u/Fifty_Hertz

So this morning I got up at 3am to fly from Canberra to Melbourne and look at a GL1000 I've been lusting after. Truth be told, I've been avoiding it for a while because I knew that if I liked it, I'd be in serious danger of increasing the bike collection to 5.

It's a completely original '75 with 21500 miles. Still has the factory mufflers in good condition and all original paint. The seat is nice with no wear or cracks. Everything has a delightful lightly used and well-loved patina.

The weather was foul in Melbourne today. Wet, windy and frosty. Luckily I brought my woolen thermals and rain gear, and managed to get in a quick test ride between downpours. It rides really nicely. A little rough when cold but perfectly sweet once warm. Shifts up and down the box crisply. The brakes are adequate, although they could do with some decent new pads and maybe a caliper rebuild. Checked all the rubber components, which looked good. I was unable to determine when the timing belts were last replaced. I pulled the covers and they were nice and pliable with no cracks or chunks missing from the teeth, so they're ok for now. Tyres are Bridgestone BT45's with decent tread, although they were 10 years old so getting a little hard.

Overall the bike is a peach. I bought it and immediately got a new set of Bridgestone BT46's fitted, then rode back to the motel - 45 minutes across town in rush hour traffic, in the rain. Fun times!

Tomorrow I have a free day to rest, fit the new tail bag I got, and pack my gear. I will set out on Saturday for the 600 k ride home. I can't wait to hit the open road 😎

Hello Wing Aficionados 👋

I am looking at adding this 1975 GL1000 to my garage. It has 23k miles on it and looks to be in great condition. I'm travelling interstate later in the week to inspect it and would appreciate some tips on things to look out for.

I'm mechanically savvy and maintain my other bikes, so I know the generic things to check on older machines. Timing belts, fuel hoses and coolant hoses are obvious ones of course. Are there any Wing-specific faults or wear/age concerns that one should check?

I've never ridden a bike this big and heavy. The general consensus seems to be that the GL1000's geometry and low COG make it fairly docile and predictable, provided that one doesn't attempt to ride it like a sport bike.

Current bikes for reference:

Yamaha XT250

BMW 650GS

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Kawasaki Z900RS SE

My interest stems from my desire for a cruiser and a genuine classic bike to add to my collection. I currently have room for only one more, so these need to be rolled into one. I've always been drawn to the GL1000 and this one was born in the same year as me - plus I love the colour!

And thoughts and advice would be appreciated 🤘