Topic: Question/opinion for Goldwing Aspencade owners

[manjisann]

There is a 1982 Honda Goldwing Aspencade GL1100 with approx 50k miles on it listed for $800 here locally. I wish I had the money to pick it up, but I don't. I see these older Goldwings periodically and was just wondering what the ups and downs on them are. I've read GW carbs are a nightmare to work on, is there anything else these bikes are known for? If I did have the money I'd be buying it to keep and tour with, instead of fix up and sell.

Thanks all,

Brandon

[Johnie]

Somewhere in the mid 80's the stator was a problem on the Wings.  Otherwise they have been as reliable as the rest of the Honda line.  I guess that is why I still see quite a few 80's Wings still on the road.

[HavocTurbo]

Just bought my dad a cherry 83 Interstate for around $2000.

30k miles and damn near perfect.

Stator/alternator assembly was kinda iffy on those. That and the trans always felt loose.

Rear drive sometimes made a clicking noise that could never be pinpointed and made to go away. Most guys just found a used unit and replaced the whole thing.

Watch the front axle as breaking the tabs off the speedo drive will hurt if it hasn't been greased in a while.

Had the infamous death shake as the steering head bearing got older. Tapered replacements seem to almost kill it. But a modified damper is almost required.

Serpentine belts (depending on model) would sometimes be forgotten to be changed at regular intervals and snap.... best to change asap.

Rockers should be adjusted before even starting it to take it for a test drive. Sometimes guys won't do those either.

Exhaust seems to rot away in weird places. Like the h-pipe.



That's about all I can remember from working at KoKo's Trikes in South Beloit. Been in and around literally thousands of them in both 2 and 3 wheeled forms.

Hope that helps.

[manjisann]

Thank you both, that is what I was wondering. As I said I sadly don't have the funds to pick it up, and with the condition it was in it's already been snapped up. I just see these old larger Goldwings and was wondering if they were worth trying out. Doesn't sound like it woulda been too terrible, especially if I was to buy one to keep.

Anyhow, thanks, and if anyone has anything else to add please feel free!

Brandon

[Johnie]

I forgot to mention, the Goldwing ride is really comfortable.  My wife has a 2000 1500SE that she makes me give her rides on  . , but I did drive a 1985 and it was very smooth and comfy too.

[78 k550]

for that price you cant go wrong.

Paul

[manjisann]

for that price you cant go wrong.

Yeah and it looked in pretty good physical condition. I'm sure it needed some work, but I thought it would be a great deal too, sure wish I had had the money.

Brandon