How Much $ to Build a Custom Honda Goldwing Bobber Motorcycle?

[@kastimizillion]

Vintage Goldwing custom over a new Triumph any day. Your bike has character and a soul. Anyone can go buy a bike, it takes skill to make what you want.

[@HooptieDoodle]

Soul is a good word. I like that 😀. I do love items with a story 👍

[@medic75]

Triumph bobber? Not even an option

[@monica93304]

The fact that you learned so much makes your decision a great one. The bike has YOUR personality. I'm an old aircooled VW wrench. Learned from my dad. Owned my own shop for a short time. All of my car builds stood out because of my attention to detail and own view on aesthetics. I always built my cars in a way that anyone else would find easy to work on. I never wanted someone to curse me out because they couldn't get to an item without dismantling half of the car. Because I love boxer engines, I totally dig Goldwing builds. If I ever get the courage to learn how to properly ride a bike (51 years old), I'd BUILD my own. I'm a burner learner when it comes to welding, but plan on taking some classes at my local vocational center. I'd rather push something that I built than ride something cushy that someone else built for me (unless it's a Singer 911). Your thought process was really measured. Carefully executed. On point.

[@HooptieDoodle]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment 👍. You should totally treat yourself to a Singer 911😀. And I cannot agree more on taking welding classes. I've done the same at my local community college and it's some of the best money I've ever spent.

[@So-cj4oj]

Personally, I think that all together (time and money spent) you’re coming out on top. Experience(s), skill building, and successfully meeting a challenge is priceless.

[@gregloucks1529]

YES!!! Finally a Goldwing bobber build video series which covers so much AND is so expertly edited. I can’t wait to binge the whole series. I first watched the overview which was recommended by KZbin, then this video which quickly answered my questions about prices and time spent on build. I love the finished product. I started planning a build similar to yours a few years ago and have now replaced my donor bike with a late 90’s Valkyrie. Thanks for all your effort put into sharing your project!

[@HooptieDoodle]

Thanks dude! Much appreciated comment. I am glad that you've found value in these videos - that makes it all worthwhile. Lots of luck on the Valkyrie project 👍

[@K4K96]

I respect built not bought. Those hours you spent with your father are priceless. You know you can look at certain aspects of that build and immediately be transported to those shared moments. You wouldn't get that from a new off the showroom floor bike.

[@HooptieDoodle]

Handmade is the best👍😀

[@cncbuss1]

I just bought the exact same Year GL1100 and this build opened my eyes to what is possible with a Goldwing. For now, I’m keeping the full dress to take advantage of all the luggage and comfy seating for two. The NutCracker is an awesome looking bobber for sure! Cheers from Montreal!

[@HooptieDoodle]

Montreal! Glad you like the NutCracker. Just FYI, something to think about, another bloke sent me a picture of his wing and he had done a bagger. Did the single backbone converstion, move the gas tank to the backbone. The resulting gap between the the engine and wheel changed the look considerably, and he still has the stock rear shocks and luggage to haul groceries. I am kinda jealous of the functionality.

[@assikopp123]

That is kinda the same amount I spend on mine. Ultimately I can say that it was worth it, once they are "finished" they are still very reliable for their old age. I never saw it as a money pit and a rolling Oldwing is always a good thing!

[@HooptieDoodle]

I am happy to have 'saved' it from the scrap yard and I no longer have a desire to acquire a Triumph Bobber so, win!

[@alonsogarcia6518]

Olizzker what year is your goldwing?

[@incite23]

Love this series and I think you did amazing my dude! Just got myself a 1981 GL1100, so your videos are great help. Be safe out there!

[@HooptieDoodle]

Thanks for the feedback and good luck with your new ride 🛵

[@ToTTGlobalLLC]

Anybody can buy fashion this is style that’s something you’re born with congratulations man you have something one of a kind beautiful and thank you for taking the time to run us through all these videos. It’s inspiring I’m probably gonna go pick that one up for 100 bucks in the rain tomorrow and see where I can get in the next eight months of my life. Thank you.

[@HooptieDoodle]

Best of luck on the project! For $100 and time spent, you'll have an adventure. What more can you ask for?

[@darenlindley]

It was totally worth it! You did something amazing and it is your creation! That Triumph Bobber is someone else's creation. You can't buy what you have. Very cool!

[@HooptieDoodle]

That's very true! There is that intangible bonus value inherent in something you made yourself. It's fun when someone says "I like that." And you can reply "I made that." And explain how it's made. It's kinda like magic 🔮

[@medic75]

This was worth it.

