1978 GL1000 Resto Mod

[GalDemSuga]

Folks

I'm beginning a modest restoration of my 78 GL1000. Along the way I'm sure to need help from the forum as I'm just a tinkerer. I bought "Valorie" back in March 2020 from a guy in Toronto, Canada and brought her back to Texas. She runs but will need some work to be reliable and safe. I removed the faring, trunk and bags and found an old-timer who wanted them for his 77 GL1000.

I've attached a few pics. In the 4th picture just below the fuel pump, can anyone confirm whether or not there is bolt or screw missing from the right cylinder head which looks like a source of the many oil leaks.

[pidjones]

Just an unused mounting hole. Oil on this area is probably coming from much farther forward - even as far as fork seals. Dark garage and a cheap UV flashlight can help find the source.

BTW - Change your belts! Also, repair all of the damaged insulation caused by mounting the Vetter. They shipped with Scotchloks, which cut wire strands and leave open wounds in the insulation. Also, search the forum for "three yellow wires" and fix yours. And Change your belts!

Oh, and Welcome!

[gltriker]

Welcome to the Club.

ShopTalk is your friend page/ST

[GalDemSuga]

Just an unused mounting hole. Oil on this area is probably coming from much farther forward - even as far as fork seals. Dark garage and a cheap UV flashlight can help find the source.

BTW - Change your belts! Also, repair all of the damaged insulation caused by mounting the Vetter. They shipped with Scotchloks, which cut wire strands and leave open wounds in the insulation. Also, search the forum for "three yellow wires" and fix yours. And Change your belts!

Oh, and Welcome!

pidjones

Thank you. The belts, tensioners and loose unprotected wires are all part of the plan. I am going to address the stator and I was considering a Polaris SH775 upgrade. I need to research the issue. As it stands it seems like the PO had recently changed the RR because it looks new.

[GalDemSuga]

Welcome to the Club.

ShopTalk is your friend page/ST

gltriker

Thank you. I have been looking over that section. I see the wealth of info assembled there and I'm grateful to everyone who has contributed to it.

[rcmatt007]

78's ARE the best looking

[GalDemSuga]

78's ARE the best looking

I think they all look great If possible I would swap over a 76 tank shelter on my 78.

[Fred Camper]

A 76 tank fits fine. Just you loose the voltmeter. There are other small voltage indicators available.

[GalDemSuga]

A 76 tank fits fine. Just you loose the voltmeter. There are other small voltage indicators available.

Hey Fred

So the 76 tank shelter fits my 78 tank housing without changing anything else? I can retain voltmeter option via a handlebar mounted USB phone charger. Finding all three pieces so far has been difficult. The 76 hinges at the top versus my 78 hinging at the bottom.

[rcmatt007]

no, you have to change the shelter frame as well

[GalDemSuga]

no, you have to change the shelter frame as well

Understood

[rcmatt007]

and I might add... it will not be as good looking IMHO

[GalDemSuga]

and I might add... it will not be as good looking IMHO

I understand your love for the 78s
I'm not final on the swap as its takes away from my tiny budget, it was just an idea I had.

[GalDemSuga]

@ rcmatt007

I need replacement rear shocks and I saw that you rebuilt some from a 1200, where did you find the shocks and parts needed?

So far I've only pressured the engine and will run it for a while to find any and all leaks. The final drive needs removing and resealing and the front shocks need rebuilding as well.

[rcmatt007]

The 1200 shocks I rebuilt were off our 1200 (but I bet you can find them on ebay(. I got the parts needed from one of the online honda parts (I think chaparral)
For my current projects I am going with progressive rear shocks.