Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

From basic novice to the hard core cutomizing. Sharing tips, tricks and knowledge. Feel
free to ask question or give us your "2 cents".

Moderators: sunnbobb, Neil, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
sunnbobb
Facebook Admin
Facebook Admin
Posts: 21272
Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:09 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/sunnbobb/
Location: LaConner, WA

Re: Eric's very slow build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#16

Post by sunnbobb »

I think the main thing I dislike about the clubmans is they place your body in a forward slant. That makes it hard to enjoy the side view scenery.
I found the end of the internet

---- Bradshaw Bikes custom polishing for your wing. Visit us on facebook!

1978 Learning Experience
1980 County Road Hauler "Brain Damage"
1978 Cafe Custom Gl1000 "Vyper"
1977 Bulldog Inspired "Vaincre"
1981 Street Fighter GL1100 "No Quarter"
1983 Supercharged Street Drag "Anubis" (in worx)
1983 gl1100 mint restoration "Kristen"
1985 Aspencade..pondering.
User avatar
gregforesi
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 4965
Joined: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:42 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/Greg+Foresi/
Location: Venice, FL

Re: Eric's very slow build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#17

Post by gregforesi »

Sometimes I gotta turn a phrase...

When you're out there and you've left the ton behind, and all your facial skin is pushed back around your ears, and your eyes look like a chinaman with allergies...you ain't got time to be rubberneckin'.

"Your not a real racer, you're just a café racer". Yes. Exactly correct. dancr
2006 GL1800 (Brutus Maximus)
1978 GL1000 (White Trash - 2012 BOTY
(If you want to discuss the Trashmobile, Webers, Rearsets, Clubmans, or other stuff then send me a PM.)
"Getting old ain't for sissies" - Phyllis Diller
"So how much you gonna spend to win that $5 trophy?" - Cyborg
User avatar
ehadams
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 575
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:07 pm
Location: Monkton, VT

Re: Eric's very slow build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#18

Post by ehadams »

My wife found a bike that she likes the color scheme from for this build.

Image

Copper with numbers on the false tank.

Thinking about blacking out the engine, but not set on that yet
Eric
75 GL1000 w/ California SideCar Friendship 1 (mine)
79 GL1000 w/ Sweet SideCar (Heather's)
75 GL1000 destined to be customized
89 GL1500 (still undecided)
79 GL1000 was Scott's (what to do with this one?)
GRN75
User avatar
ehadams
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 575
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:07 pm
Location: Monkton, VT

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#19

Post by ehadams »

Well I think I am finally beginning to get started on this project. I entered this build into The Greasy Dozen http://www.thegreasydozen.com/, which is a chance to get a build semi-sponsored. I won't know for a few weeks if I am one of the builders, but just being considered in a very cool concept for me.

The owner posted a comment about project procrastination http://the-greasy-dozen.tumblr.com/post ... tion-demon which prompted me to clean the garage that I use as a shop to create a dedicated space for this build.
I did a $100 make over of the shop. Fresh white paint on the walls. Painted my cabinets to look a little more integrated instead of the yard sale and house renovation finds that they were. And replaced the burned out light fixtures. put a damaged piece of laminate down on a work bench that I built.

I also picked up a lift from harbor Freight to make the work a little easier on my body.

A picture of the before of the shop:
Image

A picture of the after:
Image

As shown before in the thread
Here is a picture of what my project 1975 GL1000 started out as when I purchased earlier this year.
Image

And a picture of what it starts to look like with the body panels on:
Image

Some thoughts on what I think I will be doing
thinking that I will be lowering the stance some. (shorter rear shocks?, move front forks up the tree)
Need to go through the engine, new seals,
Redo the carbs
Removing much of the electrical on the bike.
Going to use dyna ignition and coils
short or no fenders
clean up the instrument cluster
possibly Thinking of an orange/black color scheme
blacking out the engine
Brake rebuild, with custom lines
custom exhaust might use a harley muffler, straight pipes are too much for me
Powder coat the rims and relace the wheels
Corbin Gunfighter seat
Eric
75 GL1000 w/ California SideCar Friendship 1 (mine)
79 GL1000 w/ Sweet SideCar (Heather's)
75 GL1000 destined to be customized
89 GL1500 (still undecided)
79 GL1000 was Scott's (what to do with this one?)
GRN75
User avatar
CBX n GL man
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 303
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2011 11:51 pm
Location: SOCAL

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#20

Post by CBX n GL man »

Cool, garage is ready for the build to begin. Good ideas you came up with for the build. Later.
'81 CBX nekid
'80 GL1100 w/windjammer
'80 CX 500D 1/4 nekid
'84 GL1200A 1/2 nekid -- gone
User avatar
ehadams
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 575
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:07 pm
Location: Monkton, VT

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#21

Post by ehadams »

Well I didn't make the cut for Greasy Dozen. But I was selected for the Associate builders program. A great incentive for me to get off my butt and get this build in gear.
Once I get the snow cleared out of the yard it is time to start on this project.
Eric
75 GL1000 w/ California SideCar Friendship 1 (mine)
79 GL1000 w/ Sweet SideCar (Heather's)
75 GL1000 destined to be customized
89 GL1500 (still undecided)
79 GL1000 was Scott's (what to do with this one?)
GRN75
User avatar
55mphx4
Chrome Member
Chrome Member
Posts: 103
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2012 9:51 pm
Location: dell rapids,sd usa

