The "Bomber" GL1100 project - added video

Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

Looking good Hoosier. I am going to steal your foam method as soon as I can afford to re-do my seat properly. My GL came with a fiberglass pan and the cover was riveted on and I reused the rivet holes and it worked good for holding the cover. Put the vinyl in the dryer for 10-15 minutes on high to get it soft then you can use the hair dryer to keep it that way while you work. I have totally stopped working on my GL as I just keep riding it. Put 240 miles on it this weekend.

keep it up.

Cheers

Maritime
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

Big R said:
I was wondering when we were gonna get some progress pics.....

Seats lookin good Hoosier. Was it you that was talking about getting a gel insert for the seat?
Click to expand...
Nope, not me Big R... thought about it, but could not find one to suite. That's the reason for the first small piece under the top total covering of foam.
And Maritime, you can have any ideas I come up with, from anything I do. Course you might want to see how it turns out first :D
Hey Joe, Did the shocks help you out?
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

what shocks are those? i need a set of shocks (spring kind, not air)
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

The Progressive 412s then. Told about it here...

Hoosier Daddy said:
Sure have Joe, stock height on the air shocks is 13" you can get 12", 11 1/2" or 11" eye to eye heavy duty cruiser rear shocks in either air or springs.
Seen 'em on e-bay for $100 in black or the price goes on up with chrome springs, chrome bodies etc. Never really sure on the quality though so I'd stick with a name brand.
If you want to keep the air suspension I'd go with the Progressive 416's , or you can go with a spring style a set 420's or of 412's like these from OBB
http://www.oldbikebarn.com/Progressive-412-Heavy-Duty-aluminum-11-1-2-shocks?sc=2&category=21
Click to expand...

That link to the Progressive 412 shock was from OBB (Old Bike Barn), but its available lots of places...
I like the looks of this 412 series the best but have seen sping coil overs in their 412, 418, 420, and 440 series shocks.
Here is a link to the company. http://www.progressivesuspension.com/productlinemetric.html



412-bowtie-hires.jpg
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

ya man... i will never use progressive again... EVER, they do not stand behind their products, i have their shocks on my harley and they suck balls, one of the shocks blew out after 250 miles, i called them and they told me that they could sell me a new shock... i was so pissed... ended up having to tear the shock down myself, send them the piston, and they replaced that... for 85 bucks plus 18 shipping! is that unreal or what!!! i am going to look to see if any of the 11 in air shocks from HDs i have in the shop will fit. may have to just pop out the spacer on the bushing and make a new one
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

Good info , Thanks for that!
That said, a 11" would be a 2" drop from stock, might look sweet... but adjust the front to keep caster angle on the forks close to original
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

Ok, here is how I have been wasting my time lately. I really couldn't go much further until I got the timing covers on but they looked like ass. If you remember, this bike was stored by the PO outside for a few years and some of the aluminum parts really showed it.



This doesn't help it run any faster, handle any better, loose any weight (well not an measureable)... but it also didn't cost me a dime just a little elbow grease and sandpaper. Started out by stripping off the little remainder of the factory clear coat, then rubbed and rubbed with a scotch-brite pad. Moved to wetsanding with 600, 800 then 1200. Finally got them to a point where I could hit them on the buffing wheel. Here is the same two covers along with a second set of valve covers that were in similar shape.

 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

Lookin good Hoosier. Polishing can really suck sometimes.
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

I have to say Joe that your little situation with progressive does suck, and I hate to hear it. I have used progressives on several dirt bikes and enduros over the years and I have to say, I love thier products! I have never had a spring that offers a better ride quality on the dual-purpose style bikes and their fork spring make an outstanding amount of difference in road handling in a sport bike. I do see your point, but as a testomony to thier product, maybe you just got a lemon. I have been on many bikes that had thier suspension and installed quite a few on dirt bikes myself, and I had nothing but good experiences.

Hoosier, I hope these are a good one for you, I think you will be very pleased with the ride quality. Progressives ride like no other and offer a better ride due to the progressive rate of the spring. If you have a set and the damper fails (as in Joes case), I say pull the spring from them and mount that spring to a damper of a brand you have had good experiences with. This will offer you the best of both worlds! Good luck!

Bike is coming along great!
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

Thanks TW... I plan on using the Progressive Air shocks that I already have till they need replaced, then I'll probably go with a set of 12" coil-overs.

Just an update with a few pics to keep the thread alive…
I got the polished covers installed along with the radiator, cooling fan, shroud and stone guard.



Next came the intake runners, sand and polish, glad I got the new / old Mates who have a buffing wheel in their shop!



Next come the Comstars, got the old tires off and have been cleaning and scuffing with scotchbright. I am still on the fence on what color either Black or Silver. I have bought a couple cans of Duplicolor’s “High Performance Wheel Coating” in Silver and clear coat. To me, black seems to make bikes look beefy / muscular while the silver gives them a lightweight / performance appearance. Lord know this thing will be lookin beefy enough on it’s own...



Finding it difficult to get in between the spokes down to the hubs, so I have removed the bearings and looking at sandblasting, time will tell I guess.
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

I just went through your post. An amazing amount of work you've done thus far and I can't wait to see her done.
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

wow! i can polish... but man, those guys seem to be on a whole level far above mine! great work on this! love it.
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

That's right, it's you that has the "underground" vintage buddies! I was trying to remember that.

This is gonna be an amazing bike when you get her done Hoosier. Any estimate on when?
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

I'll tell ya it was a real treat to catch up on your build. Such attention to detail! what a difference that makes. Inspiring work.
To confess I'm a closet gl freak. I want one so bad I can taste it. Guess I'll have to live through you for a while ;D
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

Thanks for the props all... that helps keep me stoked on this build! The goal is to take it to mid-Ohio but I don't know, times running out fast...

Rocan said:
wow! i can polish... but man, those guys seem to be on a whole level far above mine! great work on this! love it.
Click to expand...
"Those Guys"... Thats all me Bubba ;D I just used their equipment! The secrect is PATIENCE, and that is what took me the longest to learn. I started out with green scotchbrite pads to remove all the oxidation untill smooth then 800g wet sanding, finally with 1200g... onto the buffing wheel I started with black emery then finished with the brown tripoli. Their tip to me was were the leather gloves and work it until the part is HOT, thats when the best cutting seems to take place.

Ya that was me Big R, and I tell ya, those guys are the shit. They are a great bunch, each guy has his specialty, ones a painter, ones an engine builder, another is a carb guy, one has even perfected gauges, taking them apart and rebuilding with new faces of your choice that he prints. So far I have only been there on Thursday nights when they all get together but I am contibuting my 12v electrical skills. Each has his own build going on (or two) but anyone is ready to jump in when someone needs a hand.

And you know Troybuilt, these old 1000 and 1100 GL's can be found pretty cheap and for now, parts seem to be plentifull as they made zillions! People think "GoldWing" as a full dresser and those guys don't want an 30+ year old bike. They want a new 1800. Being Boxser style opposed 4's , liquid cooled, and shaft drive, somethimes it's more like working on a car than a bike. ;)
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

have you wrapped your seat yet? i am going to follow alot of what you have on yours fro the one i am building... hard to get a good looking seat with the weird curve in the frame!
 
Re: The "Bomber" my GL1100 project

You going individual carbies on this? Thought they only ever came with two from the factory, not four. If so...awesome 8)

- boingk
 
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