Show me your de-Led GLs!

[Guest]

I could use some inspiration for my 1982 GS1100GL. It's a great bike, but the L appearance is starting to make me nauseous.

Here are my options as I see them:

1) Replace bars, reshape seat to more of a standard style;

2) Replace all GL components with G components (tank, seat, forks, covers, bars, and whatever else goes with them);

3) Find non-running G (850 or 1100) and swap engine;

4) Fabricate my way out of this. I am a welder and fabricator, so I could build an aluminum fuel tank and side covers to suit, and probably make an integrated rear fender/cowl/tail lamp setup.

What have you all done to de-L your L?

 

[Guest]

Option 4 also would allow me to find a different sender that actually works so I have a functioning fuel gauge.

 

[rphillips]

Way too much to do to de-L the "L". Get rid of it & find a reasonable "G" or "E" model. You'll come out way ahead with a way nicer ride. If you are wanting a "Boober" (sorry, bobber), a "Cafe", or custom, that may be a different discussion.

 

[Guest]

Way too much to do to de-L the "L". Get rid of it & find a reasonable "G" or "E" model. You'll come out way ahead with a way nicer ride. If you are wanting a "Boober" (sorry, bobber), a "Cafe", or custom, that may be a different discussion.

The reason I don't present that as an option is that I got sucked deep into repairing this bike and making it roadworthy. Selling and starting over isn't an option. The closest I can get to that is option 3.

I have a strong distaste for bobbers and customs in general. But I am not opposed to building something to fit my own taste with race/aerospace inspiration.

 

[rphillips]

Totally your decision, & just my opinion. Option 3, Nice GS's needing engines are rare, especially the ones, like yours, with the roller bearing crankshafts. NO, Don't look for a non-running "GL", if you found one, you'd be right back where you started, needing to de-"L" it. Look for a "G" model, but they are gonna' be about as scarce as hen's teeth. It happens really often, folks get in a little too deep before they realize it, then they keep digging. Usually the more they dig, the deeper they get. Good luck.

 

[Guest]

Totally your decision, & just my opinion. Option 3, Nice GS's needing engines are rare, especially the ones, like yours, with the roller bearing crankshafts. NO, Don't look for a non-running "GL", if you found one, you'd be right back where you started, needing to de-"L" it. Look for a "G" model, but they are gonna' be about as scarce as hen's teeth. It happens really often, folks get in a little too deep before they realize it, then they keep digging. Usually the more they dig, the deeper they get. Good luck.

"GL" was a slip on the keyboard in that scenario.

I did say "non running," not "needing an engine." One sitting long neglected in a garage and no longer able to start due to a dead battery and gunked carburetors is what I would have in mind.

 

[Tom R]

It?s not a G, but it?s an L.....a a V&H 4-1, headlight clamps from an ?82 1100e, Daytona bars, E lights....
Certainly isn?t going to win any shows.... but better than stock.

 

[Guest]

It’s not a G, but it’s an L.....a a V&H 4-1, headlight clamps from an ‘82 1100e, Daytona bars, E lights....
Certainly isn’t going to win any shows.... but better than stock.

The bars alone make a difference. I have a set of similar bars on the way with a standard style brake MC. Did you change MCs as well?

A few slow days at work have me coming up with fabrication ideas for the winter.

 

[Tom R]

Same MC, you’ll have to shorten or re-route your brake line, though.
If you do replace, its as good a time as any to install stainless steel lines.

 

[Guest]

Same MC, you’ll have to shorten or re-route your brake line, though.
If you do replace, its as good a time as any to install stainless steel lines.

Who sells a SS braided front line?

 

[cowboyup3371]

Pretty much anyone - check out Z1 Enterprises or even look through the forum for the Earls post on making your own.

 

[Guest]

Pretty much anyone - check out Z1 Enterprises or even look through the forum for the Earls post on making your own.

What I have seen is stainless steel lines with JIC type connectors. Is that what I do and buy banjo adapters to make them fit?

 

[Emjay]

I could use some inspiration for my 1982 GS1100GL. It's a great bike, but the L appearance is starting to make me nauseous.

Here are my options as I see them:

1) Replace bars, reshape seat to more of a standard style;

2) Replace all GL components with G components (tank, seat, forks, covers, bars, and whatever else goes with them);

3) Find non-running G (850 or 1100) and swap engine;

4) Fabricate my way out of this. I am a welder and fabricator, so I could build an aluminum fuel tank and side covers to suit, and probably make an integrated rear fender/cowl/tail lamp setup.

What have you all done to de-L your L?

#1 The bars are simple - I've done it.

#2 I think the tank and seat will only fit with refab, i.e. mounting points, etc.

#3 I'm pretty sure the engines are the same.

#4 have at it.

Bear in mind to me what makes the biggest difference is the frame - rake, seat height, etc.

 

[Burque73]

I think member Gustovh has a sharp looking '82 1100 L. Can't seem to locate a pic of it though.

Here's a thread with a buddy's L wearing a few G parts.

https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?239742-G-tank-on-my-L&highlight=

 

[Guest]

Bear in mind to me what makes the biggest difference is the frame - rake, seat height, etc.

Is the rake angle actually different between the G and GL?

On (3,) the point was not the difference in the engine dimensionally or in their specs, but in maintenance history/running status (I have done everything on my engine that has any right to fail,) or size (swap 1100 engine into much easier to find 850.)

Reshaping the frame around the seat pan is easily done. I can also remove the dip under the rider's hinter parts, then either fit G side covers (hard to find not already attached to a motorcycle) or make my own.

The more I think it through, the more the options are narrowed to either punting it and buying a G or (4,) fab my way out of it.

The reason I don't want to sell the bike is that I don't want to give away all of the maintenance I have done to it. It has a freshly serviced head, HG, base gasket, engine cover gaskets, completely new clutch assembly, worked carbs, and a number of little things. I also built an exhaust for it. So I kinda want to stick with what I have if I can make it more visually appealing for me.

 

[cowboyup3371]

What I have seen is stainless steel lines with JIC type connectors. Is that what I do and buy banjo adapters to make them fit?

Yes, go look at the Earls thread

 

[Guest]

Yes, go look at the Earls thread

I see the make your own lines thread. Z1 has pre-made lines with JIC terminations, which would require adapters. I'd rather buy something direct fit or make my own from scratch.

 

[sam000lee]

Also not a G- but here's my 1981 GS450L

- Hooped the rear
- Slightly taller Hagon shocks (not pictured)
- Custom seat I made
- Vintage supertrap 2 into 1
- Rear 18" wheel from a GS450S
- CB350 handlebars with internally routed wiring
- CB350 blinkers for the rear and some rando ebay ones up front
- Aftermarket headlight clamps
- I cut and reworked the fender so it sits a little more further forward/up

 

[dorkburger]

rkroby did a nice job on his. It looks like a standard bike. If you look him up or scroll thru the "picture of the week" thread you can find pictures.

 

[Guest]

Also not a G- but here's my 1981 GS450L

You've covered a few ideas I am considering. The hooped rear end and flattened seat are definitely among the ideas I am tossing around. I may not be able to shorten the length of the original seat, as I want to be able to include my wife, but I certainly can make it look better than the OE king and queen seat. I am also considering clipping the fenders as you have done or buying aftermarket steel fenders and modifying them to suit. I think integrating the tail lamp with the hoop and using that as an opportunity to do something to prodive a little security for my wife without adding a sissy bar would be good.