Turning an outdated 1984 Honda Goldwing 1200 into one thing new takes quite a lot of time, planning, and hands-on work. They began by shopping for the bike for a low worth and commenced stripping away additional components just like the entrance fairing, saddlebags, and outdated lights. Every step introduced new concepts, reminiscent of including a contemporary spherical headlight and {custom} LED tail lights.
Mechanical repairs and updates adopted, with consideration to necessities like air filters, spark plugs, and brake fixes. The undertaking additionally included customizing the seat, remodeling the sprint and speedometer, and making inventive adjustments for a clear look. Each job meant figuring issues out alongside the way in which, resulting in a singular and recent tackle this traditional motorbike.
Key Takeaways
- The undertaking started with a full teardown and artistic imaginative and prescient.
- Mechanical and styling upgrades have been performed step-by-step.
- Customized options and repairs turned the Goldwing into one thing particular.
Mission Overview
Shopping for the Bike and Managing Prices
The undertaking began with a 1984 Honda Goldwing 1200, bought for $400. The proprietor set a transparent plan to maintain prices low by eradicating pointless components and reusing or updating what was wanted. Some important replacements included the air filter, oil, oil filter, spark plugs, and seat.
A desk beneath lists the key bills as described:
| Merchandise | Standing |
|---|---|
| Honda Goldwing 1200 | Bought |
| Air Filter | On order |
| Oil & Oil Filter | Changed |
| Spark Plugs | Changed quickly |
| Seat | Alternative, modified |
| Headlight | New, ordered |
| Taillight | New, ordered |
He aimed to solely spend cash on a very powerful components and made modifications when he may as a substitute of shopping for new.
Objectives and Plans for the Goldwing
The principle aim was to strip down the motorbike and construct one thing {custom}, eradicating the entrance fairing, saddlebags, and outdated lighting. Plans included:
- Putting in a spherical 7-inch headlight with built-in blinkers
- Including an LED strip taillight with built-in blinkers
- Modifying the seat for a brand new form and decrease profile
- Remodeling the sprint and wiring for a cleaner look
- Testing alternative ways to dam off and cap outdated parts
- Customizing the speedometer and mounting it in a brand new means
- Bettering the brakes by attempting a unique caliper setup
The undertaking took a trial-and-error method so adjustments and new concepts occurred because the work progressed. Every step centered on making the bike lighter, extra compact, and tailor-made to the proprietor’s preferences.
Key plans have been dealt with as they got here up, and fixing or changing damaged components was a part of the method. The imaginative and prescient remained clear: flip the outdated Goldwing into a singular and easy trip.
Breaking Down the Goldwing
Taking Off the Entrance and Additional Elements
First, the entrance fairing, aspect covers, and all storage baggage have been eliminated. The unique lights and many of the wiring have been pulled off rigorously. An inventory of what was taken aside:
| Eliminated Elements | Notes |
|---|---|
| Entrance Fairing | Changed with a brand new spherical 7-inch headlight |
| Facet Covers | Uncovered a lot of the body |
| Saddlebags | Cleared out for a cleaner look |
| Additional Lights | Getting ready for brand spanking new LED strips |
| Airbox and Sprint Panel | Put aside for repairs and upgrades |
The air filter was lacking, so a brand new one bought ordered. The exhaust was rusted and wanted changing, which matched the plan to chop and simplify the exhaust.
The seat noticed some main adjustments. Slicing away additional foam and shaping it for a decrease, slimmer really feel. The plan included rounding off the corners and trimming any additional bulk for a extra primary look.
Washing Up and First Look
After many of the large items have been gone, it was time to scrub the bike. A recent wash revealed how a lot completely different the Goldwing seemed with its naked body. The group checked which wires have been nonetheless wanted for the brand new lights and sprint.
A brand new headlight was put in, and concepts for the brand new seat and windshield began coming collectively. Some adjustments within the wiring meant quite a lot of leftover cables, which wanted to be hidden. Cardboard templates helped think about new covers and brackets earlier than making them from steel.
The brand new form of the bike began to point out. With the entrance cleared up and further weight gone, plans have been made for a smaller sprint and up to date speedometer. Every change made the bike look much less like a touring bike and extra like a {custom} construct.
Fixing Engine Necessities and Upgrading Elements
Altering Filters and Contemporary Oil
He began by eradicating the outdated airbox. After checking, it was clear the bike wanted a brand new air filter. The unique filter was lacking, so he ordered a substitute. Utilizing new oil and a clear oil filter, he made certain the engine had what it wanted for clean working.
A easy upkeep guidelines he adopted:
- Take away outdated airbox
- Examine for lacking or soiled air filter
- Substitute with new air filter
- Drain outdated oil
- Set up recent oil filter
- Add clear engine oil
Common oil and filter adjustments assist the engine last more and work higher.
