Motorcycle Repair: goldwing timing belts, radiator cap, timing belts

Question
Chris: I acquired an 82 Goldwing GL1100 with 42,000 miles on it. I'm assuming it has the original timing belts as Honda recommends changing them at 50,000. Being that the bike is 22 years old, I want to check them. According to the shop manual, you take the 4 nuts off the radiator and move it forward to access the cover. It might move an inch. I thought I would remove the radiator for more access. Again the shop manual says to remove the radiator cap to assist in draining, and to refill the radiator at the cap and not the plastic reserve tank under the tool box. You can barely see the radiator cap, let along take it off or fill through it. I'm sure theres a trick here that the shop manual is not mentioning. Perhaps you have performed this before and can be of some help. Thanks. Steve

Answer
Hi Steve.
 You've aquired one of the finest machines out there.  When properly maintained, the GL will last well over 500,000 miles (at 100,000, they're barely broken in).
The trick with a Goldwing is knowing that almost every major bit of work on the bike, as well as some minor bits (like changing the rear tire) requires you to remove body parts to access it first.

You will have to remove the fairing lower panels and possibly the fairing itself to access the radiator and engine.

You will, quite likely have to remove the false tank panel sections as well.

Hope that helps.
Good luck.
FALCON