GL 1100 kinda Café

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Neat_GL80
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GL 1100 kinda Café

#1

Post by Neat_GL80 »

Hi guys!
Slowly moving towards the machine I have pictured in my head. Quite happy with the standing and profile of the bike, but still waiting to have it on the street for testing the handling.
Enjoying the disappearing snow situation at the moment action1

The seat cover is my next wonder, the shape of the seat is quite close. I did tear the original seat down as donator, ok it wasn’t in too good condition anyway. And didn’t find any new seat that suited my intentions. It’s still going to be one heavy looking machine and in my opinion doesn’t feel right with too small/thin ready-made-cafe-seats. Tested of course :roll:

Otherwise trying to maintain the original feeling of it, colors and style.
Please feel free to comment and throw some hints.
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desertrefugee
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#2

Post by desertrefugee »

Old Goldwings and older Buicks. Good combination. Have fun with it!
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Neat_GL80
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#3

Post by Neat_GL80 »

Thanks desertrefugee! I will :8)
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ericheath
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#4

Post by ericheath »

Definitely need some Buick circle breathers on the false tank. :) Finland and a Buick. Seat carving looks very good. If you are not a six foot tall person, I’ll suggest a little more where your thighs drop when you put your feet down to the ground. It makes it much easier to put both feet down. Experiment some, although if you’d like the Finns here you’re 6’6”.
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Neat_GL80
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#5

Post by Neat_GL80 »

Yep, needs some adjusting - good point ericheath. Not quite 6’6” so I’m going to take little off from the front and maybe add some under my rear.
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#6

Post by warhead_71 »

Honestly that seat looks kinda nice in yellow (or gold, or tan). It goes nice with the gold frame and pinstriping.

https://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server500/ ... 80.JPG?c=2

Or:

https://www.baakmotocyclettes.com/3116- ... -ninet.jpg

Or an inset panel like this:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/imag ... 3LWWXsBAwb
( Other bikes: 76 CB200T | 68 CL350 | 69 CB350 | 76 CB360T | 78 CB400T | 81 CM400 | 79 CB750F | 81 CB650C | 73, 74, 76 CB750K | 83 V45 Magna | 84 V65 Magna )
'78 GL1000 :: EMGO Superbike handlebars, Corbin touring seat, National Cycle F-16 windscreen, EMGO "Roadhawk" wide-mouth 24" megaphones.
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#7

Post by Neat_GL80 »

Yep, true. I’m also getting more and more into that light color as the seat has been bare naked for awhile. Have to see in future
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#8

Post by Neat_GL80 »

Hi, here’s the seat finalized. Got cozy with yellow foam look, so black looks little lame. Maybe going for tanned or something in next version.

Was a tough job getting the stitches even abaut right :roll:

It’s car interior vinyl, trying find some marine version next.
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#9

Post by desertrefugee »

Wow! excellent job! Ya got skills, man!
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#10

Post by pidjones »

When I did the seat for the Hunley, the foam was carpet padding built up layer at a time and shaped with an electric carving knife (DON'T use the wife's, or she might use it on you!) I chickened out and had an uphostery shop stitch the vinyl which I bought online. I don't expect a cafe style to spend much time in the elements, so didn't bother to specify vehicle-grade.
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Neat_GL80
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#11

Post by Neat_GL80 »

Thanks desertrefugee!

Pidjones - Looks good!
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#12

Post by bigscheaf »

Glad you’re sticking with the stock paint. That blue, black, and gold color scheme is just too beautiful to cover up.

Seat turned out nicely too. Can’t wait to see the progress.
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Neat_GL80
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#13

Post by Neat_GL80 »

First run with new set up! Otherwise great, but fork seals are done. Put pressure in suspension and hit the street, most of the oil ran down the pipes...
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#14

Post by desertrefugee »

Ugh. One of my least favorite aspects of motorcycle maintenance - forks.

More photos please!
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Re: GL 1100 kinda Café

#15

Post by Neat_GL80 »

Off garage! Fork done, brakes done etc.

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