I have a 1982 GL1100 with an EML sidecar that has been stored away as a retirement project for at least 12 years. The front suspension was disassembled years ago and never put back together. The bike also has all of the expected problems - rusted gas tank, dirty carb, dead battery, etc. Now that I am retired I would like to get it running again. The logical first step would be to put the suspension back together, but the mechanics of it seem to be beyond me and after several trys without success, it looks like I need a pro.
I am in the San Jose, Ca area. Does anyone know of someone that could possible help out?
Thanks.
Hello John,allthough I am close to San Jose, but of Costa Rica, I might suggest in San Pedro of Los Angeles CA (not CR) a vintage motorcycle shop where a nice lady gave me the advice:The good guys aught to stick together. Its 18 years ago but it should still exist in the same place where it was founded in the 1930ies by the father of that lady (who was still daily in the shop to that time (had 92 years then)) If I remember right its from the beach promenade comeing from north to south some 3-7 blocks up the road to the harbour. Right hand its an old style 1 story building with Vincent and Ariel insignitures. They have the windows and show room stacked with all kind of bikes older then 1960. And nearly everthing was from the rainy island, BSA, AJS, Matchless, Borough Superior, JAP.... Ariel square four, and THE 2 Cicle Rolls Royce VINCENT. I couldn't close my mouth because they had on exhibition 4 Vincent Black Shadow and Black Prince. One in original top condition at only 10.000$. In hole Germany there excisted only 5 Vincent 1000ccm machines to that time. And a Black Shadow in that perfect condition and original paint would have been worth 50.000DM = 3 times they asked for. If I wouldn't have inmigrated shortly after it would be now my sunday ice cream bike. So if you don't find anybody to trust in close to home you might pass by the San Pedro harbour. If perhaps not now for to fix, but for sure then when you get your baby runing.-------------EML front fork should be pretty straight forward to assemble. The shocks shouldn't be for to dismantle but a sealed device. If they feel bad and you notice a soft spot in the travel change as a set. -------My best advice is netherlands Koni's with double adjustment!!!!! Spring and damping!!!! They last very long and adjust perfect on every single need!!! But I do not know if they are still produceing. I heared a rumor years ago of closeing business, But I may be mistaken.EML should have ball bearings in the swivel. Use SKF with plastic seals.Good Luck Sven Peter Pan
Hello John,
Rust in the tank:
put gravel stones into it and have a body builder making excercises with it for the time it needs to get of the worst rust.
Wash out the sand with gasoline and later thinner. let dry.
If you want, use some chemical protector, but I don't know what works and what works only for the local hardware stores income (some of that stuff is junk). I din't use it yet some clients did and results were mixed.
Make up some resin as for gfk repairs, poor it in and turn the tank so all inside gets covered. let poor out the rest and wait for a weekend before you assemble.
In my first bike I used Nitropaint (which smeared a little) all others got this procedure and I never again I had trouble with rust or leaks.
Regards
Sven Peter Pan
There's a big Gold Wing repair and parts place in Sacramento called Wing Worx. You can look them up - they have an online parts store. I've had them work on a Gold Wing, and I was happy with their work and prices. It's a couple of hours from you, but I'm not sure what's available in the Bay area. Peter
