I have a 1983 goldwing gl1100 STANDARD that I would like some info for on modifying for better gravel/fire road travel. It already has progressive shocks up front and koni's in the back. The only things I've done to it is to build a light bar up front and rigged some soft luggage in back.Any suggestions for mods to the suspension,tires,windshields or fairings, electrical etc. would be most appreciated. Is it even possible to switch to spoked rims for this bike?

Steve,

You don't want to hear that your efforts would be better spent on finding a bike that starts out better suited I'm sure, but that is my first recommendation. The Wing has a lot going for it, but they aren't great on gravel.

If you insist on using the Wing for whatever reason, (and you have the ONLY Wing I wouldn't just say: forget it!) focus on cutting weight, and keeping it simple.

Definitely not worth switching to spoked rims. Way too expensive and probably too difficult for the limited benefits. (less weight, but not much, and less susceptible to damage, and when damaged a rim is cheaper than a wheel - BUT the swap will cost as much as new wheels...)

suspension: if it doesn't bottom out leave it. DO change fork oil to manufacturers spec. Progressive SPRINGS are great.

tires: pick a good universal pattern e.g. Metzeler Enduro IV or similar. Anything the big trailies e.g. R1100GS use is good IF you can get it in the right sizes.

windshields or fairings: minimal, clear plastic - see www.Rifle.com or your dealer for small simple light shields.

electrical: no reason to change anything.

hope it works well for you!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Thanks Grant, I guess what I was looking for was how I might GSify my very basic wing. Maybe even trying to rig some kind of lighter,higher exhaust or a larger diameter front wheel. The bike is old but has fairly low miles so whatever changes I might make would be lived with for quite a while. The stock set-up has been ok for gravel but I would like to be able to run it a little faster than 20-25 mph in those conditions, and even be able to do minor water crossings without worrying about the exhaust pipes.

Your feedback is most appreciated.

What size is the current front wheel?

Don't worry about the exhaust, as long as you keep the throttle on - and if you don't you'll be swimming anyway - the exhaust won't be a problem. The force of the exhaust easily pushes the water out. High exhaust is mainly to protect against damage and give more ground clearance, not keep it out of the water.

You do realize that a reasonable trail bike / big trailie / GS etc will easily cruise at 70-100 mph on good gravel? And I'd be willing to bet that a large part of the speed you are currently running (20-25mph) is due to inexperience on gravel, and not the bike.

See my article: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/art...oadsofbc.shtml - this should give you some ideas. (I'll try and post the photos in a couple of days - I'd forgotten all about it!)

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

You're right about the lack of experience on gravel at higher speeds. Thanks for the article reference. As to your other question the current front wheel is 18", but have'nt looked too deeply into what it would take to change it. Your site is like having a university of world travel in a box on my desk! Thanks again

ps. Looks like I may have to finally take a dirt riding course.

Hi Steve:

One thing I would suggest you get is an extension to your front fender mudguard to prevent stones and rock chips from being tossed up into your radiator. These extensions are available pre-made from a number of sources, or, you could just get a thick inner tube from an old truck or bus tire and cut your own.

I ride my ST1100 on gravel roads without even thinking twice, it is probably as heavy as your Gold Wing (350 kg wet, without me) and almost certainly more top-heavy. Just pay close attention to gravel berms that tend to build up whenever the road curves.

You will probably find that your stock exhaust system has drain holes at the lowest point of the mufflers to let water out, so no worries there. A much more serious worry would be getting water in the crankcase. Find out where the breather hole(s) are for the crankcase, and don't ever let them submerge. If you want to rig up some kind of extension tube to raise the breather hole, be sure to do it out of metal tubing, not plastic tubing, which can deform and kink under air or water pressure, and thus defeat the purpose of the breather hole.

Below is a photo of what I mean by a mudguard extension.