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“Retread” is a born-again Goldwing. Not sure
if he’s Christian, but I’m pretty sure he’s got a soul.
Thus
began the rebirth of the 1983 GL 1100I now known as “Retread”. I say
“He” because there’s nothing feminine about him. He’s not so lean,
he can still be mean, & he’s a fighting machine zipping through
traffic each day with the best of them. The looks we get at bike
nights say it all. Two old farts still chugging along, beginning to
age but fighting it all the way.
He sat outside in back of the shop waiting to
become a donor. He had flat “feet” and was wearing a set of worn out
“sneakers”. Though he carried three bags, they were empty. He didn’t
look that aged for a 27 year old. His color hadn’t faded or been
retouched. His “ticker” seemed to have a strong beat. I couldn’t
leave him to become an organ donor just because he lost his “birth
certificate”. If that were the case for everyone, then we would have
a different president right now.
I brought him home in the rain but he didn’t
mind at all. He stayed in my trailer till we knew what to do to
“correct” the paperwork problem.
I had a frame (or three) laying around that
never went up on ebay (no time), so I chose the best looking/newest
(1981) and began the swap over. It all looked like it would fit…..
needed a stud for the signal cancel thingamabob under the neck but I
have a stick welder so…….
:p>
Cleaned the frame and began stripping the old.....
Cleaned and slid the engine over, belts of
course, rebuilt the carbs following the “shop talk” overhaul article
by Roady – Fantastic info. Only good tank was the 83 and that was
where the “fun” began. Seems that the 83 tank is just a bit
different…..The petcock is back and up just enough to require some
grinding of the rear 3 point mounting bracket.
(Petcock pics will be linked soon.)
Next fun came when I noticed that the rear tire
was “somewhat close” to the front part of the 81 swingarm – seems
there is a small difference there too. Pumpkin and axle mounted fine
just a tad shorter. Seems to be ok so far. Changed the brakes to 81
style. Call me old but I prefer to have the rear ONLY on the foot
pedal. I also hate ABS on cars – Maybe when I’m older and can’t
remember to pump the brakes - but not yet.
Fairing – NOT….. The Honda fairing mounted to
the frame was just too heavy and I like to see the headlight move
when I move the bars. Maybe on another bike. How about an old School
Harley Windshield and custom made riding light/mounting bracket with
signals under like HD style. Bracket mounted to the brake crossover
mount and Headlight bolts then windshield mounted to bracket.
I’m working on a HD batwing fairing &
shield for the colder mornings. Four bolts will change it out. Tail lights – the turn signals in the bag
bottoms will now be RED lense riding & Brake lamps and turn signals
will be amber on the bag rails.
Since there was no emblem on the “tank”, I added the bird to the
tank in front of the striping. I am amazed at how many people DO NOT
KNOW what type of bike it is till they ask. The Goldwing logo is
still on the side covers but that means nothing to them.
Note: 5/5/11 - The black side covers and tank will now be the new
colors for "Aspy" - my 83 aspencade. Fairing is mountable and will
soon be painted to match Retreads new "look". What the heck,
if I don't need it, it's only a few bolts and the windshield is back
on.
Batwing fairing was just a shell so I had to create a complete mount
from scratch. Found it needed extra support so added bars from the
top bolts of the forks and posts from the handlebars - VERY SOLID
now.......... Rock steady at 80 mph. Traffic cruising speed to work
averages 65 - 80++ ... I TRY to hold it down to 70 max. Mind
you, this is at 5:30 AM !! They are all headed to NYC. I turn off
half way, THANK GOD !!
Retread's new "colors"
With new colors - will paint the batwing next time
I swap the windshield.
.JPG)
Next is removal of the bags and install of a solo
seat...... need to get "Aspy" running first.
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