California Newbee Needs Advice

[bk2valve]

Mark, that is just to get you hooked! Then we got ya!
Seriously, I think these folks are a pretty great bunch too.
Wait until you need some help with a mechanical problem, they all jump on it....!
Brian

 

[MarkB]

Mark, that is just to get you hooked! Then we got ya!
Seriously, I think these folks are a pretty great bunch too.
Wait until you need some help with a mechanical problem, they all jump on it....!
Brian

I know what you are saying. I've long been a big proponent of forums as not only a source of friendship and inspiration, but a great place to cut the learning curve by a whole bunch. I can already see that this forum will not disappoint in that area. So.....

:thanks: ahead of time! You know with a bike of this vintage, it's only a matter of time, right?

Mark

 

[dan filipi]

Welcome to the Goldwing addiction!

Got any pictures of that baby?

 

[David Mantle]

Do not be too worried about the mileage. With proper maintenance they can double that with ease. The previous comments about weight of machines is something to consider but only a problem at low walking speed. They really are a very well balanced machine when used , even when two up. So long as everything works within acceptable parameters then I would not be worried myself. The stator plug - yellow three pin near battery connection - should be checked cause it is a well known source of charging problems. A little smoke at start up is nothing to worry over so long as it clears within a few seconds. Most people would not worry about a car with higher mileage than this and these engines are tougher than most cars.
Main concern over frame corrosion is the removable section that supports engine mounts on left side as well as centre stand mounts - so long as solid then don`t worry. I spray the inside of the removable section with oil every couple of months to keep corrosion at bay. Rest of frame is long lasting. Check rear suspension units and be prepared to rebuild or replace. A good site for information is run by a chap called Steve Saunders and can be found at https://www.goldwingfacts.com/

One last thing , check and be prepared to change cambelts. I had one snap a few years ago and it destroyed the engine. They are critical to a long life for these motors. I now change mine every 25k whether they need it or not

 

[paddy.shadow]

congrats!

 

[joedrum]

sometimes we just cant rely on santa getting the right thing for christmas...so we help him out :moped: :mrgreen:

 

[MarkB]

I don't have any pics to post yet. I'll try to get some up tomorrow!

Mark

 

[woodrock]

I haven't seriously ridden in about 20 years and then, it was on a much smaller bike. I'm worried about this being a lot of bike to handle. In my defense, I have completed the MSF class recently and I have logged tens of thousands of miles on a bicycle over the course of the last ten years. In my mind, that means I have a little bit of a head start on balance issues and am also savvy about dealing with cars, albeit at a much slower pace. Physically, I think I am capable. I'm 6' and go 230#, so I'm a pretty good sized guy.

My situation was very similar to yours during this past riding season Mark. A number of years since riding regularly on a much smaller bike, recent completion of an MSF course, a regular bicycle rider, and I'm 6'1" and 235 lbs.

I don't think you'll have any trouble getting used to the extra weight and power, as long as you build up your skill sets before "pushing the envelope". I have a 1980 GL1100i and found it to be very well balanced, even in low speed maneuvers.

I'd heartily recommend reading "Maximum Control - Mastering Your Heavyweight Bike" by Pat Hahn. It reinforces some of the material presented in the MSF course, but has a lot more practical "real world" stuff that makes a lot of sense. I found myself reading a passage, then applying the info during my next ride (usually with success). Great book. Welcome to CGW! John

 

[MarkB]

My situation was very similar to yours during this past riding season Mark. A number of years since riding regularly on a much smaller bike, recent completion of an MSF course, a regular bicycle rider, and I'm 6'1" and 235 lbs.

I don't think you'll have any trouble getting used to the extra weight and power, as long as you build up your skill sets before "pushing the envelope". I have a 1980 GL1100i and found it to be very well balanced, even in low speed maneuvers.

I'd heartily recommend reading "Maximum Control - Mastering Your Heavyweight Bike" by Pat Hahn. It reinforces some of the material presented in the MSF course, but has a lot more practical "real world" stuff that makes a lot of sense. I found myself reading a passage, then applying the info during my next ride (usually with success). Great book. Welcome to CGW! John

Thanks, John. It sounds like a good read and one I need to pick up.

The more people I talk to, the more I feel I'll be just fine. I'm not a huge risk taker, anyway, so I don't think pushing the envelope will be that much of an issue. I have a nice industrial area close by that is virtually abandoned on weekends and will afford me a great place to practice the skills. It has everything you want or need to practice. I also plan to stick to surface streets commuting to work for awhile until I feel more confident in my abilities to make the bike do what I want it to do before I take to freeways. Being a bicyclist, I know all the quiet streets, so I can stay away from the cages for quite awhile.

Mark

 

[MarkB]

Oh yeah, the pics I promised can be found in THIS THREAD.

 

[carl62cycles]

Hello & Welcome from So Cal...another winger :yahoo: :yahoo: