I recently had a '87 GL1200 Interstate just like that, but with some pinstriping. Very easy to get up on the centerstand. Almost rolled back effortlessly. After getting used to wrestling my GL1800 on the center stand (much harder), the next time I put the 1200 up, I nearly threw it into the air. Don't have it any more (pic below). I had problems galore with pops, rough idling, hard starts, etc. until I had the carbs rebuilt by the local Honda dealer. Evidently, it sat for a long time. Rebuild not cheap ($600), but they did a great job, and had no problems after that. They had to try a few different jets to get the mixture just right, but they did. Others have said (and I agree) that these 1200's are cold-blooded, so it always had to be choked to start, but that's why the choke is there. After warm-up, ran great with choke off. So, I'd bet that if you rebuilt the carbs correctly and get them balanced just right, it would run great. If it has problems when sitting on the side stand, then the carbs need rebuilt because the float valve is leaking (I think). I did not have that problem after rebuild. I really liked that bike, but wanted something bigger and newer- hence the 1800. But, I will say that I will never own another bike with carbs. And, I'll bet the new owner will not have problems with my old 1200 for years to come because of the carb rebuild.
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