My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
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- Tin Member
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My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
New guy here, with my first Wing. Here's my story. I needed an inexpensive two-up machine for day trips and afternoon jaunts with my wife, with maybe an annual three or four day trip tossed in for fun. I didn't want a full-on touring setup, was thinking bagger style with maybe a windshield. Soni jumped on the local kijiji site and found what I was looking for. A 1981 GL1100 standard that had a Windjammer fairing and bags and trunk added at some point. The seller had bought the bike with the intent of taking it naked again, but had too many projects going, so he sold the Wing to me. I test rode it in the rain, and ride it home in the rain. Felt like the brakes were a bit weak, noted that the handlebars were bent and the forks were twisted in the triple tree, but appeared to be straight. Mismatched mirrors, leaking right rear shock, cracked dash, and broken tach cable. Paint in somewhat faded/streaked condition, but not bad. Seat in pretty good shape. Started pretty well, rode smooth and strong. All deficiencies well within my skill set, and helped bring the price down a bit.
Next I went looking for a forum. This place stood out right away for the quality of work and great atmosphere, so here I am. I'm using this thread mainly for my own reference purposes and to sort of document my work as I go, but if any of you have suggestions or ideas, feel free to jump in.
Here's the "original sin" photo...
Looks pretty good, but definitely a ten-footer. Things got a little uglier as I started work on her. I want to keep this project as low-budget as possible, so the bagger may end up a rat. We shall see.
Next I went looking for a forum. This place stood out right away for the quality of work and great atmosphere, so here I am. I'm using this thread mainly for my own reference purposes and to sort of document my work as I go, but if any of you have suggestions or ideas, feel free to jump in.
Here's the "original sin" photo...
Looks pretty good, but definitely a ten-footer. Things got a little uglier as I started work on her. I want to keep this project as low-budget as possible, so the bagger may end up a rat. We shall see.
- 5speed
- Honored Life Member
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- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
Welcome to the site. Looking forward to your build.
I have an 82 standard and love it.
Change your timing belts.
I have an 82 standard and love it.
Change your timing belts.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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- Tin Member
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:14 pm
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
Hee hee! Love it! Yeah, the belts will be here next week. Along with filters and mirrors...5speed wrote:Welcome to the site. Looking forward to your build.
I have an 82 standard and love it.
Change your timing belts.
- TNTbefree
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- Location: Jacksonville, FL
- Rat
- Photo Gallery Admin
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
Welcome to the 'Wingdom.
Lots of useful stuff in ShopTalk.
Gord
Lots of useful stuff in ShopTalk.
Gord
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
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- Titanium Member
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- Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2015 8:11 pm
- Location: Bellingham wa.
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
Welcome to the best Goldwing site on the World Wide Web. Where are you located at?
I use my 81 GL110 for daily commuting, weekend rides with the wife and a couple of long overnight trips in the summer. One of the things I like is the trunk/back rest pops off easily and give it a more sporty look
Here's my version of the do It all Goldwing
I use my 81 GL110 for daily commuting, weekend rides with the wife and a couple of long overnight trips in the summer. One of the things I like is the trunk/back rest pops off easily and give it a more sporty look
Here's my version of the do It all Goldwing
- CYBORG
- Moderator
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- Location: Muskegon mich
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
I find the front fender treatment especially intresting
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
- 5speed
- Honored Life Member
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- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
I've never been a fan of those fairings but that is a sharp looking wing.DUGG wrote:Welcome to the best Goldwing site on the World Wide Web. Where are you located at?
I use my 81 GL110 for daily commuting, weekend rides with the wife and a couple of long overnight trips in the summer. One of the things I like is the trunk/back rest pops off easily and give it a more sporty look
Here's my version of the do It all Goldwing
IMG_0282.JPG
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- ritalz
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2005 10:22 am
- Location: St Louis, MO
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
I'm not a big fan of red but agree with 5speed, That is a sharp looking bike.
