gl 1500
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I've ridden an 1100 but never owned one. I owned a 1200 for four years and then went to the 1500. I didn't think anything could be better than the 1200, but I was wrong. The 1500 is a tad faster, is MUCH smoother (I bet you think that isn't possible, but it is), handles better, and I think rides a bit better. Tupperware makes it easier to wash. Easy access alternator vs. buried stator, no contest.
I think you'll love the 1500.
I've ridden an 1100 but never owned one. I owned a 1200 for four years and then went to the 1500. I didn't think anything could be better than the 1200, but I was wrong. The 1500 is a tad faster, is MUCH smoother (I bet you think that isn't possible, but it is), handles better, and I think rides a bit better. Tupperware makes it easier to wash. Easy access alternator vs. buried stator, no contest.
I think you'll love the 1500.
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sorry to say this, and I will be stepping on alot of toes, but the 1100 was the biggest POS Goldwing ever, the carbs were always gumming up, there were no retaining feature on the brake linings ( I had a front wheel lock up due to that, and cartwheeled the bike ), at higher speeds the front end got light and shakey.
The 1500 on the other hand, one of the best, if not THE best Goldwing. My 1988 Goldwing has 144,000 miles on it and has had the fuel pump replaced. My 1800 had 62,000 and had all ready gone thru 3 sets of O2 sensors at $300 a set
sorry to say this, and I will be stepping on alot of toes, but the 1100 was the biggest POS Goldwing ever, the carbs were always gumming up, there were no retaining feature on the brake linings ( I had a front wheel lock up due to that, and cartwheeled the bike ), at higher speeds the front end got light and shakey.
The 1500 on the other hand, one of the best, if not THE best Goldwing. My 1988 Goldwing has 144,000 miles on it and has had the fuel pump replaced. My 1800 had 62,000 and had all ready gone thru 3 sets of O2 sensors at $300 a set
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I've had three 1100s and liked them fine. Good bikes, easier to work on, no diaphragms on the CV slides to fail and a lot simpler than the 1500. That said I REALLY like my 1500, suits me to a T. When I got my 1500 after riding my 1200 for a couple years the 1500 felt a lot lighter and more nimble believe it or not. It also has buckets full of torque. That flat six is like having a bit electric motor, super smooth, quiet with hardly any mechanical noises and did I mention torque? You can go from 20mph up to highway speed in top gear without any vibration or lugging. It won't accelerate as fast that way as it will with a downshift but it won't buck or shake you off the bike like most would. The comfort factor on a long trip is unbeatable on a 1500. The fairing gives more protection, the seat is immensely better, and these things are damn near bullet proof. I posted a picture of Hans Ruab's '93 1500 with over 360,000miles on it's odometer. The only major engine work he's done on it was replacing the clutch. For touring the saddlebags and trunk are much more handy to use, you can't loose a lid and one lock locks all three. Parts will be available for a long time for these bikes because they had a 12 year production run. Lots of them out there. My ideal pair of bikes to own would be a 1500 Aspencade and an 1100 Standard.
I've had three 1100s and liked them fine. Good bikes, easier to work on, no diaphragms on the CV slides to fail and a lot simpler than the 1500. That said I REALLY like my 1500, suits me to a T. When I got my 1500 after riding my 1200 for a couple years the 1500 felt a lot lighter and more nimble believe it or not. It also has buckets full of torque. That flat six is like having a bit electric motor, super smooth, quiet with hardly any mechanical noises and did I mention torque? You can go from 20mph up to highway speed in top gear without any vibration or lugging. It won't accelerate as fast that way as it will with a downshift but it won't buck or shake you off the bike like most would. The comfort factor on a long trip is unbeatable on a 1500. The fairing gives more protection, the seat is immensely better, and these things are damn near bullet proof. I posted a picture of Hans Ruab's '93 1500 with over 360,000miles on it's odometer. The only major engine work he's done on it was replacing the clutch. For touring the saddlebags and trunk are much more handy to use, you can't loose a lid and one lock locks all three. Parts will be available for a long time for these bikes because they had a 12 year production run. Lots of them out there. My ideal pair of bikes to own would be a 1500 Aspencade and an 1100 Standard.
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Well I am fortunate enough that wqhen I bought my 1500 I kept my 1100. Both are great bikes. I ride the 1100 back and forth to work, The 1500 is for longer weekend trips. If you can do what I did I know you will be happy. 1500 is smoother on open road. 1100 is easier to manuver in traffic and slow intown speeds. I can't compare it to a 1800 have never even riden one. But I prefer the 1100 over the 1200. Have owned both at the same time. No comparisson. I prefer 1100 over 1200.
Well I am fortunate enough that wqhen I bought my 1500 I kept my 1100. Both are great bikes. I ride the 1100 back and forth to work, The 1500 is for longer weekend trips. If you can do what I did I know you will be happy. 1500 is smoother on open road. 1100 is easier to manuver in traffic and slow intown speeds. I can't compare it to a 1800 have never even riden one. But I prefer the 1100 over the 1200. Have owned both at the same time. No comparisson. I prefer 1100 over 1200.
