oldhack62
Well-known member
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the fact that Dan created this site because of his admiration for a motorcycle almost exactly like mine -- a 1983 Goldwing 1100 Interstate.
That said, I read every day about folks changing this part, or fixing that problem, and wonder if I didn't adopt a monster-in-waiting this spring!
You see, my GL 1100 Interstate is pretty much (as in, as far as I can tell, minus some hoses and cables) original! Nobody's swapped a blade connector for the dogbone fuse. The stator is still original, I think. The starter very occasionally hesitates when the engine is hot on a hot day, but so far has performed its function.
I've DONE the routine maintenance on it, including valve clearances! The previous owner, who is a long-time (think 1960's, I mean!) motorcycle guy who makes his living rebuilding and customizing older motorcycles -- rode THIS ONE to Bike Week in Daytona in February -- refurbed it over the winter.
I mean, I don't expect machinery -- especially attached to a 27yo bike -- to last forever, really I don't. But you guys have me spooked, looking for the thing that's going to leave me stranded by the roadside on my next ride! And, yet, it only has c. 54,000 original miles!
I'm half-tempted to trade it in on something newer that I can count on -- or, at least, is warrantied -- for the next year or so. But, darn it, I really am starting to really enjoy and excel at (after c. 2,500 miles) riding this 'Wing!
Legitimately, what can I expect? Is this bike a time bomb waiting to explode, or am I likely to have a year or two (or more?) before I need to replace major parts or give it a decent burial?
I really don't want to have to break in another forum. Really!
That said, I read every day about folks changing this part, or fixing that problem, and wonder if I didn't adopt a monster-in-waiting this spring!
You see, my GL 1100 Interstate is pretty much (as in, as far as I can tell, minus some hoses and cables) original! Nobody's swapped a blade connector for the dogbone fuse. The stator is still original, I think. The starter very occasionally hesitates when the engine is hot on a hot day, but so far has performed its function.
I've DONE the routine maintenance on it, including valve clearances! The previous owner, who is a long-time (think 1960's, I mean!) motorcycle guy who makes his living rebuilding and customizing older motorcycles -- rode THIS ONE to Bike Week in Daytona in February -- refurbed it over the winter.
I mean, I don't expect machinery -- especially attached to a 27yo bike -- to last forever, really I don't. But you guys have me spooked, looking for the thing that's going to leave me stranded by the roadside on my next ride! And, yet, it only has c. 54,000 original miles!
I'm half-tempted to trade it in on something newer that I can count on -- or, at least, is warrantied -- for the next year or so. But, darn it, I really am starting to really enjoy and excel at (after c. 2,500 miles) riding this 'Wing!
Legitimately, what can I expect? Is this bike a time bomb waiting to explode, or am I likely to have a year or two (or more?) before I need to replace major parts or give it a decent burial?
I really don't want to have to break in another forum. Really!