Returning after a long hiatus

[JoelDean]

I am returning to the NGW forum after selling my '75 Wing few years ago. I now own a '78 Wing which I found on Craigslist for $600. I'm currently going through the basics to get the bike road ready: fluids, replacing timing belts, rebuilding brake calipers and master cylinders, replacing some gaskets and other basics. I live in Western Wisco along the Mississippi River and the Great River Road/Hwy 35 that is to Midwest motorcycle riders what Route 66 was to auto drivers. I thought maybe my desire to ride had ended but I've got a second wind and the bug is back.

Regards,

Joel

[Sugs]

Welcome back!

[desertrefugee]

I thought maybe my desire to ride had ended but I've got a second wind and the bug is back.

That is SO cool to hear (and funny, too). Really glad to hear it, Joel. It sounds like you live in a special place, too. Welcome back! '78's are great bikes.

Some years ago, when I lived in Houston, a buddy and I did a run up along the Mississippi river to St. Louis. We originally talked about riding to Minnesota. I only wish we'd taken the time to have "gone the distance" to the headwaters. Even so, that is one ride I would love to do again. We hit a lot of the old blues honky tonks along the way. Wonderful memories.

[JoelDean]

Thanks for the high five dude. Come on up to America's Dairyland and The Land of 10,000 Lakes anytime.

Seeing your bike avatar photo reminds me that I may be looking for a windshield that suits my GW sometime in the future. I'll enjoy the nakedness of it for now but for future reference could you share sources for aftermarket windshields that work with our '78's? Mucho gracias amigo...

[desertrefugee]

If you're looking for actual wind protection, the one I'm running (Viper) is not where you want to go. The only time that thing offers any "protection" is when you're in full tuck position almost laying on the tank. Actually, that's exactly the way the cafe shields are designed to work. But, if you're interested in that, they are dirt cheap and available all over the place. I can send links if needed:

IMG_4455.JPG (99.7 KiB) Viewed 231 times

For a good touring alternative, lots of folks have used National Cycle shields and been very happy. A '78 sidecar rig I recently sold had one of their shields. Works very well:
https://www.google.com/search?q=nationa ... e&ie=UTF-8

[Track T 2411]

Welcome from south central Wisconsin! There are several members here from around the region. I also have two daughters and two grandbabies in Winona, MN, and a sister and her family in Hudson, WI, and always look forward to heading out along the river. I'm also refurbing a '78, although I'm riding more than wrenching, this time of year. Get that girl on the road so we can get a ride together!
Enjoy the ride!

[Rat]

Welcome back

Gord

[rcmatt007]

welcome to NGW.... I have heard that the 78's are the best looking

be sure to change the timing belts

[JoelDean]

Welcome back!

Thanks!

[JoelDean]

If you're looking for actual wind protection, the one I'm running (Viper) is not where you want to go. The only time that thing offers any "protection" is when you're in full tuck position almost laying on the tank. Actually, that's exactly the way the cafe shields are designed to work. But, if you're interested in that, they are dirt cheap and available all over the place. I can send links if needed:
IMG_4455.JPG

For a good touring alternative, lots of folks have used National Cycle shields and been very happy. A '78 sidecar rig I recently sold had one of their shields. Works very well:
https://www.google.com/search?q=nationa ... e&ie=UTF-8

Thanks for the tips. The cafe style is sweet looking but with all the bugs along the Mississippi River actual wind deflection may be what I need.

[JoelDean]

welcome to NGW.... I have heard that the 78's are the best looking

be sure to change the timing belts

From your profile details I'd say you oughta know about '78's being good looking.
They certainly are in my opinion!

[JoelDean]

Welcome back

Gord

Thanks Gord. Good to be back.

[JoelDean]

Welcome from south central Wisconsin! There are several members here from around the region. I also have two daughters and two grandbabies in Winona, MN, and a sister and her family in Hudson, WI, and always look forward to heading out along the river. I'm also refurbing a '78, although I'm riding more than wrenching, this time of year. Get that girl on the road so we can get a ride together!
Enjoy the ride!

Always good to know there are like-minded Old Wingers in my neighborhood. Let's ride sometime.

[Gowing]

welcome to NGW.... I have heard that the 78's are the best looking

Mmmmmm?

be sure to change the timing belts