imported post
I own a 2004 Goldwing (Red). I have a friend with a 2001. So far as I can tell, there are two differences and one has probably been addressed with any 2001, 2002 and most 2003 Goldwings -- that being the updated computer which essentially tells the temp guage to be patient before registering high temps. The other difference is that my 2004 has illuminated controls, which the '01, '02, and (I'm pretty sure) '03's don't have. My friend has 50,000 miles on his '01 and I have 7,000 on my '04 and I can tell you that the performance is almost identical. Over the years he's added progressive front springs, a fork brace, a few sets of tires (he now has the Elite III's and loves them -- I also have a set but have not mounted them yet) and I believe he's changed out the rear shock. His was inspected for the frame cracks and his passed. Mine has not been recalled ... yet.