3 Things You MUST Know Before Buying A Vintage Goldwing!

[@jeffsworkshop]

I just rebuilt a 81 GL1100 and did it all with the help of KZbin. Not as hard as you’d think, my skill level was low and I’ve had so much enjoyment both fixing it and riding it. Tires were done at a garage, but I did the rest. Labour of love.

[@klrshthead2906]

Nice they are a lot of fun. Thx for watching

[@steelcityrooferjm]

I just rebuild a 83 gl1100 myself... went with a clapped out "rat bike" theme. Put about 2500km in the last few months and its bulletproof. I found it actual real easy to work on because of the flat 4 give it tons of work space

[@SkunkMonkey991]

On the early 80s I was the kid who set up the new bikes. I also was the kid who installed all the Wing accessories from chrome to radios. Have decided to find a clean 1100 or 1200 to complement my KLR. Thanks for the video.

[@klrshthead2906]

That’s funny because I bought my KLR to complement my goldwing 🤘

[@ShowChrome]

We appreciate you.

[@klrshthead2906]

Thanks for watching my friend

[@jimh.5286]

I've had a 1984 Goldwing Interstate for about 25 years. My main advice is to drain the carburetors if the bike will sit for more than a month or two. The carbs gum up. It's a lot of work getting to, and rebuilding those 4 carbs. I should know, over the years I've done it twice!

[@klrshthead2906]

Agreed I run ethanol free fuel as well. Thanks for watching!

[@speedfreak8200]

Happens to just about any carb that gets ethanol. I run all my carbs dry when I get done running them. The carbs aren't fun with my 1400 Intruder either

[@D_Grouchy_Old_Man]

Should not have to drain the carbs if u run strictly non ethanol though right? I just bought an 84 interstate with 45,000 miles to ride while I'm replacing rhe clutch in my 2000 BMW K1200 LT. My friend is betting I'll like the wing better.

[@IrishSpyHD60]

I have an 84 Goldwing I'm working on. Thinking of doing a custom intake for a Weber dcoe 48 single carb conversion. Any thoughts, or concerns?

[@jimh.5286]

@@IrishSpyHD60 That could be nice. There is a concern, though, that engine roughness can occur at low RPM and cold temps. due to the long intake runners. There can also be an issue getting the fuel mixtures the same in all 4 cylinders. I would check with people who have done it - I haven't.

[@rayworx]

I turned a wrench on Honda motorcycles at various shops in California for 30 years and the ONE most important precaution I can advise would be: DO NOT TURN OFF THE FUEL PETCOCK AND RUN THE ENGINE TILL IT DIES! There is always gas left in the carbs that will plug up if left to sit. You MUST physically drain the carbs to be sure!

[@klrshthead2906]

Yessir that’s the only way to be sure. I run ethanol free gas and use a stabilizer as well.

[@D_Grouchy_Old_Man]

@@rayworx y not just run non ethanol?

[@Thebonesoftrees]

I got an '08 KLR and an '85 GL1200 limited Goldwing. Best bikes ever.

[@klrshthead2906]

You’ve got impeccable taste my friend! Thx for watching.

[@raccafracca940]

I have an '85 Goldwing Interstate 1200 and love it. It needs some TLC and am going to try my hand at it. It will be my winter-time project in the garage.

[@klrshthead2906]

god speed and good luck! thanks for watching

[@nelsonphilip4520]

Retread rider here sharing with you that my old GL choice was/is a 1998 Gold Wing Valkyrie. In so many ways it's the "naked" version or the fulfillment of the M-1 Gold Wing prototype. And like the O.G. GL1000 series, it has virtually none of the features and standard equipment that came with it's stable mate, the GL1500; no cruise; no ABS/LBS; no self canceling or 4-way flashers; no reverse (except export to Japan model!?) Heck, the Valkyrie doesn't even come equipped with a center stand! Another important feature of the Valkyrie GL-series, that distinguishes it from the Gold Wing, is that it didn't have all that plastic bodywork! When it comes to a turn-key riding & ownership experience, the Gold Wing is in a class all by itself. Enjoyed your video and thanks for posting it.