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1100 1200 great but 1500 GRRRREEAAAAATTTTTTT!!!!!!!
mark:waving:
1100 1200 great but 1500 GRRRREEAAAAATTTTTTT!!!!!!!
mark:waving:
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I loved my 1100. Rode it all over Europe. It's a real mechanics bike in that it is generally easy to work on.
The biggest mistake I made was to trade it in for a 1200. I found the 1200 to be unreliable, uncomfortable, lousy handing and a pain to work on.
Then I got my first 1500 and fell in love with wings all over again. They are reliable and they handle. The only drawbacks are that a lot of plastic has to come off before you can work on them and they are complicated when they give trouble. The good news being that if you look after it, it's unlikely to give much trouble. Buy one, love it, keep it forever.
I loved my 1100. Rode it all over Europe. It's a real mechanics bike in that it is generally easy to work on.
The biggest mistake I made was to trade it in for a 1200. I found the 1200 to be unreliable, uncomfortable, lousy handing and a pain to work on.
Then I got my first 1500 and fell in love with wings all over again. They are reliable and they handle. The only drawbacks are that a lot of plastic has to come off before you can work on them and they are complicated when they give trouble. The good news being that if you look after it, it's unlikely to give much trouble. Buy one, love it, keep it forever.
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I have a '84 1200a and a '95 1500se . The 1200 is a lot of fun, but the 1500 ? Ohhh mmyyy Goooddd !!!!!!!
I have a '84 1200a and a '95 1500se . The 1200 is a lot of fun, but the 1500 ? Ohhh mmyyy Goooddd !!!!!!!
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Thanks for all the great points on the gl 1500. Sounds like a great bike! The points I really like: Bullet proof, great seat, smooth, great torque! Oh, did I mention the great torque... S O L D. But you can have my 1100 ha ha. Thnks for all the help!!!
Thanks for all the great points on the gl 1500. Sounds like a great bike! The points I really like: Bullet proof, great seat, smooth, great torque! Oh, did I mention the great torque... S O L D. But you can have my 1100 ha ha. Thnks for all the help!!!
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Hello, I'am new at this, I just got gl1500 trike. I have had bikes before but not
a goldwing , they told me syn oil is not good for clutches on my 750shadow
an I guess its pretty close to the same system.Can anyone help me.
thanks 22-mag ed
Hello, I'am new at this, I just got gl1500 trike. I have had bikes before but not
a goldwing , they told me syn oil is not good for clutches on my 750shadow
an I guess its pretty close to the same system.Can anyone help me.
thanks 22-mag ed
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Had a 1200 LTD, CRAP! Got rid of it and bought a 90 GL1500, FABULOUS!
The 1200 rode and shifted like an old truck. The 15 is way more refined, gobs of power and you can beat it all day long 2 up loaded thru the mountains and the desert heat and it never complains.
It was like going from a Yugo to a BMW.
Ride one and you'll be sold.
Had a 1200 LTD, CRAP! Got rid of it and bought a 90 GL1500, FABULOUS!
The 1200 rode and shifted like an old truck. The 15 is way more refined, gobs of power and you can beat it all day long 2 up loaded thru the mountains and the desert heat and it never complains.
It was like going from a Yugo to a BMW.
Ride one and you'll be sold.
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I see no reason to go from an 1100 to a 1200. The 1500 has to be the best choice for an upgrade from an 1100. It is a beautiful bike. Aesthetically, I prefer it over the 1800. I am currently looking for a 1500. I can't wait to ride one. Exavid makes a very good point about parts availabilty. A long production run makes parts abundant and also keeps the bikes affordable.
I see no reason to go from an 1100 to a 1200. The 1500 has to be the best choice for an upgrade from an 1100. It is a beautiful bike. Aesthetically, I prefer it over the 1800. I am currently looking for a 1500. I can't wait to ride one. Exavid makes a very good point about parts availabilty. A long production run makes parts abundant and also keeps the bikes affordable.
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I have been riding an 1100 for at least 4 yrs . Yesterday I had my first ride on a 1500. OH MY , WOW its so much more . If I had to compare the 83 and the 94 ... They both have 2 wheels and run on gasoline . Beyond that I dont know if they compare . As others stated the toque :action:most of the downshifts I made on the 1100 ....not needed on the 1500 . Slow down then accelerate and pull away. Did we mention Torque ?Can you say smooth , boy is it smooth . Its quiet . To me it seems lighter and easier to balance . At walking speed or just above the front does seem to wallow a bit while turning :? , guess I better get a fork brace .
I have been riding an 1100 for at least 4 yrs . Yesterday I had my first ride on a 1500. OH MY , WOW its so much more . If I had to compare the 83 and the 94 ... They both have 2 wheels and run on gasoline . Beyond that I dont know if they compare . As others stated the toque :action:most of the downshifts I made on the 1100 ....not needed on the 1500 . Slow down then accelerate and pull away. Did we mention Torque ?Can you say smooth , boy is it smooth . Its quiet . To me it seems lighter and easier to balance . At walking speed or just above the front does seem to wallow a bit while turning :? , guess I better get a fork brace .
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