u/Fifty_Hertz

Just putting this moto porn here 😍

Just picked up this chonky girl. 2006 GL1800 with 68,000 km in great condition. I wasn't especially looking for a trailer, but that was part of the deal, along with a spare rear wheel with new tyre, and a hydraulic bike lift. My gosh that was one smooth and pleasant ride home.

So I picked up this beauty last weekend and rode it 415 miles home. The bike runs great overall and in the cold hard light of day, a week later, I'm still super happy with my acquisition. It is however 50 years old and unrestored, so it must be thoroughly checked and some areas freshened up.

I launched into it last night after work and so far I have got the front brakes and struts out. I have confirmed that all the brake hoses are factory original with manufacturing markings from 1975. The calipers seem to function ok and have relatively new Bendix pads, although the pistons seem a bit stiff. The front wheel is unmarked and runs true with no wobble. Also pulled the left timing cover and found Gates 274 belts in good condition.

The intention is to do some routine maintenance and a few sympathetic upgrades. The goal is to make it reliable and safely usable, whilst keeping the look stock. The planned work list is as follows.

- Rebuild front struts and fill with heavier grade oil for improved damping. They are completely shot and have no discernable damping.

- Rebuild calipers and fit new pads.

- Replace all brake hoses.

- Change timing belts and idlers.

- Set valve clearances.

- Change spark plugs.

- Change engine oil and filter.

- Fit Dynatek electronic ignition.

- Replace fuel hoses and filter.

- Repair fuel level sender as it's rusty and leaking with a full tank.

- Flush cooling system and replace coolant hoses and thermostat.

- Fit Stedi 7" LED headlight to factory bucket. Yeah I know this will detract from the stock look. The Stedi Heritage units do however look quite nice and will give a huge improvement in illumination.

- Fit DC/DC buck/boost converter in place of factory voltage regulator.

- Drain and replace final drive oil.

- Replace head bearings.

- Clean and lube all cables, including Speedo and tach.

I'm sure I will discover other areas needing attention as I go.

Who else on here taken on a GL1000? I'd love to have an insight into potential problem areas and ideas for further sensible upgrades.

Peace ✌🏻

So this morning I got up at 3am to fly from Canberra to Melbourne and look at a GL1000 I've been lusting after. Truth be told, I've been avoiding it for a while because I knew that if I liked it, I'd be in serious danger of increasing the bike collection to 5.

It's a completely original '75 with 21500 miles. Still has the factory mufflers in good condition and all original paint. The seat is nice with no wear or cracks. Everything has a delightful lightly used and well-loved patina.

The weather was foul in Melbourne today. Wet, windy and frosty. Luckily I brought my woolen thermals and rain gear, and managed to get in a quick test ride between downpours. It rides really nicely. A little rough when cold but perfectly sweet once warm. Shifts up and down the box crisply. The brakes are adequate, although they could do with some decent new pads and maybe a caliper rebuild. Checked all the rubber components, which looked good. I was unable to determine when the timing belts were last replaced. I pulled the covers and they were nice and pliable with no cracks or chunks missing from the teeth, so they're ok for now. Tyres are Bridgestone BT45's with decent tread, although they were 10 years old so getting a little hard.

Overall the bike is a peach. I bought it and immediately got a new set of Bridgestone BT46's fitted, then rode back to the motel - 45 minutes across town in rush hour traffic, in the rain. Fun times!

Tomorrow I have a free day to rest, fit the new tail bag I got, and pack my gear. I will set out on Saturday for the 600 k ride home. I can't wait to hit the open road 😎

Hello Wing Aficionados 👋

I am looking at adding this 1975 GL1000 to my garage. It has 23k miles on it and looks to be in great condition. I'm travelling interstate later in the week to inspect it and would appreciate some tips on things to look out for.

I'm mechanically savvy and maintain my other bikes, so I know the generic things to check on older machines. Timing belts, fuel hoses and coolant hoses are obvious ones of course. Are there any Wing-specific faults or wear/age concerns that one should check?

I've never ridden a bike this big and heavy. The general consensus seems to be that the GL1000's geometry and low COG make it fairly docile and predictable, provided that one doesn't attempt to ride it like a sport bike.

Current bikes for reference:

Yamaha XT250

BMW 650GS

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Kawasaki Z900RS SE

My interest stems from my desire for a cruiser and a genuine classic bike to add to my collection. I currently have room for only one more, so these need to be rolled into one. I've always been drawn to the GL1000 and this one was born in the same year as me - plus I love the colour!

And thoughts and advice would be appreciated 🤘