[@klrshthead2906]

Anything with a flat Honda motor in it kicks butt! Thanks for watching and I enjoyed reading your comment :)

[@michaeltait3783]

I still have my 99Valkyrie and new 3 gen KLR. Love them both, sometimes difficult to choose which one to take out for the day

[@klrshthead2906]

I’m in the same boat! It all depends on how elderly I’m feeling on a given day 😂

[@frankdillon6127]

as a previous owner of a 1982 Aspencade and over 30 thousand miles. back in the day you could take to the Honda dealer, no so much today. independent shops are hit and miss at best. glad to see so many assorted youtube repair videos they help. so be ready to do 90% of your own work if needed. suggest don't cheap out pay the price get the best vintage GW you can find. fact is if i wanted to tour the USA by motorcycle it would be a 1980s GW.

[@klrshthead2906]

@@frankdillon6127 well said thanks for watching

[@jesseholden8686]

I personally just love all the aspects of the Wing. I enjoy working on them because I can do my own work and I like to see if there are areas needing attention or just cleaning up. The weight is great, considering that it's a tourer machine, and the size of 1st gen's (flat 4's) is nice due to not being super huge to maneuver. The maintenance is critical but not excessive, and it will pay off after rolling the odometer over twice. It isn't a crotch rocket, but there are things, everyday Joes, can do to help it out a bit. Their price isn't overwhelming, only modest, which opens up opportunity to upgrade if desired.

[@klrshthead2906]

All great points thanks for watching!

[@ujmrider]

I bought a 1980 naked wing with 25k miles on Good Friday 2023. It had been parked up in a garagefor a very long time. No problem, im a mechanic and have restored several vintage motorcycles in the last 25 years, including a 78 Wing. The previous owner of the 80 had traded it in, as-is for something brand new at a Kawasaki dealership. Thats where i bought it from. They had installed a new battery and new tires and brakes, but didn't get it running. It looked all clean and complete so i bought it for a reasonable price because they wanted it gone. They told me the carbs were likely gummed up. NOPE! Carbs had been drained and were pretty clean. However they were way out of sync, and the valves were out of adjustment limits. Also had one bad coil and very chopped up wiring harness ( why, just why do people eff up the wiring !?) I've sorted out all the wiring, installed new timing belts and tensioner pulleys, changed fluids and filters, adjusted everything,etc. The engine is actually quite healthy and sounds really good. The forks are not holding air now and its not safe to ride once all the air leaks out in 20 minutes. I'm eliminating the air assist and installing progressive springs asap. It turns out there was a lot more wrong with the bike than appearance indicated. So after saying all this, i recommend NOT buying an old Wing unless it's currently in good running condition, or do you actually want a bunch of time consuming work?

[@klrshthead2906]

I agree completely. These things can be awesome if well maintained for there whole life. Thanks for watching!

[@DFWAuto_Hack]

25000mi only and out if sync? Wow What is the maintenance scheduled to adjust the valves on it? I found a 1985 for $500 nd the new owner claims it had 26000mi when last parked but they sold as is and not running since parked for 18 years. According to them previously us owner was hit while riding and quit from that point on. In my mind, thr work needed should just be carb cleaning nd new battery but i wanted to be sure the motorcycle did not have hidden flaws which is why i ended here. Now i wonder if it is even that monster of a job to get to the carbs and remove them and if i should even buy it but $500 is given. Id have to apply for a bonded title because the past owner past away though

[@brucehelppie6119]

The worst issue I’ve read about is replacing the stator. There is a ton of wiring as well. The 4 cylinders look cool, but I think I’d pass…

[@klrshthead2906]

That’s one of this bikes downfalls for sure. The way I look at it… the bike was less than $2000 and it’s lasted over about 5 years so if the stator goes I’ll donate it or something. Thanks for watching :)

[@davidevelyn530]

That's why from '88 on the Wings & later (97) Valk had external alternators.

[@wlingrell]

I don't agree that it is difficult to work on at all. It takes time and a repair manual. I have done everything on my wing, timing belts arde easy to change, carbs easy to rebuild. Engine comes out easy but takes time.. Once you have them in good mechanical condition, just maintain them. I was lucky and found one a couple years ago with only 31000 kms on it. But it had been parked in heated garage for a few years. It is like new now. Love the 1200 Aspencade. I had a 1982 1100 Aspencade years ago, that was a good bike too.