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#22

Post by 55mphx4 »

When I put clip ons on mine from a gsx-r 750 I had trouble reaching them. I had clubmans before and they were very uncomfortable. I went with a Flanders 1 1/2 rise handlebar and they look good and are fairly comfortable(for me). When I lowered my bike I went with an 11'' rear shock and I dropped the front just by lowering the tree. The ride is a little stiffer??? and our roads aren't the best here, so I did have to remove my center stand. Good luck!
User avatar
ehadams
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 575
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:07 pm
Location: Monkton, VT

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#23

Post by ehadams »

Finally got to do some work on the bike over the last few days.
I have removed most of the parts off the bike.
I have pulled the tank and determining what the best tank I have around for having sealed. I hopefully will be sending it off to Elizabeth Radiator in Pennsylvania this week.

Here is a picture of the current state of the bike.
Image

Only thing left to pull is the front end
Image

Engine is up on the bench ready to be serviced.
Image
Eric
75 GL1000 w/ California SideCar Friendship 1 (mine)
79 GL1000 w/ Sweet SideCar (Heather's)
75 GL1000 destined to be customized
89 GL1500 (still undecided)
79 GL1000 was Scott's (what to do with this one?)
GRN75
User avatar
ehadams
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 575
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:07 pm
Location: Monkton, VT

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#24

Post by ehadams »

Finished stripping the frame yesterday.
degreased the frame and then washed it.
Now I am ready for the fun of replacing the broken bits, upgrading other bits.
Painting and trying to make my vision come true.
Image
Eric
75 GL1000 w/ California SideCar Friendship 1 (mine)
79 GL1000 w/ Sweet SideCar (Heather's)
75 GL1000 destined to be customized
89 GL1500 (still undecided)
79 GL1000 was Scott's (what to do with this one?)
GRN75
User avatar
Oldboy
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 697
Joined: Sat Jul 26, 2008 4:53 pm
Location: Mississauga Ontario Canada

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#25

Post by Oldboy »

Let the fun begin.....be creative!
Cheers...

Just Wing-it
User avatar
Easter
True Blue Steel Biker
True Blue Steel Biker
Posts: 2999
Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2012 11:33 am
Location: South of Houston 100 miles

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#26

Post by Easter »

Rebuilding from the frame up is much more fun than just repairing.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
User avatar
ehadams
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 575
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:07 pm
Location: Monkton, VT

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#27

Post by ehadams »

Thanks guys. I have read the posts on both your bikes and put some more ideas in my head. Love the exhaust on your's Oldboy. I have the same parts for my exhaust as you do Easter, now I just need to decide which one.
Eric
75 GL1000 w/ California SideCar Friendship 1 (mine)
79 GL1000 w/ Sweet SideCar (Heather's)
75 GL1000 destined to be customized
89 GL1500 (still undecided)
79 GL1000 was Scott's (what to do with this one?)
GRN75
User avatar
sunnbobb
Facebook Admin
Facebook Admin
Posts: 21272
Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:09 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/sunnbobb/
Location: LaConner, WA

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#28

Post by sunnbobb »

and the fun begins!!
I found the end of the internet

---- Bradshaw Bikes custom polishing for your wing. Visit us on facebook!

1978 Learning Experience
1980 County Road Hauler "Brain Damage"
1978 Cafe Custom Gl1000 "Vyper"
1977 Bulldog Inspired "Vaincre"
1981 Street Fighter GL1100 "No Quarter"
1983 Supercharged Street Drag "Anubis" (in worx)
1983 gl1100 mint restoration "Kristen"
1985 Aspencade..pondering.
User avatar
ehadams
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 575
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:07 pm
Location: Monkton, VT

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#29

Post by ehadams »

Today I was able to make some good progress.
Started cleaning more of the parts to get them ready for paint.
Prepped and packed the gas tank to send off to get it coated by Elizabeth radiator.
Started taking the wheels apart to get them ready for new spokes and probably trip to the powder coated.

The biggest thing I did today was to tear into the engine and determine why it wouldn't turn over. Turns out that the #2 & #4 cylinder had some rust holding the pistons in place. After 30 or so minutes of coaxing with a dead blow hammer the engine was turning over very freely.

That was my biggest fear of this bike, that I wouldn't be able to use the engine with out a complete tear down.

Here are some pictures.
Image
Image
Image
Eric
75 GL1000 w/ California SideCar Friendship 1 (mine)
79 GL1000 w/ Sweet SideCar (Heather's)
75 GL1000 destined to be customized
89 GL1500 (still undecided)
79 GL1000 was Scott's (what to do with this one?)
GRN75
User avatar
Roady
Member Relations &_Graphics
Member Relations &_Graphics
Posts: 11957
Joined: Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:35 pm
Location: Port St. John, FL

Re: Eric's build of a Custom/Cafe GL

#30

Post by Roady »

Appears you got lucky with the engine. Good progress there.
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GoldWing UnderGround CustomiZing”