5 Reasons This Classic Gold Wing Is Superior To Today's Motorcycles

Review of the classic Honda Gold Wing GL1500. Is it relevant in todays market? I list the top 5 reasons why you should go find one and own it.
00:00 Introduction
00:54 #1 Design And Style
02:14 #2 Performance And Handling
03:03 #3 Comfort And Amenities
05:05 #4 Reliability And Durability
07:25 #5 Relevance in Todays Market

[@aspiceronni4462]

You can buy a late 80s to late 90s Goldie for $1500 and people who don't know bikes think you are on a $20,000 bike and in many ways, you are. So much bike for the money and quite ahead of its time. They still look very modern in today's world.

[@kimberbob9141]

I have a 88 GL1500 with 377,XXX miles, bought it new and still enjoying it! They were made ro be ridden!

[@toviyyahjudah6828]

Wow. I’m very impressed. I just purchased a 1988 one owner with 118,000 miles I wrote it home over 1000 miles. I was a little worried a little leery. Has a pretty nice maintenance history that had given to me minus some other ones you couldn’t find, I was relieved to see that the timing belts have been replaced. I was still a little apprehensive but I’m hoping it’s gonna be a great bike. It’s an absolutely great condition. The only thing I need to replace is the peacock I noticed it’s a little moist. I can smell a little fuel, but it looks pretty simple. You’ve given me some motivation.

[@rprcharron]

I absolutely love my '88. Found a steal: 29k miles, great condition, road ready, complete with matching trailer, and original luggage bags, for $2,500 Best purchase ever!

[@edgardomatos6923]

your spot on , I own 1992 , came to me little beat up , but with little love , new tires, brakes, battery, few switches , shes rides like a dream , so smooth . 93, 000. doing the belts next . should run into infinity . nice video. pretty 88.

[@jonahprescott8378]

That one is in amazing condition! Mine is too 1998 with 104k miles. Going to keep it forever

[@stevesomers7366]

Great looking GL! I own a '96 GL1500 and love it. It has about 112,000 miles on it and going strong. Getting ready to take it on a 3500 mile trip. Can't wait!

[@dylanirvin2279]

My dad purchased his 1996 in 2000 and since 2000 he’s put about 20,000 miles on it and it’s sat a lot of its life On thanksgiving I expressed the passion I have for the wing It currently sits in my back yard coverd just waiting for me to get my endorsement! It’s blue and I’ve never rode a bike before but it balances so well!!!

[@kkkevan]

Enjoy every mile and take care.

[@fkat28]

I have a 1993 red and a 97SE green, loving them, and you are right, 1500 is still very relevant today. I used to own the sixth generation 2019 GL1800, I still like the 1500 better, especially how little I have to spend on a mint condition one. I feel sorry for some of my friends who pay upwards of 20-30k for a new Harley, Victory, etc, with less amenities. Thank you for the video 👍

[@noelsantiago8613]

I have a 1999 50th anniversary and I love it! I will be on it till it dies. I guess I'll be waiting a long time. 😊

[@riddlerrides]

100%. These are bikes you can pass down from generation to generation.

[@castergarner2951]

You got that right, I got a 99 gl 1500 se with 81,000 miles. Probably get rid of my woman before the bike, lol

[@user-bu2en3cl6s]

I TOO have a '99 50th anniversary edition. It, like my wife(hopefully)will be with me 'til the end. I hope I'm 110 then.

[@stevek8829]

My black 99 Aspencade has only 43,000. Bought it when 48, now going on 73. That new lighter one with the auto is looking good, but a Harley trike maybe next.

[@pappyb9644]

I got a 1996 Goldwing from my sister her husband passed away so she gave me the bike now I’ve Road Harleys for a good portion of my life this Goldwing is awesome with 46k on it a little heavy but I’ve got used to it enjoyed the video

[@Paul-sv6vr]

I just picked a 1990 Gl1500 130000 original owner, I absolutely love it. Had a 1200 but can never go back. Awesome bike

[@thevoiceinmyhelmet3827]

Yes , I decided to keep my 96Aspencade when I bought a new 2017 Goldwing and still ride the 96 sometimes the 96 is more comfortable but harder to handle in a strong side wind , these are still wonderful machines .

[@richardadams6853]

Your 88 Goldwing looks new...nice bike. I just bought my first 1500cc Goldwing. I'm refurbishing it from front to back. I love the build quality of Goldwings. I've owned an '87 and a 2004 previously. I'm looking forward to getting this one on the road soon.

[@riddlerrides]

I did the same with mine. The more I worked on it the more I was impressed with the engineering.

[@roadtripper5553]

Good video with a lot of facts I have an 82 and a 15 both great bike thank you

[@04JALD]

My fav generation of the wing. Funny I didn't realize that they were this popular until recently. We had 2 wings in the past with few more different types of touring bikes. Everybody in my family don't ride anymore haven't for years. I still have one of our bikes sitting inside my garage and will get it back on the road. 1979 suzuki gs850 touring. I really would love a GL1500 SE but prob won't happen. Sorry for long msg. Be safe and loven your GL.

[@reverendzombie72]

Awesome ! Thank you so much for the insightful video! I just picked up a '95 with 60k miles.

[@tjclarke4604]

Yup, just a magnificent machine. I have a '84 Aspencade, and it gets more attention at bike night than most of the others, people have even knocked on my door asking to buy it. I also have a '01 Valkyrie Interstate, and that bike is unreal. My friends who ride with me have run of the mill Harleys, but none of their rides get as much attention as the Valkyrie. And you speak of reliability, spot on, just bulletproof. 100,000 miles is just breaking that engine in!

