Another temptation, 1981 GL1100

[chuck c]

GAA! Another! I wish I had the capitol to nab this one AND the 85 LTD. This one is much closer to being a runner. Q: the one I already have torn apart in my garage is the same year but it has the Hondaline fairing where this one has the ugly-ass Vetter :cheeky: that looks original from here. Did Honda offer both at the same time? What year did they switch to Hondaline? Does the seller have the year wrong? I hope you more experienced eyes can tell me.

 

[chuck c]

If I sold the Kawasaki I could get them both..... but I've kind of gotten attached to that little screamer. The more hours you spend on the them harder it is to part with them!

 

[joedrum]

its seems to be maybe a dealer equipped vetter package

 

[roncar]

Q: the one I already have torn apart in my garage is the same year but it has the Hondaline fairing where this one has the ugly-ass Vetter :cheeky: that looks original from here.

HEY, I resemble that! :rant:

Did Honda offer both at the same time? What year did they switch to Hondaline? Does the seller have the year wrong? I hope you more experienced eyes can tell me.

On Hondas, Vetter was always a Dealer added option for the standards. Honda started the Hondaline fairings (with bags and trunk) with the 1980 Interstate. Standards (sans fairing, bags, and trunk) were offered thru 1984 (GL1200 Standard.) All goldwings after that have come from the factory dressed.

 

[Omega Man]

I didn't like the Vetter stuff for years, now I've grown to appreciate it to the point of wanting a 79 with the full Vetter package.

 

[Ansimp]

I love my Vetter stuff even the way it looks :good:

 

[joedrum]

me too on my barely dress hooch it seems great to me ... the bags are still the best thought out ...not many missing vetter lids like others ... but hondaline looks good to better in most peoples eyes.... just not as near user friendly ...

 

[slabghost]

MBS can be tough on the wallet. That said. I wouldn't recommend selling the Kaw but I too would be very tempted to get both.

 

[zman]

From what I hear that vetter stuff is more aerodynamic the the Hondaline equipment, If you get it keep it on ,it just may grow on you.
I agree at first sight they didn't thrill me either, Mainly the shape of the bags being wide on bottom and tapering up top, It is for aerodynamics more then likely.
It has the lowers too..I think that's the best look for the Vetter is with lowers.

 

[roncar]

Some prefer Vetter. Some prefer Hondaline. Some like either. Some like neither! (I like cheap. :whistling: )Great that we have a choice and don't have to be lemmings.....

An interesting quote from https://www.craigvetter.com/pages/Vetter ... ry-P1.html

...In 1980, a new GL1100, called the Interstate, appeared with its own fairing from the factory, which was, in every aspect, a “Windjammer from Japan”...

 

[Steve83]

I never liked the Vetter until I started working on Tony's Rat's Nest. I really grew to appreciate it, although I still prefer the Hondaline's looks. How 'bout a Hondaline fairing and trunk, with Vetter bags...or simply naked!

 

[roncar]

How 'bout a Hondaline fairing and trunk, with Vetter bags...

Mix and match? What a concept. k:

With my 78, mixed was dictated by what was readily available (did I mention I was cheep?)

I have since gone with the Vetter bags.

I am working on a vetter trunk but haven't decided if I'll go that route or not.

 

[chuck c]

I've been informed the 85 FI LTD sold this morning around the time I wrote to him. The LTDs don't last long at low prices in any condition. 2 summers ago somebody in NJ had one on CL that had been sitting outside, starter frozen, not run for years and the guy wanted major bucks for it. It disappeared but it took a really long time to sell.

Those Vetter bags look much larger than the Hondas. The trunk is for sure. I don't mind their look but I prefer the Hondaline fairing's looks by a loooong shot. Yeah, the Vetter aerodynamics are probably better. Don't care. :cheeky: If I get a wing with a Vetter on it you're welcome to it 'cause it's coming off.

 

[mcgovern61]

My bike came to me with a Vetter faring (and lowers) and it has served me really well for years. But in the end, I liked the Standard look better with a windshield and the bike really runs great:


With:

Without:

 

[Ansimp]

I love the ability to unlock the side panniers to work on the wheel also the hinged lids with straps. work as a bench and don't fall on the ground. I do like Roncar's version that makes all panniers removable with the Hondaline top box instead of the fixed Vetter one, but I couldn't give up my 4 big round tail/stop lights for that advantage.