So the moment finally arrived where I could afford a project bike!
Chuck&Susan posted up the best deal I have seen to date and it came with a 100% money back guarantee! How can you beat that!
We arranged for a pick up time and for some help from local bamarides members since I couldn't get any of my "buddies" to take the 4-hour each way trip to Baldwin County. Fate had another plan as my precious little baby Evelyn decided to come into the world 4 days early and start changing daddies plans before she could open her eyes! With loads of family in town the following weekend proved to be our best bet to make this deal happen.
With a trailer and bag full of payment I headed south at 4:45 am (yes the baby had something to do with the early departure). I arrived at Chuck and Susan's beautiful home and was greeting by their amazing 2 greyhounds!
**A little side note. I have only met Chuck and Susan once at the 2016 Rally in the Valley but when I knocked on the door I was directly invited in shown amazing southern hospitality! I really enjoy meeting all the people off of this forum!
After catching up a little, Chuck and I headed outside to see the beauty! Due to some brake issues the riding lawn mower was used to back the bike out of storage and the truck was used to pull it onto the trailer. After a heavy dose of harbor freight ratchet straps and with a truck full of spare parts we headed over to check out the 2016 Goldwing Chuck and Susan recently acquired and my goodness that thing is sweet! Payment was rendered in the form of a 4 pack of Budweiser tall boys and I was off headed north.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-pMTMqWf/1/1bd9ed82/L/tapatalk_1501676487424-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-36cXht8/1/c59a9086/L/tapatalk_1501676493523-L.jpg)
I beat the rain home by 15 minutes so I had enough time to unload all the parts and get a tarp over the new Wing!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-pZtL5j2/1/b2c4a571/L/20170325_172149-L.jpg)
Sunday morning I started figuring out why it didn't want to roll and removed the front and rear calipers. The front calipers appear to be in good condition but the rear caliper was real tight on the rotor. I then removed the bags and some other pieces to lighten up the load and hit it with the pressure washer to get some of the pollen and grime off. With a little help from some friends we got the Wing into the basement where it will undergo its transformation.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-2mPnr7R/1/6288e0a4/L/20170326_130422-L.jpg)
After some finagling we were able to remove the fairing and get this beast down to it's fighting weight!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-vBVRNLZ/1/9b35f989/L/20170326_141633-L.jpg)
Now that the clothes are removed I got into the mechanical issues! Number one is a carb rebuild!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-vtJ9KLX/1/5b9c1f56/L/20170327_183230-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-tDBqsFd/1/b626df46/L/20170327_183248-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-JswM9Zn/1/ac1b9fb2/L/20170327_190221-L.jpg)
Other than having a film of varnish and being grimy the interior of the carbs looked pretty good so I cleaned everything up and got a rebuild kit from Randakks Cycle Shak
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-FggJwP7/1/1bbda90e/L/20170328_201515-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-rfp5ksB/1/15422cf8/L/20170328_204757-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-TFpq46w/1/5579dd9d/L/20170331_200950-L.jpg)
Before I put the carbs back on I changed the timing belts, which involved removing the radiator so I am also flushing and refilling the fluids. I am trying my best to polish up some of the aluminum pieces but the corrosion is pretty intense so we will see what happens with that. Still waiting on some o-rings and other oem parts before reinstalling the radiator and carbs.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-tc5B9Mf/1/73d398b8/L/20170401_135437-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-hRMxSJ9/1/97f66bde/L/20170404_203405-L.jpg)
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I have the brakes all torn down and ready for a rebuild just waiting for the oem parts.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-ZB6CnrM/1/6a01f3a2/L/20170404_203408-L.jpg)
This is where I am at to date! Hopefully I can keep up this blistering pace!
I wanted to go with ya but my better half squashed it, you should be happy i didn't upset her, now ya don't have to send me cheap busted bikes anymore....
That is one good looking trailer...
Love the post!!! This is going to be so cool to see this thing transform.... Worth every penny of my profits.... LOL
Thanks Fencejumper
Things are really moving along with this build. Sub,d waiting to see this thing come back to life.
Things are moving along nicely know but currently in a holding pattern waiting for some oem parts for the brakes and o-rings!
I got a bunch of parts in and have installed most of them. The rebuilding process begins this weekend and hopefully get this thing running!
Brakes have been rebuilt!
New timing belts installed!
New thermostat (don't forget to order a new o-ring when you do this!! :(
Removed the front wheel to access the forks and install new tire.
Installed new sight glasses in the clutch and front brake master cylinders. Nice kit from http://newrivercyclesalvage.com/sight-glass.html (http://newrivercyclesalvage.com/sight-glass.html)
Received a nice used set of exhaust headers. I plan to just run a short 45 degree elbow with a baffle but we will see how that looks and sounds before finalizing.
