Have been noticing that there is an increasing amount of forum traffic regarding issues and fixing of GL1500 and GL1800. Also had a discussion with a used GW parts supplier and he mentioned that he would be concentrating on the GL1500 and GL1800 as there is not as much value in catering to the GL1000/GL1100/GL1200, or availability of parts.
I was asked by my partner why I just don't stay with my 1800, it's newer (I really like and enjoy riding my 1200). From perusing the various forums it is evident that the GL1500 and GL1800 are at or quickly approaching the same maintenance and work issues as the GL1000/GL1100/GL1200.
I was at the local GWRRA coffee a couple of Fridays ago and almost all have GL1800s. GL1500 and older weren't even mentioned.
I guess this is to be expected as the GL1500 at the oldest is 30 years old (from 1988 to 2000 - 12 years) , and the GL1800 at the oldest is only 15 years old. This is a long time for a specific model run. Don't know what Honda will come out with to maybe replace the GL1800; however the power plant and drive train is fairly bulletproof so a remake of the GL1800 may be in order - maybe something to take on that 750 lb rocket that BMW has - the GL1600.
My partner also asked why I would put in new parts. It is my opinion that we as a society do not keep anything long enough to have do work such as replacing the steering stem bearings. I imagine the GL1550, not so much the GL1800 as of yet, may start to see mods that are work arounds for obsolescence issues that are sure to come up more often such as the fuel sending unit mod that has been done and documented over the GWDocs forum.
Most riders I know keep their bikes for a few years and replace with a new/newer bike before any of this work needs to be done. The majority of the work I have done to my '85 LTD may/will never have to be done by myself again; however, I am still looking forward to getting some 400,000 Kms (250,000 miles) on this bike without an engine rebuild - have a lot of riding to do. I also enjoy working on my bike.
I digress, started this thread to solicit your opinions on what I see as a trend regarding GWs and if any have noticed the same in their area.
Cheers
I was asked by my partner why I just don't stay with my 1800, it's newer (I really like and enjoy riding my 1200). From perusing the various forums it is evident that the GL1500 and GL1800 are at or quickly approaching the same maintenance and work issues as the GL1000/GL1100/GL1200.
I was at the local GWRRA coffee a couple of Fridays ago and almost all have GL1800s. GL1500 and older weren't even mentioned.
I guess this is to be expected as the GL1500 at the oldest is 30 years old (from 1988 to 2000 - 12 years) , and the GL1800 at the oldest is only 15 years old. This is a long time for a specific model run. Don't know what Honda will come out with to maybe replace the GL1800; however the power plant and drive train is fairly bulletproof so a remake of the GL1800 may be in order - maybe something to take on that 750 lb rocket that BMW has - the GL1600.
My partner also asked why I would put in new parts. It is my opinion that we as a society do not keep anything long enough to have do work such as replacing the steering stem bearings. I imagine the GL1550, not so much the GL1800 as of yet, may start to see mods that are work arounds for obsolescence issues that are sure to come up more often such as the fuel sending unit mod that has been done and documented over the GWDocs forum.
Most riders I know keep their bikes for a few years and replace with a new/newer bike before any of this work needs to be done. The majority of the work I have done to my '85 LTD may/will never have to be done by myself again; however, I am still looking forward to getting some 400,000 Kms (250,000 miles) on this bike without an engine rebuild - have a lot of riding to do. I also enjoy working on my bike.
I digress, started this thread to solicit your opinions on what I see as a trend regarding GWs and if any have noticed the same in their area.
Cheers