[@klrshthead2906]

"Easy" is a relative term. I enjoy maintaining my bikes but pulling a GW engine is not on my to do list. Thanks for watching!

[@Butwhy293]

New to riding and just got a 81 gold wing gl1100 with 45,000 miles. It has a Volvo carburetor on it eliminating the 4. So one carb

[@klrshthead2906]

That’s interesting didn’t know that was a thing thanks for watching!

[@careydavis2553]

Excellent video! I am going to pick up a 1986 Aspencade this weekend. I plan to use it for my daily commute, which is about 40 miles each way & goes through the Occonee National Forest. I may do a video on it if anyone is interested...

[@klrshthead2906]

Who cares if anyone is interested. Make the video for sure! Thanks for watching.

[@upchunk22]

Oh man, I would love a better look at the stereo setup on yours- looks super clean and something I’ve been wanting to do. Just bought mine a few weeks ago. Guy was the original owner since ‘86! It is CLEAN! I’m stoked

[@klrshthead2906]

Nice! Mine is a regular old Sony head unit. I had it install professionally and they used some kind of plastic liner to fill in the gaps.

[@bwma]

I have an 86. It is reliable as heck. Have to ride or start it every other week to keeps the idle jets clear and clean. Everything is well designed. Made in America. Have done all the service on everything myself. Almost consider it a hobby so time doesn't matter. Cruises at 70 all day long. It will dust 95% of modern motorcycles.

[@klrshthead2906]

Rock and roll my dude. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmosley1385]

I have an 84 GL1200 interstate with less than 80,000 my stator went out so i did a no weld poor boy conversion the person i bought it from took good care of the bike. I do all my repairs myself and I'm 63yrs old. Next job is slave cylinder rebuild everything done to that bike has been documented from the day it left the dealership. Ride safe have fun

[@klrshthead2906]

That’s how the guy I bought mine from was. Everything documented. Everything service and repair recorded. That’s what is missing in todays motorcycle culture. Half of the enjoyment of having these machines is taking ownership of maintaining them.

[@TimBarnett-pl9kd]

Let's compare my GW bike deal? Cost of ownership. My 88' GW was $18,000 new. I bought it for $1800. On way trailering bike home, 1800 pulls up to my truck window. Yells, nice bike! Yeah I'm just now bringing it home. They fall back, check out bike, then pull back up to my window. Can I ask what you paid? $1800! Laughter! You just bought trailer hitch with free GW attached! Laughter again, as he pulls off! Bike had newer suspension, list of accessories including airbrush desert scene on the surfaces.

[@klrshthead2906]

I love the GL1500. You can find great deals on them! Thanks for watching!

[@TimBarnett-pl9kd]

@@klrshthead2906 this bike had airbrush desert scene on the bags. It had new tires, new suspension, trailer hitch etc... Bike has 90,000 but can still do the side coin balance on running engine! While taking trailer back we're looking at paint when new neighbor calls out from painting ladder, nice bike! He sees desert paint goes into his house. Comes out with 3 pictures of desert that match bike. Here I want you to have this, it matches so well! Much later same guy knocks on my friend door saying, he's lost his job, losing house, wife, kids, everything! Do you know of any job? My friend is parks an roads for major NW city, so he gives this guy a job. He's so good neighbor gives him a full time with benefits of city employment. Neighbor asked my friend, how did you know about me? All I needed to know when you gave that desert painting to my friend matching his new GW! I'm driving home towing trailer an GW, when a 1800 GW pulls up to my window. Nice bike! Yeah I'm just now bring it home. they drop back to look at bike then pull back to my window. Can I ask what you paid? Sure, $1800! Are you kidding! You just bought a trailer hitch an got a free GW attached! Laughing as he twisted the throttle!

[@klrshthead2906]

Heck yeah!

[@JoeShmo710]

Just finished my second week of 55+ hours at work I’m hoping to be able to pick one up real soon, gonna make it happen

[@klrshthead2906]

@@JoeShmo710 Heck yeah bud!

