I agree with Joe drum,
Oldwing's Have a certain Cool about them that can only be experienced, they are The MOST addicting substance Known to man.
When you are thinking of restoring one of them, take my 83' GL1100 for instance, It is 29 years Old. This one the engine was Frozen & so were the Brakes, it wouldn't Stop or Go.
The Date code on my tires when i Bought my 83' was about 15 years old, they did not look real bad, but not worth risking your life over, Yes I also replaced the Valve Stems, another $2.00 worth of parts to lose your life over.
It was a real POS.
There are a lot of systems on a Oldwing, that probably are in dis-repair, due to NO Maintenance/lack of knowledge.
How many Prior Owners did my bike have prior to me.
Were the Prior Owners Knowledgeable of G-Oldwing repair?
Did they fix/repair like a factory trained (Come on guys give the factory tech's the benefit of the doubt) Tech. would?
Was Maintenance performed on a regular schedule.
My 88' GL1500 during the test ride, had leaky Forks, that drained down on to the Front Brakes/Caliper's, and there was No fork oil in the forks, it had all leaked out, and No front Brakes.
When i test rode it i hit the brakes the bike did not want to stop, and the front end Dove down so low in the front I thought I was going to go over the front of the bike.
On a Old wing do not trust anything and Check/Rebuild Important systems first.
Brakes.
I would rebuild the complete Brake system, before i even got on the bike. At least you know it will stop before you take that Irresistible test ride. This includes Brake hoses, they can look good but be dry rotted inside.
Get in your mind that OldBikes are going to need most systems rebuilt.
Brakes, Frozen Brakes, Better include Tires to Brakes
Carbs., My 83' GL1100 Carbs were Really Dirty Inside
Cooling system, Was EXTREMELY Very Dirty
Cables, were Garbage
Oil filter Housing pressure relief/anti back up valve was missing.
Head Gaskets were blown
Water pump needed replacement
Thermostat replacement
Engine was still Over heating
Starter needed repair/rebuild
Repair Vacuum Advance
Replaced Stator
Rebuild Front Forks
Hope i did not scare you, but, it is always good to come back safely from a nice ride.
Dont get me wrong this 83' GL1100 was transformed from Big, Harry, POS, into a Nice Old Wing that I hope is reliable, and along the way you will with the help of these Fine Oldwing Mechanics.
Will also turn you into a Old wing mechanic and your bike into a Great running bike that you will be able to work on.