Rev Up Your Ride with a Honda Goldwing GL1100 Cafe Racer: Discover the Ultimate Conversion!

The Honda Goldwing GL1100 is a classic touring motorcycle that has a reputation for comfort and reliability. However, some riders may want a different kind of experience out of their GL1100. That is where the cafe racer comes in. A cafe racer is a style of motorcycle that originated in the UK in the 1960s, which is built for speed and agility rather than comfort or practicality. In this article, we will explore the history of the Honda Goldwing GL1100, modifications for creating a cafe racer, performance upgrades, and tips for riding and enjoying a GL1100 cafe racer.

History of the Honda Goldwing GL1100

The Honda Goldwing series was introduced in 1974 as a touring motorcycle with a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. The GL1100 was launched in 1980, and it marked a deviation from the traditional touring bike. The GL1100 featured a larger engine than its predecessor, enhanced suspension, and an improved frame. The design of the GL1100 was sleeker, and the motorcycle had an improved fuel economy.

The Goldwing primarily appealed to riders who wanted to tour. The GL1100 was known for its reliability and comfort, making it an ideal touring bike. Over the years, the Goldwing series continued to evolve, with later models featuring advanced technology, such as airbag systems, GPS navigation, and satellite radio.

Evolution of the GL1100 towards a cafe racer style

However, some riders wanted to modify their Goldwing into something different – a cafe racer. Cafe racers were traditionally made from British bikes such as the Triumph Bonneville or Norton Commando. The cafe racer motorcycle was originally built to be customized for speed and agility, with a small fuel tank, low handlebars, and a single-seat tail section.

Many Goldwing owners began to modify their bikes to reflect this new style. The GL1100’s inline four-cylinder engine produced a good amount of power, and its robust frame made it an ideal platform for modifications. The cafe racer style for the GL1100 became popular in the 1990s, and this trend has continued to this day.

Cafe Racer Modifications for the GL1100

To create a cafe racer, modifications are made to the motorcycle to improve its handling, agility, and speed. These modifications include stripping the bike of its extraneous parts like saddlebags and fairings, as well as replacing the bulky factory exhaust with sleek, performance-based custom ones. Some modifications for café racers include:

1. Lowering the handlebars to give the rider a more aggressive, forward-leaning riding position.

2. Removing the stock seat and replacing it with a custom cafe racer seat to make the bike more streamlined.

3. Adding custom rearsets to position the rider’s feet higher and further back for better control and improved balance.

4. Installing a smaller and lighter fuel tank to reduce weight and give a more slender look.

5. Custom fabrication of parts such as fenders, exhausts and gas tank, for unique style and weight reduction.

Performance Upgrades for the GL1100 Cafe Racer

To truly make a cafe racer build faster, throatier and more nimble than a stock GL1100, performance upgrades become necessary. Some of the performance upgrades that are available for the GL1100 cafe racer include:

1. Upgrading the engine with high-performance parts such as racing pistons, lightweight flywheels and performance camshafts.

2. Installing a high-flow air filter and replacing the standard exhaust system with a performance-designed aftermarket one.

3. Adding upgraded suspension with adjustable dampers and stiffer springs for better handling in corners.

4. Custom fabrication of wheels, brake calipers, etc to aid in weight reduction for better performance.

Riding a Honda Goldwing GL1100 Cafe Racer

The riding experience of a GL1100 Cafe Racer is quite different from a stock GL1100. Riders can enjoy the speed, agility, and responsiveness of a cafe racer, while still benefiting from the trusty reliability of a GL1100. The cafe racer is a bike for those who like a more aggressive riding style, with more emphasis on handling and speed than on comfort. Some tips for maximizing the performance and enjoyment of a GL1100 cafe racer include:

1. Always wear appropriate gear, such as a helmet, leather jacket, gloves, sturdy boots.

2. Cutting corners is not recommended since cafe racers have a lower rider seat height, and the clearance is low.

3. A café racer needs more maintenance than a regular bike. Frequent oil changes and care for the custom-made parts is essential.

4. Owners should consider rating their brakes and tires specifically for the higher speeds a cafe racer is capable of.

FAQs

Q: What is a GL1100 Cafe Racer kit?
A: A GL1100 cafe racer kit is a package containing all the necessary parts for transforming a Honda Goldwing GL1100 into a cafe racer, including custom-made parts like saddles, a new fuel tank, and performance parts.

Q: Can a novice rider handle a GL1100 Cafe Racer?
A: A novice rider can ride a GL1100 cafe racer as long as they have proper training and gear. The cafe racer is built for speed and agility, so it might be slightly more challenging to ride for a novice rider.

Q: How much does it cost to build a GL1100 Cafe Racer?
A: The cost of building a GL1100 cafe racer depends on the extent of the modifications you want to make, the custom parts and materials you choose, and the labor costs involved in the builds. The price can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousands.

Q: Where can I buy a Goldwing Cafe Racer?
A: A Goldwing cafe racer can be bought at dealerships or from individual sellers. Also, online marketplaces such as Ebay, Craigslist, and Amazon has lots of choices for buying a Goldwing cafe racer.

Q: What is the difference between a Goldwing Cafe Racer and a Honda Goldwing Scrambler?
A: The primary difference between a Goldwing cafe racer and a Honda Goldwing scrambler is the purpose and the riding style. A scrambler bike is built for off-road and cross-country racing and riding, while a cafe racer is built for speed and agility on the streets and highways.