[@HooptieDoodle]

I did it for the beauty of the thing - and that's always worth it 😀

[@MotorvriendenDePallieters]

Indeed, you have worked on it for many hours. But you have made your own unique product and that is much more fun than just overhauling an engine. You will be able to enjoy it for a long time. 😜👍👌

[@HooptieDoodle]

I really do like it. The more I ride it, the more I look at it, the more I appreciate it 🏆

[@jonathandavies6862]

i love that you have put personal growth through struggle and learning whilst building something you love over the value and cost. It means this meant something to you, whether it was a challenge or just a fun project, i agree that there is a limit in terms of putting excess money into a hobby but this is a brilliant example of hard work and practice paying off nice job. keep going with the videos

[@HooptieDoodle]

Thanks for the comment, man. Very thoughtful and nice of you. A lot of the US culture focuses on dollar bills (which are very powerful, of course), but I think that skills can also take you places. And wherever I am going, I want it to be an adventure, which means challenging myself - otherwise its just boring routine. Thanks for watching, my friend - super appreciate it! :)

[@jcanuck6237]

great value definitely . You are telling my story to the word, i am also rebuiding a 70 s goldwing . I also required a running engine . Even though i can wrench on vehicles through this build i have learned to weld/fabricate, rewire and paint.The satisfaction of completing this bike, which at times seemed daunting far outweighs anything ive ever felt purchasing a new one !

[@HooptieDoodle]

YES! That is the journey for sure and that self satisfaction of building it yourself is priceless :) Thanks for watching and enjoy your ride!

[@edwardjones8170]

I think for a custom, your pricing is fantastic! And as you said the real value is in the skills and confidence you developed. These old Wings are great, I picked up a 1987 GL1200 Aspencade for $2k June 1st 2019. Very clean, running only 24k miles. But it still took $1338(everything taxes, tags, fluids, LED lights, cam belts, tires, etc, etc) to get it up to cross country ready specs. Then starting Sept 17 2019, my wife and I with bags and trunk filled rode the USA 4 Corners tour in 17 days 8024 miles trouble free miles, almost but the battery died in central FL :( I will 100% agree, begin with running bike, you can much better evaluate the status.

[@HooptieDoodle]

That's great that you rode it cross country 👍. A good adventure is what makes all the wrenching worthwhile!

[@edwardjones8170]

@@HooptieDoodle Wonderful ride, but not across, around! Madawaska Maine, Blaine Washington, San ysdro Ca., Key West and home. :)

[@HooptieDoodle]

@@edwardjones8170 well that's even better! 👍👍

[@trickyrjb1]

Dont forget the fun aspect and the pride of accomplishment! Great job, I love your creation it looks and sounds amazing!

[@HooptieDoodle]

Thanks!!

[@edwinjames6283]

It amazes me how many bikes are out there with practically no mileage, especially BMW's that were made to be ridden. I equate it to "Show and Tell" in Elementary School. I'd much rather say "Look what I built!" rather than say "Look what I bought!". Great job on the "Cracker". Time spent in the workshop is time well spent. For me, old Volvos, used BMW motorcycles, and woodworking keep me occupied year round.....and the tools I purchased over the last fifty years are my close friends.

[@HooptieDoodle]

For sure. I definitely enjoy shop time and I believe it's beneficial to be learning new things and challenging yourself. Hopefully this approach will help me retain some mental faculties 😵

[@brucehelppie6119]

i watch a lot of motorcycle videos and your series building this bike is one of the best that i've watched. i'm a cheapskate and a utilitarian, so i would have at most stripped the bike down to naked wing status and left it at that, but that's me. there is great value in learning new skills and that makes your project worthwhile, just from that angle. thanks for sharing...

[@HooptieDoodle]

Thanks for the positivity 👍. I am glad to hear you liked the build.

[@twonfu757]

Take it from someone like you who has learned new skills doing a build. You did a great job and for what you have picked up along the way, you can't put a value on that. Great looking job, be proud and enjoy the build brother.

[@HooptieDoodle]

Thanks dude! 👍

[@KoolRanqe]

Exactly this. ^

[@Prophiseas]

Money well spent...Time well spent...my Goldwing project has been exceedingly rewarding...

[@HooptieDoodle]

Good to hear. Mine was a fun challenge and great skill builder. I learned a lot 😀

[@markd7811]

Super cool bike , definitely worth the time and money . Excellent build!! Goldwings are great bikes and your bobber is spot on!!! Fabulous , alot of great ideas , I bet a fun machine to ride!! Also very fun name and the details etc are excellent!!

