New member from SC, USA

Diptenkrom

New Member
Hi, my name is Andrew, and I have been riding for around 10 years. Never got into dirtbikes as a kid, but I rode some quads and 3-wheelers around a bunch (didn't own one, but had family that did). I started on an 80's Yamaha Virago that i borrowed from a cousin for about a month or so, and then I bought a 2001 Suzuki GS500 from a motorcycle mechanic, who kindly gave me a bunch of pointers on motorcycle hauling, maintenance, and some other general tips. I rode that for about a year, and sold it for what I had in it. Then I bought a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 early 2000's with FI. I rode that for about 2 years and realized when I was trying to teach my son to ride just how large of a bike it was, and that I was never going to take it off road. I sold it and took a couple year hiatus. I got the bug again, and I started looking for what I thought I wanted, a GSX-R/CBR/YXF-R - 600cc sportbike. Along the way I found a good deal on a 1998 VFR800fi, and started researching "sport touring" bikes. I decided that that was more my style and bought it. Have had it for a little over 3 years now, and love it. Glad I didn't get a sportbike at the time. About a year ago I decided that I was wanting a motorcycle project and really like the look of stripped down "naked" GoldWings, so I found a deal on a (barely) running 1986 GL1200 Aspencade model and I bought it. It is a good running bike now, and I took it on a trip in full dress, was planning on going to a Radwood event with it, but that got cancelled due to the pandemic. So i started stripping parts off it, and got it down to the bare essentials now, and have been going through the wiring harness with a friend to eliminate what is not needed. I have racetech fork springs and cartridge emulators for it, and will be getting racetech rear suspension as well when i get to that point. I got some handlebar risers and had them modified to fit ProTaper ADV style bars on the bike, and there is a bunch of other stuff that will be happening once I can get the wiring done. I have been tossing back and forth about getting either a supermoto, or building a scrambler from an 80's 2cylinder UJM for a while now also, and I think I have decided on a GS450 as a base for the scrambler project, mainly as I do not need to do wheelies, and the cost of entry is much lower with an older UJM. I have read many build threads on this forum, but just decided to join, as I figure that I might need some tips along the way with the GoldWing or the Scrambler builds. (The R1 in the picture of the GoldWing belongs to my son.)
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thanks, i will have to agree that one is nice. the other is a hot mess right now. been unable to ride the GW for a while but was able to start it until about 5-6 weeks ago. realy want to get the wiring back to the point where i can start her up. dont like it sittin glike that. i did turn off the gas and run the carbs dryish at least
 
thanks, i will have to agree that one is nice. the other is a hot mess right now. been unable to ride the GW for a while but was able to start it until about 5-6 weeks ago. realy want to get the wiring back to the point where i can start her up. dont like it sittin glike that. i did turn off the gas and run the carbs dryish at least
That was a good idea, wings hate to sit. Mine has been dormant for about 3 weeks and will complain to me when I finally get the speedo replaced and can fire her up for a ride again.
 
well, if I can get the wiring done, it will get started and revved at least. there is a lot of wiring to a lot of accessories that are no longer there, lol. and I am to the point of trying to wire up the new gauges, and get the wiring right for the CBR switchgear I have installed. problem is that I have not been able to get my friend's availability to line up with mine for a couple weeks now. he is really good with wiring, I am okay. the actual act of doing it I am good at, deciphering the rat's nest of wires not so much.
 
well, if I can get the wiring done, it will get started and revved at least. there is a lot of wiring to a lot of accessories that are no longer there, lol. and I am to the point of trying to wire up the new gauges, and get the wiring right for the CBR switchgear I have installed. problem is that I have not been able to get my friend's availability to line up with mine for a couple weeks now. he is really good with wiring, I am okay. the actual act of doing it I am good at, deciphering the rat's nest of wires not so much.
Yep, I had to rewire mine completely as it got destroyed by a deer so I feel you. My 79 has less farkles than the 1200 too. I wired in an aftermarket digital gauge that completely fried 2 weeks ago. I need to removed those wires then put a New to me original speedo on and wire in the lights for it. Also I blew a fuse trying to see why the gauge died so I need to sort what that was while at it.
 
yeah that sounds like no fun at all. hope you are alright from the deer accident. I almost bought an 84 standard harness, to swap in, and I kind of wish that I had at this point. I think it would be easier to wire an 86 civic...
 
Ha, yeah it was almost a full year to be able to walk and ride again but after a few surgeries and physio I'm good. I gimp along alright with a fused ankle but I'm an MSF instructor now so can't be that bad. The Dr.'s rebuilt me, I rebuilt the bike and 1 year to the date of the deer hitting me I was riding the GL with a cane strapped to the bars on the Cabot Trail in NS.
 
Once you get the tupperware off of a GL, you realize all the "stuff" Honda hid under it. And some can't be eliminated! Even the 1000s had huge "shelters" to house necessary electrics, expansion tank, and a huge air filter. I think that my favorite neked 1200s have been transplants into 1000 frames.
 
Where in SC are you? I've been spending a lot of time in Bluffton for work over the last couple of years.
 
Maritime - That is good to hear! gla dyou came out mostly good. and you can still do whatyou love!

PID - yeah there is a lot there. not necessarlky gunna get to where i originally though i was, but i will get it looking good at some point. in black and gold theme, lol

Tim - i am in Rock Hill, just south of Charlotte, NC.
 
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