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da_bull
Very Active Member
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 11:34 am | 1st Post |
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I found a low mileage '91 1500i just north of me about 160 miles. It seems to have been well taken care of. I am going to go look at it (and bring the trailer just in case). What do I need to look for in this machine? Is reverse really needed? How hard is it to install/upgrade the rear speakers (I've heard they only have spots for speakers and not installed)? Its the 10th Anniversary Gold/Cinnamon color with just a few nicks in the paint here and there on the trunk. Other than that it looks flawless. Thanks in advance...
Bill
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CMA Chapter #105 Ozarks Christian Riders
Road Captain
91 GL1500 (current)
past bikes:
84 GL1200
06 V-Star 1100 Silverado
05 V-Star 650 Classic
03 Suzuki GZ250
If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under...Ronald Reagan
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Ghost Rider 2
Senior Member
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 12:26 pm | 2nd Post |
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| I did the same thing a year ago this week. I still have my 110. Could not give it up. I ride the 1100 to work dailey and the 1500 on weekend trips. Just check overall conditions. Bikes seem to be great. I have the reverse and have only used it a couple of times. Mine came with the rear speakers the are mounted on the front corners of the trunk. I do like the bike, but I still prefer to ride the 1100 on a dailey basis and if I am just running to town. The 1500 is a lot nicer out on a several hundred mile trip though. If I could only have 1 it would be a hard dissision.
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1981 GL1100 Std with full vetter dailey driver
1996 GL1500 Aspy. weekend rider
2004 Honda Shadow Aero 750 wife (Better Half)
2004 Kawasaki Concours sport touring
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treker8098
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 12:30 pm | 3rd Post |
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Good morning,
I recently bought my first GW; a 1988 GL1500. Mine is a bit older with 92,000 miles. So far, it is a great bike. For me, reverse is very handy. I am an avid bicycler with very strong legs and there have been several situations where I needed the reverse gear; the bike is very heavy, but nimble. I understand reverse, which is operated with the starter, is almost bullet proof. I do not have a lot of knoweledge about the rear speakers. I have seen threads on this forum about getting into the speakers. I use the headsets. I have experienced problems with the fuel pump but replaced with an aftermarket system that I think is very reliable. I think it is the only weak area of the bike. There are others who have done this. There are links showing how to do it if you ever need it. I have installed a volt meter to watch the alternator. These appear to be very reliable. Some have recently written with stories of 130,000 on the alternator. When I purchased mine, I checked the compression values on the motor and found them like new; so I beleive the motors to be industructive. Timing belts last a long time and are easy to change. I think the biggest problem is that people do ride the bikes enough and let them stay in the garage for a couple of weeks and the fuel gums up in the system. I used a product called Seafoam at first and have had no problems since. I commute on my GW about 60 to 70 miles a day and love it. Other things to watch for: the tires on my bike were worn with cuppling on the front tire. I hear this is quite normal for the bike. Make sure it steers straight when riding. Brakes, clutch, and normal wear items can allways be replaced. Finally, here is a link about what to look for when buying a 1500. Don't be too hesitant with the purchase and have fun. http://www.goldwingfacts.com/used1500.htm
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Hugh Ray
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Foosman(5)
Very Active Member
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 02:15 pm | 4th Post |
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Rear speakers on an 88 was an option. Check the electrical wiring diagram. Mine shows the electrical option, and even though there was an extra connector on the main harness, it is still tied to the same front speakers.
Reverse is great. I almost picked up an interstate with no reverse, but it sold. I am sure glad I do have reverse even though most will admit they seldom or never use it. But, when you need it is sure nice.
Hesitation and carbs tend to have issues. Repairs can get pretty involved and time consuming, but that is not to say it is a true problem. It is just a pain to work on.
You are taking a trailer, so it sounds like you have already pretty much assessed and committed in making a deal. Cool, hope it works out.
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Texas _Foosman
1988 GL1500
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agnogel
Very Active Member
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 03:48 pm | 5th Post |
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| if it has no reverse its a draw back if you go to resell the up grade for the speakers is childs play as with any old machine there will always be the odd repair generly if the bike is well kept it showes cheque the tires ect just as you would buying a car as i said if the bike was well looked after you know the guy had pride in it these machines were made to be driven they have no prob putting high milage on them left lieing around small things can go sloppy but notting cant be fixed with tender loveing care Last edited on Fri Aug 29th, 2008 03:52 pm by agnogel
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Matt G
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 05:02 pm | 6th Post |
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| leave the trailer at home, go up, buy the bike and ride it home. 160 miles there, 400 miles home.
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Owner and originator, http://WWW.U-FIX-IT-AZ.COM
Current Goldwings:
1984 GL1200 "fugly one"
1988 GL1500 "Wings of Freedom"
2001 GL1800 "Red 18"
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grambo
Very Active Member
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 05:33 pm | 7th Post |
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| I have 91 aniversary...got about 250k on it now....never had a problem with 4th or any gears.....ride it for as long as you can(testride) and work the gears good.....all should be smooth operation....maint is the usual and fairly easy for all components.....you need good knees and back...how much for the bike??...rear speakers are a cinch Last edited on Fri Aug 29th, 2008 05:34 pm by grambo
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91 GL1500
91 Electraglide
A prior Buffet of GL l000's,1100s',1200s'
had Some nice old 650 trumpets...(fun!!)
many dirt and streets..cant remember!!
