79 Honda Gold Wing GL1000

[DanTheMan]

Hmmm, maybe you and your buddy should do a bit more research. It doesn't have a timing chain. It uses belts. 2 of them.

That's what I meant, just not what I wrote, I guess I'm used to the timing chains on our 'Zukes now.

 

[Big Mike]

I had both a GL1000 and Gl1100. Put about 60k miles on the 1000 and 60k miles on the 1100. Both bikes were completely reliable. The 1100 had better low power throttle response while the 1000 had better power over 6000 RPM.

My 1000 was a 77. Yes it had some carberation issues, but they were solved by rejetting. The 1100 was an 80 Interstate. The stator required replacement in the 1100, however on installation I soldered the leads from the stator eliminating the connector. (sound familiar?) No problems after that.

The carberation issues in the 1000 were largely eliminated in the 78, 79 models by going to smaller carbs and different jetting.

The cam belts are rubber toothed belts just like in some cars. They are easy to replace taking about an hour maybe and hour and a half. I did both the 1100 and 1000. Did not require removal of the radiator.

I had some difficulty with the starter on the 1100, however all it took was a good cleaning, new brushes and resolder a broken wire. The starter is extremely easy to get out, taking me about 10-15 minutes.

In terms of handling. They both handled far better than a bike of that size and era should. The weight is down low making the slow speed handling very easy. Do they handle like a GS. No, but they were not meant to. I was able to lean over far enough to wear out my pegs and scratch up the exhaust. As far as a GS? No, but they were meant to be long distance haulers giving good mileage and comfort.

Would I buy another one? Absolutely in a minute if I had the resources to own more than one bike.

They were both a great ride easy to work on and required limited maintenance.

Mike

 

[Guest]

my buddy bought a 78 model wing for 500 bucks. We replaced the coils (one was missing) and removed the fairing and saddle bags. Fixed the wiring where the fairing was wired in and fired her up but just for a few seconds as a test. Now the other night we had to tear out basically the whole rear of the bike. Fender, rear tire and final drive (differential) and rear brake master cylinder as well as the shocks had to be removed in order to slide the tank out the back so that we can clean it out and coat it. Talk about a mess! parts are everywhere.

Im trying to talk him into re-selling it and just getting a GS

 

[oldgrumpy]

sexy goldwings....

sexy goldwings....

sorry but,,, i really think those cafe goldwings in naked goldwings are sexy.. or a work of art any way thanks fellas regards david

 

[Guy]

Here's mine:

I didn't like the standard look of it so I got the grinder and the matt black spray at it.
I cut most of the foam out of the seat and got rid of most of the chrome bits.
I put on a set of MZ indicators and a Kawasaki H1 rear light to replace the enormous original items,
Head light is a 50's unit which I soldered a H4 socket into, though it doesn't light up much.
I cut the end off the pipes, as I felt they were a bit stifled and went up 2 sizes on the main jets for a better flow.
I replaced the HT leads with taylor Leads as the originals were perished.
It doesn't handle as well as a GS, but it's good for all day comfort and it'll hold a steady 90 for hours on end.
Wipe of an oily rag once in a while and fresh oil and filter every 4000 miles is all it gets.