, I own both bikes and have only $500 invested in them as of now. Even when I am done, I am sure I can get more than $500 back plus whatever I spend in upgrades (If I keep the budget low)
So, the rear may be sorted out. As for the front, I will see what happens when I install the 1500 forks.
My goal is not to make a BMW R1200GSA, I know that it will never match what that bike offers. However I do not intend to use it to the extent that the BMW was meant to be used. My plan for it is to use it on mostly rough dirt roads and gravel roads. The kind of places that I would not want to take my 96 SE. I want a bike that can take some abuse, if I drop it, I want to just pick it up and keep riding. If it gets a scratch or two, who cares.
It will be a bike that allows me to ride with my friend that has a CB500X RR. I will be able to to comfortable Hwy speeds, go long distances, and still be able to hit those dirt roads.
I have a plan for a skid plate that will help compensate for the lack of ground clearance. It will not gain any clearance, but I won't have to worry about smacking a rock if I don't have the clearance to go over it. Last thing I want is to crack the case.
What has lead me to this point is really wanting another ADV bike, not having the money to buy what I really want, and having a 1989 GL1500 and a 1984 GL1200 both sitting in the back yard.
The GL1200 is a good running titled in my name bike that as an Aspendcade I never liked, the GL1500 has no title and is therefore a parts only bike.
I feel like even if this does not turn out perfectly, I have very little to loose, I own both bikes and have only $500 invested in them as of now. Even when I am done, I am sure I can get more than $500 back plus whatever I spend in upgrades (If I keep the budget low)