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1984GL1200A wrote:
1984GL1200A wrote:
I'm still waiting for a response from the guy.
1200 c.c. GoldWing - is it reliable?
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I'm a new member. I'm looking at buying a 1984 Wing, 1200 c.c. A friend says the 1200 is probably the worst built GoldWing. Can anyone comment on that for me? It's in great shape - 77,000 km (48,000 miles). Has a trailer also. Can anyone comment on the 1200 Wing form a mechanical point of view? thanks.
I'm a new member. I'm looking at buying a 1984 Wing, 1200 c.c. A friend says the 1200 is probably the worst built GoldWing. Can anyone comment on that for me? It's in great shape - 77,000 km (48,000 miles). Has a trailer also. Can anyone comment on the 1200 Wing form a mechanical point of view? thanks.
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81 - 100 of 103 Posts
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Yeah, he is right, that is why I am on my third one...........THEY ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, he is right, that is why I am on my third one...........THEY ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!
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If its all you can afford then get it. I have a 1200 ans love it. I would love a 1500 more and I would love an 1800 more than that, however I can only afford the 1200. I'm very happy, broke, but happy
Andrew
If its all you can afford then get it. I have a 1200 ans love it. I would love a 1500 more and I would love an 1800 more than that, however I can only afford the 1200. I'm very happy, broke, but happy
Andrew
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TUNDRA_schumacher wrote:
TUNDRA_schumacher wrote:
Looks like you have a harness.Just went to the garage and snapped this:
![]()
So I guess mine has had this done?
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1984GL1200A wrote:
don't forget haggis and kilts!
1984GL1200A wrote:
\Ruaidh wrote:You forgot the shrimps, buffalo and rabbits! :goofygrin: :grinner:(when finished discussing deer, pancakes, currants, spam, kilts and ball bearings)
don't forget haggis and kilts!
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rcmatt007 wrote:
rcmatt007 wrote:
[align=center]:doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:[/align]1984GL1200A wrote:don't forget haggis and kilts!Ruaidh wrote:You forgot the shrimps, buffalo and rabbits! :goofygrin: :grinner:(when finished discussing deer, pancakes, currants, spam, kilts and ball bearings)
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I think I have to say that if you hear someone say that this year or that is the worst or this engine or that engine is the worst ever built it is safe to say that is a personal opinion without much weight.
You may have a year where the electrical has bugs or a certain part of the bike has had problems like carbs or a clutch but all in all the Gold Wing doesn't have a bad year, it all depends on how much involvement you want.
You can pickup a good deal on some years that have had certain problems and just check the forums for fixes and you will have an outstanding ride for a little work. If you want to get your hands dirty.
I have had three Gold Wings and a Silver Wing and have had no serious problems to date. If you take care of a bike it doen't matter what it is it will take care of you.
I think I have to say that if you hear someone say that this year or that is the worst or this engine or that engine is the worst ever built it is safe to say that is a personal opinion without much weight.
You may have a year where the electrical has bugs or a certain part of the bike has had problems like carbs or a clutch but all in all the Gold Wing doesn't have a bad year, it all depends on how much involvement you want.
You can pickup a good deal on some years that have had certain problems and just check the forums for fixes and you will have an outstanding ride for a little work. If you want to get your hands dirty.
I have had three Gold Wings and a Silver Wing and have had no serious problems to date. If you take care of a bike it doen't matter what it is it will take care of you.
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Welcome to the site. I am new here too but think you will find this a GREAT site. Don't be surprised by all the quick responses we saw your site name and all want to be your next relative or at least best friend. As far as your 1200 goes I have two. There is not a better bike around to tour the open road with. Also it's pretty easy to handle in any situation. Just rememberit weighs over 900 lbs right from the factory and if you add alot of after market you could easily be at 1100 lbs which is where mine sits. Give yourself time to get used to it and I know you will love it.
Welcome to the site. I am new here too but think you will find this a GREAT site. Don't be surprised by all the quick responses we saw your site name and all want to be your next relative or at least best friend. As far as your 1200 goes I have two. There is not a better bike around to tour the open road with. Also it's pretty easy to handle in any situation. Just rememberit weighs over 900 lbs right from the factory and if you add alot of after market you could easily be at 1100 lbs which is where mine sits. Give yourself time to get used to it and I know you will love it.
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gotta love the wing wrote:
gotta love the wing wrote:
If it ain't broken don't fix itWelcome to the site. I am new here too but think you will find this a GREAT site. Don't be surprised by all the quick responses we saw your site name and all want to be your next relative or at least best friend. As far as your 1200 goes I have two. There is not a better bike around to tour the open road with. Also it's pretty easy to handle in any situation. Just rememberit weighs over 900 lbs right from the factory and if you add alot of after market you could easily be at 1100 lbs which is where mine sits. Give yourself time to get used to it and I know you will love it.
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this thread is too old. 2005!
this thread is too old. 2005!