Changing Spark Plugs and Dealing With the Exhaust
He put in new spark plugs to maintain the engine firing robust. Whereas wanting over the exhaust, he discovered that it had rusted by means of and damaged off. Though this was surprising, it occurred to be near the place he deliberate to chop the pipe anyway.
Fast exhaust replace:
- Previous exhaust rusted off by itself
- Good timing for making {custom} adjustments
- No want for additional reducing instruments right here
Putting in new spark plugs and fixing up the exhaust make a giant distinction in energy and sound.
Brake Work within the Rear and Planning for Twin Calipers
There have been issues with how delicate the rear brake felt. He suspected a leak alongside the road to the entrance caliper. To make issues work safely, he deliberate to dam off the entrance caliper in the meanwhile.
He is considering switching to a twin caliper setup for the entrance brakes later, which is a technique utilized in off-road bikes and four-wheelers. For now, the primary focus is on ensuring the rear brake works because it ought to so the bike is secure to trip.
Brake plans:
| Downside | Step Taken | Future Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear brake spongy | Blocked entrance caliper | Add twin entrance calipers later |
| Suspected leak | Examine brake traces | Full system test after repairs |
Fixing the brakes is a crucial security step earlier than placing any miles on the bike.
Upgrading Lights and Wiring
Putting in New Entrance and Rear Lights
The unique lights and ponderous fairings have been eliminated to provide a cleaner look. A brand new 7-inch spherical headlamp was chosen for the entrance, offering a easy, fashionable replace. This new headlight is ready as much as deal with built-in flip indicators for a streamlined end. On the again, a skinny LED strip was added to function each a tail gentle and switch indicators. The rear fender was trimmed to suit the brand new type and permit a extra {custom} match for the lighting strip.
| Mild | Sort | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Headlight | Spherical, 7-in | Entrance middle |
| Tail Mild | LED Strip | Rear, trimmed fender |
Updating Flashers and Fundamental Wiring
With the unique wiring harness uncovered, unused connections—like these for the radio—have been tagged and disregarded. The wiring for the flip indicators was recognized and routed to the brand new lights. Every blinker wire was related with consideration to authentic labeling and checked earlier than closing set up. Bunched wiring was organized and tucked away in a storage space beneath the seat to maintain the setup tidy.
- Superfluous wiring (radio, compressor) eliminated or minimize
- Blinker and major wiring related on to new lights
- Zip ties and storage field used to maintain unfastened wires managed
Connecting Flip Indicators and Instrument Show
After eradicating the inventory sprint, the indicator lights and sprint electronics have been examined for perform. The plan was to mount the show nearer to the driving force, utilizing a part of the unique housing. Customized aspect panels have been created for a clear show set up. Solely important indicators, such because the oil gentle and switch indicators, have been saved lively. Mounting options for the brand new show included an aluminum plate with a custom-cut slot for the ignition key.
Particulars on sprint and indicator integration:
- Sprint cluster eliminated and customised
- Solely vital indicator lights attached
- Aluminum mounting plate fabricated
The main target was all the time on clear wiring, dependable perform, and a minimal, traditional look.
Altering the Seat
First Steps with the Seat
The very first thing performed was eradicating the outdated seat from the bike. It wanted adjustments to match the brand new feel and look. Elements of the seat have been marked for reducing. The plan was to trim the seat so it will match higher and canopy solely what was wanted.
A cardboard template was used to assist see how new components may match. This helped determine the place to maintain or take away materials.
Smoothing and Shaping the Cushion
Subsequent, additional padding and raised areas have been minimize away. The seat was trimmed alongside marked traces to decrease the peak in sure spots. Corners have been rounded off and the edges have been smoothed out to make the seat match higher with the remainder of the bike.
Some “ears” on the seat have been minimize off as a part of this step. After tough shaping, finer cuts and sanding made the seat look cleaner.
Setting and Adjusting the Seat
To place the seat again on the bike, it was test-fitted a number of instances. Every time, small changes have been made so it will line up with the shocks and body.
Plans have been made to make use of steel plates for mounting. The seat is now set as much as each look good and keep agency in place whereas using.
Key changes made have been:
- Ensuring the seat covers vital components
- Lining up with current mounting factors
- Trimming the edges for a greater match with the bike’s body
Customized Constructing Steps and Energy Enhancements
Steel Sheets and Windshield Concepts
Sheet steel performed a key function on this undertaking. The fabricator modeled shapes utilizing cardboard first, then deliberate to interchange these with sheet steel. One thought was to create a curved wind deflector or windshield across the new headlight. This might assist block the wind whereas conserving the look easy and tidy.
