I've ridden motorcycles over 40 years. All manner of them. The last decade has seen me "settle down" and I've had a series of Goldwings. Currently, I ride a '97 Valkyrie and a '78 GL1000 that I spent a LOT of time going over.
But, the reason I'm here is that, having always admired and lusted after a sidecar rig, I picked up a lost soul this week. Another GL1000, I really only wanted the Terraplane hanging off it, but he WOULD NOT break up the rig. Both need some love, but neither is really that bad. Carb need attention (of course), belts will be 1st, and it needs a side cover.
More importantly, the Terraplane is very solid. I think it as original paint, no cracks, no rust and no brake caliper. (Has the rotor though!). It needs a windscreen - and I'm going to pony up the $150 for one from what seems to be the only vendor that has them. The seat needs to be recovered, but I am going to explore alternative options in that regard.
I'm not going to dump a lot of cash into this rig, and I think I'm into it fairly cheaply. I'm not out to make a buck - but ain't lookin' to lose my tail, either!
Hi Darrell:
Welcome to the slightly off center hobby/lifestyle of sidecaring. It sounds like you have found a diamond in the rough. Just keep polishing and you will find a gem under there. If you have any questions we are here to help.
Thanks, Will. I was just resizing a couple of photos to post. I won't load up on them, but just drawing a baseline.
My other '78:
The needy one:
That dull paint will buff right out.
Get from a gunsmith some Ballistol-oil and the vinyl-cover will become soft and colourful again.(best for leather and wood too!)
Looks you have electrical tilt adjustment there...good find.
Now read the manuals in the link section, get a empty parking lot and practice.
Soon you will come to the same question as most of us here in the forum:
"Why didn't I do that years ago?"
Rig pushing is much more fun then solo bike and gives you a lot of freedom more.
Tent, fishing gear, dog, grandkids and GO!
Welcome to a new step in life.
Sven
Wow your current 78 is Sweet
good luck with your new to you hack. I always liked the looks of the Terraplane, I almost bought one but found it would not meet my needs and was too lite for my bike
keep us posted on your progress
I use to own a GL1000 / Terraplane just like this, sold it about 15 years ago. Very good working rigs.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
Peter Pan - 10/12/2016 9:24 AM
That dull paint will buff right out.
Get from a gunsmith some Ballistol-oil and the vinyl-cover will become soft and colourful again.(best for leather and wood too!)
Looks you have electrical tilt adjustment there...good find.Sven
Thanks to all for the well wishes. I am super stoked about having this thing in my possession. My plan was to hang it off my existing '78. I think the Terraplane lines will go very well with the treatment I've given that motorcycle. But, now I'm considering just "cloning" that style on this bike and going in that direction.
Here's the result of about 5 minutes worth of elbow grease I gave it the day I got it home. I needed to know how the existing finish would clean up. So, Sven, to your point, the answer is - good enough for now. I have a windscreen on order and will begin "getting serious" this weekend.
Pretty sure you can get a new windshield at www.bikescreen.com
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Thanks, Jay. You're right - and I already have one on order!