[@HooptieDoodle]

You're super kind. Glad you liked it 👍😀

[@markd7811]

@@HooptieDoodle thank you buddy, you gotta give credit where credits due !! It makes me want to get a goldwing . 👏🏼👍🏁

[@Randyjj92]

As someone who puts value in acquiring and polishing a new skill I don’t think you can put a price tag on it, you did great and you definitely inspired me.

[@HooptieDoodle]

I find that learning to make your own things is awesome 💪💪and there are a number of learning opportunities with motorcycles. Right now I am trying leather craft and it's fun! Never thought about making my own wallet, but now that I've seen behind the curtain and know how to make it - why wouldn't I! It's mad empowering 💪. Good luck with whatever your project is 👍

[@JimPoston1]

Nice Job HooptieD ! "Beauty & Joy are in the eyes of the rider and beholder"!

[@HooptieDoodle]

Word, my friend. The more I ride and behold it, the more I like it 😁. It's gritty and mechanical, and I enjoy that

[@jimmypopp2695]

Wow!! I love this video and am very impressed with your build. I am a chemical engineer who just finished my phD. I was in a horrific accident almost a year ago where I was burned over 20% of my body and lungs with combined high pressure heated acids. As I was recovering I decided I wanted to do some thing I really liked because life can be too short. It took me almost that year to find a partner who believed in me to start a custom chopper shop and vintage bike fabrication shop. My father is an attorney and has little experience in this sort of thing but is supportive. It is really a change and I can relate to what you did. I went from not having a bike to ride to having a moderately well tooled shop and six bikes in various stages of build. My favorites are a 1969 CB 750 chopper that I just put an engine in and hope to have it rideable soon and an xs650 hardtailed bobber that I am making my daily driver . I plan on taking the honda from Pennsylvania to Tampa and then to California and then to Baja Mexico. When I come back I am going to strip it and paint every part , rebuild the engine and paint it to perfection. Then as happened before I am sure someone that saw me on the bike will ask to buy it and the cycle repeats. During this time I have some ideas for some DNEPR chopper and BMW bobber builds. Keep up the good work my friendand hopefully we will meet in the wind sometime.

[@HooptieDoodle]

Wicked awesome 👍. Thanks for sharing. I similarly ended up building this motorcycle with the frustrating impermanence of life weighing on my mind after some career burnout. I have a master's in biology. It was a great opportunity to spend time with my father and do something I'd always wanted to do. Some call this a midlife crisis 😁. Life is definitely short though. Great hearing from you. Good luck with the bike shop. What's the name of your shop? Shout out

[@jimmypopp2695]

@@HooptieDoodle Definitely a mid life crisis...lol We have been tossing around a few names so there is nothing permanent yet. The nod to Jesse James is East Coast Choppers but my partner would like to change the name. Right now we are using space in a non commercial zoned area so we are not open to the public yet.If things go well then we should have a spot for Spring. I want it to be a service station looking shop from the 40's where the old bikers can hang out till all hours and have a beer or more as they teach us their secrets to the rat knuckles and the metric cruisers. Thank you and I will stay in touch.

[@HooptieDoodle]

@@jimmypopp2695 I was hoping it was called "Overedumacated" or something similar 😋. No offense, but you don't see many advanced degrees in custom motorcycles. However, I like the unusual aspect of it. Let me know what you settle on...

[@jimmypopp2695]

@@HooptieDoodle I probably will go back into the chemical engineering aspect but as I said I agree with the mid life crisis part. I have been developing a two part epoxy that has a release component but I believe that I found a way to to rid parts of rust better than electrolysis. It is a three component chemical mix that is non toxic and does a better job than evaporust. My partner and I are going to see how well it goes at some shows and if it does then we will figure out a way to market it.Definitely stay in touch. I am on Facebook as jimmy popp in Parkerford Pa.

[@medic75]

@@jimmypopp2695 you guys are funny as hell. 45 yrs old here with four master's degrees and wanted to build a custom bobber\street fighter. Thanks

[@chadbushnell4132]

Great value for your money! The skill building was the most important part & you would have paid far more to have someone teach you what you learned.

[@HooptieDoodle]

I am SUPER excited to get into welding. It is a lot of fun for me.

[@kiwidadygirl]

GREAT value. First I love the bike, liv when anyone does anything different and still pays attention to the asthetics of a build. As far as the value goes .. learning skills/improving oneself is priceless. Now you could probably recreate the same build in a fraction of the time that this one tool ya'. Btw I'll give ya 3050 for her if ya wanna turn a profit!!

