1977 GL1000 Project

[Track T 2411]

Well, who'd a thunk it was the kick start? I watched the video before reading farther, and definately was NOT the typical chain rattle... As cmonSTART said, good thing it wasn't more serious. From the sound, I was really concerned!!!

Good wrenchin'
Todd

[NorthDM]

I dont think id be too embarasedd about that. Those kick starters if not used a lot can get real stiff and bindy. You might take the side cover off the other side and hose what you can down from both sides with some heavy duty silicone spray using the straw or a real long oil can and loosen it up till it springs back on its own.Ive had luck doing that. Your bike is lookin good. JB .

Thanks JBz. I will most certainly be oiling that puppy up!

[NorthDM]

Well, who'd a thunk it was the kick start? I watched the video before reading farther, and definately was NOT the typical chain rattle... As cmonSTART said, good thing it wasn't more serious. From the sound, I was really concerned!!!

Good wrenchin'
Todd

As was I. I didn't sleep at all Saturday night after the initial start. I was sick about it but thankfully Pistol Pete pointed out my issue and put my mind at ease.

[NorthDM]

Time for an update!

The weather up here in Maine has sucked lately and the temps are definitely slowing my progress a bit with painting. Either way, we continue to press on with regards to electrical work, some minor powder coating and other odds and ends. For you that love pics, here are a few of what we've done with the spoked rims. They weren't terrible but they needed something to make them look decent. We chose to follow along with a pic I saw online of a member that painted the hub, spokes and center ridge of the rims in matte black. I thought it looked good and gave a clean perspective on wheels. Please disregard the rusty shocks and dirty tires. I've yet to detail this ride out until its more complete.





More to follow....

[Fred Camper]

The wheels look great, how did you clean up the spokes? Was that a media blast or just a wire brush cleaning? Thye really look great. How did you apply the satin black?

I just love your pipes, that is a lot of bend in the header, but the way it makes the pipe parallel is just perfect. The shape of the muffers is nice too. One of the nicest exhaust profiles I have seen.

[NorthDM]

The wheels look great, how did you clean up the spokes? Was that a media blast or just a wire brush cleaning? Thye really look great. How did you apply the satin black?

I just love your pipes, that is a lot of bend in the header, but the way it makes the pipe parallel is just perfect. The shape of the muffers is nice too. One of the nicest exhaust profiles I have seen.

Thanks for the positive feedback Fred. We used a wire wheel, brush and emery cloth to get it cleaned up enough to take primer, etc. We sprayed an etching primer, then applied a sealer and then a top coat of matte black.

As far as the pipes, We were trying to model them from Gr8wheels 1977 GL1000 cafe built but wanted to keep them from tipping outwards too much. This caused us to have to put 23.5 degree offsets in the headers to make the alignments. It runs good but not sure if this will cause issues over time. We shall see, I guess.

Thanks again for taking to time to provide feedback...

[decker]

Like what you did with the wheels. Looks sharp and has given me ideas for my rear rim. Which has the same problem. Thanks!

[Fred Camper]

Yes, I think this is a pattern for many rear wheels with the same issue and a budget less than Buchannan. If a silver paint was used like duplicolor aluminum engine paint, then the contrast would be minimal. But I do like the matte black look personally.

[NorthDM]

Thanks Decker and I agree Fred. As much as I do like the spoked rims, I didn't want to disassemble to powder coat and I certainly didn't want to attempt to replace the whole rim ($) either. SO, I scoured the forums/internet looking for a suitable work around and this seemed to provide a good cover up while giving it a semi-classy, not semi-glossy, look overall.

I've sanded all the plastic & metal and am waiting for warmer weather to paint. I've yet to pick a color....

Any input everyone????

[Fred Camper]

I take it you are leaving the fenders chrome? They look pretty good in your photos, but we need that piece of info regarding color. Since you have more black on her now, Red still works but not so sure of the gold pinstripe. Maybe Red with a silver pinstripe? The other consideration is a silver paint with a matte black pinstripe. But if the fenders stay chrome, seems like the Red would work better. Need input from more folks for sure.

[reidransom]

Gonna steal that idea for my wheels. I like the idea of nice, shiny spokes, but I've been spending a bit more on my project than I'd prefer, and that both looks cool and is within my budget.

[gregforesi]

... but I've been spending a bit more on my project than I'd prefer...

You said a mouthful there. I figure that happens to everyone who gets into one of these.

[NorthDM]

Another good day in the shop:
- Front wheel painted and installed
- Front brakes installed and bled
- tail light installed and hooked up

Not so good part:
Started running the bike a bit today and noticed in the chamber beneath the air box that fuel was collecting/sloshing around. At low idle it seems to flow in there pretty good. Numerous times I dried this up with clean rags and ran it again. Although the bike ran rather smoothly, it keep pooling fuel in this chamber. These carbs were rebuilt and tuned so I'm not inclined to believe its a sticky float, etc.

Any thoughts?

[Track T 2411]

It is either a sticky float or poor sealing float needle. Did you happen to use aftermarket needles as replacements? They are often bad. For some reason the wing carbs are VERY particular about float height and float needles. You're better off re-using your old needles or replacing with OEM (they ARE pricey, though).

Good wrenchin'
Todd

[NorthDM]

It is either a sticky float or poor sealing float needle. Did you happen to use aftermarket needles as replacements? They are often bad. For some reason the wing carbs are VERY particular about float height and float needles. You're better off re-using your old needles or replacing with OEM (they ARE pricey, though).

Good wrenchin'
Todd

Pistol Pete did the rebuild with Randakk components.