Fred's 1977 GL1000 -- BADDOG's Chronicle

[Fred Camper]

Here is my project bike, it is in good mechanical shape but does need paint. Now that I can post pictures, can you identify the mag wheels on this bike and if they have value (also posted this in the introduction forum, so sorry if you saw it over there). I plan to put proper spoke wheels on, but would like to know what I could expect to get for the mags. Since they are different, they most likely would be sold separate.





So far the list in my head includes the wheels, paint, stock valve covers and a nice seat like a Corbin (but more affordable). I plan to ride two up with my wife and I think she would appreciate a contoured seat to stay put better.

Appreciate all opinions, better to have the input before I start making changes. All mods are to wait until riding season is over as for now I just want to ride her.

March 31 edit, some current pictures added;
Right Side

and Left Side
[/URL]

Of course bikes are for wrenching, so these are not intended as final shots.

[robin1731]

Front wheel looks like a Lester. Rear wheel is a different brand. That rear is what I have on my SS Wing, but I have both front and rear. What size is the rear? 16" is common but there are some 18" floating around.

[Fred Camper]

Rear is a 16 inch. Does that help?

I agree that the front looks like a Lester, just not sure it really is one. But if Lester is the most common mag, then it very well may be.

[robin1731]

I believe the Lster's have the name cast in to them on one of the spokes. Look at it pretty close to check on that. Sometimes they will go for more money than other times, of course. If you had a set, or pair of either one it would be better. Can still be sold though.

This is what the front mate looks like for the rear that you have.

[inspector]

Having fun riding that old girl, Very nice bike, I think I've seen it before...

The front wheel is a Lester and the rear I think is a Star mag 16"

No plate in the picture, you riding her...

[polkadot]

Nice Bike. Mine should look about like that next summer. Let me know if you want to get rid of your stock 77 seat. I am scouring ebay for a decent one. Ernie

[starket]

Those wheels look like the ones on mine.

I have been told they are Star wheels.

[robin1731]

Yeah, star wheels is the only name we have ever come up with. The same as I have on mine. They are a bit more rare than the Lester's. You don't see too many of them.

[Fred Camper]

Yup, Inspector was correct, the front is Lester and the rear is 16 inch Star. Yup, it has a plate and is being ridden and runs great. So mystery solved.

[Fred Camper]

Found a Parts Bike today for $340, not a great deal but should be okay. Pretty complete, but since it was in a box there are certainly parts missing (it was dressed, so no helmet locks, no front blinkers, no headlight, dog ears, etc). But the engine looks good (25K miles) and stock and frame is sound. Should come in handy as my primary bike get more usage. Mostly wanted the spoker wheels, but these spokes are nasty. Need to decide to removethe spokes and clean/polish them or bite the bullet and buy new spokes.

[nukeman]

I worked in a bike shop many years ago and we would never ever reuse spokes. When lacing up a new rim, disassembly of the old wheel always included the use of bolt cutters on the old spokes. I can sympathize with the money side of it, but with the amount of work involved with rebuilding wheels it doesn't make sense to cheap out on something you need to trust with your life. Maybe that's a bit exaggerated, but still, you could sell off unneeded parts from the parts bike to finance this.

[lesterclark4169]

Beautiful 77. I had one just like that in 77 brand new. I would ride with pride with out changing a thing just keep the cost down. Do the nickel and dime thing maybe the seat first the valve covers look great. The rims are trouble free,no tubes no spokes no problems.

[lesterclark4169]

My bad . The seat looks perfect. Do not change a thing.

[Roady]

I gotta agree with Les.

Ride the wheels off of it until the weather forces you into the shop.

[Fred Camper]

I am starting to agree with you all. Put about 50 miles on today and it was very enjoyable. If you buy a bike from Inspector, my experience is that it will be exactly what he tells you it is. This is one sweet ride. I tried out a dual tourning seat (TravelCade/Saddleman) but like the recovered stock seat better. And yes, either the spoke wheels are true and useable as is or I just wait and see if my desire for spokes remains then I buy new spokes. But removing and cleaning, no way per your excellent advice.