upgrading to a 1500 early next year

imported post

I went from 1200's right to the 1800's and skipped the 1500 series. I really like the looks though of the 1500 series and it wasn't that I had anything against them I just got a great deal on my 1800. Depending on your price range you may not want to rule out an 1800 right off the bat. There are lots of great bikes no matter which size you go for out there. Couple of things just from my reading and watching the forums and from friends to keep in mind are the change in height from the 94 or 95 year to the lower height in the 95 on up. Made the bike a bit easier for folks who were a bit shorter so the pre 95 had a bit more travel in the suspension from my understanding but I'm sure the 95 on still ride nice. You mentioned CB being something you would like. Do you ride in groups? If not I woudn't worry about it as it's not going to be necessary anyway. I always liked the look of the driving lights on the bikes but I wouldn't let that sway me from buying one without if the bike was in really good shape and I liked the color. From what I"ve read they were really more for cornering than anything else as they didn't provide much light and that's why you see many with aftermarket driving lights that provide more light.

I'd look for the more obvious ie. good maitenance record, well cared for bike. Many of them are out there and if you find one in the color you want in good shape at a good price that's the one to get. You can always add toys to it later. To me the important part is that it was well cared for. Remember I never owned a 1500 but someday I may still get one. They are just such a pretty motorcycle. Whatever you decide I hope you find the one you want at a good price.



One more question for you. Why are you waiting to buy till spring? You realize you'd likely get a better deal now or in the fall as opposed to buying in the spring when the riding season is just starting? You may have a better selection on bikes in the spring would be the only advantage but you will be in the sellers market as opposed to the fall when you have a better chance of getting a bargain.

imported post

notes on an 1500:

don't get one without reverse!

the CB is a very worthwhile option if you plan on doing any touring. ditto for intercom.

you can easily incorporate an XM radio or MP3 player by using a casette adapter.

IMHO the honda sound system/CB is one of the very best things on my GL.

It's a honda. don't let mileage on a well maintained bike scare you off. mines an 88 with 90 some thousand miles and it still doesn't burn a drop of oil (and probably never will with regular oil changes)

imported post

The 1988 and 1989 Gold Wing's had off-idle hesitation problems from the factory. There was a service bulletin issued by Honda (not a recall), Honda would correct the problem under warranty when folks returned and complained.

There were a number of good mechanical upgrades made in 1990.

1991 was the first year for the Interstate, no reverse, cheaper sound system (Kenwood AM/FM radio, no cassette deck), no cruise control, no self canceling turn signals, only one helmet holder under trunk, 40 pounds lighter and one inch lower seat height.

The Interstate does not have back-lit handlebar controls like the SE and Aspencade.

The main differences between the Aspencade's and SE are:

The SE has the following "standard" items:

Passenger speakers, CB radio, rear spoiler, cornering lights, adjustable passenger floorboards, foot warmers for rider, full logic sound system and two-tone paint (some colors).

In 1995, Honda lowered the seat height by one inch. Now the Interstate, Aspencade and SE all have the same seat height.

In 1997, Honda started using beefed up Valkyrie parts in the Gold Wing's. Mainly in the drive line.

Up through 1997, the SE had cornering lights standard, they only came on when the turn signals were activated.

In 1998, they were change to full time running lights.

There were also Bank Angle Switch (BAS) problems with the 1988 1993 Gold Wing's. Honda issued a recall on the BAS.

There were drive shaft boot problems with the 1997 - 2000 Gold Wing's. The boots would split in few short thousand miles. No recall was issued, but they were replaced under warranty when folks returned with the problem. Also, there were many alternator failures during the 1997 -2000 years. Some folks replaced them with an after market Comp-U-Fire (higher output) alternator.

1996 was the last year for the Interstate.

Just a few things off the top of my head about the different year GL1500 Wing's.

imported post

I just bought my 97SE1500. I had been looking at them all summer waiting for the right one to come along. I was picky and wanted a white or silver one. I would suggest that you look for the SE as it has all the goodies that you will want. And the price difference is not all that much beteen an Se and the others. I found several Aspys that were higher priced than the SE that I bought. I kept looking on craigs list every day looking at what is out there. I would look on Ebay but never found one close enough to me. I did not want to buy one without going and looking. What I found by looking for several months is that the ones on ebay rarley sold. They never got to the reserve. The bottom line is that my 97 had 54K on it with a lot of add on crome and 6 CD changer and I bought it for 7000.00

I put my old 83 1100 aspencade on craigs list and sold it in a week for 3300.00.



One more thing, the 1500 has more storage space than the 1800 the trunk and saddle bags are bigger on my 1500 than my buddy's 1800.



An this mother is fast, I tried to out runmy son on his Honda 1800VTX , his speedometer pegged at 100mph and I shut mine down at 125 and still had more to go. I just did not have the guts to run it up any futher. too old to heal that much if I hit a deer....



You will love the 1500 if you are riding a 1200 now. DON"T wait buy now you won't regret it....

imported post

Sure I have what you want, excellent condition other that standing idle for the past year.



UNFORTUNATELY..I live on the West Coast so don't think you would want to take this one on!



Keep looking...what you want is out there and somebody will be ready to sell.



Polkwing

(()regon)