Ask the wrench god 1st!!
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suks2bu37
Active Member
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 05:42 pm | 8th Post |
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I upgraded to a 1991 SE Anniversary from my 1986 1200. I have used the reverse twice because of gravel in a parking lot and loss of foot traction. The reverse is great and mine had the rear speakers installed when I bought it. It is a lot different handling than the 1200. I would concur on one thing, leave the trailer at home and get lost on the way home for at least 400 miles!!!
suks2bu37
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I ride too fast, too long, and too hard to ride a Harley!!!!
1991 GL1500 SE Anniversary Edition
Past Goldwing: 1986 GL1200 Interstate
http://usera.imagecave.com/suks2bu37/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-WOKTouring
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rhughes
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 05:56 pm | 9th Post |
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| I think they all came with the speakers installed. I use reverse every time i come home and back into the garage, the driveway is angled down away from the garage. If you get a goldwing on a slight incline going backwards you cannot move it anyother way than down. I think reverse is very useful.
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Wolfman
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 06:21 pm | 10th Post |
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I wouldn't let reverse be the only deciding factor, but it really is a good thing to have. In other words, if you really fall in love with the bike and everything else is great, then go with out, but if two or 3 other things cause you to hesitate, then this is one more to add to the list.
I hardly ever use my reverse, but sometimes it just makes a difference. It is harder to back up than my 1200 was. Sometimes when I back out of my own driveway I get caught in the gutter and with the 1200 I could back out but on the 1500 I can't. Then again I am a little older now and a little less in shape too. I suppose I could do it if I really had to, but it is harder. I suppose I use my reverse in that situation about once a week. Part of it might just be because it is there and available.
It is nice to have when you get into a gravel parking lot, or you park in the grass. On the 1200 I always planned ahead and made sure that I parked so that I could go forward when I left. Now I don't even think about it.
Also I pull a trailer now, and I didn't when I had my 1200. I use the reverse more when I have the trailer attached. Again, without it I would just be careful to make sure that I never got into a situation where I had to back up going uphill.
It's a really nice feature that I don't use often, but because it's there, I allow myself to get into situations where I need it.
The 1500's in general have a lot of vacuum hoses and a lot of coolant hoses, and after about 10 years it gets common for these hoses to start giving trouble. If you are a capable do-it-yourself mechanic, then there is nothing to fear. Just like any other machine they will require some TLC maintenance and repair. It just tends to be a little more expensive if you have to pay a mechanic on the 1500 because things are harder to get to on this bike. If you have questions about my specific experiences, let me know.
Mine already had the speakers so I can't tell you much about that.
It handles well, I think a little better than the 1200. You wouldn't think it when you look at it, but once you get out and ride it, it really does handle well.
Gas mileage won't be quite as good as what you are used to, but not bad. I get about 5 or 6 mpg less than I used to get on my 1200. I average about 33 and I used to average about 38 on my 1200. (I commute daily and I did with the 1200 too.) Although on a weekend ride where I am riding comfortably on back roads, I can get as much as 40mpg, and on my 1200 I could get about 42. When you run it hard, the 1500 will use more fuel.
But it won't have any trouble running hard.  I've done some riding on the mountain roads with lots of switchbacks and it's really capable.
Last edited on Fri Aug 29th, 2008 06:21 pm by Wolfman
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'96 GL1500 SE
Honda Riders of Tidewater -- Chapter President
http://www.hrot.org/
http://www.hrot.org/martino/goldwing/
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NeedleNick
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 08:35 pm | 11th Post |
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If you like it, BUY IT! Then you'll love it!
Reverse is a great feature. The ONLY time I don't use it is if I'm backing on a downward slope. I use it every day on level paved surfaces just because it keeps me balanced and in full control. Its too easy to lose your footing and possibly drop it. A GL1500 with just the rider weighs around 1100 lbs. Why horse all that weight around when Honda made it so easy. 
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Later,
Nick B.
'86 GL1200 Interstate (sold but fondly remembered)
'95 GL1500 SE Pearl White Anniversary Edition
http://www.berrysweb.com/motorcycle.htm
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sukhoi356
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 08:48 pm | 12th Post |
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I moved up to a 1500 from a 1200 too but I've only had it a week and have just this minute come back from a 200 mile round trip with the wife on board. On the way out cruise set at 65, on the way back cruise set at 70mph, back on b roads and cruise set to 55mph again,wife says the 55mph cruise was the most comfortable for her on the back. REVERSE is a MUST its bloody heavy! I use reverse everytime i take it out and everytime i put it in.WOULDNT HAVE ONE WITHOUT REVERSE or drivers backrest for that matter. Just my tuppence worth!
