goldwing project

[mickwinf]

Despite not wanting another project after selling my 500 four I ended up buying a pair of goldwings and extra spares as a job lot. One is complete but tatty, the other is in many pieces. not sure what the plan is, but first I am trying to get the blue one going to assess what I have then decide if to sell one to fund the other. Any other Goldwing owners on here? They do only have one cam per side! I have started by removing the carbs to clean them, don't look too bad in the one I have opened.

[royhall]

Thats true, it is indeed a SOHC four.

[Orcade-Ian]

Hi Mick,
Another Wing man here.  I've had 6 of them (so far).not to everyone's taste I know and I've had the usual comments of 'Why don't you just buy a bloody car?'
I still have a very early GL 1000 and an anniversary GL 1500
Lots of stuff still available for your GL and they are starting to be worth good money as are most 70's bikes.  I've often pondered the fact that they have one cam per bank and four pots (except the 15's and 18's anyway) but have never wanted to rock the boat on this forum. Carbs can be a real pain to get right with all the small passages.  Worth looking at Randakk's site, he's the US guru and has a video available for carb build and can supply awkward stuff.
Also have a peek at Steve Saunders site, lots of good info there.

Keep us all informed of progress.
Ian

www.randakks.com

www.goldwingfacts.com

[mickwinf]

thanks Ian I always wanted a wing back in the day, I prefer the look of the early ones best. one of the things I got with the bikes was a carb rebuild kit from randakks complete with dvd, a very comprehensive kit.Is there a uk forum for them?

[Orcade-Ian]

Hi Mick
I haven't come across a specific UK Wing forum - but that doesn't mean there isn't one.  The Steve Saunders one is my favourite and there are stacks of UK members on there.  Glad you have the Randakk's DVD and kit, that will help a great deal.  If any head gasket work is needed, they don't seem to like spurious ones, only oem seems to do the job.
The Wing is a very capable bike and I have done over 100,000 miles on them.  I would not hesitate to set out on a 1000 mile trip on my 1500 - except today perhaps, we have storm force winds here in Orkney and all ferries cancelled
Ian

[mickwinf]

very slow progress on the bike, the carbs are very complicated and time is short for me at the moment. I have bought an ultrasonic cleaner to clean them, any tips on using it?

[AshimotoK0]

very slow progress on the bike, the carbs are very complicated and time is short for me at the moment. I have bought an ultrasonic cleaner to clean them, any tips on using it?

Get some ultrasonic cleaning fluid specifically for alloy from Allendale Electronics on eBay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Carburettor-Machine-Parts-Ultrasonic-Cleaning-Fluid-1L-Engine-Cleaner-Solution-/231219810941?hash=item35d5c6527d

[mickwinf]

well some progress made, carbs cleaned and rebuilt, timing belts renewed and radiator removed for better access. New battery now fitted, but electrics have been tampered with so a bit of work needed, I have the engine turning over and a spark, will change oil etc before attempting to start the beast. meanwhile I have been looking at the brakes, calipers have been cleaned and rebuilt with new pistons and seals, master cylinder needs full overhaul so plenty still to do.

[Bryanj]

Its worth getting the rad flow tested as they can sludge up in coolant mixed with tap water has been used

[mickwinf]

will do Bryan, when I drained the rad the coolant looked very clean blue colour indicates antifreeze was used so hopeful it will be ok

[mickwinf]

update on progress, have renewed the headstock bearings and rebuilt the front calipers, master cyl is clean and waiting for a rebuild kit to arrive. Electrics are a mess, lots of extra wires and bad bodges so some rewiring to do

[mickwinf]

it lives! finally had a few hours working on the bike, replaced the rad and refilled with coolant, changed the oil and filter etc, (cam belts had already been done). These bikes are a bit tricky to work on, not much room to work around the carb area, but I used a remote petrol tank to make sure I had clean petrol and after a bit of cranking and some carb cleaner down the intake it fired up with a few spits and misfires and a very loud exhaust as it has a home made 4 into 1 system on at the moment. Lots more to do but a happy chappy.

[MarkCR750]

Great feeling when they burst into life, good work Mick!

[Green1]

Great news being a big old girl you would think there would be plenty of room.
A bit of spit and polish she will be back on the road.

Mick

[mike the bike]

That's great news, it's always good to hear some old bike that hasn't run for years roar into life.