Supercharged '75 Honda GL1000 by Randakk (with Fageol Blower)

This brief video demonstrates why I love superchargers. At redline, the Fageol blower I chose spins at 12,000 rpms and makes an otherworldly howl that's quite addictive.

This is actually a very conservative and reliable "build" that yielded a practical but serious ride. Max boost is set at only 8psi. I could have gone much more "heroic" on the boost and other details, but I already have way more bike than rider. This is a very enjoyable level of performance that suits my riding style.

Note how linear the power builds from 3,000 rpms...much less abrupt than a turbo would be. I like this bike so much, I'm building a supercharged CBX.

The clip shows roughly 20 - 90mph (+/-) in that time frame. The 0-60 time is actually much faster. Also, I'm running a taller rear wheel than stock (18"Lester) for more "gear." Even so, it will still pull past redline in 5th. Keep in mind that 5th on this bike is actually an overdrive ratio. The taller rear wheel has reduced quarter mile acceleration potential slightly, but it's better matched to bike.

All-out drag launches with elevated rpms and an abrupt clutch "dump" are pretty exciting. It's not too wheelie prone due to my weight, so that part is easy to control, but the rear tire has a strong tendency to break loose and that will grab your attention. But, since I have to fix everything that breaks around here, I avoid too much of that activity as it is pretty hard on the equipment. I'm not interested in breaking it to determine the absolute quarter mile time potential. Ditto for dyno runs. Maybe if I only weighed 105 pounds like magazine testers.

I had planned a slightly longer run for this video, but I eased off the throttle in third. Why? 2 seconds after the clip ends I get to exercise my new brakes big time as a car on the shoulder of the causeway (not there on the outbound scouting pass) decided to move.

Sharp eyes (on the tach and boost gauge) will notice that my shifts were very careful and rather pokey. Unlike in my friend Octane's video, I am always very careful not to blow past redline like he did :) That takes LOTS of concentration as it will rev quickly to the peg. I have a rev limiter planned.

Also, due to the low camera angle, super wide angle lens and parallax error, The gauge readings are a bit distorted. For example, viewed normally - max boost reads 8 psi at redline (the yellow limit line is set at 9 psi). In the video it looks like the max boost is a bit lower than that value. Again, that is a distortion introduced by the camera angle.

Note: This video was shot with a GoPro HD camera and edited with Apple's iMovie. The motion stabilization feature of this great camera is very effective!

Randall Washington (aka Randakk)

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• GL1000
• Honda
• Randakk
• Supercharged
• Supercharger
• CBX
• Fageol
• Randall Washington
• GoPro
• motion stabilization
• iMovie
• Ken Burns
• pan-and-scan
• megaphone exhaust
• naked GoldWing
• supercharged motorcycle
• supercharger whine

[kdunlea1]

ken in cali,i have e-mailed you before,my first gl 1000,just looking to what my bike will sound like after i work it,found randakk, umm dude,a blown GL? SICK,just wrong,a stroker chevy,yup,and the V max? i owned a 85 V max,(quote)148 at the wheel and you put a blower on one? love your tech tips on your web site,read it daily,getting ready to build my 75,yup blue, ! anyone who has a goldwing?, look up randakk on the web, THIS IS THE MAN!,

[bjshredder]

Yeah, who needs mirrors.

[mrbrunse]

BOOOWWWWWW... wow nice! that´s a wierd sound!

[blinkmeoff]

had to listen to it again.......so sweet.

[blinkmeoff]

AWESOME!love to see a longer vid though.can't wait to see the cbx.

[LeptLikeABlog]

Too cool! Thanks for sharing. Puts my stock '75 in a new category. It runs great though after carb rebuild with your kit and video! Thanks so much!

[richjard]

smoking goldwing