Making some headway on the 1200.

[John Schmidt]

New rubber, picked up a black/silver Std. tank for a lot less than the three estimates I got to fix up the one I have. So....Happy B'day to me.     And it's the right color combo, has one tiny dimple on top that you have to look for so I'm not going to do anything with it. The inside is clean as a whistle, I just need to install the petcock and run the fuel line so I can get rid of the catheter as Rita calls it. Except for the rear fender, I'm done with the back end mechanically. Haven't decided if I want a fender mounted solid or mounted so it moves with the swingarm. Jury's still out on that. It appears the silver on the tank pretty much matches the silver of the final drive and rear caliper. I might do a split paint job on the side covers to go with the tank....part silver and part glossy black. I still need to have a muffler shop make a couple 7" long double bend pieces, about 45 deg. per bend. The Harley mufflers sound good but hit the frame in back so need to move them out a bit. Note the shocks are Valkyrie OEM, a spare set I had laying around, tried them on for size and seems to fit fine. They need new bushings, I plan to pickup some VTX bushings....better quality and thererfore last longer. In the next day or so I'll drop the bike off the centerstand to test clearances for those shocks before I go any further. The motor runs OK once warmed up, but sure is a cranky old b**** when it's cold. I'm probably going to replace the valve stem seals on the right side as well but think I'll put that on the back burner for a while and start with the front end. Need new caliper pistons, and a complete rebuild on the forks, new steering neck bearings(same as the Valk), but all the wheel bearings were smooth as silk. Still looking for a single gauge up front to replace the big uglies, open to suggestions.

[_Sheffjs_]

    What are your plans with it, keep for fun bike or sell?

[jimmytee]

 

[Thunderbolt]

Looks good John.  If you take the tank badges off I bet someone could use them.  Looks like you had some extra on the yellow spark plug wires from when you did the Valkyrie.

[BCoy]

WOW!!  Looks great John, you have me thinking about another project, but, like you if I were to take on any more projects I would be sleeping with them. LOL!     I am very impressed, I really like the Silver/Black paint scheme. I look forward to seeing the finished project.
Bill

[desertrefugee]

Man, oh man!  That is a thing of beauty!  I am an old GL guy from way back.  The '84 1200 Standards are getting as rare (and expensive) as hen's teeth.  Folks have tried, with varying degrees of success to graft a variety of tanks/shelters onto stripped down 1200 dressers. 

Yours is the most successful project I have seen!   What a concept!  Valkyrie parts - tank and shocks.  I love it!  That is a very nice machine - as long as the stator holds up.   I put those Sportster mufflers on my '78 GL1000.  They are a good match and have a nice, throaty sound while still allowing you to hear yourself think.

Really nice work, John.

You touched a nerve with me.  I love the naked GL's.   The 1200 is the best of the 4 cylinder Goldwings.

My '78:

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Looking forward to seeing how it looks when done.... Good job.... I like it 

[John Schmidt]

Desertrefugee, that's a great looking '78. On this one, also a Std., the front end wiring is going to be a real head scratcher. Seems the PO only knew one way to remove stuff....wire cutters. It's a mess but I'll get it sorted out. Hate to say it but I'll probably end up replacing the engine. This one had problems when I got it, had to split the case and replace a piston/rod. I had hoped with the running time I've given it the rings would reseat but apparently not to be. Still smokes like crazy and not only on startup. I want to finish the rest of the bike first and get it out on the road, put some good miles on it before I decide my next step. I could pull it and rebuild the entire motor but don't really want the headache or mess. I have everything needed for tools, just lacking desire to do it.  

Meant to add re. the tank. The intake and filter underneath are OEM. I moved the fuse box and regulator from the original spot and bolted them to a plate under the tank at that crossmember. I used the spot where the OEM tank slipped in with the rubber sleeve. Since I got rid of that rusted out tank, I figured I could use that spot for the fuses and regulator. For the tank I fabricated a bracket that raises the front nearly 2" above the frame, then welded it to the frame with a nut welded underneath for the front bolt down. The back end has hinge welded to an extra flat crossmember with a nut welded to the bottom of one half of the hinge. Now, to get to the filter or fuses, I just unbolt the front of the tank and tip it up. I'll be adding a few extra inches of fuel line so I can do that without causing problems. It's pretty close quarters so might have to remove the seat to raise the tank more than a few inches. But as it sits, it's rock solid.

[John Schmidt]

   What are your plans with it, keep for fun bike or sell?

Are you asking me or my wife.    At this point I really don't know, most likely sell it but not until I run it for a while to make sure there's not any bugs that need fixing.

