buying goldwing any advice
- Thread starter Stoby
- Start date
rosco
Gold Level Site Supporter
The early 80's GL1100 was a good bike but suspension and handling was kind of poor. The mid 80's GL1200 was a better bike in my opinion but had a stator issue. Almost ever 1200 out there had to have a new stator installed at one time or another. This is not a cheap thing, about a $1200 dollar deal. The GL 1500 would be my choice of the three. A little harder to work on for the average bike owner but definitely handled better and had a nice strong running motor. No matter which one you end up with I would take the time to go through and put dielectric grease on as many connectors as you can find. These are assembled dry from the factory and are terrible for getting corroded. It may save you a lot of headache down the road.
1988 was the first year for the 1500. I had a 1990 which was a good bike for it's purpose. Very comfortable for passengers. Keep a close eye on the temperature gauge. If the temperature rises quickly on slow riding, the radiator is probably coated up internally and needs to be replaced. The cooling fans will come on a lot any time you ride in town, but should never come on while on the highway. Batteries don't last very long, they have a hard life with all the electronic goodies and more so with accessory lights. If you know the cooling system is good, higher engine temperatures will result when the battery is in poor shape. This is because the alternator is working harder than normal to carry the bad battery.
You may want to change the front springs as the stock spring rate is marginal. Changing to progressive rate springs will help a lot. These bikes are not much fun to work on, it takes several hours to replace the air filter since it's located under the radio. Check the clear plastic tube (left side) behind the cover near the footpeg. Remove the plastic plug; only a small bit of moisture should come out. This is the drain tube for the condensation catch tank above the engine. You risk engine corrosion if this tank is not drained often.
The caburetor is buried deep and you will get some fuel percolation on hot days. The fuel injected GL1800 is a probably a better bike in this regard. I haven't ridden an 1800 so I don't know how they compare overall.
You may want to change the front springs as the stock spring rate is marginal. Changing to progressive rate springs will help a lot. These bikes are not much fun to work on, it takes several hours to replace the air filter since it's located under the radio. Check the clear plastic tube (left side) behind the cover near the footpeg. Remove the plastic plug; only a small bit of moisture should come out. This is the drain tube for the condensation catch tank above the engine. You risk engine corrosion if this tank is not drained often.
The caburetor is buried deep and you will get some fuel percolation on hot days. The fuel injected GL1800 is a probably a better bike in this regard. I haven't ridden an 1800 so I don't know how they compare overall.
desertgasser300
Banned
Even better then the above post..................
COMPLETE THREAD HI-JACK!!!!!!!!!!! Bwahahahaha!
COMPLETE THREAD HI-JACK!!!!!!!!!!! Bwahahahaha!
desertgasser300
Banned
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Stoby
Bronze Level Site Supporter
got one
Found an 88 gl1500 with only 28k on the clock for $4k with a trailer ,Couple bumps and bruises but overall seems decent. Suspension feels like crap when hitting any bumps /potholes etc. But on smooth pavement is surprisingly agile.My old lady gets nervous on the highway and thinks she'll fall off so It was either bag my Roadstar or find a cheap wing. She only rode on my Aprilia once and hated it likes the Roadie but only local travel. I'm already been getting my jewels busted by my friends -had it 2 days. Ha
Found an 88 gl1500 with only 28k on the clock for $4k with a trailer ,Couple bumps and bruises but overall seems decent. Suspension feels like crap when hitting any bumps /potholes etc. But on smooth pavement is surprisingly agile.My old lady gets nervous on the highway and thinks she'll fall off so It was either bag my Roadstar or find a cheap wing. She only rode on my Aprilia once and hated it likes the Roadie but only local travel. I'm already been getting my jewels busted by my friends -had it 2 days. Ha
desertgasser300
Banned
Motorcycle guys.....we cant help ourselves!!
Those new road stars are nice. They beat out the Harley and the victory baggers in one article I read.
Sent from my SGH-T999L using Tapatalk
Those new road stars are nice. They beat out the Harley and the victory baggers in one article I read.
Sent from my SGH-T999L using Tapatalk
