Looking into getting an older GW, Opinion needed!

[Daeouse]

Greetings all! :BigGrin: :hi:

I was thinking of getting this: https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/mcy/5236176220.html

I spoke to the gentleman selling it, and he informed me (in very broken english; he really tried though) that it runs and drives, but could use a carb-cleaning.

I checked at a local Honda dealer, and was informed that parts for these older GW's were becoming incredibly hard to get, and was really not worth the purchase. I wanted a second opinion from people who know these bikes more intimately, because the dealer deals with a raft of other motorcycles, atv's, and buggies.

Any input? :thanks:

 

[Ansimp]

Nothing wrong with old GoldWings if you are prepared to do the work. This bike would cost you a lot to get up to scratch, in my opinion you should always try for something that runs. That said the Rats Nest hadn't run in 13 years and it has turned out well :yes:
https://www.classicgoldwings.com/forum/v ... 433#p74433

 

[Terry]

I'm on my 3rd Wing. One I bought new in 2006 but I own a nice old 82 GL 1100 Interstate and a money hungry needy 77 GL 1000 project bike.

Good parts for an GL1100 are far easier to find than for a GL1000 as is solid repair help or advise.

If you want opinion the answer is it depends.
If you like a mechanical challenge and also finding good parts can also be a challenge then go for it.

You will probably have to ride any investment out of them as resale is pitiful on most.
Still if you get one running right and reliable like my 82 it is a great bang for buck motorcycle.

 

[Daeouse]

Ansimp » 2 minutes ago[/url]":2vfoq4il]
Nothing wrong with old GoldWings if you are prepared to do the work. This bike would cost you a lot to get up to scratch, in my opinion you should always try for something that runs. That said the Rats Nest hadn't run in 13 years and it has turned out well :yes:
https://www.classicgoldwings.com/forum/v ... 433#p74433

He claims it runs, and I was planning on going to look at it, to see for myself if it actually ran. :headscratch:

 

[Daeouse]

Terry » 5 minutes ago[/url]":3goqcz9i]
I'm on my 3rd Wing. One I bought new in 2006 but I own a nice old 82 GL 1100 Interstate and a money hungry needy 77 GL 1000 project bike.

Good parts for an GL1100 are far easier to find than for a GL1000 as is solid repair help or advise.

If you want opinion the answer is it depends.
If you like a mechanical challenge and also finding good parts can also be a challenge then go for it.

You will probably have to ride any investment out of them as resale is pitiful on most.
Still if you get one running right and reliable like my 82 it is a great bang for buck motorcycle.

:thanks:

 

[Denver]

1100's are the 2nd generation of wings, first generation of improvement, 83's being the best. 84's are the fastest 1200's, 87 being the best as the final year of anything made the same thing being the best as all the bugs are worked out.

 

[slabghost]

running 82 for $500 is a good deal. $200 more for the parts bike isn't bad either. Especially if they both have clear titles. It will cost money to get all the maintenance caught up and time to learn how. If you have the time and the desire to be your own mechanic. It's a good deal.

 

[Daeouse]

slabghost » 1 minute ago[/url]":1uumhmqb]
running 82 for $500 is a good deal. $200 more for the parts bike isn't bad either. Especially if they both have clear titles. It will cost money to get all the maintenance caught up and time to learn how. If you have the time and the desire to be your own mechanic. It's a good deal.

Thanks!

 

[zman]

Maybe take a battery, jumper cables,plug wrench and compression guage, very least take some starting fluid or gas to prime and a battery and spin it over to see if it actually fires, if you use gas don't pour it in the plenum just a little maybe 2 tablespoons. If you just do a compression reading that's cool too.
If it actually fires up then paint and assembly isn't too hard.

 

[dan filipi]

Terry » Today, 4:04 pm[/url]":8bfrqs6h]
I'm on my 3rd Wing. One I bought new in 2006 but I own a nice old 82 GL 1100 Interstate and a money hungry needy 77 GL 1000 project bike.

Good parts for an GL1100 are far easier to find than for a GL1000 as is solid repair help or advise.

If you want opinion the answer is it depends.
If you like a mechanical challenge and also finding good parts can also be a challenge then go for it.

You will probably have to ride any investment out of them as resale is pitiful on most.
Still if you get one running right and reliable like my 82 it is a great bang for buck motorcycle.

Agree completely with Terry.

They are great bikes once up to par.

Oh, and be sure the titles are clear and current. In Cali they rip us bad if not.

 

[Denver]

Chance to buy the best that was available at the time!!! :yes: High end models, or flag ship models, are very pricey most of the time. This is a chance to buy such an item for a small investment, most of the cash spent will be to make it run like new. Which it should, if you get one that's not suffered serious abuse! :builder: They are almost impossible to wear out, you can tear ANYTHING up if you try! :smilie_happy:

 

[Daeouse]

I shall keep everyone's advice in mind. Is there any major recommendations of what I should keep an eye out for? Major red flags to be avoided?

 

[Denver]

Have two 84 standards, 87 interstate, & a 91 aspencade. standards when weather as great, either of the others when its not as nice,or as warm. :good: When asked which one is my favorite, the one i'm on is ALWAYS the answer. :smilie_happy:Have one of a like or similar kind to ride when working on the other one :hihihi:

 

[dkl]

If the motor is not locked up, and gives the impression it will shift thru gears, and title clear, I would jump on it.....if u like to work on stuff.

 

[brianinpa]

Welcome to Classics! Things to look for: rust in the tank, burn stator wire connector melted, charging system putting out 14 volts, and does the bike run. For $500, that sounds like a good deal as long as it runs and the stator is working.

As far as parts not being available for the 1100, I haven't had any problems finding anything I need on forums and ebay.

 

[slabghost]

Ad has been up over two weeks now. Offer him $600 for both and you'll probably be hauling them home.

 

[Daeouse]

Welcome to Classics! Things to look for: rust in the tank, burn stator wire connector melted, charging system putting out 14 volts, and does the bike run. For $500, that sounds like a good deal as long as it runs and the stator is working.

As far as parts not being available for the 1100, I haven't had any problems finding anything I need on forums and ebay.

:thanks: I'll check on those things.
Good to know about those parts! :BigGrin:

dkl » Today, 6:55 pm[/url]":xqjf409b]
If the motor is not locked up, and gives the impression it will shift thru gears, and title clear, I would jump on it.....if u like to work on stuff.

I do like to tinker, so this could be serious fun!

Ad has been up over two weeks now. Offer him $600 for both and you'll probably be hauling them home.

I've actually been following this sale for over a year. He keeps reposting it. I think the disassembled pics and his limited use of English have scared away the less discerning and determined buyer. I'll see what he'll take when I go look at it.

 

[slabghost]

best of luck!

 

[Daeouse]

Ok, here's the breakdown:

I decided against getting the bikes, as the seller wasn't very accommodating for showing the bikes. When I had the ability to be there, he was never available. I'm getting a different bike in the meantime, but I'm still keeping my eye out for other GW's!

 

[slabghost]

Too bad it fell through. I'm sure something will turn up.