[desertrefugee]

If you do need to square the engine away, 1200 plants are more common (and cheaper) than the 1000's.  Sadly, it's way easier to source a good runner than to rebuild.  I understand there are a few bits that are nigh on impossible to find anymore - although resourceful souls are cross-referencing from elsewhere.

Trust me, your project is worth going the extra mile.   That'll be one of a kind.  (Not for long, I suspect, as you'll blaze a trail and others will want to do the same thing).

(Sorry to pollute your thread with the 1000.  Thought better of it, but it was too late).

[John Schmidt]

(Sorry to pollute your thread with the 1000.  Thought better of it, but it was too late)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Not a problem with me, I enjoy seeing someone else's work.

[Hoser]

Now you're making me think.  Thinking makes my head hurt.  Great looking old wing. The tank looks good.  Hoser  

[desertrefugee]

I don't know, Hoser.  With 1200 Standards being so rare, it'd be a shame to lose another one.  (No offense, John).
 
I believe what John has done is about as easily accomplished with a very common Interstate or Aspencade.  Just more stripping down needed.   That's a fine looking 1200 Standard.  I'd love to have one, but they don't come available often - or nearby - or cheaply.

Sheesh.

Looking forward to see John's finished product.   (And a picture or two of access to the air cleaner).

[John Schmidt]

(And a picture or two of access to the air cleaner).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I can do that easy enough, going to be working on it this PM so will show how it's attached.

[desertrefugee]

Thanks John.  No rush.  But make no mistake, I will be studying it closely... 

And, for the record, I may be infiltrating the Florida Chapter, but I did live for 15 years in Marion County.   (Ocala, Oklawaha, Silver Springs).   I miss it, but job opportunities forced me elsewhere.

[flsix]

John the Valk tank really looks good on there.
Slow but steady progress is a beautiful thing.

[John Schmidt]

Desertrefugee, here's the pics of the tank mount. Hope you can see the rear hings and the extra crossmember it's welded to. One thing to keep in mind, you won't be able to use the adjustable seat latch, the tank doesn't clear it. And note in the last pic it shows the forward section of the latch mount that I had to cut off or it creases the back of the tank. With the seat in place it won't go back that far but with the seat removed it will.

The bracket is approx. 1.75" high, keeps the tank off the frame. I added a small crossmember under it for stability but had to notch it to get to the mount for the coils. Remember, it all has to be cut at an angle due to the angle of the frame.


Here you can see the hinge, think I'll order a new rear rubber for that area, same one the Valk uses back there. Give it more vibration absorption.


With the tank tipped up, you have access to the intake filter, fuses, later will be the fuel line and fuel filter. The petcock can't be used in its normal manner with the petcock control, too far back and is directly behind the frame. I plan to leave it on full time and install a fuel cut off down near the fuel pump. If I come up with a flexible shaft so I can mount the petcock control just forward of the chrome triangle motor mount, then I'll do some re-engineering.


This shows what has to be cut off the forward seat latch. Just cut straight down and dress it up 'cuz it will be sharp. Lets the tank lean back without hitting it.

[desertrefugee]

Outstanding visual documentation.  Thank you for this.  What I like most about it is that, aside from the expense of sourcing the parts, it is a VERY original, unique project, but one that can be accomplished by a normal guy in his garage with...  <EDIT:  ...pretty basic tools.>

You will have crowds gawking and lots of people asking you "what that thing is".   Great project.  I'm genuinely anxious to see it finished.

Really neat work, sir.

[FloridaValkRyder]

I feel the need to chime in here as I have seen quite a bit of John's handy work first hand. He has re-engineered so much on this thing, not to mention his own Valkyrie. We sometimes take what he does for granted. Hearing some one else comment on his skills is a wonderful reminder.  It will certainly be unique to say the least. 

[John Schmidt]

Since the petcock is too far back, the frame interferes so I couldn't use the Valk petcock control. In coming up with something a bit different to go with the "tipsy tank"....I installed a fuel shutoff I got from Aircraft Spruce, that's the first picture. I proceeded to hook up a filter between it and the fuel pump, then from the petcock(which I converted to manual) I installed a quick disconnect(QD) in case the rider needs to remove the tank. The QD isn't one of those cheesy plastic ones, I've used this type before and it's solid....and not cheap. When disconnected, you have a positive shut off of fuel. I also had to come up with another means of turning the petcock. I plan to leave it on full time and let the small shut off take care of shutdown. I'll probably be putting gas in it tomorrow for testing, hope my o-ring on the tank doesn't leak. I had to leave a little extra length of hose to allow the tank to be tipped up without causing trouble.

