Older Goldwings

[tcwin]

I am looking at getting back to riding and am thinking about purchasing an older Gold Wing. I have been looking at anything from a 78 GL1000 to a 86 Gl1200 Aspencade. The main purpose of the bike would be to commute back and forth to my cabin on the weekends (about 130 miles one way) and maybe tool around the back roads of Wisconsin with my wife or son.

I am looking at any input from you guys on things to look out for and questions to ask. One thing I have noticed is a few of the bikes say 'stator' repaired. Is this a common problem? Is it expensive if it goes out?

I have a friend with a 1998 SE with 170k miles and he says not worry about miles, buy a well maintained bike and it will run forever.

Appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

[CrappieAttitude]

My dad ran a 79 GL 1000 for many years. Pulled a trailer on every trip we took as a family. Sold it with 130K on it and it still ran like a top. He didn't have any issues at all that I can remember. I really wouldn't worry about the miles if the bike was well maintained.

CA

[bottomdweller]

The stator was a problem with some of the older bikes. I rembember my friends going out. Dont remember what it cost to fix though.

[jigglestick]

there was a stator update on some of those older wings.

if it says stator updated, that's a good thing.

the only other couple things to watch for was the carburators were less than perfect. not easy to rebuild either. I mean it was difficult to make proper adjustments in your own garage without proper knowledge and tools.

the other was opperator negelect.

I bought a nice full dress bike for like $300.00 a few years ago and tinkered with it for a year.

there was a coolant leak on the front half of the engine. I replaced the water pump and some seals. pulled the carbs and cleaned them.

a guy wanted to buy it from me the same day i bought it. I wouldn't sell it to him then.I should have.

I ended up selling it to him for what I probably could have the first day.

that was a nice bike. they will; run a very long time if you take care of it.

I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

[Wildabeast]

I had an 1100 Interstate that my wife and I would put on 3500 miles or so on each summer touring when we were back in the states from Saudi. They'll run a long time as long as taken care of. Check for cracks in the fairings as it's very expensive to find replacement parts. I upgraded fork springs and played with fork oil viscosity, installed a Corbin sadle, wired in J&M headsets as well as changed out the stereo. I liked the fact the rear, center luggage bag was removeable. Gave it a nice look when we would ride to dinner in town after a day touring.