Early Goldwings out there? [ Archive] - GasSavers.org - Helping You Save at the Pump


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gungadin
07-30-2008, 06:49 AM
http://www.nakedgoldwings.com/albums/gungadin/MVC_017S.jpgI did a restore/customize of a '75 GL1000 a few years ago.
This was the first year of that Honda model and was the second fastest production bike. They are particularly reliable and have a large following around the world.
I did a couple of performance mods,,none of which were meant to give me better fuel economy but were more for performance and reliability or availability.
First I use an after mkt. electronic ignition that elimitates the dual points setup.
I also used a set of rebuilt GL1100 carbs which have the same footprint as the 1000 carbs but are different in many respects. I use a universal electric car fuel pump adapted to the mechanical pumps mounting place. I used the mufflers from a Suzuki Intruder and I cut the baffles out.
Finally I downsized the rear tire to a 16" (a more common tire size than the stock 17").

The long of it is that I stumbled onto much better FE than any of my Goldwing collegues around the planet.
Most are claiming 30-40mpg while I rarely get less than 45 and more often closer to 48mpg. I have yet to break the 50mpg barrier but I can definately see it happening.

I know that there are lots of cars out there doing much better than this with larger engines and tougher aero/power to weight ratios but I thought it was worth bragging about since the little wing is very fast and smooth and sporty.
Mine is pretty naked and has lots of shiney doo da's hanging on it that get lots of smiles. It's odd enough looking that it's not recognizable to most.
http://http://www.nakedgoldwings.com/albums/gungadin/MVC_017S.jpg
http://www.nakedgoldwings.com/albums/gungadin/mvc_014s.jpg
http://www.nakedgoldwings.com/albums/gungadin/mvc_018s.jpg

QDM
07-30-2008, 07:50 AM
Nice looking Goldwing. My 79 with full Vetter dressing averages 44 mpg on trips.

Q

gungadin
07-30-2008, 08:31 AM
Cool...I'm heading up to WA to look at one like that... another project. I love all the early ones.
Nice looking Goldwing. My 79 with full Vetter dressing averages 44 mpg on trips.

Q

Lug_Nut
07-30-2008, 08:41 AM
My '78 1100 (Vetter fairing and Honda-line panniers) returned nearly 50 mpg over the time I had it.
My '82 1500 was a better highway cruiser, less pleasant in stop and go, and gave me an lifetime average of 45.
Neither would turn heads the way yours does.

p.s. the text says you often get "closer to 48" while your sig states "49mpg". What's your average?

JoeBob
08-16-2008, 03:40 PM
Nice bike. Makes me kinda wish I still had my '81. Bought it new, rode for 4 years then traded for $800 and a '78 Honda 750. Mileage was in the low 40s...probably would have been less, but mine came with the 85mph "see no evil" speedo...