The frame, however, would undergo major changes. While he initially considered extending the bike’s wheelbase, McKillop opted to leave it stock. The bobber had to be a lean, mean machine with a rolling weight pared down to around 210 kg. Having already built a few bobbers for friends (two Harleys and a Kawasaki KZ750), he found that they were great fun, so he decided to convert his Gold Wing into a bobber. Then last winter, he felt a need to reinvigorate his ride. McKillop completely rebuilt the engine, overhauled the bike, and then rode it – stock – for 18 years, putting in many a long-distance run. Much later, McKillop happened to see it and the deal was done. He then purchased a new Wing, leaving his old bike to languish, all but forgotten. Originally intending to rebuild the engine, McKillop’s friend had pulled the flat four and torn it down, but he never again found the time to work on it. The bike in question was acquired from a Honda mechanic friend who had pushed it too hard for too long, floated the valves, and consequently bent a few. Some 20 years or so ago, Tad McKillop bought a basket-case 1975 GL1000 Gold Wing for the price of a Thai dinner.
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