I’ve been surfing Craigslist for about ten years now looking at motorcycles. I also look at vintage project cars, but that is totally inappropriate in a motorcycle blog. Anyway, I came across a 1984 Honda Goldwing Aspencade listed for $200. It said it ran and was complete. Only thing it needed was to be reassembled. For that kind of money how could I lose! I was able to talk him down a bit, borrow the trailer from Mr.AMX, drive across a bridge, and eventually claim my prize.
Mrs. Stovepipe is still wondering if I’m crazy (they have more politically correct words for it these days). And maybe I am. Crazy like a fox. It does indeed run, the gas tank is clean, and it has the original key that works for the ignition, gas hatch, two trunk locks, all four pannier locks, the CB cover lock, the radio release lock, the fairing cubby lock, and both helmet locks. In case you lost track, that is thirteen locks. ASPENCADE! This thing has a tape deck, CB radio, comm system, adjustable air suspension, and an onboard compressor to pump up tires. Stick with me and we’ll never run flat again.
The rear wheel was taken off by the PO to clean the tank and he said he put it back on without the spacers. As I discovered, the rear brake caliper bracket also wasn’t installed. I put the faux tank back on and several other pieces so I could get it back together. It almost looks complete. Not bad for one days work. I would have been able to fully assemble it except for the huge crack down the center of the rear tire. I got the spacers back on just to see how everything went but stopped there so I could mount a new tire. And that is where I am presently at. Next week I should have the title transferred and a collector plate so I can get this beast on the road.
I told Mrs. Stovepipe I would paint it so it didn’t look like a trash heap. If you consider the number of locks on this thing that’s about the number of panels that need paint too. Wish me luck.
UPDATE 11/10/18
I removed the carburators to give them a good cleaning. LittleStovePipe helped get the air filter houseing disassembled, and provided emotional support while I removed the lower fairing and other bits. I didn’t get any pictures but if you can imagine me cringing in fear and disbelief. It ran pretty good for being so plugged up. Not that it ran good. I got everything blown out and brushed up. It’s a bit of a pain to get the carbs in and out so hopfully I won’t have to repeat the procedure. She runs great. Smokes like a 40’s comic villain right now which should clear up with some spirited riding. Next up is to bleed the clutch because it’s pretty well non-existent at this point.