need your thoughts on

[Midnightrider]

a goldwing.... I'm looking and I"m going to buy a GW, but I'm thinking about buying an older model LOW miles instead a new model low miles... reason is 1000's of dollars. I have found some 98/99 models with less than 40k miles for around $7000.00 or i can buy a 04-06 with 40k miles for around $14000...what would you do?

[WinterWarrior]

Goldwings are known to be really reliable machines, so I think you wouldn't go wrong with either. I worked with someone who had an 80's goldwing, and it was still running with an absurdly high mileage.... something like 160k. Haven't seen him in years, but i heard from someone that he still rides the thing circa a year ago.

Im assuming you have some experience buying used motorcycles? if not, there are several used motorcycle evaluation guides available, if you search for one youll find one.

Personally, id go used; but then again, 'cheap' is hardwired into my DNA. Also if you go used, you wont feel as bad customizing it the way you want it (because every goldwing owner wants a set of dragpipes).

[robow]

I don't think you would have any problems from the slightly older bike.

[78CB400PA]

I had a 81 GL1100 with 56K on it ran great and was comfotable on the Highway I didn't like it on the back roads as much but a great machine.

[Midnightrider]

I had a 81 GL1100 with 56K on it ran great and was comfotable on the Highway I didn't like it on the back roads as much but a great machine.

Well I have a 02 Honda Shadow 1100 that I'm going to keep. The GW will be used for trips with the wife. We have taken several on the 1100 but i know it's not comfortable for my B.O.B ..we want something that we can travel very long distances on and be a little more comfortable on. The 1100 does great & it will be a great bike to keep and do all my running around on local and for short rides.

Thanks guys I guess I just needed to reaffirm what I was thinking...

[HKshooter]

My brother bought a 1987 last spring. High miles but after a couple hundred in misc repairs and such he loves it. Says it's a nicer ride than his 09 Street Glide. To my knowledge he has had no trouble from it since last spring.

[ken45]

It's not unusual for Wings to be solid in the 150-200K mile range.

If you can handle the weight, the Wing will be great for you. They are probably the best 2up long distance touring machines.

OTOH, I'm trading my 2010 Wing, it's heavier than I want for solo riding and we have a trike for 2up. I'm getting an FJR1300.

Ken

[Midnightrider]

It's not unusual for Wings to be solid in the 150-200K mile range.

If you can handle the weight, the Wing will be great for you. They are probably the best 2up long distance touring machines.

OTOH, I'm trading my 2010 Wing, it's heavier than I want for solo riding and we have a trike for 2up. I'm getting an FJR1300.

Ken

Well I don't think the weight will be a problem I"m a fairly big guy, 6' 215. I will keep my honda shadow 1100 for short rides and solo rides...

[Allison Wunderland]

They've added a LOT of technology to bikes since 1998. I had a '96 Heritage, and can't believe the differences they've put into the 2010 bike. -- But then we're talking H-D here, not Honda.