First Bike project

[FLoldguy]

Hi Y'all, I've been lurking around this and other Goldwing sites for a while now. I can honestly say I've done a LOT of reading. This is my first post here. I'm a seasoned retired guy who has been riding off and on since I was 14. I'm coming off a 15 year dry spell and currently have a 2000 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan, 2012 Goldwing (currently for sale), and a 2003 Goldwing CSC Trike. Two weeks ago I acquired a 1982 GL1100 Interstate project bike. Plan is to turn her into a bagger. It's in pretty decent shape with only 22,500 miles showing. Very little to no rust even on the exhaust system. Frame is clean with the exception of the battery tray area which I have already removed, cleaned, painted and reinstalled. Fairing has been removed and I just finished the yellow stator wire fix and have cleaned several connectors with Deoxit contact cleaner. Will reconnect with dielectric grease. I've been studying parts availability and looking at the gallery pics for ideas. I don't think I can compete with some of the projects I've seen here. Many are absolutely spectacular and worthy of much pride. I'm a retired USAF avionics specialist so the electrical area doesn't bother me. I have a lot to learn and have always been a DITY guy. Was rebuilding car engines as a teen but I have gotten away from all but basic mechanicing since cars have become so computer controlled. My wife was recently diagnosed with cancer so the bikes will serve as my therapy and diversion. I'm looking forward to the bagger project and corresponding with other like minded souls here. I'll have lots of questions; some might not be so bright. Handle is FLoldguy, name is Dale.

[zman]

Welcome to the forum, some amazing and creative bikes here on the forum, I think there are many with just average riders too, most started out that way but then one part leads to another and before you know it you have a build going.
Give us some pics when you can, sounds like it will be a nice one, love the bagger look.

[rcmatt007]

welcome to NGW, don't forget to change the timing belts

[chrisz]

Welcome aboard! Sorry to hear about your missus.

[duke182]

Welcome from Arkansas

[TNTbefree]

Welcome to the club. It's good to see a fellow Jax NGW rider. I do not see many of us around these parts. I'm in the Riverside area. I have an 81 Interstate that I took down to a NGW.

It went from this...

1981 Goldwing GL1100 01.jpg (110.89 KiB) Viewed 365 times

To this...

1981 gl1100 naked honda goldwing Army OD green 001.jpg (82.24 KiB) Viewed 365 times

As I am not so good with the electronics or wires, that tool bag on the front forks is stuffed with all the extra wire I didn't know what to do with. It adds to the look, but one day I would like to clean up the wires and use the bag for tools and stuff.

Hope to see you around and will be praying for your wife.

[Neil]

Welcome to NGW, changed my 82 Interstate to a bagger in 95 but with all things it has gone through several transformations since then. Take your time, find the right parts for you and above all enjoy doing it. USAF 1969 - 1977.

[Rat]

Welcome to the 'Wingdom from Toronto.

We're hoping to have a Run to Florida in the Spring ......

Gord

[redwood]

Welcome to NGW!