Help me with my decision a Gl 1100 or Gl 1200

1417 Views 24 Replies 21 Participants Last post by peterbilt, Aug 16, 2009

sergbutton

Discussion Starter · Aug 13, 2009

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I'm getting ready to move up from a shadow (my wife hated the back seat) to a Gold wing.

My problem is choosing between a 83 (1100)with only 45,000 and a maintenance history, but it has been sitting for two year (project).

Or an 85 Unkown mileage with a rebuild engine and Tranny (new Stator) two year ago, currently on the road, but very much a basket case cosmetically.

I am leaning towards the 83 Because I know with a little work I can have a really nice bike. But because of money and the time to bring it back to life it will most likely be fall or next spring before I can ride.

With the 85 I can get on the road right away, but man it sure is ugly.

Help

Thanks

Randy

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ding dong

· #2 · Aug 13, 2009

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I would go with the 83. Maintenance records mean a lot. Two years sitting isn't a long time. Probably just have to do routine maintenence and be back on the road.

tracker

· #3 · Aug 13, 2009

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i would go with the 85,cosmetics is easy to fix if you have time.motor is bigger,and it is more comfortable

ARKnapp

· #4 · Aug 13, 2009

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I say 83 with known history. Unknown history is really a crap shoot and besides the 83 1100 has fewer known problems than the 1200 85.

53jimc

· #5 · Aug 13, 2009

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I think I'd go with the '83. A buddy of mine has a naked '83 and it's a really nice bike. If I had it to do over, that's what I would choose.

sergbutton

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 13, 2009

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So far it seems like the 83 is more popular.

Thanks for the input.

Evil twin

· #7 · Aug 13, 2009

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I've never ridden a 1200, but my starter wing was/is an 83. Been a great bike, just moved up to a 1500, now my son is riding the 83.

Spread-WIngs

· #8 · Aug 13, 2009

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I agree with your 83 decision. Honestly you would be OK in either direction. The 83 will be easy to put on the road with a high level of comfort for both driving it this year and have many years of fun and dependability.

All the best -

William_86

· #9 · Aug 13, 2009

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i would go for the 1200... as a guy said, cosmetics are easy to repair. the 1200 engine is smoother and quieter thanthe 1100. plus the ride is softer and funner!. if the engine is rebuilt, means it will last for pretty long time before failing than the other that has never been touched.

it also depends how much they want for each... but the 1200 you could buy it today.. ride it while you save up for the cosmetics make over. if she had broken/missing body parts. dont worry, easy to find at ebay or even around here.

JBz

· #10 · Aug 13, 2009

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They are both good bikes. I Like my 1100sbut after riding a 1200 I might eventually go that route. The 1200 does just feels much more solid and smoother on the HWY. handled betterand of course more power and roomier saddlebags. The 1100s thoughappear to have less mechanical problems. A few things I dont care for on a 1200 is the smog, not a real reserve on the fuel tank. leans over terribly when parkedand the the one I rode didnt have a voltmeter..JB

chris in va

· #11 · Aug 13, 2009

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"rebuilt tranny"...this gives me pause. You'd really have to trash the bike for the transmission to crap out. Skip it, get the 83.

sandcastcb750

· #12 · Aug 13, 2009

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I would go with the 1200 if the motor was truely repaired; William should know about fixing up a 1200 cosmetically.

The ride of the 1100s depends on the suspension and tires. My 1982 with newer progressive 416 rear shocks and new tires is better than the stock honda.

1200s are still alittle pricey here compared to 1100s.

84AspJimCalif

· #13 · Aug 14, 2009

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Interesting points, all... I've ridden 1100's and 1200's for years... I'm leaning to the 1200 for one reason: braking... My 1200's have it... much improved... but, get the one that can get you safely on the road, in a timely manner, riding is much better than fixin..... (unless you enjoy garage time) and most of all: have fun on the journey...

jwhitmore44

· #14 · Aug 14, 2009

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As much as I like my 1200, how many miles was on that 1200 for it to need a motor and a tranny rebuild? How many 1200's out there are running close to or more than 100k with little more than general maintenance and maybe a stator change. Or was the bike abused if it need a rebuild? If it has that many miles you got to keep in mind that the wheel bearings and finial drive have a lot of miles on them along with a bunch of other parts. The 1100 could probably be started after fresh fluids, drain the gas, and a bit of seafoam.

Bike...and Dennis

· #15 · Aug 14, 2009

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It depends on how you like to ride. If you are a back-road bandit you might want to take a chance on the 12. If not, the 11 just sounds like a less risky purchase.

Don't get me wrong, a GL11 can be flogged through the mountains too, and coming from a cruiser, either one will probably feel like a sport bike to you.

gotta love the wing

· #16 · Aug 14, 2009

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I ride an 85 1200 that was rode hard and put away wet. I love the bike but I have had to do a lot of work to it including replace the engine. It was a cosmetic mess when I got it too but turns alot of heads now. All that said and as much as I love my 1200 I would say go for the 1100.

sergbutton

Discussion Starter · #17 · Aug 14, 2009

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Thanks to everyone for the suggestion.

But now the wife has gotten into the whole process, and actually going out and looking at bikes with me. We have expanded our budget a little when she looks at the bikes in our previous price range.

Guess what, she wants a 1500. The only one that I have been able to find in our price range ($3,000 max)has very high milage and still need some work. Not really an option.

I'm having a blast looking for bikes now that I don't need to find a total steal or a huge project.

But I'm still going to be focusing on an 1100 or 1200.

I'm still partial to the 1100 because of so many stories about electrical gremlins popping up on the 1200s.

But the nicer Ride, extra power, and better resale value(eventually want to upgrade) of the 1200 are very appealing.

I know that when I find the right bike it will jump out at me, but i'm trying to be patient.

Thanks agin to everyone, I'll let you know how it comes out, with pictures.

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53jimc

· #18 · Aug 14, 2009

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Don't be too concerned about a 1200. That's what I wound up (84 1200A) with and although I had to change out the water pump, it is a really nice ride.
Jim(inSC)

garyft

· #19 · Aug 14, 2009

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Most of the electrical gremlins can be alleviated, and in many cases prevented, by timely pre-emptive (and largely inexpensive) repairs. Things such as cleaning connectors and putting dielectric grease in them go a long way to heading off any problems.

jwhitmore44

· #20 · Aug 14, 2009

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For $3k you can get a nice 1200. If the wife wants a little more room in the back get a trunk relocation bracket and move it back a notch or two. If you both find you really like riding you can always upgrade to the 1800

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