[@michaelbrown8635]

I got a 86 Gl1200 love it

[@txterbug]

My grandpa in law just gave me his 1982 goldwing. Has historic plates and all.

[@klrshthead2906]

Nice!

[@DavidM2002]

Did I miss the part where you talk about the stator being a huge weak spot on the GL1200 ? When I owned mine 25 years ago mine crapped out at a rather inconvenient spot 1,000 miles from home and when I started digging back then, the other GL1200 owners with bad stators just came out of the woodwork. I loved it but I would never buy another one. Back then it was a $1,000 repair bill because the engine had to come out.

[@klrshthead2906]

Had mine for years without any issues. Could have been replaced before I bought it though :) thanks for watching !

[@oshawott2250]

I'm looking at a 84 GL1200 standard and the nearest shop is over an hour from me so I will be doing most maintenance myself. Does much if any of the difficulty come from the removing all the extra stuff from the interstate models?

[@salvatorecorrao7497]

i find these 80s goldwings far easier than harleys having had a few myself and just this year getting into my first gl1200

[@klrshthead2906]

I think they are much better made machines especially in the 80’s. Thanks for watching!

[@scottsingleton2951]

Honda built so many because people were buying them

[@klrshthead2906]

For sure. Although I’d say that the 80’s goldwing is more popular today than it was when it was new! Lol thanks for watching!

[@d.w.71]

That’s a beautiful bit of country you were driving through in this video what state is it?

[@klrshthead2906]

@@d.w.71 Virginia ! Thanks for watching

[@mcornielle]

I have a Royal continental gt 650 and i'm really thinking about having a goldwing, i know it may not be as convenient cuz of technology and safety but i'm so in love with it, thoughts and reccomendations? Would it be better to go for a cb 750f??

[@klrshthead2906]

@@mcornielle go for it they are all over for very cheap!

[@noonster55]

I actually think the Goldwings 1100-1200's are very easy to maintain. Valve adjustments, sinking carbs etc. Super easy...

[@klrshthead2906]

You’re a better man than I! Thanks for watching :)

[@johncampbell3323]

Where do you get your aftermarket mods? Like the radio and the speakers and stuff?

[@klrshthead2906]

@@johncampbell3323 Radio is an off the shelf Sony unit and the speakers are JBL ordered of Amazon.

[@johncampbell3323]

@klrshthead2906 really? Sweet! I just recently bought a 83 aspencade that was sitting for quite a few years for $300 and it still has stock radio and stuff. I currently have it getting fixed so that'll probably be my first mod on it if the original radio doesn't sound good

[@speedfreak8200]

How can it get out of time? If it uses a timing belt it should be replaced at regular intervals. If it has timing gears ⚙️ or chain ⛓️ it should last the life of the bike.

[@klrshthead2906]

Yessir it “should” be replaced at regular intervals but you know as well as I do that should is a subjective term. Thanks for watching!

[@danielthrasher2332]

I know where there is a 1994 trike with 80000 thousand miles been setting up for five years one of my friends girl friends dad had it but he passed on five years ago says it was running bfore he died for $2500 would you think that is a good deal to buy are a headache.🤠

[@klrshthead2906]

That’s a tough one the draw some pretty big money in good working order. But like you said it’ll be a headache. Lol tv and for watching

[@johnsnykers5884]

That wise man who you mentioned...could it be Jeremy Clarkson?

[@klrshthead2906]

Who doesn’t love TopGear

[@72643066]

Great information

[@klrshthead2906]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@tenatra]

I keep buying these for less than $300 and cleaning the carbs and tank. Usually only thing wrong.

[@klrshthead2906]

Yessir almost always.

[@oz314]

Currently a learner waiting till I'm 24 so I can get a full licence to get one of these things

[@klrshthead2906]

Awesome! Thanks for watching and ride safe :)

[@chuckm2893]

Tell us about that stereo set up...I have an 84' and looking to replace the stereo and remove the CB/intercom system.

[@klrshthead2906]

I had it install by a local guy. It’s a standard song 2 din head unit and some JBL speakers works well and was like $300 parts and labor. I wanted it done right so I paid a professional lol

[@J0EWE3D]

Yeah I got an 86 1200 and I want to pull the intercom and cb. I don't need all the extra electronics

[@klrshthead2906]

@@J0EWE3D Nice let me know how it goes mine turned out great.

