I am working on a project build and looking into lifting the bike. It is a 1984 GL1200 that is now naked. I know I can get custom fork tubes made for my GL1500 forks that I have in it and I can get custom rear shocks made. But how much can I safely lift it before I cause damage to the drive shaft or cause goofy handling issues.
I am thinking 2 or 3in max. This does not seem too far out as I also have a GL1500 that I have had to raise the air shocks up a lot due to a bad tire decision. (I have now fixed the tire issue) I know I was close to 2in higher, maybe even higher due to the taller tire.
So, 2in+ forks and 2in+ shocks?
How much could I safely lift a 1200?
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marshallscottw8758
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Thu Aug 08, 2019 1:48 pm
- Location: Newport, AR USA
- Motorcycle: 1987 Honda Goldwing GL1200AH Aspencade
Re: How much could I safely lift a 1200?
Hey,
Are you going to leave is stripped for lower weight? I know that a Goldwing dry weight is around 1/2 a ton. 2in play in shocks would mean harder compression hits on bumps or what have you. I hope that sm expert answers this question better than I but I persomally would try your build out but at minimum settings. Seems if you can fit the forks and shocks 2in or longer on it then its up to what supports those two things on whether or not itll work.
Are you going to leave is stripped for lower weight? I know that a Goldwing dry weight is around 1/2 a ton. 2in play in shocks would mean harder compression hits on bumps or what have you. I hope that sm expert answers this question better than I but I persomally would try your build out but at minimum settings. Seems if you can fit the forks and shocks 2in or longer on it then its up to what supports those two things on whether or not itll work.
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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: How much could I safely lift a 1200?
The bike has been stripped naked. I have a 1100 tank, small round headlight and LED signals. There is little else I can remove from this bike.
The goal is to use it on light off road situations. However, I have kind of changed my mind on this and I am not sure I want to go that route anymore. The plan was to make a bike that would be good on road for touring, longer rides, it would have the power and comfort of the 1200, but be lighter. I could add removable bags for touring, windshield if needed and it would take me to Colorado.
Or, if I wanted to hit the trail, I would just throw a soft dry bag over the tail and head out to run the forest service roads.
As of now, that idea is in a maybe status. I got a new bike, a BMW R1100RT and it is too much fun. It is a great touring bike, lots of removable luggage and will do most of what I want to do. I may sell the 1200 once I get it done, and if the need for a off road bike still exists I will buy a KLR650.
The goal is to use it on light off road situations. However, I have kind of changed my mind on this and I am not sure I want to go that route anymore. The plan was to make a bike that would be good on road for touring, longer rides, it would have the power and comfort of the 1200, but be lighter. I could add removable bags for touring, windshield if needed and it would take me to Colorado.
Or, if I wanted to hit the trail, I would just throw a soft dry bag over the tail and head out to run the forest service roads.
As of now, that idea is in a maybe status. I got a new bike, a BMW R1100RT and it is too much fun. It is a great touring bike, lots of removable luggage and will do most of what I want to do. I may sell the 1200 once I get it done, and if the need for a off road bike still exists I will buy a KLR650.
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marshallscottw8758
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Thu Aug 08, 2019 1:48 pm
- Location: Newport, AR USA
- Motorcycle: 1987 Honda Goldwing GL1200AH Aspencade
Re: How much could I safely lift a 1200?
Hey, my fully equipped 1200 was a monster for me to even think of using like you described but I stripped her down to stock saddles and no trunk or back railing, also did away with front right and left vent and light fairings and the bike is just night and day easier to ride around.