Randy's Cycle Service & Restoration: 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing

1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing

Service

Owner: Charles F. of Frederick, Maryland

COMMENTS: This Goldwing arrived to have several oil leaks corrected and a few small items fixed. We found the source of the oil leak problem and found a potentially serious problem - loose steering head bearings. All was corrected along with replacing the tachometer cable, replacing a diode for the neutral light, adjusting on of the fork tubes, repairing the engine shut off switch, and lubing the speedometer cable & drive. This service took 6 hours of labor. Now Charles has a reliable, safe Goldwing he can enjoy for many years to come.

Click here to see a 2-minute video of issues presented to owner

Click HERE for "1st ride since I picked-it up" commentary by the owner

Before finding the cause of the oil leaks, Randy noted all the areas with leaks.

Here's one at the ignition housing.

The oil seals were coated with grey gasket sealer in an attempt to control the leaks. It didn't work.

And more oil leaks were found ...

The left Timing cover with oil on it. > > > >

The cause of the leaks is explained below.

Source of the problem: pinched flat between the clutch cable & gasoline tank is the dry rotted crank case breather hose. This created a pressure build-up and thus the leaks.

A thick coat of grey gasket sealer on cam seals. Also shown, improperly installed & thus mangled dust seals from a timing cover.

2-minute video demonstration the Goldwing's loose steering bearings, jumpy tachometer needle & fork tube issue

COMMENTARY BY CHARLES FINNEY written March 3, 2010

Ursulina wrote: "... thanks for telling me about your 1st test ride of your Goldwing. Glad to hear it went well. What did you think of the handling/steering?"

Both great -- tight, responsive, smooth. Although I stuck to primary roads, surfaces were occasionally washboard-y, with minor surface divots; scarcely noticed them, thanks to the newly adjusted front end. Hard to believe the difference in steering/handling feel, not to mention the greater sense of security. (Amazing what you get used to.)

Acceleration and top-end were also a kick, with none of the throttle-miss Randy experienced during one of his test rides. (I'll keep an eye on that.) For a 35-y/o bike, the GL really flies. More after next ride. Charles