I had an ‘82. You can make that thing do things you’d never expect. They handle very well under pressure. You’ll have no problem whipping that thing where you want to.

79, 82, than 81. Now i have a 83, and 85. Love my wings.

Nice pace, nice video. Helpful!

Well done! I like the way you presented that motorcycle!

good video, i own a 83 standard, which is the last & regarded as the best year for the 1100 differences for the 83 include trac anti dive, fork brace , twin pot calipers & linked brakes, as you say good ones are harder to find but spares are plentiful, i just did a full service, sourcing new parts including new timing belts, coolant, oil & filter , spark plugs , shaft oil, for less than $150, amazing value when you consider this is probably equivalent too 2 hours labor at most dealers, the 1100 was original classed as as a sports bike by Honda or at least in the naked form, i can average 42 mpg in USA gallons, at around 60 mph, but get above 70 mph those four carbs will drink

Sweet video so far! I really enjoy your presentation and the way you talk about various aspects of the bike. Great job! Have a wonderful day!

I had an '84 Honda Interstate, same color as yours, dressed, and you are alot more enthusiastic about this motorcycle than I ever was. It was my least favorite bike of all I've owned...a conglomeration of plasticxxx. Bulky. Pig. Sorry! But you've made meaningful improvements, and I mean BIG....the sport touring bars and most plastic off....looks better. Looks like you've altered the top cover which folks think is a gas tank. and I like that too. So this machine I like. Stock not so much. It was not a great handling bike, but certainly smooth for its time period. P.S. I am no fan of the air/spring front shocks, very difficult to get them to hold air after 43 years, and chasing that problem is not easy. Prefer ditching them and going with progressive front spring setup. OEM parts? Forget it. Yes, you can get used parts from scrappers like Manuel Motorcycle Salvage in Akron, Ohio. I've known Mark Manuel for 35 years, great British expert. But overall, you sold me with this machine.

Thanks for the video. I own two of these, if you know how to work on bikes a bit they can be an incredible value - but not for anyone who doesn't want to deal with a few old bike issues here and there.

I had a GL1100 interstate with an EML sidecar 25 years ago. The same colour as yours. That thing used more oil as fuel but after fixing that it was a nice bike. My wife had a blue naked GL1100.

Your original seat would not have had actual stitches. I believe yours has been recovered

What's the make and model of the after market headlight you installed?

Back in the early 80’s the 80 mph speedometer was mandated. Most vehicles/ motorcycles would peg the speedometer.

I have an 1982 GL1100 naked bike. Love your project. Could you please provide me with a link of your handlebar? Would love to change mine. Thnx in advance!

On my 82 interstate the trunk is the removable luggage. Honda made the trunk removable without tools.

I think Randakks would have those valve cover seals

Only you would do this project!

Another competitor would have been the Honda CBX Tourer.

I would take an ST1100 or 1300 over this bike any day. Hearing the engine running reminded me of much I did not like about this behemoth.

The '83 1100 had higher Gearing and was better for sustained Highway Speeds.

fyi after 76 the gl1000 had comstar wheells

I have a GL 1100 here that I am trying to get rid of needs starter that is it

bike is not limited to 85mph.

and it's an OLD bike.... NOT VINTAGE... especially since you BUTCHERED IT by ripping parts off of it!!! Vintage means "like new, undisturbed"...and the brakes are excellent on these... again, you don't know shit from shinola!

Man, it's evident you don't really know anything about these bikes beyond what you dug up on wikipedia and a few forums.... no, the carbs are not that complicated, yes, the 80 and 81 had a 19 inch wheel, but in 82 they went to an 18 on the front, 16 on the rear, the particular bike you have has aftermarket crash bars, and it was a horrible idea for you to rip the fairing off.... you should have just gotten a naked bike to begin with... and there shouldn't BE any mechanical noise, they don't rattle and knock...unless there is something horribly wrong (is your timing off? is there a bent valve? are the timing belts good? is the water pump coming apart?) it is a more visceral experience compared to the 6 cylinder bikes, yes... but the engine isn't supposed to rattle and knock... and those wheels? Those are called Comstar wheels.... they are known for leaking because the rivets that hold the rim to the spokes are known to loosen up and allow air to leak out... I have had to deal with them myself... they are a PAIN in the ass!!

Disagree with what Honda started out to create with the "GL" series. Think about what the 'market' was doing at the time of this bikes release. Think about their main competitor at the time, the " 903 cc" Kawasaki. NOT a big tourer ! But a big HOT Street Cruiser ! Think about the 750 Honda had lost the big "fast" bike edge to Kawasaki 2 years prior to the GL release. And though the GL was heavier than the Kawasaki, the GL also enjoyed 100 cc more displacement, bringing the heavier bike right into the same 'performance level' as the Kawasaki 900. Some say that the success of the GL bikes as touring machines, was a total streak of 'good luck' enjoyed by Honda, because the public 'made that happen '. And Honda was smart enough to see the opportunity afforded them by the publics interest, in the touring minded customers, and 'hastily JUMPED on the band wagon' ! Good luck, good quick response by Honda, ( the Japanese always did respond to the customers better than HD & the rest ! A lesson Harley still hasn't figured out !) And good design work by Honda creating a bullet proof product ! I commend Honda for producing their terrific bike 49 years ago ! And if I'm very lucky, maybe someday I'll be able to score an 'early GL' of my own. But I won't be loading it down with 200 pounds of garbage to go touring with it. I'll be looking to "Cafe" it out to go... Yup!... To the local Cafe, or to the beach, or to just cruise around the general area with it. Because, to my mind, that's what it is best suited for. And that is what I've always wanted to do with my bikes. BTW, I' ve never in my 50 years of riding desired any Japanese bike, nor have I owned any. But these early GL's... well, they're just something "special".