Some people just do not get it, or why some need Preperation H.

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If you do the work you will know whats going on with the bike. I have a road side assistance policy just in case and when traveling on the older bikes I will bring a full set of basic tools for the bike. I don't mind taking a bike on trips if I know it's right. If you do the work you will know if your bike is solid enough for the trips you plan. Can things go wrong. Yes, of course just keep some extra cash available for unforeseen repairs. I can't personally comment on GL's because this is my first.



Here's my basic check list for a bike going on a trip new or old.



Is it prone to any certain problems? Can they be prevented?

For instance GL1200 seem prone to stator problems. I'm going to put the poorboys alternator upgrade on before going cross country because this is not a repair I want to pay to have done while traveling.

Meter it out. Check your electrical system just before your trip and make sure everything is in spec.

Tune it up. Check your tuning make sure that it's in tune the best it can be. A well tuned bike is a must especially on older bike. When your bike is in tune it is much easier on those older parts.

Fluids, Make sure your fluids are new or in good shape. I always change my oil, radiator and drive shaft fluids before going on a long trip. Even if it's not time yet.

Review all your previous work. I make sure that everything I have done is holding up.

Full inspection of every aspect of the bike for safety and proper function.

If you feel confident after that it's time to ride.

One last note: Higher mileage to me is the biggest issue. I personally would rebuild an engine with higher mileage before heading across country when buying it from a PO that didn't care for it. Now on a GW high mileageseems to be amatter of how the bike was treated. If your not sure, an engine rebuild may build your confidence in the bikes ability to make a several thousand mile trip trouble free. From my new winger friends I'm finding out that a GW can go nearly forever when treated right but if your buying a Rat Bike like I have inspecting every aspect of it is important because if they didn't take care of it it's likely not been maintained properly so knowing that everything is good is a must.



Good luck, Mines on the road now and I love it.

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I've had all models of Goldwing except for the 1800 and even though several of the older ones had experienced a lot of neglect in their lives all of them were reliable good riding bikes once their owner induced problems had been cleared up. One nice thing about Oldwings is that you can find them for sale inexpensively so purchasing one and buying the replacement parts they need to bring them back into roadworthy shape isn't prohibitive. In fact buying an older intact Goldwing and refurbishing it is a very inexpensive way to get a great road bike, it might not be the latest thing on the road but it will perform well and keep doing it for many more years.
The main thing in buying an older 'Wing is to consider your experience with things mechanical and the size of your toolbox. If you are an experienced mechanic or want to become one then you can pick up a pretty sadly used bike around $500 or less and restore it. If you aren't as well equipped or want to do less work you can usually find an 1100 or 1200 already in roadworthy condition for a couple thousand dollars. That's a lot of motorcycle for the money.

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Thanks for all the replies Gentlemen. I am glad to hear that just like I suspected, "OLDwings" are as good as I thought.
I do not know why when I found that this bike was available, I had to have it. She will be the first bike that I have rebuilt. My first Wing. The only bike that I have ever owned that has saddle bags

As a matter of fact, the only bike I have had that I could carry something on that was not in a knap sack. I have had sport fairings before, but not a full fairing machine. Do you think that I will miss turning into a giant rain drop?

These are the things that I am looking foreword too. On top of the build itself this is just one big gift to myself.

Again Gentlemen,
Thanks
LLF

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I have a rebuilt (by my own hands) 1981 GL1100i. It was in decent but not good condition when I got her last July (a year ago). I can try to address some of your questions.

Is it too old to take on a long trip?

Not a chance. The Goldwing is designed for touring and once refurbished will stand head and shoulders above anything else on the road. I would not hesitate to take mine cross country if I had the time and funds.

Parts are too hard to get when needed on the road?

Parts can be a problem but they are available from many sources and overnight shipping makes them accessible if needed. Most riders of the older bikes carry a few basics with them like a clutch cable, etc on long trips.

It was not a good machine when it was new?

Absolutely UNTRUE, The Goldwings have always been excellent machines, then and now and will stand up to any comparison that anyone would care to venture.

All that being said there can be a lot of work to get in shape. I have replaced the timing belts, redone and synched the carbs, replaced the wheel bearings front and rear, replaced the brakes front and rear, replaced the tires and repacked the drive unit grease, replaced the drive unit oil, rebuilt the front forks and installed progressive springs.

I still have a small but aggravating oil leak that will be fixed this winter by replacing the heads and gaskets (PO broke one of the valve cover bolt housings in the head). Cosmetically I have added many chrome parts, repaired and painted the entire bike, installed the trunk setback bracket, added a passenger backrest from a 1500, passenger floorboards and added extra lights.

All that last section doesn't make the bike any more or less reliable but it sure looks good.

I hope this helps but don't be afraid to rebuild a fine old girl. They will not let you down and you will have one sweet ride when you are done. In this last year + I have put over 12000 miles on mine, ride it daily to work (weather permitting) and would take off tomorrow anywhere even with that annoying oil leak.

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80 GL1100 - Currently in refurbishment, purchased with 54k miles.

My experience? Engine was solid (after much TLC), many other systems need work as a labor of love over some time period. The worst part is undoing the work of clueless PO (or whoever the PO had work on it) - missing/damaged bolts, etc.

But functionally, the bike is about as solid as they come and likely to run for years to come. Not sure if I would ride coast to coast, but certainly wouldn't be afraid to do a long run over several states locally (couple hundred mile radius of home). Would definitely want a tool kit handy, have confidence in the essential systems (electric in particular) - but I would definitely NOT be afraid to let the old boy run.

Good luck and have fun with your new project! :leprechaun: