Pros and Cons of Buying a '80s Goldwing

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MountainMan

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Hi, prospective new Goldwing owner here. I'm looking at some old Goldwings as the prospect of long rides on something comfortable with good protection from wind and rain sounds more and more appealing than some of the dual sport bikes I am used to.

The prices look appealing in some cases, but I am conscious of the trade off between the time and effort required to bring an old bike back to full running condition.

I'll keep reading through the posts to bring myself up to speed but what are the usual key things to look for when evaluating this era of Goldwings? Currently looking at the 1200s, but that might expand.

My initial thinking is to lean toward lower mile bikes as they hopefully won't need as many maintenance items replaced but I am also conscious of the fact that bikes that have sat too long can develop problems unique to not being run regularly.

Any suggestions much appreciated.
 
Welcome to Classics!

Things to look at when considering an older GoldWing...

1. Your mechanical abilities - they aren't hard to work on, but shops (dealers) will usually avoid working on them.
2. Stator output
3. How long have the carbs been sitting with fuel sitting in them - may require a good clean to a complete over-haul.
4. Look the frame over for rush. Especially the center stand cross member.
5. Change the timing belts for good measure.
 
They are all in the range of 30 years old. Many have survived in spite of minimal maintenance. So Plan on changing all the fluids and flushing systems. All the rubber bits ( like hoses and belts etc.) likely need changed. Electrical connectors will likely need attention as they would on any vehicle 3 decades old. There are plenty of threads with great advice. If you are handy with tools and following suggestions jump right in. If not try to find a bike that has been lovingly cared for but be prepared to spend more than average for it.
 
Welcome to this forum. An older bike can be a great ride and give many miles of touring enjoyment. As has been mentioned, your abilities to turn a wrench is paramount in owning an older bike regardless of make/model. Even used bikes 10-15 years old can be an issue as well with the exception that you may be able to take them to a dealer for work. Not many want to work on the older GWs because it can turn into a time and materials issue, quite costly.

Having stated this, don't shy away from the older GWs. There is a lot of information on the various forums that can be of assistance in bringing these older GWs back to a state that is safe for riding.

First and foremost, road safe is paramount. Brakes, tires, lighting, and any loose bearings have to be addressed. Changing all fluids and do a good electrical system inspection. Just because a bike looks good does not mean it has been maintained well.

Don't shy away from the fuel injected 1985 Limited Edition or the 1986 Special Edition injected. Honda put a very robust fuel injection system that it used on its fuel injected cars of the same year. Most issues with these fuel injected models are the sensors, and there are a lot of work arounds and mods that can be done.

I have found there are similarities between the various years and models. An example of this is the front crank oil seal for the 1200 is the same as that for a 1500.

Other more basic issues are what are you going to do with it and how long might you keep it.

As with any used bike, there are no guarantees, even with newer bikes one or two years old. I read a thread where the fellow bought older bikes and had a budget of $3000.00 USD to buy the bike and get it on the road so he could ride it. This fellow mentioned he had only had to break this plan once.

Lots of good members here willing to help. I found this and other forums extremely valuable when I first bought my '85 LTD. Got me going in the right direction.

Best of luck. Cheers
 
Thanks for the information and suggestions, greatly appreciated. Looks like this forum has some very experienced members who are willing to share their knowledge, truly one of the great things about the motorcycling community in general.

I'm happy to work on my bikes as I enjoy it and my frugal streak prevents me from going to the dealer unless absolutely necessary. Based on the suggestions, Ill take the time to do a thorough inspection and plan for additional maintenance items above and beyond the norm due simply to age.

If I come across a bike that looks particularly interesting, Ill post it to see what you guys think. I did come across a couple of mid 80s models with low miles, but would have to take a much closed look as the purchase price is one thing, but the upgrade price has to be factored in to see what a total cost would look like. Thanks again all.
 
My personal favorite is the 84. Lots of upgrades possible with all models but the 84 is even more adaptable.
 
I bought an 86 Interstate a couple of years ago and find it great to ride. I did all the things recommended by the forum ( changed fluids and belts etc) did not cost a lot to do. Put 10,000 kilometres on it last year.
 
Welcome to CGW from Central Illinois. Much good info here!

It's a long drive for you, but take a look at St Louis C/L at the 86 GL1200 Aspencade. It is an excellent bike with the work already done and low mileage also. It even has the Honda toolkit and owners manual.

