My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

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BowWow
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My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#1

Post by BowWow »

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...
20180616_200358.jpg
20180616_200358.jpg (142.92 KiB) Viewed 343 times
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.
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5speed
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#2

Post by 5speed »

Welcome to the site. Looking forward to your build.
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)
BowWow
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#3

Post by BowWow »

5speed wrote:Welcome to the site. Looking forward to your build.
I have an 82 standard and love it.
Change your timing belts. ;)
Hee hee! Love it! Yeah, the belts will be here next week. Along with filters and mirrors...
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TNTbefree
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#4

Post by TNTbefree »

Welcome to the club.
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Rat
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#5

Post by Rat »

Welcome to the 'Wingdom.

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
DUGG
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#6

Post by DUGG »

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
IMG_0282.JPG (266.08 KiB) Viewed 293 times
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CYBORG
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#7

Post by CYBORG »

I find the front fender treatment especially intresting
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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5speed
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#8

Post by 5speed »

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
I've never been a fan of those fairings but that is a sharp looking wing.
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)
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ritalz
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#9

Post by ritalz »

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
DUGG
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#10

Post by DUGG »

Thanks for the compliments? I didn't mean to hijack this thread though.
BowWow
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#11

Post by BowWow »

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
Totally hijacked my thread! Not only am I unhappy about that (no I'm not :lol: ), I'm also unhappy because your bike is so gorgeous! I'm now questioning actually going naked with mine... That is a beautiful bike.

So tell me all about your front fender. Inquiring minds, and all that....
DUGG
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#12

Post by DUGG »

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.
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Rat
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#13

Post by Rat »

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 ....
CCE7F2FF-124E-4A19-BAF4-43EA654FABA5.jpeg
CCE7F2FF-124E-4A19-BAF4-43EA654FABA5.jpeg (119.82 KiB) Viewed 241 times
Gord anim-cheers1
"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
BowWow
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#14

Post by BowWow »

So. The fairing is off, and what to my wondering eyes should appear? This:
20180624_170130.jpg
20180624_170130.jpg (101.62 KiB) Viewed 215 times
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?
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Liam
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Re: My '81 Bagger/Rat Project

#15

Post by Liam »

That looks to have been caused by some kind of impact at some point.
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