Al
2003 Goldwing Daily Rider
1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1984 Goldwing New Bagger Project
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter' Sold
1985 Goldwing Interstate 'NCC-1985' sold
1981 Silverwing Sold
1982 Goldeing Project Sold
1981 Goldwing Parted Out
1983 Goldwing Project Sold
1973 CB500F Long Gone
1966 CL77 First Street Bike
http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery3/index.p ... ans/ritalz
2003 Goldwing Daily Rider
1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1984 Goldwing New Bagger Project
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter' Sold
1985 Goldwing Interstate 'NCC-1985' sold
1981 Silverwing Sold
1982 Goldeing Project Sold
1981 Goldwing Parted Out
1983 Goldwing Project Sold
1973 CB500F Long Gone
1966 CL77 First Street Bike
http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery3/index.p ... ans/ritalz
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- Titanium Member
- Posts: 342
- Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2015 8:11 pm
- Location: Bellingham wa.
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
Thanks for the compliments? I didn't mean to hijack this thread though.
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- Tin Member
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:14 pm
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
Totally hijacked my thread! Not only am I unhappy about that (no I'm not ), I'm also unhappy because your bike is so gorgeous! I'm now questioning actually going naked with mine... That is a beautiful bike.DUGG wrote:Welcome to the best Goldwing site on the World Wide Web. Where are you located at?
I use my 81 GL110 for daily commuting, weekend rides with the wife and a couple of long overnight trips in the summer. One of the things I like is the trunk/back rest pops off easily and give it a more sporty look
Here's my version of the do It all Goldwing
IMG_0282.JPG
So tell me all about your front fender. Inquiring minds, and all that....
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- Titanium Member
- Posts: 342
- Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2015 8:11 pm
- Location: Bellingham wa.
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
Thanks you, not too bad for a auto mechanic with some rattle cans.
The front fender is from a late seventies CB750/900f super sport.
When I was younger there was no way I would of had a bike with luggage. But now that I'm older (notice I didn't say wiser) I can't imagine not. If your going to do long weekends you need it, especially for the wife's stuff. But its nice to run to the store and get something, store extra gear in, tools etc.
I don't have time or money for another bike so this one has to do it all. It's great for the daily commute, weekend rides, works for long weekend trips. Plus it hustles down the back roads and twisties pretty darn good.
The front fender is from a late seventies CB750/900f super sport.
When I was younger there was no way I would of had a bike with luggage. But now that I'm older (notice I didn't say wiser) I can't imagine not. If your going to do long weekends you need it, especially for the wife's stuff. But its nice to run to the store and get something, store extra gear in, tools etc.
I don't have time or money for another bike so this one has to do it all. It's great for the daily commute, weekend rides, works for long weekend trips. Plus it hustles down the back roads and twisties pretty darn good.
- Rat
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- My Album: https://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rat/
- RIP: cookie
- Location: Toronto .... Canada
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
R2B5 .... I almost never use the trunk, but the right hand bag has tools, spares and raingear .... away from traffic if I need something .... the left hand bag is empty .... except when I need it .... two or three times a day ....
Gord
Gord
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
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- Tin Member
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:14 pm
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
So. The fairing is off, and what to my wondering eyes should appear? This:
As you can see, this is a groove placed in the frame on the right side, just above the radiator. (I apologize fot not cleaning up the frame yet. I had a pressing engagement...)
My question: is this normal, standard, found on every 1981 GL? The bike tracks straight, doesn't appear to be misaligned (although I haven't actually measured it yet). If it's a "feature" added by a previous owner, is it something I need to worry about?
As you can see, this is a groove placed in the frame on the right side, just above the radiator. (I apologize fot not cleaning up the frame yet. I had a pressing engagement...)
My question: is this normal, standard, found on every 1981 GL? The bike tracks straight, doesn't appear to be misaligned (although I haven't actually measured it yet). If it's a "feature" added by a previous owner, is it something I need to worry about?
- Liam
- True Blue Steel Biker
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- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:23 am
- Location: Ireland
Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project
That looks to have been caused by some kind of impact at some point.
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