Picking up a new battery tomorrow and will start testing out the electrical system to see if anything is fried! (Wish me luck)
Pictures
Brakes Rebuilt
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170413/0f2f11692fbb07aa4cda947a2aa6ec94.jpg)
Low budget bike stand!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170413/48c4200c7d7f5ed180f01ee3f0f4ad5e.jpg)
Fresh o-rings, bushings and grease!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170413/580469a8e9707cf215ece7249c83eeb4.jpg)
I think I like the more brushed looked than the polished look but will decide on that later on!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170413/f75ff32f7bb6c4fd4ed46b2e57e9a700.jpg)
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Got the front tire off as new rubber is enroute! Cleaned up the rim a little as oxidation is running rampant on all things aluminum at thus point.
Pulled the bottom of the forks off to change the fork seals and my goodness they were nasty! Lots of grime and rust and silicone! (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170414/b493f9888f94861d5f0ce12abdaefd08.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170414/038e8f7d368cf0c08ff6bf6524e60433.jpg)
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Awesome project. I want to do something like this one day.
Really impressive, Fencejumper! Really appreciate your pictures so the rest of us can follow along. Best of luck as you sort the electrical system!
It is definitely a fun project just started it at a bad time! It seems like everything I set about fixing leads to 5 other things needing repairs but I assume that is typical when messing with older bikes.
I need to focus on the KTM for a little bit to prepare it for the Perry Mountain 24 but hope to still get a couple hours this week to work on the Wing!
Got a little bit of work done last night!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170419/799aa90fcb99e0a6e9b731a78d9b16ab.jpg)
Got the rear wheel off for new tire installation!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170419/afc3baa505d3bfd822862f4464e2a338.jpg)
Carburetors are currently halfway re-installed with new throttle cables!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170419/5dd094bab43f8ee5b3a0556ba2806aa5.jpg)
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The new tires are installed along with all of the newly refreshed calipers! Next step will be to bleed all of the brake lines and the clutch line!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170427/0643d97d46113b490a33c628e6a6625b.jpg)
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FYI - I know I have a buckets problem!
Today was a good day! I received the new starter solenoid with a built in fuse to replace the dogbone fuse that is a known issue in these! Pushed the magic button and voila! It lives again!
After hearing her purr like a kitten, I was inspired to get a couple other things done as well! I bled all of the brakes and also the clutch. I think I am going to need a new clutch master cylinder as the rebuild kit is nearly as expensive as a new one.
I let it idle for a good 15 minutes to get the oil nice and warm and changed it and put in a new filter. As suggested on another forum, I put half 30w and half ATF and going to run it again for a little while to help loosen everything in engine back up. I think the clutch may be sticking a little but won't be sure until the master cylinder is figured out!
That is the first time she has purred in four years. Thanks for the video. Looking good and sounding great!!!!
Chuck
It is definitely loud! It just has the headers on it now. I haven't quite decided what I plan to do with the exhaust.
The carbs are synced! Fresh 10w-40 in the engine!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170510/63d8e9e358052709122e6af8e3fb4af4.jpg)
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I would imagine that thing is starting to run purty sweet by now!! Its really coming alive again!!
I was pretty amazed at how much it smoothed out once they were synced up!
I knew the carbs needed work but it was a nice running bike when I parked it 4 years ago.
Rebuilt the clutch master cylinder and slave! We have clutch action!
The master was slightly grimy but the slave was all gunked up! I will probably need to flush the system again to get any residual grime in the lines.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170518/e76093606085babc6267d4c6e9ae3413.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170518/099a5b7f13c0ba6b245e77a9762a0d64.jpg)
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Well after sitting for a couple of months while I focused on the dirty bike, I cranked her up this weekend and she is struggling to idle!!
Yesterday for a 4th of July activity Mr. Blass and I tried to figure out the idle issue and after several attempts believe a carb pull is in order! This sucks! Well anyways I rode her around the neighborhood and I have to say that is the most comfortable riding position I have ever experienced!
Getting excited again to work on this thing and figure out the look I want to achieve. Sorry no video from yesterdays ride. I believe Mr. Blass has a video from the weekends idle around the yard!
might want to go over the vacuum lines. just a thought, a few cracks could haven gotten worse and presto no idle.
Yeah that was on the list for the weekend!
Thanks.
Thanks for showing us the project! Always cool to see step by step.
Well I replaced the spark plugs and drained the float bowls. Sprayed a little carb cleaner and compressed air into the drain hole. This seems to have done the trick and dislodged any junk that had found its way into the carbs.
