In the market for a 1500

imported post

They were all good years.

Some minor differences.

http://www.goldwingfacts.com/goldwinghistory.htm


http://www.goldwingfacts.com/used1500.htm
Buying a used Goldwing

The later models have lower seats.
The 1997-2000 have a Valkerie gear box
The 88 & 89 are the 1st generation of the gl1500

and more folks will be along soon.

imported post

In 1988 and 1989 they were just called Gold Wing's.

In 1990 they were Gold Wing's and Gold Wing SE's.

In 1991, they were Gold Wing Interstate's, Aspencades and SE's.

The last year of Interstate was 1996.

The 1988 - 1990 Gold Wing's had the same features as the later called Aspencade's.

In 1993, the CB was added as standard equipment on the SE.

In 1995, the seat height was lowered just over an inch.

In 1997, quite a few technical/mechanical upgrades were made. Some of those included using beefed up parts that were used for the Valkyrie's.

In 1998, the headlight assembly was upgraded with the newer modern look. And the former cornering lights on the SE's were turned into full time running lights.

Just a few things that happened throughout the years of production.

imported post

From my experience I would say buy the newest model you can afford, with several caveats:

1. Bike must have been well-maintained. This is THE most important consideration. I don't even understand why Goldwings have odometers, other then to satisfy us mileage junkies. It's immaterial to the longevity of the bike. Maintenance is the major factor.

2. If your budget only allows you to buy the 1st, or sometimes 2nd, year of a particular model you may want to consider buying the last year or two of the previous model. As with most vehicles, the first few years of any model have quirks that need to be worked out. Goldwings have not escaped this tendency. Check the Goldwing Buyers Guide ( http://www.goldwingfacts.com/usedgoldwing.htm ) and you'll see that each model had its "thing" initially that Honda improved on as time went buy. Whichever year you decide on, check what problems it may have had and whether they've been taken care of by the PO or what it will cost for you to do it. I factor that into the asking price.

Everyone has his/her own tolerance level that will determine what bike they purchase. There is no such thing as a "bad year" for Goldwings. But there is also not a "perfect year" either. Do your research, know your prices and what future costs you may incur and go from there.

Good Luck hunting and know that there are lots of us here to support you. Might even be someone more knowledgeable close by that would be willing to take a look at a bike with you. I know from experience that guys on this forum have gone out of there way for me (MikeF, Cody, SB in SC, Creekwalker :bowing and I'm sure there's someone that would for you.