Goldwing owners-help please.

Iceman

Iceman

Well-known member
I'm strongly considering buying a goldwing, but have never had the chance to ride one. I'm 40 years old, been riding 34 years, currently riding a bandit 1200s. Finances dictate a 1984-87 model. I would like to meet a knowledgeable wing owner to get some advice on these bikes. Ideally I'd like to go for a bit of a ride on one to get a feel for it. (long shot, I know). Anyone out there interested in throwing a leg over my bandit for an hour or two? I live in the Barrie area, but I'm willing to ride out to meet in your area. Thanks for any help or responses.
Jeremy
 
Iceman,
After decades of naked bikes (back when we called them UJMs) I wanted to be able to take the squeeze for rides in terms of days instead of hours. Her comfort was my only real interest. Three years ago I bought an 86 1200 Interstate. It's worked out great. The first summer we spent a week in PA. Last summer a week looping Lake Huron and another week down to Deals Gap. We got back Monday from a 9 day trip down to the Cherahala.
PLUSES
So much torque. Lean back in the seat and just twist the throttle as you snake up mountain roads
Lots of lockable dry storage. We each get a saddle bag and then have the trunk for a cooler and food bag, etc.
Totally reliable. Over 4300kms my Tclock only involved making sure the key still fit the ignition. Didn't even check the oil.
Tires last longer. The Dunlop Elite IIIs I put on have over 25000kms and I still can't see cords.
You get to scrape pegs more often
I get about 50MPG 2up touring
Adjustable air suspension (onboard compressor if you get an Aspencade)
Lots of protection in rain or cold
They come with cool 80's sound systems but sadly my cassette player quite
Shaft drive - no chain lube, tighten, replace....
The weight is down low (boxer motor with gas under your a**)
Cheap to buy. The 1200s can be a total steal.
MINUSES
You roast behind that fairing (I fixed that somewhat by trimming the shield and adding a large vent )
Zero coolness factor

I'm in St Marys - If you look as responsible in person as your post would suggest it's yours for an hour or 2 or 6....
 
Thanks Dirtbag, that's very cool of you to offer. I have an offer to trade my bandit for a nice 85 gl1200, meeting with the current owner on Saturday so I may have my own goldwing very soon. If not, I'll PM you and try to make my way to St Marys.
Btw, how do you find parts availability? Regular maintenance items - brakes, bushings/bearings, seals etc.
Jeremy
 
So far I have only replaced the timing belts and had fork seals done but parts are no problem.

Only changed the belts because they're almost 30 yrs old. They looked just fine when I took them out.
The belts were off the shelf items from any auto parts store - about 15$ each. More if you bought them from a Honda dealer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom