Longevity of GL 1000 and 1100 engines

[Wirelic]

Gentlemen

I have an opportunity to purchase a 78 GL 1000 with 53000 miles on it and an 80 GL1100 with 73000 miles. Are these engines worn out at this mileage or is there life in them yet?

[delling3]

Both engines have a reputation of going well over 100k miles with normal maintenance. Several folks have done 200k.

[low-side]

If they've received proper maintenance over the years, they could last a long time yet. Their longevity is more in line with a car of the same era than a normal motorcycle. That said, they are 40 years old and sometimes things fail due to age rather than mileage.

[ericheath]

https://youtu.be/fz5v8mqlBmE

Any questions?

[Wirelic]

Thanks. I know they’ll have, shall I say, routine things like timing belts, carb & fuel tank issues, brakes, ignition replacements, but what I’m really concerned about is major engine issues. At that mileage, would a typical engine of that model need rings, valve jobs, stator replacement, water pump replacement? What is average life of the clutch?
If I were to purchase, I’m hoping I’m not looking at pulling the engines apart to redo the innards. I know it might be a possibility, but just wondering what may be sort of the usually expected issues with mileage totals like these.

[Wirelic]

One other thing: I have rebuilt both of my Triumphs, including internal engine work and I completely rebuilt the Honda 450, including replacing the crankshaft. I’m not totally a dufus around bikes, but not looking to rebuild a couple of engines if I don’t have to. I know it depends on a compression & leak down test, but was wondering what the typical engine life is before major issues surface.
Thanks, guys, for your help and guidance.

[ericheath]

Two fairly expensive items that might happen on a trip that I can think of:
1. A stator melt down. It’s a pull-the-motor job and to pay for it would be over $1000. Doing it at home might be $2-300.
2. Water pump. Nearly the same as above. The weep hole should give you a warning and allow you to finish your trip or replace it before your trip.

Clutches, if used properly are oil bathed and go for 200,000 plus miles. They can be replaced in the bike but it is tight.

With what you listed for experience, you’ll have no trouble with a Wing. They’re fairly easy to work on and don’t require many purpose-specific tools and there is a pretty good knowledge base here and on the web.

[delling3]

An engine that has gotten routine maintenance should not need a full-on rebuild for a very long time. The bottom ends on these motors is pretty bullet proof. Which is good because the bearings needed for rebuild are very difficult to come by.

Most engine work (short of splitting the cases) can be done with the engine in the bike. One of the easier bikes to do valve/head maintenance on.

As ericheath said, the stator does require pulling the engine, but not splitting the cases to replace.

Waterpump is one item that might need replacing, but this can be done with the engine in place. A bit time consuming, but not overly difficult.

[Rat]

CYBORG has 400 + on his .... original clutch ....

Gord(he's still fast) Jones

[ritalz]

https://youtu.be/fz5v8mqlBmE

Any questions?

The guy that shot this video lives here in St Louis and also has a LTD. Was never able to convince him to join our group.