Cheers;

Tom
 
Welcome to the site from New Jersey! :clapping:

I have ridden 3 different Classic Goldwings in various configurations and for the most comfy ride, it was hands down the '85 Limited 1200. I have ridden my modified '82 Standard over 30k miles on road trips lasting as much as 2800 miles and I can ride that bike forever! I wish I had a chance to take a 1200 for a road trip, but it has not been in the cards for me. I currently have an '81 Standard we just recently fully restored to road condition and it sure is spry, but is much taller than my '82 1100 or the '85 1200. The only complaint I had with the 1200 was the amount of heat from the engine at my feet when riding in the summer. I felt I was getting cooked. The 1100's are more open and I do not have that issue with them. Here is a sampling:

'81 1100 Standard (which is for sale):

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This is what we started with on our '82 Standard to give you a flavor of what can be done:

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'82 1100 Standard when it had a Vetter faring with bags and trunk:

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'82 1100 Standard with the faring pulled and just windshield and bags:

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'82 1100 Standard with an OEM trunk added:

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'82 1100 Standard with my trailer set up (best setup yet!):

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'85 1200 Limited (with that real comfy seat and cruise control!):

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All nice bikes Gerry. :salute:
I love how the 81 has turned out and as much as I love the Rats Nest, if your 81 had been an 82 I would have been seriously tempted. ( divorce pending, "MBS is a real thing darling!" :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: )
 
never fear an oldwing. service them as needed. you will buy more tires than you will parts.please excuse messy shop.
 

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You have all the advice you should need now after these guys replied. My 2 cents worth is more expounding than contributing.I owned 3 1500 goldwings.Newer,parts still available but becoming more scarce.However, they seldom need parts.But they are 150 pounds heavier than the 4 cylinder goldwings.That was a big decider for me. I was leery when I bought my 82.I can work on a bike, but do not like doing it. I prefer riding. I found one for $2500 that had brand new tires,new fluids, brand new belts,perfect original paint,just an excellent bike.I have also found many for $2000 that looked great.But for safety sake would need the belts replaced and most likely something else.Find one as done as you can.I was surprised how much slower the 1100 is compared to the 1500.80 mph feels like 80 mph.On my 1500 it felt like 80 and when I looked down it was 95.But the 1500 and 1800 have that wonderful motor hidden wrapped in plastic.I dont like that either.The 1100 really doesnt need reverse.The 1500 its a godsend they have reverse.Once properly fixed and running all era goldwings will run 200,000 miles.More than probably any of us will ever ride.
 
[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=188739#p188739:2t7jjb6j said:
steve84 » Sat Apr 01, 2017 4:18 pm[/url]":2t7jjb6j]
i also have owned an 82. probably the best goldwing i ever owned. trouble free ride

Yes Steve i like mine a lot.The seat is too tall for me.A pity since its one of only maybe 3 stock seats I have ever found good enough to not replace.I have a seat off a 78 junker I cut down with a knife.I am going to put it on my bike, ride around on it, see if its low enough and if enough padding remain to be comfortable for longer rides.I fear it wont be enough to do that longer ride.I will see.I do not like tiptoes at a stoplight.And even backing up its hard if neither foot is flat on the ground. The 82 is really a great looking bike.
 
One of the Cons is that the Harley guys won't like you because you will have a better bike than they do. Some parts are hard to come by, and a bit pricey, but that's motorcycles for you. Some of the aftermarket parts aren't the best so take the advice on parts from the guys on this forum that have been working on them for a while. I have an 83, absolutely love it, would ride it anywhere.
 
[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=188820#p188820:xx5ib8lh said:
OldWrench » Sun Apr 02, 2017 11:00 pm[/url]":xx5ib8lh]
One of the Cons is that the Harley guys won't like you because you will have a better bike than they do. Some parts are hard to come by, and a bit pricey, but that's motorcycles for you. Some of the aftermarket parts aren't the best so take the advice on parts from the guys on this forum that have been working on them for a while. I have an 83, absolutely love it, would ride it anywhere.

When I was down at the Tail of the Dragon on my ‘81, I had my low budget 1100 parked in line with a bunch of farkled-up high dollar 1800’s. My old wing was getting more attention and comments and I think that may have bothered some of the 1800 owners.
 
probably does. it seems that people are drawn to them.they will pick out the old wings every time. :moped:
 
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