GL1200 LTD Garage find - Timing Belt etc.

[Baggerr]

I have a co-worker who builds race cars and was complaining about an old motorcycle in his garage and said I could have it if I wanted it. He knows I love old Honda motorcycles. I will pick it up my new to me GL1200 LTD this weekend and was told that the bike runs just fine. Although It does have two issues. A shutoff switch that intermittently kills the bike and the self leveling rear shocks well don't self level. I believe both can be fixed or worked around. What I also want to do is replace the timing belts, change all fluids and fix the stator wires before they become a problem. Problem is I can't find anything that shows how to take the Tupperware off and can't find any info on replacing the timing belts. Does anybody know of a pdf somewhere that has the timing belt replacement step? I have searched for three days and can't seem to locate anything. Also is there other maintenance or known issues that should be taken care of right away?

Any help will be appreciated.
Mark

[Rednaxs60]

Nice find. These are great bikes when on the road. Mine is off road for maintenance and is my retirement project. Have done lots of tours, solo and two up.

First order of business is to get a copy of the OEM service manual, the electrical trouble shooting manual, and the supplement. Without these you will be guessing a lot. To take the plastic off the bottom fairings come off first, straight forward once you start.

Timing belts
Fluid changes - brake/clutch fluid (both the same Dot 4) - would recommend removing and rebuilding clutch slave cylinder, coolant
Front fork oil change
New brake pads
Rear shocks - can be rebuilt or you can install Progressive non-air shocks. If you replace with non-air Progressive shocks, the bike will sit approximately 1 inch higher and when on centre stand, rear tire will still contact the ground. The eye to eye distance on the air shocks is approximately 13 3/4 inches - the eye to eye of the Progressive non air is approximately 14 1/2 inches. Check to make sure the air compressor is working.
Change desicant in air dryer, needs to be done
Remove rear wheel and take out shaft drive, lube all splines. New final drive oil

Lots of other considerations but this is a start. Manuals first.

Good luck. Cheers

[Crattle91]

I just picked up an 85' LTD last fall for $1k with 65k on the dash. I am currently ordering the parts to rebuild the calipers and both master cylinders. After that we will see how deep and expensive this rabbit hole is!

[winguyjo]

it is an interference engine so timing belts are of the utmost importance. if you don't know for sure how old they are, then they must be changed.
they are expensive if you order them from honda, but you can get them from gates or napa for substantially less money. exact same belts, but without the expensive brand name on them.