GL1100 Wing - what to watch for

[Nufkamp]

Mate of mine picked up a GL1100 about a year ago, it had stood outside under a cover for about 3 years and the spawny git got it for £275. He had it running on 3 cylinders when he first got it but has done feck all with it since. He's now decided he doesn't have the will to do anything with it any more so I'm trying to get him to part with it for about £200. Would I be letting myself in for a heap of grief getting an old Wing? What sort of issues are these old tubs susceptible to?
I'm not planning on restoring it to any sort of former 'glory', I feel a matt black and checker plate kind of look coming on.:rolleyes:

[johnr]

carbs can fuckup big time if left out of balance too long. cams are run off belts not chains. if its been stood id reccomend changing the belts before anything else. electrical connections to alternator (under l/h sidepanel) can corrode and the resulting elecrical shitstorm can fry the alt and/or the reg rec. changing the alternator is an engine out job, clutch can be done with the engine in, but its on the back of the motor near the swingarm and its tricky to get at, but possible , just. starter clutches can slip if the oil isnt changed regularly, and the starter clutch is behind the alternator, so again, engine out. left hand lower frame tube is removable to allow engines to come out, but can also collect water inside and rot from the inside out, a dead cert for an mot man who knows his wings to check, and a certain fail if its gone. no mechanical issues though. when theyre right, they tend to stay right. comstar wheels need an eye keeping on them.

[Nufkamp]

Hmmmm, think I might let this one quietly drop.

[johnr]

not trying to put you off, just telling you what goes wrong. mechanically spot on, but make sure its charging, make sure it starts ok from cold and make sure that the carbs are ballanced. cambelts and clutch are merely consumables. on the whole the 1100 wing will run forever if its given just a little care, and theyre smoooooth, like an electric motor smooth. you have to remember that even the newest 1100 wing will be well over 20 years old now.

[Creature]

the running on 3 cylinders issue shouldnt normally be any concern probally duff plug, plug cap or blocked carb

BUT

these are old engines now and the old gls were prone to pourous heads - not an issue in its self as plenty spares still about.

personal pref but id swap teh comstars for the spoked wheels from the gl1000 - altho ive never had a comstar break apart nor know anyone who has.

good solid bikes - on the whole - use decent oil in the engine follow hondas maintenance procedure to the letter and should go for miles

[John Hopkins]

It sounds fantastic value to me. I would snatch his hand off. If you have a garage just put it in there, strip it down clean everything and replace what needs it. The way the value of the pound is dropping you will be paying that for fish and chips in two or three years time. If you dont want it for £200 pass it my way..Unless it is in Scotland...John

[BigBod]

The alternator/charging problem relates to the GL1200, never really a problem on the 1100's

It's a steal at 200 quid and worth getting up and running.

Carbs are easy to take out (they come out from the left hand side) and clean up. Very easy to balance and don't go very far out of balance once set.

If you need any stuff/advice then the best person I know is in charge of the classic section of the owners club, Pete Fisher, you can email him on charity@gwocgb.co.uk what he doesn't know about the older Wings aint worth knowing, he also literally has shed loads of spares.

[Nufkamp]

Perhaps I'll badger him a little longer then.
I really fancy this as a project but perhaps I should set my sights on something a bit more conventional than a Wing.:unsure: If I had a decent garage/workshop at the house it might be better but all I've got is a sub-let council garage in a block the other side of town.
Dunno, need to do a bit more thinking.........

[johnr]

The alternator/charging problem relates to the GL1200, never really a problem on the 1100's



ive had 3 1100 wings, and all have had the same fault, one of them needed reg rec and alternator, and one of the others had 2 reg recs in 3 months! the connections from the alt into the loom get water in, corrode and rot or break off.

[dracken1]

i've always liked the 1100 engine.
don't buy timing belts for hondas prices get a good (gates for instance) ones for a honda acty van (same belt)
not uncommon for them to smoke on start up from the left side if left on the side stand.;)

[Cold Snail]

Mate's got one around here that jumps out of gear/drive when it feels like it.

Makes riding it interesting (especially around town).