I just chopped into my 1984 GL1200 standard in the hopes of transforming it into my vision of an “F” model opposed 4. I have a CB750F fuel tank, side panels, and shortened tail section. The top trellis of the frame will be cut out and replaced with a new backbone structure. The rear sub-frame will be chopped off with a slim and tidy sub-frame in its place. I have a USD front end and Brembo brakes all around, and I have coil spring rear dampers to replace the rear air suspension.
This is the starting point. A great all-around bike, with 42,000 miles on the odometer. Overall, I feel like the Goldwing is a little thick in the middle. My main goal is to focus the visual weight around the engine and give a lighter feel to the rear end. I want to try to capture the feel of a bobbed early superbike – a little lower and a little shorter in the back but with similar lines.
This killer CBX gives you an idea of the look I am going for.
At this point I am fully committed the GL1200F project, as the grinder has been put to metal on the GL frame. There is no turning back now. Stay tuned.