Bike Model and Year: 1981 Gold Wing GL1100 Interstate
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): 1HFSC0217BA127157
Current Mileage: 39,378 (original!)
Color: Candy Muse Red-U, R104CU (https://www.colorrite.com/product/honda-r104-candy-muse-red-1317.cfm)
NOTE: The color is a trip! It looks like a dark burgundy in the shade but POPS in the sunlight. See the contrast in the picture of me driving her on the Tail of the Dragon (US 129 NC).
Videos:
https://youtu.be/Sbu_7zqlzjE?si=86u57ZpQLZntc347
Unique Qualities:
Background:
I originally purchased this bike in July 2007 as a rebuild from Ed Cunningham of Conyers, GA. Ed was a retired highway patrol motorcycle officer with a passion for finding the three most collectable year Gold Wings (’80-82) in great shape and restoring them to like new condition. This bike was one of his proudest restorations. I have all (or at least most) original hard copy and digitized restoration parts receipts for the work he completed on the bike. Only selling her because I got a 2008 last year with ABS so my wife would ride with me. Don't have room for two unfortunately and this bike deserves to be driven not sittin!
Condition Summary:
The bike has been a gem and a joy to own! Wonderful memories and still rides unbelievably well. In the fall of 2022, I rode it for four days all over western N.C., including the Tail of the Dragon (see pic). It outpaced all my riding buddies with new Harleys in the curves and off the line. The bike fell over once on the kick stand from a slight incline. Otherwise, it has never been dropped or wrecked!
Mechanical Condition – The mechanic who just recently completely rebuilt and tuned my carbs said the motor is as solid as he’s ever seen on these older Gold Wings. It starts without hesitation, idles beautifully, accelerates with impressive power,and runs as smooth as silk. Tires in great condition, relatively new with minimal wear. Transmission shifts smoothly with recent differential fluid change. Relatively new spark plugs, water pump and battery. Front suspension feels good, no leaks. Rear air shocks still work and feel great. Tail pipes in good condition with no holes or leaks.
Body Condition – The overall integrity of the body and parts are in very good condition (bags, fenders, fairing, mags, etc.). The tabs on the lower fairings are broken buthardly noticeable. This is VERY common on these bikes, but I have two replacement lower fairings with tabs. If there’s any weakness in the bike, it’s the paint and pin stripes. At a distance, it looks pretty good but up close, you can clearly see fading in various places and chips in the front fender. The seat is still very soft and comfortable without cracks or degradation. The windshield is clear but has some mild cracking on the bottom right that’s hardly noticeable while riding with zero compromised integrity. I found a brand new in the box OEM Clarion stereo, so it even works.
Most Recent Major Repairs:
· 4/14/24 Complete Carburetor Rebuild – All four carburetors and intake manifold were rebuilt with complete kit (gaskets, o-rings, seals, etc.). Choke cable,engine oil, coolant and air filter all replaced. No leaks of any kind.Followed owner’s manual maintenance schedule. Replaced engine oil (10w40), air filter and air cleaner every 8k miles. Replaced brake fluid, radiator coolant and final drive lubricant at least once if not twice (recommended every 24k mi). And most recently:
· 4/14/24 – Engine oil, oil filter, coolant and air filter.Custom Additions and Modifications
There have been no major modifications on this bike.
Miscellaneous
The bike has always been stored under shelter and cover but a repair shop who had it a while one summer left it exposed to sun some and it took a toll on the paint and especially the striping. The pictures show some fading and I'm happy to post more upon request. This bike is still in rare condition for it's age and most parts are still available new or used through eBay and other on-line sources. Some will say they're hard to find but you just need to know your sources which I'm happy to share if you'd like. She's been WELL taken care of with everything working as it should (switches, horn, lights,instrumentation, etc.). The bike recently sat a while when having the carbs rebuilt and the rear brakes were a little sticky at first driving it home. They loosened up and the rear tire turns freely now but just being transparent. My guy in Atlanta rebuilds calipers cheap if needed but I think they're fine now.