Looking for a ride

[SmokeyJoe]

Im new to this so I will get to the point. I am not a new rider but its been 30 years since I have been on one I have found a 1978 glodwing it is dressed. My question is is it to old it is a 1000 Igo 5' 6" and wigh 360 lbs? and are there parts available for it. I could use some advice on this.

Thank You,

Joe Mitchell:

[rexmitchell]

We had a discussion going about the old goldwings somewhere around here and what years to avoid. IIRC the 1000's were not the most reliable but I really can't remember. With any bike that old you will have issues with finding parts.

[aaronrkelly]

Originally Posted by SmokeyJoe

Im new to this so I will get to the point. I am not a new rider but its been 30 years since I have been on one I have found a 1978 glodwing it is dressed. My question is is it to old it is a 1000 Igo 5' 6" and wigh 360 lbs? and are there parts available for it. I could use some advice on this.

Thank You,

Joe Mitchell:

Joe....sorry Im a little late on this.

The GL1000 was the first model of the Goldwings. They are plenty reliable and good bikes. This was before they really got bogged down with electronics and complicated touring amenities. There are some out there that would even say these Goldwings were MORE reliable then the later Wings. My MC mechanic has more experience then Ive been alive and hes worked on more Goldwings then anyone I know.

He believes the GL1100 and GL1000 to be some of the better early wings. The GL1200 was plagued with stator issues at great expense and time to repair. The GL1500, like any bike, has its flaws also.

The Goldwing remains and likely will remain popular enough you should have ZERO issues getting parts. I own a 1984 Goldwing and while its newer I shop for parts in alot of the same places you would be for parts for the GL1000. You will have a great parts base and supply. In fact alot of parts are still available from mother Honda.

A GL1000 would be on my "to own" list given more storage space....I nice clean naked Goldwing is a thing of beauty.

[SmokeyJoe]

Well that bike got away from me. I have looked at several other bikes, but my wife just isn't into bikes and it makes it hard to move fast on a bike. I am looking at the posibility of retiring in march of 2011. I plan on taking some of my retirement money and getting a good used bike. Igo 5' 6" and wigh 360 lbs. can you make a few sugestions as to size and mabe even a few styles to think about

[aaronrkelly]

Originally Posted by SmokeyJoe

Well that bike got away from me. I have looked at several other bikes, but my wife just isn't into bikes and it makes it hard to move fast on a bike. I am looking at the posibility of retiring in march of 2011. I plan on taking some of my retirement money and getting a good used bike. Igo 5' 6" and wigh 360 lbs. can you make a few sugestions as to size and mabe even a few styles to think about

Im 330ish lbs....I ride everything from a 400cc Honda to a 1737cc Victory. Honestly even the little bikes pull me just fine. Buy more on physical size and comfort not so much based on engine.

For example a Yamaha 650 VStar. The bike is 650cc but it has a longer wheelbase than the HD Road King. These bikes can be bought all day long for $3000 or less. Ive bought a 2001 with 4K miles on it for $2400 and a 2007 with 8K miles on it for $3000. They are decent bikes but they do get a little buzzy when your hauling down the 4 lane.