She is idling again although a little rough so I plan to re-sync once I have some time.
The wiring on this bike really gets in the way of any future plans to minimize the look so I traded the old harbor freight multimeter for a new Klein from Home Depot and started working my way through the Rat's nest. This thing has so many extras for items like hazard lights, position lights, lights on the bags, lights in the trunk, and radio. I am slowly working my way through it and removing all of these accessories!
I know that this is an exercise in futility as pulling out the extra wires is not going to help the bike ride better but I think to get the look I want on this bad boy I am going to have to strip it down pretty far. Wish me luck!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/e55ea720b3ab354770e1d7d2098d8cfe.jpg)
The thought of ripping out wiring makes me cringe..... and Wings have a ton of it..... Good luck
Well my process so far is I have the wiring diagram, a multimeter and a solder iron at the ready. As I find the circuit I want to remove I unplug it at all connections and start the bike and check the items I plan to keep. (Headlight, tail light, brake lights and stuff like that)
Looking at that pic it I suddenly remembered being told that 2 owners prior to me had a trike kit on it. That might explain why there was no center kick stand.
Hmm that would also explain some of the extra wiring and splices under the seat! I think a replacement flasher relay was added at some point as it was just zip tied to the cross member under the seat.
So I have slowly been making progress on the wiring and I feel like I have taken out a couple of rat's nests!
I started wrapping everything back up and man, I think it looks like I haven't done a thing! I know that I removed a good bit of wiring and several relays but not sure the effort was worth it. The end product is much simpler but when it came time to cut the wire to the creature comforts, I just couldn't go all the way!
Here are a couple lists for your enjoyment and my memory!
Things remaining:
- Headlight
- Turn Signals
- Speedometer and light
- Tail Light
- Brake Light
- License Plate Light
- Horn
- Neutral Indicator
- Turn Signal Indicators
- Oil Pressure Indicator
- High Beam Indicator
- Stock Ignition Circuit
- Stock Fuse Box
- Stock Regulator Rectifier
- Replaced Stock Pin Connectors with new smaller waterproof versions
- Changed Splices from crimped to soldered w/ waterproof heat shrink
- Changed stock electrical tape harness wrap to adhesive free vinyl tape. (That stick harness was so nasty and sticky!)
Things that were removed:
- Extra circuits for radio
- Position lights
- Hazard lights and relays
- Fuel Gauge
- Temperature Gauge
- Tachometer
- Tail Light Out Indicator
- Large 24 and 12 pin connectors
Still to do:
- Tail Light and rear flashers
- Splice alternator wires (known failure issue)
- Relocate regulator rectifier
- Relocate Fuse Box
If nothing else, I have a much better understanding of the wiring and it's layout on the bike! That should make troubleshooting a little easier in the future!
Need to figure out the mounting of the front and rear lights and the dash, then she may be able to pass the roadworthiness test of Jefferson County!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/39250c80f91f0a64865ec22174e97a01.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/4279871e18e68270a9e0d1ad26f7b67e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/00757ca4439bc2e708d4a4cf8ac4e870.jpg)
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Thanks for the update. you know I have a vested interest in this cool project. Sounds like you are having fun.
FYI - The photos in your very first post of this thread have stopped showing. All the others still work.
Thank you! I will update those! I just left Photobucket for Smugmug!
Just a word update, the Mean Wing still runs!
I'm really enjoying your Mean Wing documentary, Fencejumper. I've had my Shovelhead 9 years now, and in that time I've had one mechanical failure and about one million electrical failures. :'( I've been considering pulling the entire OEM wiring harness out and replacing most of it with the Moto Gadget "M Unit." I've watched several of Revival Cycles' youtube discussions on the M Unit, and a Vintage MC Club buddy used one in the construction of his '76 CB750 cafe racer. All that I've seen tells me that implementing one of them on my Shovel (at a cost of $310+ :o) could eliminate virtually every previous source of failure in my electrical system, and would enable me to get rid of a bunch of junctions and relays...
I appreciate your methodical approach to your wiring mods, and look forward to learning more as you progress through your project!
Hopefully soon i will have time to get back into this! Probably have to clean the carbs again at this point!
great thread. thanks for sharing.
The Mean Wing has been neglected for a while now but I did manage to get some work done on the new dash!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-qNvx9fK/0/8165fd47/L/20190202_220332-L.jpg)
So many projects so little time! She is covered in a healthy coating of preservative saw dust for the time being but I am still thinking of her!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Projects/n-ChG3JX/1985-Goldwing/i-t9B4CWS/0/26173df9/L/20190203_165804-L.jpg)
Nice handy work on the wood dash.