Alex(50 and holding)Last edited on Fri Aug 29th, 2008 09:22 pm by sukhoi356
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sandiegobrass
Guru
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Posted: Fri Aug 29th, 2008 08:51 pm | 13th Post |
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Reverse is no big deal for me. I have an SE, and have used the reverse about 4 times in 3000 miles (since I got it)... the first was to back it out of the trailer under control.. very nice.. The rest have been slight uphill backing to get out of a downhill parking spot or on softer ground for getting out also.. I think is is a nice feature, and I would pay more (as I did) just to have it.. but is it that important??? probably not.. I rode bikes for decades without it and could have continued.. also, I am nearing retirement age.. quite abit older than you, so if your youth has an advantage (as it should), you can proably push it around better than I can too...  SDB/Jim
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If a man speaks in the forest and there is no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?
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SDB/Jim
2000 GL1500SE - 2008: 4.5k
1983 GL1100I - 2008: 4.5k
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Temporarily in Indiana
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FIRE UP
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Posted: Sat Aug 30th, 2008 12:01 am | 14th Post |
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da-bull,
Is there is reason to not go to an 1800? Or, is it you just like the 1500s. I'm going back and forth on which one when I make the move. Sandiego brass has enlightened me on most of the major differences and, up until he did so, I was set on an 1800. I'm still leaning that way due to the power thing. Just wondering.
Scott
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Scott & Karla
13 months 'till RETIRMENT!!!
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Armo
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Posted: Sat Aug 30th, 2008 12:45 am | 15th Post |
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I understand that there isn't much difference in power between the 1800 and the 1200 , but the real difference is in the torque. If you and your passenger are a heavyweight,then you need all the help you can get.
My 84 1200 Interstate is listed at 97 horses, not sure what the others are.
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Armo from Fresno
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sandiegobrass
Guru
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Posted: Sat Aug 30th, 2008 03:06 am | 16th Post |
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FIRE UP wrote: da-bull,
Is there is reason to not go to an 1800? Or, is it you just like the 1500s. I'm going back and forth on which one when I make the move. Sandiego brass has enlightened me on most of the major differences and, up until he did so, I was set on an 1800. I'm still leaning that way due to the power thing. Just wondering.
Scott
rid'em first..l that is the only way you can tell..
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SIGNUP FOR NASSIR 2 MONTROSE,CO SEPT 15,16,17, 2009
(GO HERE FOR INFO) then PM wexy to be put on the list.
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If a man speaks in the forest and there is no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?
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SDB/Jim
2000 GL1500SE - 2008: 4.5k
1983 GL1100I - 2008: 4.5k
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Temporarily in Indiana
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wooddy88
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Posted: Sat Aug 30th, 2008 04:07 am | 17th Post |
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I agree. Take it for nice long test ride if you can. Hopefully its smooth and quiet. Check all the electronincs. If you really like it, drive it home the long way. I love mine. Someday I may upgrade to an 1800 but for now Im loving this 1500. Let us know if you get it.
I rarely use reverse but when you do need it youd wish you had it. Mine came with rear speakers too.
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TJ
88 GL1500
91 ST1100
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FIRE UP
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Posted: Sat Aug 30th, 2008 06:04 am | 18th Post |
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da_bull,
You mentioned that you're bringing a trailer just in case. I was also wondering, do you know of tie-down points that would hold that Wing in place while on the trailer? On regular motorcycles, you can tie down to the handlebars and mayby the a rear point too but, on a Wing, the whole things covered up by fairings, bags etc, there's no place to secure a tie-down to.
Scott
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Scott & Karla
13 months 'till RETIRMENT!!!
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sandiegobrass
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Posted: Sun Aug 31st, 2008 01:07 am | 19th Post |
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FIRE UP wrote: .... there's no place to secure a tie-down to.....
There is, just different for a 1500.. remove the side covers.. use a couple soft ties at the frame and it can be used.. likewise, soft ties high on the front forks.... search teh forum, there are some pictures and good discriptions... when I get some time, I'll try to find what I am talking about.. ps.. not a good idea to use the rear crash guards... they are not that strong as pull down points..
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SIGNUP FOR NASSIR 2 MONTROSE,CO SEPT 15,16,17, 2009
(GO HERE FOR INFO) then PM wexy to be put on the list.
---------------
If a man speaks in the forest and there is no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?
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SDB/Jim
2000 GL1500SE - 2008: 4.5k
1983 GL1100I - 2008: 4.5k
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Temporarily in Indiana
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FIRE UP
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Posted: Sun Aug 31st, 2008 09:53 pm | 20th Post |
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| Roger that on the crash bars. I will do some searching for tieing these things down. I would like to set up a page that shows all the tie down points for at least the most popular bikes like a 1200, 1500 and an 1800. That way, if some one (like myself) acquires one, and, we're going to trailer it at one time or another, we might have a reference on what we'll need to do.
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Scott & Karla
13 months 'till RETIRMENT!!!
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