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MoneyGuy wrote:
JimC in NC (USA)
MoneyGuy wrote:
Story time! I once pulled up to a (red) stoplight and noticed that my left pant leg had blown up on my boot top. I leaned over to the right to "shake" my pant leg down and leaned a little too far..... over she went on the right side. I dismounted, put the side stand down, went around to the right side. I put my left hand on the grip and right hand on the saddlebag guard, and planted my rear into the seat. I walked the bike up right and onto the side stand. I then returned to the left side, remounted and restarted the engine. I placed her into first as the light changed to green and pulled away. Truth not fiction... and I weigh in about 130 pounds at 5'6" tall. It's all in the technique. HTHIf it's dropped can you pick it up by yourself? Or do you have to do lots of this
:weightlifter::weightlifter::weightlifter::weightlifter::weightlifter:
JimC in NC (USA)
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I can only speak from my own experience, (and my mate's come to think of it). Without a doubt the most unreliable bike I've ever owned, and I've had a fair few. I bought it with 34K miles on it and sold it with 44K. During that time I had the stator go (fixed with car alternator, my mate's failed the following week). New water pump, New clutch. left hand coil failed-TWICE!! new electronic ignition unit. New Fuel pump. I got frighrened to go anywhere on it. Fortunately I'm pretty handy spanner twiddling and could do everything myself. My bikes are all meticulously maintained. Hell my '32 BSA was more reliable. I traded it in for a 1500. (I'm already £400 lighter due to having 2 LCD screens fail in 12 months!) Beginning to loose faith in Honda (Ps these are my first Hondas too). I absolutely love the comfort though- just wish they were built better... Steve
I can only speak from my own experience, (and my mate's come to think of it). Without a doubt the most unreliable bike I've ever owned, and I've had a fair few. I bought it with 34K miles on it and sold it with 44K. During that time I had the stator go (fixed with car alternator, my mate's failed the following week). New water pump, New clutch. left hand coil failed-TWICE!! new electronic ignition unit. New Fuel pump. I got frighrened to go anywhere on it. Fortunately I'm pretty handy spanner twiddling and could do everything myself. My bikes are all meticulously maintained. Hell my '32 BSA was more reliable. I traded it in for a 1500. (I'm already £400 lighter due to having 2 LCD screens fail in 12 months!) Beginning to loose faith in Honda (Ps these are my first Hondas too). I absolutely love the comfort though- just wish they were built better... Steve
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My problem, too. I got to the point with my 1200 that I didn't want to take it on a long ride for fear of getting stuck. The bike proved so unreliable that I sold it off. I have since replaced it with a Harly Ultra Classic and get all of the benefits of a long-distance tourer without the reliability issues. The build quality of my BMWs and Harley are, unfortunately, much better than the Honda. I wish it werebn't so, and this is not a flame, just a note based on painful experience.
Curt
My problem, too. I got to the point with my 1200 that I didn't want to take it on a long ride for fear of getting stuck. The bike proved so unreliable that I sold it off. I have since replaced it with a Harly Ultra Classic and get all of the benefits of a long-distance tourer without the reliability issues. The build quality of my BMWs and Harley are, unfortunately, much better than the Honda. I wish it werebn't so, and this is not a flame, just a note based on painful experience.
Curt
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There are always exceptions to every generality, and when I read post after post from riders who are totally satisfied with their Goldwing, my opinion of them is not swayed by one or two exceptions.
It is unfortunate, but mechanical failures can and do happen--on ALL motorcycle brands.
There are always exceptions to every generality, and when I read post after post from riders who are totally satisfied with their Goldwing, my opinion of them is not swayed by one or two exceptions.
It is unfortunate, but mechanical failures can and do happen--on ALL motorcycle brands.
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Loved my 1200a. Only had a couple of problems, but they were mechanicla problems that every other bike I've owned dealt with as well - timeing belts, fork seals and the like. The only 1200 related problem I experienced was the three-wire plug from the stator. Fixed and didn't worry about it after that.
Ruaidh
Loved my 1200a. Only had a couple of problems, but they were mechanicla problems that every other bike I've owned dealt with as well - timeing belts, fork seals and the like. The only 1200 related problem I experienced was the three-wire plug from the stator. Fixed and didn't worry about it after that.
Ruaidh
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Hawker22 wrote:
Curt
Hawker22 wrote:
Well, the problem goes beyond just reliability. You are correct, even the most expensive machines have problems. It's not at all limited to brand or price paid. What I am speaking to here, is the actual quality of the bike's build and components. I took my Honda apart many times and found the finish, materials choice and strength of the Honda parts to be inferior to Harley or BMW (each of which is built to a different design standard than the other). I spoke with a frind who is a mechanical engineer and moto-nut and he, too, said the quality of materials and finish work of the German stuff (he owns an Audi and BMW motorcycle - and takes them all apart himself - and his wife's Yamaha cruiser) and the Japanese stuff are miles apart. But look, you pay $$$ premium for that higher standard, so it's not a fair comparison, I suppose.There are always exceptions to every generality, and when I read post after post from riders who are totally satisfied with their Goldwing, my opinion of them is not swayed by one or two exceptions.
It is unfortunate, but mechanical failures can and do happen--on ALL motorcycle brands.
