Aftermarket controls?

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ddowning
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Aftermarket controls?

#1

Post by ddowning »

Hey all, new to the form here. I've recently acquired an 81' GL1100 (my second of the same vintage), and I'm looking to strip her down to a sort of scrambler-esque minimalist fun machine. This is my 4th bike now, but it'all be the first I'll have attempted to alter from it's original form.

So to the question (first of many!). I'm going to be using shorter, narrower bars than stock, and I'd like to rid myself of most of the bulk from the stock controls. Also, shorter, cleaner cables, etc. I'd like to know:

For the brake lever and assembly, is there a sort of universal fit aftermarket master cylinder-lever assembly available that's cleaner/more minimalist? Will any brake lever assembly work as long as it fits the 7/8" bars? Not sure if the dual calipers require a special unit that provides a little more 'umph', or if this stuff is basically one-size fits all.

Same question for clutch and throttle controls. What are my options for a clean, simple unit with shorter cables?

Virtually all of the electric controls are going to be rewired and relocated to more discrete locations, so the compatability of aftermarket controls and the bike's electrical harness are of no concern.

Looking forward to learning from y'all. Attached is a photo of the new-to-me 'Wing and a photo of someone else'a beautiful bike from which I'm drawing most of my inspiration.
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jdvorchak
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#2

Post by jdvorchak »

I'm pretty sure for dual disks you need a 5/8 inch or 15 mm bore on the MC. As for the clutch lever that is trickier. You have to maintain the exact same mechanical advantage and throw as the original. Too little throw and it won't disengage the clutch. To little mechanical advantage and it will be incredibly hard to pull the clutch.
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TNTbefree
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#3

Post by TNTbefree »

Welcome to the club. Looks like you're going to have fun. Make sure you start a build thread with lots of pics. We love em.
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#4

Post by Goboy »

Hey DD welcome,

Recommended reading for new owners: http://www.randakksblog.com/recommendat ... -a-gl1000/
It is GL1000 specific, but relates to the 1100's.

Randakk also sells an upgrade MC: https://www.randakks.com/upgraded-front ... iston.html
There is good info on why this is an upgrade!

Happy wrenching :-D :-D :-D
You're too small to ride a hog Billy!

Mike
1978 GL1000
Previous bikes: 05 Yamaha FJR 1300, 79 Suzuki GS 1000, 75 Yamaha XS 650, 73 Kawasaki S2 350
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Sugs
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#5

Post by Sugs »

Welcome to the site! Check this post to see what I did for my controls...viewtopic.php?p=663461#p663461

Beware that my bike is a '79 GL1000. Not sure if the '81 GL1100 can use the same 5/8ths master.
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Track T 2411
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#6

Post by Track T 2411 »

Sugs wrote:Welcome to the site! Check this post to see what I did for my controls...viewtopic.php?p=663461#p663461

Beware that my bike is a '79 GL1000. Not sure if the '81 GL1100 can use the same 5/8ths master.
Actually, the 79 and 80-81 use the same calipers, if I'm not mistaken.
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ddowning
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#7

Post by ddowning »

Sugs wrote:Welcome to the site! Check this post to see what I did for my controls...viewtopic.php?p=663461#p663461

Beware that my bike is a '79 GL1000. Not sure if the '81 GL1100 can use the same 5/8ths master.
I really like what you did with the controls, I'm going to try and emulate that best I can.

I was looking at motion pro's website, it appears for a modest fee they will custom make cables. I am going to see if they might be able to adapt the standard GL1100 connectors for the carb side of the cable with one of their fancy new throttle units. Will report back with results.
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#8

Post by Goboy »

Yes those are very nice and $25, they also have "dog leg levers" which I think would be an improvement.
You're too small to ride a hog Billy!

Mike
1978 GL1000
Previous bikes: 05 Yamaha FJR 1300, 79 Suzuki GS 1000, 75 Yamaha XS 650, 73 Kawasaki S2 350
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#9

Post by sunnbobb »

14mm piston on the Brake Master will give you excellent braking. I use the ones from vfr's.
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BustedKnuckles
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#10

Post by BustedKnuckles »

Dallas! Hey I figured I'd see you here one day. Congrats on the project. Check out Dime City Cycles, they sell tons of controls that are more streamlined than the stock stuff, kill switches, start buttons, master cylinders... you name it. For custom brake lines check out Galfer, I had a set made for my Murdercycle when I put different bars on it. The selection of anodized fittings and hoses plus great quality and ease of installation made the decision a no brainer. They worked out great. There are a few guys here who shorten their stock cables... not sure if you want to get that deep into it. Glad to see you are still rolling a 'wing!

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BobInNashville
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#11

Post by BobInNashville »

Welcome! With regards to your question about controls. Revival cycles has some very nice and compact controls targeted for the café-styled bike. They are small and unobtrusive. While you are there, check out the M-Unit that helps to reduce wiring. These things aren't cheap, but worth it. If you want something more traditional, I have used brand new controls (Partzilla) from a VFR800 several times. You'll likely have to do some fancy wiring conversions but it's not that hard. Stay away from any controls you find on eBay that comes from China. Those will last about 7 minutes and 40 seconds. Don't ask how I know.

Good luck!
Bob In Nashville

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ddowning
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Re: Aftermarket controls?

#12

Post by ddowning »

BustedKnuckles wrote:Dallas! Hey I figured I'd see you here one day. Congrats on the project. Check out Dime City Cycles, they sell tons of controls that are more streamlined than the stock stuff, kill switches, start buttons, master cylinders... you name it. For custom brake lines check out Galfer, I had a set made for my Murdercycle when I put different bars on it. The selection of anodized fittings and hoses plus great quality and ease of installation made the decision a no brainer. They worked out great. There are a few guys here who shorten their stock cables... not sure if you want to get that deep into it. Glad to see you are still rolling a 'wing!


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Ha! Jason! Glad to have a friend over here. Yeah, the project is going to be a fun one. Looking forward to getting this thing down the road. I'll drop you and the lady a line soon, I've been shipping up in martinez quite a bit!
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