[@HooptieDoodle]

That's a generous offer. I can tell you are a very nice person 😉. Glad you like the bike, thanks for the compliment 👍

[@alonsogarcia6518]

I just got a goldwing and boy is that alot of hours. None the less a cool bike, if your able to sell it and gain some that life you spent on it. Or really enjoy riding it then it's a win

[@HooptieDoodle]

Yeah, it was a lot of work! But I did really enjoy making it. Never built a bike before and there were a lot of fun challenges. I am hoping to get some more hours riding it this summer. Good luck with yours 👍

[@alonsogarcia6518]

I've done some custom metal work but like 10 years ago. This one is gonna be my first bike also. Never owner or worked on one. You recomend just getting it running before modifications? The bike has been sitting g for years.

[@HooptieDoodle]

@@alonsogarcia6518 definitely get it running first before you commit too many resources to it. I found out with mine that you can no longer buy conn rod bearings - which makes it very difficult to rebuild the engine. But by then I was fully committed to the build settled for another second hand engine.

[@matoulaGR]

excellent value and beautiful work. congratulations.

[@larrymoore5811]

I built a 1956 Triumph Tiger 110 Bobber from a complete basket case pile of parts. I spent $6,000 on the build. So I would say you did pretty good with the Goldwing. I have been offered $10,000 for it so I can get my money out of it. The value of the Triumph will only continue to go up.

[@HooptieDoodle]

That Triumph is a good investment 👍. I always choose the cheapest thing around to pour my work into, and then when it's finished it's still not worth anything because there are so many cheap ones around. I spent $3000 and 1200 hours labor, then sold it for $2500. I still have a lot to learn about life🤪

[@katrosper]

Great project. Thank you for documenting it. Agree about the value of learning all of this along the way. The cost of education/skill is time.

[@HooptieDoodle]

Thanks, man. I am glad you liked it 😀👍

[@bigfootgarage2201]

The goldwing is a 300k mile bike and this is the first goldwing bobber I’ve ever seen, it’s like taking the most practical reliable motorcycle ever and making it actually badass and now I’m going to Facebook marketplace

[@HooptieDoodle]

Safe journeys, my friend. Marketplace can be a treacherous place 😀

[@MrNigel1340]

Sound investment, time well spent, excellent job, well done, regards Doc Cox.

[@davidgriffiths5897]

oh man i can't wait to get a back and start my bike with my phone? im a nerd so worth it :D

[@HooptieDoodle]

That would be a lot of fun 👍👍

[@handyhippie6548]

i acquired two goldwings in a trade for an ar 15, a running '81 without a title, and an '83 with a title that runs supposedly, but needs a starter chain. i am going to turn the two of them into an adventure enduro bike along the lines of a bmw r 1200 gs. i expect to spend about half of that, i hope. but, i plan to sell the unused parts to supplement the expense to do so. i already own all of the tools i need, and have the skills. i just need to find the time. i'd say what you spent is a fair cost for what you ended up with. my only issue would be with the gas tank. the flat rear panel just doesn't look right, and the sharp edges may become an problem down the road. other than that, i'd say you did a good job on your first go.

[@HooptieDoodle]

A Goldwing adv bike sounds fun. Someone sent me this video of two guys who took stock wings off road: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYOphGpobtZ-bpI

[@stuartbrock7586]

I think you got a good value, because your objectives to learn new skills and have a unique working motorcycle were met. I appreciate your information. I am thinking it would be great to setup a business that provided the parts for people to do this work themselves as well as contracting it out. People could end up with some really serious motorcycles.

[@HooptieDoodle]

Those are some good thoughts :)

[@immelting9834]

With all the goldwings out there , one would think you could buy a complete overhaul kit for that engine. You can buy almost anything ( engine wise ) for the xs650. Anyone know what was built more ; the goldwing engine or the xs650 ? Also I understand there's a supply and demand yada yada yada thing to consider.

[@ArmandoKeeper]

Great work really cool even the bike of my dreams!

[@966Mako]

Some nice riding shots would've been good, as in someone shooting from another bike or car. It's a good build, but as a former bobber rider. They need mud guards, sure they look good without them. But if you don't, as soon as your in the rain. You & the bike get water & road grime in places you didn't know you had.

[@jackchapman4420]

I love your bike. It came out super cool. 3000 for a custom bobber is chump change really.Are you planning on selling it or keeping it?

[@HooptieDoodle]

I wanna ride it for a while. The longer I have it, the more I like it 😀

[@leonardocalixtoantunes7903]

I have a Valkyrie, and I would like to change the rear tire and have one of those fat tires on it. One of the biggest challenges will be with the swingarm.

