How do you change brake pads on 1981 goldwing GL1100?

You will have to remove the calliper by removing the 2 attach bolts. When the caliper is free, gently push the pistons back into the caliper by using a c-clamp or a channel lock pliers. You will see a retaing bolt on the top of the caliper that needs to be removed in order to remove the brake pad retaining pins. once the retainer and the retaining pins are removed, the pads can now be removed. The installation is the reverse. If the fluid has not been replaced recently, then now would be a good time to do that as well. The manufacturer recomends changing fluid every 8,000 miles or 24 months. Be careful not to spill brake fluid onto any plastic or painted surface as it will eat it up.