[Grumpy]

OK, I see the faucet handle, now where the sam hill did you hide the sink.  Seriously, looks like it coming together, good work.

[John Schmidt]

Figured I'd get a chuckle from you guys. I was walking through Home Depot and had the petcock with me along with some other stuff, wanted to make sure I got the right parts. As I was walking down the plumbing aisle I saw a box of those handles and thought "that looks the same size as the petcock control" so tried one and it fits perfect. Heck....you can't miss it now. 

[Jess from VA]

OK, I see the faucet handle, now where the sam hill did you hide the sink?   Seriously, looks like it coming together, good work.

 

[FloridaValkRyder]

Figured I'd get a chuckle from you guys. I was walking through Home Depot and had the petcock with me along with some other stuff, wanted to make sure I got the right parts. As I was walking down the plumbing aisle I saw a box of those handles and thought "that looks the same size as the petcock control" so tried one and it fits perfect. Heck....you can't miss it now. 

As a Home Depot Plumbing associate I can only say "Thanks for shopping at The Home Depot" 

[desertrefugee]

I take back all the nice things I said above, John.   That "faucet handle" is ridiculous!   

I was keeping "mum" on it, but since folks have commented, I gotta jump in.   Although functional, it is ugly as heck.  I hope it's not too visible under there.  The only saving grace is that the Valk tank outlet is more centered.

I hear them thar Pingels are kinda nice...

Disclaimer:  Of course, comments added here are only my opinion which is but a single voice among the multitudes.

[John Schmidt]

Relax, it's just a novelty thing for the moment and no....it's not visible. I needed some method of turning the control on the petcock and this fit....for the time being. Next time I'm over at the J&P Cycles store near Daytona, I plan to pick up a decent one that doesn't need a handle. But for the time being, that's all I had in my stash so it's being used. I would prefer a Pingel, maybe on the next trip over to the coast.

[FloridaValkRyder]

I kind of like it myself...

[flsix]

It does have a certain flair.

[flsix]

OOOOH. John there's a thought, where's the NOS bottle going to be mounted

[John Schmidt]

OOOOH. John there's a thought, where's the NOS bottle going to be mounted

Under the seat, with an IV running to my left arm for those days when I need a shot in the arm to get me going.

Come to think of it.....that's most days. 

[flsix]

 

[R J]

John, leave your faucet handle alone, I like it and it is very functional.

They are only negative cause they never came up with the idea themselves.

Good looking changes.

[John Schmidt]

Russ, thanks for the kudos but it looks like the old Valk petcock is going away. I tested the plumbing from the tank to the carbs via the fuel pump and only had one leak.....the petcock. It was an old one I had stashed with no idea if it was any good, now I know. So, I'll be making a run over to Destination Daytona to J&P Cycles for a Pingel replacement. I'll try to find one that uses a lever so I won't be using the faucet handle.

Was pretty easy to drain the tank the way I have it set up. Disconnected the quick disconnect, removed the other end of that section from the a/c shutoff valve on the left. Slip a larger hose over that end and stuck it in a gas can, then reconnect the q/d and turn on the petcock to reserve. Since it's set up to operate manually it drained it down as far as the pick up will collect fuel. 

[Grumpy]

John this is the pingle that fits the Valkyrie.
http://www.amazon.com/Pingel-Power-Flo-Petcock-Forward-1311-CH/dp/B000GZHZ48

[John Schmidt]

Thanks Bill, I have that info.....somewhere!!!  I know....it's out in the shop!!!  Somewhere!!!  You saved me the trouble of looking it up.    I'll probably not get the forward discharge model, have to see what's available. Left side discharge would really fit good if they have it in Daytona.

[Grumpy]

It can be pointed any where, front side etc. But turning it will move the fuel lever to a different place.

[John Schmidt]

Trying to remember....are they 22mm?

[Grumpy]

Trying to remember....are they 22mm?

Yep, fit Harleys also.

[John Schmidt]

Think I'll go with something other than the Pingel, they're just too darned expensive. There are others available at 22mm for a lot less and seem to work for a long time. I've had a couple in other bikes over the years with no trouble. I'm considering getting one that exits straight down, would make it a lot easier to plumb in....could cut about 2" off the line going from the d/q to the external shutoff.

Also spent some time this afternoon collecting the wiring that goes into the back of the headlight. Lordy, what a mess he left me. Think I'll wait until I'm done with the forks, I need to test fit all that wiring into the Adjure headlight bucket I'd like to use. Would look good but at this point I'm not sure it will all fit. If not, I might go looking for a VTX shell. Only thing about them is they're plastic....but they do look good.

[Bighead]

Looking good John I have a standard Valk bucket if your interested in it.