Curt
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You only have to look at the number of threads relating to multiple stator failures, and the very fact that a couple of styles of conversion kit have been produced to replace the Honda design completely, to realise there's a definate problem here- not purely age related. The wiring and electrical system simply isn't up to the task. You shouldn't have to solder wires and cut out fuseholders to obtain a reliable charging system. Mine failed despite these mods anyway. There are also constant fuel pump problems too. I've had many bikes far older and higher mileage that have remained robust apart from normal wear and tear. I'm not against the bike as a comfortable cruiser-and I'm pleased to here some people have no problems, but my experience and obviously that of many others, is quite different. The 1000 and 1100 models don't seem to have so many issues and the 1500 was a ground up redesign. Maybe the stretch to 1200 was a push too far.
You only have to look at the number of threads relating to multiple stator failures, and the very fact that a couple of styles of conversion kit have been produced to replace the Honda design completely, to realise there's a definate problem here- not purely age related. The wiring and electrical system simply isn't up to the task. You shouldn't have to solder wires and cut out fuseholders to obtain a reliable charging system. Mine failed despite these mods anyway. There are also constant fuel pump problems too. I've had many bikes far older and higher mileage that have remained robust apart from normal wear and tear. I'm not against the bike as a comfortable cruiser-and I'm pleased to here some people have no problems, but my experience and obviously that of many others, is quite different. The 1000 and 1100 models don't seem to have so many issues and the 1500 was a ground up redesign. Maybe the stretch to 1200 was a push too far.
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Curt Miller wrote:
Curt Miller wrote:
Hawker22 wrote:I guess I have to ask if this comparsion was "apples to apples". In other words, was the 20+ year Honda GL1200compared to a 20+ year old Harley or a newer model? Just curious....I took my Honda apart many times and found the finish, materials choice and strength of the Honda parts to be inferior to Harley or BMW (each of which is built to a different design standard than the other). I spoke with a frind who is a mechanical engineer and moto-nut and he, too, said the quality of materials and finish work of the German stuff (he owns an Audi and BMW motorcycle - and takes them all apart himself - and his wife's Yamaha cruiser) and the Japanese stuff are miles apart. But look, you pay $$$ premium for that higher standard, so it's not a fair comparison, I suppose.
Curt
JimC in NC (USA)
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In my experience with harleys and with goldwings of this vintage, honda rules the roost. Harley might have gotten it right about now, I dont know, but back when my goldwing was new, harley was a laughing stock owned by a company better known for their bowling balls, and you could tell why. My sportster was forever leaving me stranded. When more than a few of us went for a ride, we also took a pickup truck along for the trip back home. So, I'm gonna stick with my japanese engineering for the time being. And, if they ever fix those stupid looking headlights, I'll seriously consider buying a new one.
In my experience with harleys and with goldwings of this vintage, honda rules the roost. Harley might have gotten it right about now, I dont know, but back when my goldwing was new, harley was a laughing stock owned by a company better known for their bowling balls, and you could tell why. My sportster was forever leaving me stranded. When more than a few of us went for a ride, we also took a pickup truck along for the trip back home. So, I'm gonna stick with my japanese engineering for the time being. And, if they ever fix those stupid looking headlights, I'll seriously consider buying a new one.
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I've got 9 motorcycles, one new goldwing, one 1984 GL1200, and 7 old Kawasakis. My dad bought the 1200 new and I can say it's needed much more repair than all the old Kawasakis combined. Part of it is my fault. I let stuff sit around too long, but in a nice garage out of the weather, but it never bothers the old Kawasakis, but let that goldwing sit 2 or 3 months and I'm always ready to perform quite a few hundred $$$ in repairs to get it back on the road. I've spent as a guess $1000 just in parts in the last couple hundred miles spanning 3 or 4 years. You can see I don't get out there much. The GL1200 has been sitting now since November and while I drained the gas, I'm ready for carb problems, maybe fork seals again, or a caliper leaking. For sure the brakes won't work and will need bleeding, probably same with the clutch. How does air get in the lines from sitting? and only on this GL1200? Even with a battery Tender on it, I'm sure the battery will be dead for the 12th time. Tires will no doubt be flat again. Always something or 10 somethings.
I've got 9 motorcycles, one new goldwing, one 1984 GL1200, and 7 old Kawasakis. My dad bought the 1200 new and I can say it's needed much more repair than all the old Kawasakis combined. Part of it is my fault. I let stuff sit around too long, but in a nice garage out of the weather, but it never bothers the old Kawasakis, but let that goldwing sit 2 or 3 months and I'm always ready to perform quite a few hundred $$$ in repairs to get it back on the road. I've spent as a guess $1000 just in parts in the last couple hundred miles spanning 3 or 4 years. You can see I don't get out there much. The GL1200 has been sitting now since November and while I drained the gas, I'm ready for carb problems, maybe fork seals again, or a caliper leaking. For sure the brakes won't work and will need bleeding, probably same with the clutch. How does air get in the lines from sitting? and only on this GL1200? Even with a battery Tender on it, I'm sure the battery will be dead for the 12th time. Tires will no doubt be flat again. Always something or 10 somethings.
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