Stop me if you've heard this one before...

Bought a 1981 GL1100 Interstate for $500. It wasn't running, but the owner delivered it to my door. The idea was to try an inexpensive option for my wife and I to ride together. If we liked it, I'd upgrade to a better ride.

So, all I needed to do was get it running. Maybe take out the carbs and rebuild. Put it back and good to go.

Now, I had NEVER worked on a motorcycle before in my life. But, being my age, it was time to start. How hard could it be to rebuild carbs. Not like that hadn't been done before.

Well, here's pics of where I am currently

A simple idea to rebuild the carbs and I tore the whole thing apart. Why not stop at the carbs? Right?

Here's the kicker. I've put it back together to this point from the parts manual. Clymer really isn't much help. So, I print the diagrams, head down to the shop, and try to match parts to place back on to the bike. Guess you'll know I've got a few extra parts I don't know where they go

I've decided not to put the fairing and bags back. Maybe I'll keep the bags, but I have a 1982 GL1100 Aspenade to carry me on longer trips (got the 82 cause the 81 wasn't going anywhere).

My idea is to have a fun build and get it on the road. Too many other projects need a better budget. I polish the parts, blast, and paint everything here in my shop. But, I sure need help and why I'm glad I found this forum.

Please chime in with ideas, comments, or criticisms of any kind since I'm blindly leading my own way. Much good information found already. My next issues;
1. Hooking-up the front end. I'll need to get a headlight bucket, turn signals, etc since there will be no fairing. Can these be from any naked 81?
2. The right front shock is shot and I'll need to replace it. Any suggestions on a budget replacment?
3. What do I do with all that wiring and where does it all go?
4. Hate the look of the handlebars, but it'll do for now.

We all love pics and I'll post more. Thanks in advance!!

It can be from any year GL1100.

Might be a bit difficult to check the level of coolant in the reservoir without removing the top shelter. Usually it can be checked by viewing the level after removing just the tool tray, no need to unbolt the shelter.

Nice work so far! If you have parts that you can't figure out where they go just post a picture of it here and we'll help you out and its more than worth it to get a copy of the Honda Service Manual for these bikes.

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Dean Spalding
Raleigh, NC

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." - Albert Einstein

'82 Yellow GL1100
'81 Blue GL1100

My Gallery
My 1100 Build Thread

i like the silver frame, looks pretty good so far

Thanks for the replies!

I wanted to match the frame to the wheels. Used the same Duplicolor wheel paint. Seems to hold well, but I knew I'd be moving the build around and didn't want the expense of powder coating. I can touch-up any scratches as I go along.

Started looking for the headlight housing/assembly. No luck so far on ebay.

Next step is to have the front forks checked out by my local shop. I'd like to get the front end asembled next. I'll take the rear shocks in too for an eval.

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lsendel

Next step is the front end. Had the front forks rebuilt. Previous owner welded one of the drain tubes shut. Retapped and replaced. Now starting on the front and rear brakes. Pics below.

Can't wait to put the forks on the bike, but I'm in need of the complete headlight assembly, front turn signals, etc. in changing the Interstated to a NGW. ASny help is appreciated!!

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lsendel

Rebuilding those calipers is pretty easy, if you're having a shop do it then you're throwing money away. Same for the forks, both detailed in the Honda Shop manual. I highly recommend you get a copy of the manual.

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Dean Spalding
Raleigh, NC

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." - Albert Einstein

'82 Yellow GL1100
'81 Blue GL1100

My Gallery
My 1100 Build Thread

Yep, got a copy of the manual. Pistons were locked-up and I couldn't free them. So I took them to my shop. Same for the repair needed for the front fork. Just a little out of my comfort zone.

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lsendel

Well, you should ask first. There have been many who have been stymied by stuck pistons in the calipers. One of the easiest methods of removing them is with a grease gun directly on the cracked open bleeder once the opening for the brake hose has been stopped. Since you have a single piston 1100 caliper its one of the easiest to deal with. Just saying and trying to move your comfort zone just a little farther out there.

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Dean Spalding
Raleigh, NC

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." - Albert Einstein

'82 Yellow GL1100
'81 Blue GL1100

My Gallery
My 1100 Build Thread

I hear what you're saying. Since I have never worked on motorcycles before this project, and I'm rebuilding this down to the last bolt, I'm especially cautious when it comes down to any parts that involve my safety.

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lsendel

Front/rear brakes rebuilt and painted. Ready to go

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lsendel