My Last Two GL1000 Projects

[gltriker]

Well Done, Cedric

[Track T 2411]

[digger]

Wow! To see two in that shape together is something, very beautiful machines. I know you put a lot of time and sweat equity into
them. Your brother is going to love it. You are doing a great service to him and I’m sure he will appreciate it, especially since you personally did the work. Rather amazing that people haven’t contacted you about making the grab bars for their restorations.

[cfairweather]

Thanks for all of the nice comments. I did put a lot of time and effort into these projects, but it was a labor of love. I have learned a lot about these bikes over the years and have tried to save as many as I could from the junkyard. These two were certainly headed there, but now they will been seen and enjoyed for years. Those grab bars were a real challenge and I had to make the tools before I could make the bars. I personally like the look of my bars better than the original, but everyone has their own opinion. My brother is very excited and thankful for his "new" bike. He will be here in July to pick it up. If weather permits, I will put about 25 miles on each of these today to identify any issues. It has been fun, but I will be selling most of my spare parts and focus on carbs for a while. I have about 10 old sets of GL1000 carbs that I will be rebuilding. Then, I don't know what I will do to stay busy, but I will figure that out later.

[Fred Camper]

The projects will find you before you look for them, never fear. No need to figure it out.

[cfairweather]

I rode both of them yesterday and found a few minor things to resolve, but let me say that I do not recommend that cheap 4-in-1 gauge. I am going to end up replacing it with something else that is more reliable. It works, but it is erratic sometimes. For example, yesterday the fuel gauge went way above the full mark. It came back down after I turned the bike off and then back on. Also, sometimes the needles all get stuck in the same place. Again, turning the bike off and back on fixed the issue, but gauges should work reliably. I have tried two of these and not happy with either. The good news is both bikes ran great.

[Fred Camper]

Well, that is great news for sure. Great restorative effort. A gauge is an relatively easy fix compared to the typical new rebuild blues.

[cfairweather]

Got a replacement gauge and I love it. This time I bought a high quality, heavy duty American 4-N-1 gauge. It is a Faria marine gauge that required different sensors. Today, I removed the carbs and replaced the temp sensor. Then I replaced the oil sensor and finally the fuel tank sensor. The Chinese gauges used gauges that were based on European standards. This Faria gauge required sensors with USA standards. I am very pleased with the way it looks and they work perfectly. In fact, I may keep this GL1000 and give my brother the other one . Took it for a long ride and flushed out one additional issue. My oil light began to flicker and then came on randomly while I was riding. I am pretty sure the oil sending unit is bad because the 4-N-1 gauge showed I had adequate pressure throughout the ride. Ordered a new PS-132 and will replace it tomorrow.

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[sunnbobb]

nice

[Fred Camper]

Nice gauge for sure, will consider that one.

[digger]

Cedric, for your “Last Two GL1000 Projects” you are certainly going out on top! That is a crowning achievement. The amount of time, money and dedication to detail is apparent throughout. I know both you and your brother will enjoy many miles and smiles riding those beauties and showing them off. I really like the upgrades you have made, yet still keeping the stock look. I do like to see modified GLs in all formats, but it moves me to see almost 50 year old bikes that look and ride like they did when new.

[cfairweather]

Thanks Digger. I enjoyed doing these. My wife and several others have told me they don't believe these will be my last ones . Today, I replaced the PS132 oil pressure sensor/switch. I also added a relay to the design, so that when there is oil pressure, the relay turns on the fuel pump. I can post some details if people are interested. I may do this to the other one too as I think this is a better way to run the electric fuel pump.

[Liam]

Beautiful work Cedric. I love reading your posts and seeing how you solve problems and make things. Oh, and I hope your wife is right. Truth be known, they usually are.

[cfairweather]

Liam- Thanks for your message and you are correct about the wife usually being right. I have been married for 47 years, so she knows me better than I know myself. . I am currently completely cleaning out my shop so I can have a professionals texture/paint the walls and epoxy the floor. I will be tinkering in a much better place when the work is complete.

[Fred Camper]

Cedric, Congratulations on July 2024 Bike of the Month. Well deserved praise.