[ryster]

Hi all...thinking about buying a 2008 Honda Goldwing GL 1800. 13,000 original miles. What things should I be looking at/for before purchasing? Owner said ( honest guy ) that there is a ticking/knocking noise upon start up. Took it to a dealer who said it's normal. I haven't heard it run yet due to weather and dead battery. Is it a good year for GL1800 and what is a fair price. Always garaged and is in excellent condition.

Thank you

Ryster

 

[DaveO430]

They are normally pretty bullet proof but without hearing the noise I can't say what it might be. Never take the word of a seller no matter how honest he seems to be. As to price,I don't know.

 

[cihilb]

A slight ticking noise may be the injectors. Nothing to worry about. May also be a minor exhaust leak where the manifold pipe meets the mufflers.
2008 had the frame problem of the older ones resolved. Make sure the brake recall was done. Rear and secondary master cylinders replaced.
You don't say exactly what model it is. Some of them had premium audio and heated seat.
Also check the date codes on the tires. Over 4-5 years old they will need replaced.
Price is basically what you are willing to pay. Most site show about $10k retail.

 

[Peter Goldwing]

Around 10k if its red. LOL
I bought such a bike in 2013 or so with about 3-4 k on it. brought it to 100 some k with zero problems.
Check ALL switches. Make sure cruise control is working
Others will probably give you better advise.

 

[AZgl1800]

I bought an '02 with 98k miles on it, been riding it like I stole it ever since,
well up until last August, when I gave it to my son, who still rides faster than I ever did

it had 114k miles on it when he straddled it

 

[gumbyredd]

Ask to see any mantenence records they may have. Brake fluid and clutch fluid changed, and bled every few years. Anti freeze changed not too long ago? 2008 should be a good year. Bought my 2006 with 59K, now has 126K miles. Only thing I have had done to it outside of normal maintenece was replace alternator that had bearings going bad at 100K miles.
gumbyredd

 

[ryster]

A slight ticking noise may be the injectors. Nothing to worry about. May also be a minor exhaust leak where the manifold pipe meets the mufflers.
2008 had the frame problem of the older ones resolved. Make sure the brake recall was done. Rear and secondary master cylinders replaced.
You don't say exactly what model it is. Some of them had premium audio and heated seat.
Also check the date codes on the tires. Over 4-5 years old they will need replaced.
Price is basically what you are willing to pay. Most site show about $10k retail.

Thank you Cihlib...what would I expect for problems if not done ( brake recall ) ? Does Honda honor recall till fixed?

 

[cihilb]

Thank you Cihlib...what would I expect for problems if not done ( brake recall ) ? Does Honda honor recall till fixed?

There were quite a few that had intermittent rear brake drag. If the brake fluid was changed according to Honda's mileage/time recommendation, it is less likely to happen. But it never hurts to check and see if it was done. Since it was recall, I don't think it ever expires.
You should be able to check it here. Honda Recalls - Honda Powersports
Just plug in your VIN. You can also go to a Honda dealer and have them run your VIN.
Here is a link to the entire recall. Shows what is to be done and how to know if it was done.

GL1800 #23 Honda Motorcycle Technical Service Bulletin

GL1800 #23 Honda Motorcycle Technical Service Bulletin

www.tsbsearch.com

 

[RambozoClown]

Honda will do recalls until the parts are no longer available. Be sure to check ASAP, as some parts are already being dropped.

 

[ryster]

There were quite a few that had intermittent rear brake drag. If the brake fluid was changed according to Honda's mileage/time recommendation, it is less likely to happen. But it never hurts to check and see if it was done. Since it was recall, I don't think it ever expires.
You should be able to check it here. Honda Recalls - Honda Powersports
Just plug in your VIN. You can also go to a Honda dealer and have them run your VIN.
Here is a link to the entire recall. Shows what is to be done and how to know if it was done.

GL1800 #23 Honda Motorcycle Technical Service Bulletin

GL1800 #23 Honda Motorcycle Technical Service Bulletin

www.tsbsearch.com

Thank you very much!!! I appreciate your input!

 

[ryster]

Honda will do recalls until the parts are no longer available. Be sure to check ASAP, as some parts are already being dropped.

Thank you!!

 

[George Kam]

2006 and later are good years. They increased cooling capacity with larger radiators, higher alternator output, longer engine output shaft and drive shaft yoke, and more options - Premium Audio, Audio/ Comfort/ Navi, Audio/ Comfort/ Navi/ ABS and Airbag. Around this time the alternator drive was changed from dampener springs to a filled coupler. 2008 should be a very good year. Good luck.

 

[Steve Thompson III]

Look for damage, or user neglect. Have owned 2008 and 2002 gl1800s 200k + miles. Look for the obvious signs of neglect ie. coolant, oil, suspension, battery, tires, brakes. Stay away from the cheap aftermarket parts. Evidence of regular quality maintenance is important. Ride it like you stole it, and you will like it more every time.

 

[dgalileo]

Hi all...thinking about buying a 2008 Honda Goldwing GL 1800. 13,000 original miles. What things should I be looking at/for before purchasing? Owner said ( honest guy ) that there is a ticking/knocking noise upon start up. Took it to a dealer who said it's normal. I haven't heard it run yet due to weather and dead battery. Is it a good year for GL1800 and what is a fair price. Always garaged and is in excellent condition.

Thank you

Ryster

I bought a 2008 airbag model with all options and CB in fall of 2019. Bought with 35,000 miles for $9,500. Pretty much perfect condition. I had major 24k mi servicing done at local dealer so I knew where everything stood. It already had all the recalls done, including airbag and brake. Only problem I have had was fog light switch needed replaced, which I think is common because they are not sealed. Bought a lighted one from Electrical Connection. The bike has been rock solid. Good luck.

 

[dgalileo]

There were quite a few that had intermittent rear brake drag. If the brake fluid was changed according to Honda's mileage/time recommendation, it is less likely to happen. But it never hurts to check and see if it was done. Since it was recall, I don't think it ever expires.
You should be able to check it here. Honda Recalls - Honda Powersports
Just plug in your VIN. You can also go to a Honda dealer and have them run your VIN.
Here is a link to the entire recall. Shows what is to be done and how to know if it was done.

GL1800 #23 Honda Motorcycle Technical Service Bulletin

GL1800 #23 Honda Motorcycle Technical Service Bulletin

www.tsbsearch.com

I don't think the recalls on the Honda website go back as far as 2008 any more. I typed my 2008 VIN in and got 0 results, even though I know there were recalls and they were done.

 

[cihilb]

I don't think the recalls on the Honda website go back as far as 2008 any more. I typed my 2008 VIN in and got 0 results, even though I know there were recalls and they were done.

I believe the site will only show outstanding recalls.

 

[dgalileo]

I believe the site will only show outstanding recalls.

Thanks.
Yes, I now could find to potential recalls if I searched "Recalls by Model." It included the airbag and brake drag.

 

[AZgl1800]

RECALLS never Expire

 

[cihilb]

RECALLS never Expire

Until they run out of parts.