Right here’s a fast abstract:
| Part | Materials | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Sheet Steel | Block wind, clean look |
| Mockup | Cardboard | Take a look at shapes and match |
Finish Caps and Fender Changes
Sure bike components had open or tough edges after stripping down the bodywork. To repair this, the builder experimented with capping the ends utilizing {custom} plates. The rear fender additionally wanted trimming for a cleaner type. He thought of reducing and shaping the seat to higher match the brand new look and expose vital body components, whereas nonetheless overlaying needed sections.
Checklist of key adjustments:
- Capped uncovered ends with flat plates.
- Trimmed rear fender for a smoother end.
- Minimize, reshaped, and slimmed down the seat to match new design.
Hiding Storage Areas and Routing Wiring
With the physique panels eliminated, leftover wires turned extra seen. The builder organized wiring utilizing tags to establish every perform (for instance, headlights, blinkers, and sprint connections). To maintain issues neat, he deliberate to tuck extra wires into hidden storage spots and use zip ties for non permanent fixes.
Further steps included:
- Organizing wires into labeled bundles.
- Hiding wiring inside new storage areas.
- Concealing litter with out sacrificing quick access.
Speedometer and Dashboard Makeover
Taking Aside the Previous Setup
First, the unique dashboard and speedometer housing have been eliminated. Wires for the outdated radio, flip indicators, and different gauges have been labeled to maintain issues organized. The principle aim was to strip away additional components so solely the important capabilities remained.
A cautious teardown uncovered the within of the housing. The speedometer itself was separated, and the cracked plastic cowl was discarded. The outdated wiring created quite a lot of litter, so unused wires have been tucked away or deliberate for removing.
Constructing a New Speedometer Holder
A {custom} holder for the speedometer was designed utilizing cardboard as a mock-up. After testing the scale and form, the mock-up was transferred to extra sturdy materials. The perimeters of the brand new housing have been glued in place and later sanded clean.
To safe the brand new speedometer, an aluminum plate was used. Holes have been minimize for the ignition key and for mounting factors. The completed plate would let the speedometer and ignition match neatly into their new positions.
Supplies Used:
- Cardboard (for modeling)
- Sheet steel or aluminum (for the ultimate mount)
- Glue and zip ties
- Sandpaper
Making the Dashboard Match the New Look
The brand new dashboard design wanted to mix in with the {custom} headlight and structure. Plans included trimming off massive sections and including a flat sheet or wind block in entrance. The dashboard sides have been rounded, and the perimeters have been formed to match the remainder of the bike.
Unused indicator lights have been eliminated or changed with a easy oil warning and switch sign lights. Wires have been hidden in a small compartment to maintain the world neat. The top aim was a clear look with solely probably the most needed gauges and lights left seen.
Key Visible Adjustments:
- Smoothed and painted new housing
- Fewer switches and lights
- Hidden wiring for a tidy look
Wrapping Up the Construct and What Comes Subsequent
Putting in the Entrance Mild and Wind Deflector
A brand new 7-inch spherical entrance gentle was chosen to interchange the unique headlight. The up to date gentle is designed to incorporate blinker capabilities, making the setup cleaner and fewer cluttered. The present stage includes adjusting the fitment of this new headlight, attempting to tuck it again for a greater look.
There may be nonetheless some uncertainty in regards to the wind deflector design. Preliminary concepts concerned shaping sheet steel or utilizing a curved setup to assist block the wind across the new gentle. Prototypes have been made with cardboard to visualise choices, however the closing form and mounting technique are nonetheless beneath assessment. Choices like trimming down massive sections or switching to a flatter plate are being thought of.
Right here’s a fast breakdown of what’s put in and what’s nonetheless being examined:
| Part | Standing | Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| 7-inch headlight | Slot in progress | Searching for a tighter match |
| Windshield idea | In design part | Cardboard fashions examined |
| Blinker wiring | Prepared | Blinker wires recognized |
Transferring Ahead and Ongoing Points
Some components of the undertaking are ready on new concepts or components. The seat has gone by means of the primary spherical of trimming and reshaping, however nonetheless wants extra work for a cleaner profile. The plan is to maintain reducing and shaping the froth and edges till it suits as wished.
Free wiring is one other space that wants consideration. Whereas purposeful connections are made, the additional wires are messy. A small space for storing subsequent to the sprint will doubtless be used to cover and arrange these. Different sprint components, just like the speedometer and indicator lights, are being mounted with new brackets and aluminum help shapes.
Unsolved issues embody:
- Deciding on the ultimate wind deflector form
- The right way to cap off open ends after reducing the body
- Completely mounting the reworked dashboard
- Managing and hiding additional wiring for a neat look
The work will proceed step-by-step, refining every half as new concepts and challenges come up.
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