Tips for a new (used) GL1100

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x01660
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Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#1

Post by x01660 »

Hey, guys. :)

So you may have seen in another post, but I'm picking up an 83 Interstate on Tuesday. 66k miles, everything there.

I guess I want to know:

1) What should I be looking out for on the 1100? Is it pretty much the same as the 1000?
2) How does the performance compare? I'm used to winding out my 1000 to 9K. Is that doable on the 1100?
3) Does anyone have experience with the "Poorboy" car alternator mod? I'd LOVE to add LOTS of lights, as I'm gonna be spending A LOT of time in the desert at night
4) Any Darksiders on here? Is it possible with the 1100?

Hopefully I haven't asked stuff that's been answered, and I'm not trying to start a flame war (I've heard that Darkside conversations can devolve quickly), just trying to prepare for another Wing.

And yes, I'm gonna change my belts as soon as I get it. :oops:
-x01660

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"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." ~Friedrich Nietzsche
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#2

Post by Track T 2411 »

Generally speaking, the 1000 and 1100 engines are the same, with minor changes here and there. The neutral switch is under the transmission cover on the '83, it has factory electronic ignition, and the clutch adjustment procedure is different, to name a few things that come to mind.
The biggest difference between the 1000 and 1100's is gearing, and especially the '83. It was the first year that the Wing had true overdrive. Here's a link to some specs...
https://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic ... 52&t=43627
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

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Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#3

Post by Track T 2411 »

Concerning 'the darkside,' the last I read, there are no automotive tires that will fit the stock '83 rim. Numerous people have darksided 1200's, but that would require modifying and swapping a 1200 swing arm, wheel, etc.
As far as performance goes, my '81 really kicks in about 4500, and pulls right up through 7500 RPM (redline is 8k, and I don't think I've ever purposely run it over). On my '81, shifting at 7-7500 puts me right into the power band for the next gear. Just saying...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#4

Post by mfnheff »

Perfomance wise, my 76 would eat my 80 alive. But they 80 was more comfortable. But the performance just wasn't there. But the 80 wasn't a slouch, at all. Just a different, very similar bike.
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#5

Post by x01660 »

Will do. Thank you all for the info.

It's interesting; I'm 29, and I've found my desire for fast bikes to be waning....

I mean, having a GSX 1300-R or ZX14R is awesome, and I appreciate the performance, but there's something about a slow ride that's just awesome.

I guess the saying "There are no old dumb motorcycle riders, since they all die" rings true.

Thank you all for the constant advice and info. I joined the right forum. :)
-x01660

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"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." ~Friedrich Nietzsche
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#6

Post by Rat »

The old saw applies here .... 'It’s more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow' ....

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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#7

Post by CYBORG »

RAT wrote:The old saw applies here .... 'It’s more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow' ....

Gord crossy.gif
AMEN!!!
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x01660
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#8

Post by x01660 »

Hey, I have another question about the 1100;

How does it do with towing? I mentioned taking regular trips to the desert, and so I'd want to tow a dual sport (DR650, XR600, etc) to use once I get out there. In addition to all my camping gear.

And my 300 lb 4th point of contact.... :shock:

Do you think the 1100 has enough oomph to get me up, say The Grapevine?
-x01660

"The best motorcycle is the one well ridden" anim-cheers1

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." ~Friedrich Nietzsche
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#9

Post by robin1731 »

IMO that's a lot of weight for an 1100. And getting it stopped could prove to be an adventure in itself at times.

But it's one of those things, "can it do it?", "Should you do it?", "Will it do it safely?". I've seen S-10 pickups pulling cars on trailers. The truck pulled it but I wouldn't want to be in front of him or beside him if he had to get on the brakes hard. ;)

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x01660
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#10

Post by x01660 »

robin1731 wrote:IMO that's a lot of weight for an 1100. And getting it stopped could prove to be an adventure in itself at times.

But it's one of those things, "can it do it?", "Should you do it?", "Will it do it safely?". I've seen S-10 pickups pulling cars on trailers. The truck pulled it but I wouldn't want to be in front of him or beside him if he had to get on the brakes hard. ;)

.
Yeah, intend to stay on the safe side; riding is dangerous enough with all the crappy cage drivers on the road. Guess I'll save my towing for when I get an 1800 F6B.... ;)

I'm so happy I'm older.... And more cautious. Not everyone makes it; my best m8 died at 22 because he was street racing. I'm over that ish. Thank goodness.
Thanks again for all the tips and advice. You guys rock. :)
-x01660

"The best motorcycle is the one well ridden" anim-cheers1

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." ~Friedrich Nietzsche
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#11

Post by Sidecar Bob »

A buddy who was a mechanic at a Honda dealer in the '70s & '80s once told me about a customer that brought his 'Wing in every year to have it gone over before his annual vacation, then towed his (22' IIRC) sailboat from Toronto to somewhere on the East Coast behind it.

But that bike would have been about 30 years newer than yours is at the time.....
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#12

Post by 5speed »

Sidecar Bob wrote:A buddy who was a mechanic at a Honda dealer in the '70s & '80s once told me about a customer that brought his 'Wing in every year to have it gone over before his annual vacation, then towed his (22' IIRC) sailboat from Toronto to somewhere on the East Coast behind it.
Must have been a Newfie! :mrgreen:
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Re: Tips for a new (used) GL1100

#13

Post by Sidecar Bob »

I think he took it to Nova Scotia but he told me a long time ago so I'm not sure.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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