[Miss Mercedes]

In the past week I have fallen absolutely in love with big engine vintage bikes. I sold both my Honda Rebel 250 and my Buell Blast and sought older and bigger metal.

As you all know, the first was an 82 GS850G with paint only a mum can love. This is me once I got the engine running well!

And tonight I'm adding a whole new level of crazy to the stable. This is a resto-modded Goldwing GL1100. The owner needed it gone ASAP and posted it for just $950. It's super clean. The paint is new, the seat is new, the carbs are new. Engine, crash bars, and chassis painted black with some blue accents, too..mmmm. It only needs a tach cable and some turn indicators (the wiring is already there).

I took it on a short ride and it only further solidified my love for these beasts!

It's going to take some getting used to the size and power jump, however I have no doubt I'll get used to it and even further become a better rider. I still have the 150cc scooter for low powered operations, too.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

It is amusing to think that both of those bikes have a greater cylinder count, more power, and more torque than the car that brought them home! Thanks all!

I guess there is a benefit to keeping a window to Craigslist open all the time. That said, I'm done buying and selling things for now. I think if I sell any more vehicles this year I'll have to apply for a dealership license! That and I think I've found my sweet spot for motorcycles. These two have good engines, good gearboxes, and more than enough power to get me all over Illinois and Wisconsin. Shoot, I bet that GL1100 could probably get me across the country in comfort!

 

[Miss Mercedes]

On the GL1100....
First thing! Change the timing belts unless you absolutely know for sure that they were done recently.
It's an interference engine. If a belt breaks, kiss your engine goodbye.
Use only Gates belts, or NAPA which are made by Gates.
They are only about $16 each if you shop carefully.
You need two, both the same.

Will do! After having owned a car with timing belts before I know how crucial they are!