Noob here, Need some advice

2210 Views 35 Replies 24 Participants Last post by Richardrwg, Aug 5, 2013

Smokeybear

Discussion Starter · Apr 14, 2013

Hi all, I am looking to get a Goldwing and I'd like some advice from the folks on this board. I've ridden bikes for many years, I started out riding dirt bikes when I was 5. I graduated to street bikes when I turned 16 and my dad bought me a Yamaha special 400. When a friend totaled it I bought a 700 Virago and my dad had a 1200 Venture. I rode his bike a few times and loved the feel of the big cushy thing. I now have an 06 V-Star. I bought it thinking my wife would never throw a leg across it after scaring her for life with the Virago I had years ago. Well she surprised me by asking to go for a ride. She fell in love with riding but not with the little Pillion pad that is supposed to be for her. So now I'm in the market for a bigger bike. I've always like the look of a Goldwing and I've heard so many people say that it is the only way to go for a touring bike. So, with that in mind what say you? What should I look for, I'm selling the Yamaha and using the funds towards the Goldwing. I'm guessing the budget will be somewhere south of $7000. Thanks in advance.

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jclax01

· #2 · Apr 14, 2013

that's a late model 1500. probably not enough for an 1800. The 1500 is bigger than the 1800 IMO. It also is a heavy bike. of course you get used to the 1500 over time, but it is kind of a shocker when I first rode mine. good luck on your search.

Smokeybear

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 14, 2013

Size and weight shouldn't be a problem, I'm 6'4" 240 and fairly fit. I've been checking out the 1500's and I'm loving what I see. I have to admit, though, my V-Star starts to hurt me after about 45 minutes to an hour. I'd be nice to be able to ride longer distances with comfort.

UbarW

· #4 · Apr 14, 2013

I would suggest using searchtempest.com to look around. For $7k you could get a nice 98-00 1500.

920 pounds, but once you get used to it, they are a dream. I have the worst knees on the planet, and I can handle it, you seem more fit that I.

Good luck, and welcome to the neighborhood!

NC Aspenwing

· #5 · Apr 15, 2013

Welcome to the forums Smokeybear. Go for the 1500
with your size you'll not have any problems. I'm only
5'-7" 160 pounds soaking wet and most of my riding
is done 2 up pulling a trailer. Once you get a Goldwing
rolling they practically stand up due to a low center of
gravity.

bassmasterb65

· #6 · Apr 15, 2013

1500,, 98,99 or 2000 i love my 98 and my wife does not like the 1800 because the passenger back rest angle

mechtech1

· #7 · Apr 15, 2013

You will want a 98 or later model
Keep your eyes open on ebay, craigslist, and here as well
regardless you will be getting into the most comfortable motorcycle on the road.
I had not been on a bike in 30 years, and the 1500 was the first thing I rode. Scared the living crap out of me. Took a little time to get used to the size and weight and all the buttons and stuff.
The only drawback is that it is also the most complex motorcycle on the road. All those bells and stuff are packed into that bike and can be challenging to maintain. And this site is the best place to find how to fix anything on it.
Good Luck

JerryH

· #8 · Apr 15, 2013

At your size, no wonder the V-Star 650 gets uncomfortable. I recommend ANY year 1500. All have a few issues, but nothing major. I myself prefer things as simple as possible, and have no use for all the gadgets that come with most Goldwings. You can't avoid them all, I have been looking at the most basic model 1500s I can find. I can't see you needing a reverse. But on the other hand, if you are the type that likes lots of gadgets, you will not find any bike that has more than the Goldwing. Fortunately for me, most Goldwing owners do like gadgets, so the basic models are cheaper and easier to get a good deal on.

LarryInSeattle

· #9 · Apr 15, 2013

4

Welcome from Seattle!

If you buy an Interstate model, you will buy a much cheaper bike with the same engine, transmission, suspension, frame, intercom and luggage options. You don't get the reverse, cruise control, the air compressor and controls and an upgraded stereo system. The Interstate weighs 60 lbs less and is a great Wing.

