Which year for naked/cafe build?

[rcbirk21]

Hey all-

first time poster. i currently own a victory bike, but my first bike was an old CB750 that i never got around to turning cafe, and when I started looking for ideas I came across the naked wings, which is exactly what I am looking to do. The question is, what year should I be looking for? Ive found ones in my area (bay area in california) from 1975 through 1985. I am leaning towards an '81 or '82, but wanted to hear some advice. I attached some pics of what I am looking to do. Any advice? Thanks in adavance!

[ericheath]

83 had the mags like the top photo. 84-87 had smaller, wider front tire and bigger forks to go with more torque in the motor. Early models can be gotten cheaper.

[gregforesi]

I'm fond of the 1000's simply because they are physically smaller. The 1100's are a good choice as well, but being a bit longer, I think they are better suited to a bobber build (now, now boys, we all have our opinions).
The 1200 standard is one of the Holy Grail wings and you'd see some grief from the boys if you hacked and whacked on one of those.
I'll throw this in because frankly I'm kind of fond of it. If you go through the gallery here, you'll come across some real beauties.

1978 Goldwing.jpg (245.07 KiB) Viewed 489 times

No one will ever mistake one of these for a small bike, but they are smooth as silk and their quickness will come as a surprise to folks who don't remember. Here's a kind of "What is and What Was" photo of White Trash and Brutus Maximus.

MBS_0043.JPG (178.18 KiB) Viewed 489 times

[Gowing]

Wow, side by side really shows the difference doesn't it.

[ericheath]

My favorite Spike and Tike pic.

[rcbirk21]

I saw some guys using tanks from different years. How easy is it to do? Im assuming they aren't bolt ons. Is it just welding tabs, or more than that?

[robin1731]

Have a look through the custom build section. Many different ideas there.

[sunnbobb]

The top bike is a 78. I used a shelter from an 81 1100. I also used an 83 rim on the front and a lester rim on the rear. From my experience, an 80-83 GL1100 is the easiest to work on. The frame is longer than the gl1000 and the ignition is electronic. I also find the carbs easier to rebuild. If you want more info on the build, just search this site under "Vyper".

[rcbirk21]

The top bike is a 78. I used a shelter from an 81 1100. I also used an 83 rim on the front and a lester rim on the rear. From my experience, an 80-83 GL1100 is the easiest to work on. The frame is longer than the gl1000 and the ignition is electronic. I also find the carbs easier to rebuild. If you want more info on the build, just search this site under "Vyper".

oh wow, didnt realize that was your bike! thats awsome, fantastic build! how hard was it to black out the engine? i really like the look of that.

[sunnbobb]

Thanks. Nope, wasn't hard at all, just some masking tape and a rattle can..

[GW Hobo]

Sunnbob, I had to smile when I first saw that he posted your bike. It's one of my favorites too, rcbirk21. Great minds. Good luck with the build.

Hobo