[@HooptieDoodle]

Good luck! That's not something I have thought about - but it sounds fun😀

[@leonardocalixtoantunes7903]

So, actually my question to you is if you could help me with that. If so, how can I contact you?

[@HooptieDoodle]

@@leonardocalixtoantunes7903 I am on Twitter & Instagram @HooptieDoodle. It sounds like you want to widen the swingarm? And the Valkyrie is a shaft drive... I would have to research how this is done on chain driven bikes, etc. If the Valkyrie is like my Goldwing, the final drive is a limiting factor as there is no flex in it. The shaft comes straight back to the final drive on the wheel and is fixed in place. The only flex is at the swingarm pivot. I am thinking you would have to design and fabricate a new, possibly multi-jointed CV joint(s) where the engine connects to the shaft so that the shaft can be moved over and then run back to the wheel. I am thinking out loud here, but this doesn't sound ideal to me as there may be some extreme joint angles here. Maybe gears? Maybe you could make a gearbox to shift the driveshaft over? It may be bulky, complicated, and require alteration of the driveshaft in some way. Like I said, not something I've considered. It's definitely an challenging project though and I bet it would be unique!

[@leonardocalixtoantunes7903]

HooptieDoodle Unfortunately I have no Twitter or Instagram accounts. Do you mind if we use emails or phone messages?

[@leonardocalixtoantunes7903]

Hi again, Did you have the opportunity to see my last reply above? Please let me know.

[@nickcross2684]

I just bought a nice running 82 gl 1100 with only 6000 miles on it. !!!

[@HooptieDoodle]

WOW! That's a rare bird. Enjoy it! :)

[@davidgriffiths5897]

my right ear was molested at the beginning of this video lol

[@kkingquad]

I’m considering doing the same thing

[@HooptieDoodle]

You should

[@ralphrayner1783]

I think you did well, gold wings taken care of will last easily over 300,000 miles

[@kiesha104]

Opinions... Well we all know what they say about them..... I think I spent to much time in the Army... Unless your in direct line of the results,,,, keep em to yourself. I know your videos have great content for thoes of us not zombified by the big black box in our living rooms, who refuse to become part of the dumbing down of America .... In the ends that's what matters, well at least to me... Now to put the 79 goldwing in storage so I can do the water pump on the 82 and send it down the road... Looks like snow... Rant over...

[@HooptieDoodle]

I am still amazed by the deal you got on that last Wing. Man!

[@juans3728]

You thought about your project, you tested yourself and you succeeded but most of all it's a Honda and it's yours. Peace.

[@burnscory3420]

I was wandering i have a 77 goldwing an I'm just wandering what all electrical stuff can I remove to keep it operational all I want to work is brake light headlight Speedo an tach obviously I'll need spark

[@HooptieDoodle]

If I recall correctly, the only electrical items I removed were the radio and additional turn signals. Here are a couple videos on what I did with the electrical: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmi2Xp9omdh4q9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKi1mnmJidVmmq8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5maoKt3oaxsh7M

[@burnscory3420]

@@HooptieDoodle ok like on my bike there's just wiring that goes to nothing in the front behind the false tank side panel left side an then in the headlight area when I got the bike there was no headlight an theres a bunch of wires in the headlight housing its all confusing an my bike is alot different than yours all my fuse box an compaciter stuff is all mounted on the same side but on the false tank

[@HooptieDoodle]

@@burnscory3420 it's all about the wiring diagram. Get one for your bike and have a good gander at it and figure out what those spare wires are supposed to go to. Only then will you know if you want to get rid of them. The should all be color coded. Good luck 👍

[@ethanolfree28]

Who gives a shit as long as you had fun!

[@ToTTGlobalLLC]

$3k and how many hr and how much do you charge yourself out an hr? Sooo?

[@Muddog84]

Love it

[@robsthedon]

Good stuff

[@josephneff2199]

I just bought a 83 goldwing with 2900 original miles for $1000 I’m thinking about turning it into a project

[@HooptieDoodle]

Sounds like a great score! 👍👍

[@billfoster5257]

Without tools/knowledge/goldwing you're looking at $80K

[@westcoast4580]

Sorry, your so wrong...you paid way too much for a boat anchor, and still have a boat anchor but only 3000 now, wish I could show you mine.....sweet!!

[@HooptieDoodle]

Sounds like you've got a ride you like and enjoy and that's FANTASTIC! Enjoy it and ride on Bruh :)

[@59vaughn]

No...a triumph is not going to be more reliable than that goldwing.....😝...even at brand new 12k$....