'80 1100 Imvubu Build

[wheeliedog]

I also did some shopping. The first parcel I received came from David Silver in the UK containing a set of crash bars, some other little odds and ends I needed, and an aftermarket 15.8 mm front brake master cylinder. This is to replace my Chinese unit that was supposedly a 16mm, but turned out to have a 14mm bore and the brake lever would pull back all the way to the handlebar without much braking movement at the calipers.

This I had eventually figured out after seven days and seven nights of continuous brake bleeding. The new unit in contrast practically bled its self. I bled the new master first and connected a new line to the brake line splitter. I started pumping the brake lever to move some fluid down the line and very soon started feeling resistance. The new master was literally sucking air bubbles from the line up into the reservoir, I didn't need to touch the caliper bleed screws at all

[wheeliedog]

So with the tank back in and at last working brakes, I semi fitted some of the other important bits and pushed her outside.

I put some fuel in the tank and hit the starter button.

[wheeliedog]

I'm sorry, I can't get the rotation right whatever I try, but then the feeling of joy did tilt my world

Copious amounts of smoke from the exhaust and the exhaust wrap, luckily I knew what to expect from this forum, otherwise I might have switched her off and stripped down the motor again!

YEHAAAAA!

[wheeliedog]

WingRunner2.JPG (141.15 KiB) Viewed 173 times

Clutch needed a bit of adjusting at the handlebar end, but then I could select first, and I let out the clutch lever.

[wheeliedog]

She's idling at about 3000 rpm so needs some adjusting, but it was fun taking my daughter for a spin, and my wife too!

[LastMohawk]

Hey, its good to see you an your family for a first ride on your wing.
congrets to you.

YEHAAAAA!

that's why we build our bikes

greetings
Harald

[wheeliedog]

Thanks Harald, it's taken 22 months to get to my first ride on the Goldwing.

My first impression is very positive. The suspension upgrades feel very good, the seating position feels just right and the seat is really comfortable. My wife also says the same. I am very relieved that the thoughts in my head have come together so well. It's difficult to judge seat and handlebar heights etc without testing it the road. Sitting on the bike making vroom vroom noises is not quite the same.

I rode her to the garage to put in some more fuel and I think this is going to be a really fun bike to ride when she is done. She just felt 'right' to me out on the road.

Somehow I forgot to connect up the fan and I also managed to blow the main fuse when I got home, so she is back on the centre stand for some TLC before I can ride her again. But yes, I was very happy with my first ride and with the family sharing the excitement.

[Old Fogey]

I thought that was such a great picture, I played with it a bit. Hope it meets with approval.

WingRunner.JPG (72 KiB) Viewed 162 times

[wheeliedog]

Thanks Old Fogey, good to have my feet back on the ground again, approval certainly granted!

Looks good cropped and rotated, that's what I tried to do. Still a bit beyond my computer skills, got an old wing to fix before I try to master these newfangled devices

[Old Fogey]

Couldn't leave your lady's beautiful smile out! She looks as pleased as you!

WingRunner5.JPG (121.39 KiB) Viewed 155 times

(cropped, lightened, shadows lightened, colour enhanced, contrast altered. You should never believe what you see in a photo! )

[Patriccio]

WD,
Just had a quart of ice cream in honor of your father & mother. Steady as she goes.

[Norbert R]

AWESOME MARK !!!!!
That first ride is something you'll never forget
So cool to be able to share it with your family. Congrats brother, you have put your heart and soul into that build, so cool to see the smile on your face and the bike rolling down the road

[ericheath]

Like

[Patriccio]

Mark has created himself as a legend. Mark rides again! It's time to pull a permit for your parade!

[wheeliedog]

Yeah, the legend is still smiling, my cheeks are starting to hurt

I did the main fuse conversion to a blade fuse as per Whiskerfish, SidecarBob, et al so that fuse replacement will be easier in future. The bike is running again, not quite sure yet why the fuse blew. There is also a small oil leak from the head on the LHS that I am studiously ignoring for now...

Next job is the rear fender, tail light, number plate holder and indicators. I'm hoping to give her a trim and slim rear end to match her new personality

Could take a little while, we are going away on a family 4x4 getaway soon and I have some preparation to do. At least that's what WOTM is telling me. (Wife Of The Month, just look at her smile, thanks Old Fogey )