I bought my 94 with 26,000 miles on it for $3500. I shopped, looking specifically for an Interstate model, because I lurked this forum and read about the "lower" Goldwing. Mine has the CB, a throttle lock, cornering lights and the up graded alternator. All for $3500. I saw one on Craigslist in the Seattle area last week for $2,000 and the ad said it ran good.

JMHO. Your wife will love the ride back there.

Also, the Interstate has an interface plug that none of the other models have for an MP-3 hookup for the stereo. Take that all you SE guys!

I now have 56,000 miles on it and the only thing besides bling, is a battery and fluid change. (tires of course too.)

Here is a picture of my $3500 bike:

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Ansimp

· #10 · Apr 15, 2013

Good advice

DaveO430

· #11 · Apr 15, 2013

Several 1500s for sale here in the for sale/wanted forum.

Parman

· #12 · Apr 15, 2013

First of all welcome to the forum.
For 6-7 grand you can get a really nice 1500 if you take your time and shop around. The main differences in them is the SE has all the bells and whistles were the Interstate and Aspencade has a few less options.
Dont let miles scare you. These machines are just getting broken in at 100000 miles. The main thing is how well it's been taken care of.
I bought a 95 SE 3 yrs ago with 47000 and I now have 96600 on it and only issue I've had was an alternator went bad.
Good luck with your search. The wife will love it when she can sit back and relax on the Wing.

Oddy

· #13 · Apr 15, 2013

We're kind of the opposite. I bought my 2000 SE so the wife and I could ride to any part of the US in comfort, but she's too scared to ride with me. After trying several years I am giving up. I am riding to MO the last weekend of April and will be selling my bike after I return. If interested check with me in May.

Smokeybear

Discussion Starter · #14 · Apr 15, 2013

4

Well, after putting up a craigslist ad for my bike, I got the first bite today. A gentleman about 3 hours away contacted me and said he had a 91 that has been meticulously maintained, had all the records and was willing to trade even. He sent me this picture. If I trade even, this will save me quite a bit of saved up cash and IF the bike is as maintained as he says, do you guys think it's a good deal. I've read a little about the wings on this board and other places that say the 96 and later had a problem with the alternators, that they switched to China made alts and that that was giving some people problems??? Anyway, I'm attaching pics of both bikes to get your valued input. Thanks again.
My 06

The wing

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us385south

· #15 · Apr 15, 2013

How about a 1998 Valkyrie?

If your gonna by a 1500... get one with 6, count em... 6, 32mm carburetors and enough power to entirely rock your world!

Just sayin!

T

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Parman

· #16 · Apr 15, 2013

Looking at the picture it looks like it has reverse on it. He also has aftermarket chrome side panels anda tall windscreen installed. You might ask if he has the original color side panels to go with it. You didn't say what the mileage or price he is asking.

Smokeybear

Discussion Starter · #17 · Apr 15, 2013

us385south said:
How about a 1998 Valkyrie?

If your gonna by a 1500... get one with 6, count em... 6, 32mm carburetors and enough power to entirely rock your world!

Just sayin!

T

It's not about the power, my 1100 has plenty. It's the comfort we're after. the little pillion does nothing for my wife's fanny.

Smokeybear

Discussion Starter · #18 · Apr 15, 2013

Parman said:
Looking at the picture it looks like it has reverse on it. He also has aftermarket chrome side panels anda tall windscreen installed. You might ask if he has the original color side panels to go with it. You didn't say what the mileage or price he is asking.

Mileage is right at 100k he says. Even trade. Blue book on his looks like $4200 +/- if it's the Interstate. Mine is 4500+/-

wda-83wing

· #19 · Apr 15, 2013

if it`s ride comfort your looking for---the 1500 has it in spades.
if things are as the guy says they are---i`d go for it. AFTER a test ride on a country road .

DaveO430

· #20 · Apr 16, 2013

96> may have had a few bad alternators, which is not much of a problem. The earlier models had a tendency to loose 4th gear, which is a big problem.

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