[@wdhewson]

Can't say I like those hydraulic valve lash adjusters.

[@michaelosborne4944]

buy a naked like my 1100 standard, maintainence is easy, no fairings or saddlebags to be removed

[@klrshthead2906]

First one I bought was a 1980 GL1100 naked bike. But I wanted all the fairings and storage !

[@NoNameNoFace-rr7li]

anyone in tennessee looking for a gl1000 i have a very nice bike that needs finished....

[@spreadgangjordan4772]

Found one for 300$ guy had it just sitting outside .. all it needs is a battery

[@klrshthead2906]

Nice! Get that bad boy back on the road 🤘

[@alternatemusicaddict5226]

what windshield is that??

[@klrshthead2906]

Thanks for watching. From what I know it’s the factory windscreen.

[@jeffbrinkerhoff5121]

Nice vid..

[@klrshthead2906]

Thanks for watching !

[@cryptocutty4810]

You never said what year bike it is

[@klrshthead2906]

1985. Thanks for watching!

[@jrx2662]

timing belt shouldn't even make your list, because if that was a issue, than yo could put cars into that mix! just got to know what that manufacture says about changing your timing belt every so many miles! plus I check the prices on tires! no where the price you quoted on $600.00 bills! $200.00 in change tops?

[@klrshthead2906]

Thanks for watching! I would put cars in that mix if left unattended timing belts and or chains can be a point of catastrophic failure. A decent set of tires will run you about $400 and if you can even find a shop willing to work on a vintage Wing you will pay at least $150 to install.

[@Ch1oeW]

Is that a tank bag? Did you not have enough storage space? 😂 🙌

[@klrshthead2906]

Hey need a place for my car keys! Thanks for watching lol

[@Ch1oeW]

@@klrshthead2906love the video. We just got one of these bad boys and the weight is a bit intimidating but I’m stoked

[@klrshthead2906]

@@Ch1oeW How are you enjoying it so far?

[@Ch1oeW]

@@klrshthead2906 have not got it running yet! Thanks for checking in! Will update after taking it for a spin :)

[@malone-np3ip]

It's a bit late for me

[@user-ep3bb9fk6n]

There was a hint of disdain in your voice when you realized it was a rabbit instead of a squirrel haha. What did a rabbit ever do to you?

[@klrshthead2906]

@@user-ep3bb9fk6n Google water ship down. I’ll wait :)

[@user-ep3bb9fk6n]

@@klrshthead2906 Well, looks like while trying to choose a bike to serve as my first road bike (that will also be taking me across the country and back in two months), the universe sent me some reading material! I shall report back once I am nice and indoctrinated against those carrot eating knuckleheads. Havent deep dived your content, but I see KLR in your name so I'm sure I'll be there soon enough

[@jrx2662]

haven't you heard of the university youtube! they teach you everything! LOL!

[@klrshthead2906]

When it comes to wheels and tires I leave that to the professionals. Thanks for watching!

[@cinos360]

Half of this video and 2 of the 3 points are just self admission your no good on the tools .. pointless upload

[@klrshthead2906]

Thanks for watching hot shot!

[@hayabusa3810]

Bro, you didn’t even mention the stator issue with these bikes the biggest problem

[@klrshthead2906]

Haven’t had any issues with the stator. Will cross that bridge when I get there :)

[@DP-nw3lz]

@@klrshthead2906 Just found one. Sitting in a garage for 12 years! 15 k miles. Great paint. Cant wait to start tackling it. Any recommendations on what to do first? Tank is rusty so I will be trying the vinegar method first.

[@DP-nw3lz]

1987 interstate

[@klrshthead2906]

@@DP-nw3lz sorry I missed your comment :( How is the project coming along?

[@DP-nw3lz]

@@klrshthead2906 it’s ok. I haven’t been able to start it yet. I poured some vinegar in the gas tank and tried to drain it out but the fuel tank drain is clogged I guess. Haven’t touched it since the new year lol. But every day I think I need to start it

[@daniellewis37]

Maybe it's difficult for you ..

[@klrshthead2906]

What’s that?