[@riddlerrides]

That's awesome! The Valkyrie fascinates me. A Gold Wing built like a power cruiser. I'd like to find one nearby to test ride.

[@tjclarke4604]

@@riddlerrides Well if you ever find yourself in Calgary AB Canada, you can take mine for a rip. :)

[@stevepooran2240]

Bro .. great video you said enough about the goldwing for me to wanna go buy one. Your a natural salesman 😅

[@davidchampagne464]

I had a 1991 GL1500 Interstate. Had 300 grand miles on it still never used any oil. Ran fantastic.

[@riddlerrides]

I updated and changed all of the fluids. I was impressed by how it did. It leak at all.

[@mikebalos4749]

I totally agree with everything you said. My current bike is a ‘95 GL1500 SE and is my third Goldwing. I also had a ‘08 HD Ultra Classic. The GL1500 is truly the best riding bike there is for all the reasons you mentioned and more.

[@riddlerrides]

Agreed! Thanks for watching and commenting! I also have a Harley Road Glide Ultra. Depending on my mood I'll take the HD, but there is nothing that comes close to the GL 1500 in smoothness, sound, design, and value.

[@Impulse_CDL]

I got a 95 as my first bike, its great. Learned to ride on it aswell. Lol

[@paseandoconhonda]

Compre uno 1988 con 17000 millas, hace tan solo una semana. Aqui en Argentina cuestan alrededor de 20.000 dolares, todos los importados son caros, pero son hermosas y su valor perdura en el tiempo. La mia es color azul. Muy buen video.

[@jeffwesson2842]

Just bought a GL1500, 1994. Needs a lot of work. Excited to get it up and running.

[@nelsonphilip4520]

Gold Wing. the first, last & only two words any touring rider(s) needs to know. It's been said before that the Wing is the Gold standard of luxury touring motorcycles. Well done presentation and could not disagree with you that the GL1500 like all generations of Gold Wings has an undeniable presence!

[@samestuffdifferentday5712]

I definitely miss mine !🤙🏾I will ride again

[@bestsk8ereva10220]

Long story: My brother is Army and is on orders to to Base i live near in a few minths. He wanted a Goldwing motorcycle since i bought my 2008 GL1800. 2 nights ago he buys a 1990 GL1500 via me going to see the bike. Bought it for 2500 woth 120,000 on the ODO. I got to rode it home. 6 minutes down the road a Deer hits me. The bike goes down do to impact. Im slidimg with it and jump off before it slides off the side of the road into a ditch. Once i folded the bike front rogjt lower fending back knto place, from a distance you wouldnt know it was hit by a a deer and in a ditch. Crackimg, scrarching dowm the saddle bag and lost a highway board. And im a little banged (Wear your gear! It will save your life!) Its back at my house. Still ridable. The only leakage was some gasoline when the bike was on its side in the ditch. True testament to how well built and amazing the GL1500s are. I hit a dear at night going 45-50 and the Bike still purs as soon as you press the button. Now if only road rash would heal as quickly! Haha And honestly you cant beat thag 90s body style. Both my brother and my wife thinks it looks better then my 08 style. Im kinda torn about it too

[@riddlerrides]

Wow, thats an amazing story! Im happy to hear you are ok! This isn't the first time I've heard of a GL1500 hitting an animal on the road and still being rock solid afterwards. Again, glad to hear you are doing well. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@johnamato8157]

I have a 1994, and it still runs great.

[@Steadfastly7]

I have a 96 GL1500 and couldn't agree more with your points.

[@riddlerrides]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@Visionery1]

So much better with the relatively muted background music. 👍

[@cjumberger7489]

I'd love to loan you my 88 Yamaha Venture Royale for a week and see what you think about that. I've ridden both bikes many, many miles. Each has their drawbacks. I like the powerplant of the Venture a little more. They basically have the same features, but the goldwing has a more modern touch. The Venture fits my size better and I think it rides a little nicer too. I've got 94k miles on my Venture now. Just like the goldwing they're a 250k mile bike that you'll enjoy every minute of riding.

[@FIAWOLpi]

Great video bud

[@craigdouglasmartens7037]

What a beautiful classic machine. Still as beautiful as ever.

[@BigAlsautoupholstery]

I just picked up a great deal. I paid $1400 for a 1989 gl1500 just needed a battery and some cleaning.

[@cewonz8884]

I bought my 98 GL1500 a year ago with 74k miles on it. I'm having a blast. Learning how to tinker with it but not confident enough to do certain things. It's hard trying to find someone who'll work on them for me. 😖 Other than that.. I love my bike!

[@meandmyshadow7839]

Excellent video. I have been looking for a classic touring bike and have been on the fence on what to get. No longer. Great review and great bike. On my channel we discuss a bunch of different bikes however much centered around the Honda Shadow and why it's such a great starter bike and mid size crusier. I have been wanting to add a touring bike and now I believe I know what I'm going to get. Thanks for the great video sir. Subscribed and watching!!

[@riddlerrides]

Thank You for watching and subscribing. If you end up finding an old Gold Wing, let me know. I sub'd to your channel also. Keep building that biker community!

[@meandmyshadow7839]

@@riddlerrides will definitely keep you posted on the Goldwing

[@phoenixarizona8441]

Just picked up one identical mint condition Free runs like new needed new tires oil change and good tune up but any bike needs regular maintenance plus it's the same age as me and my 88 GMC Sierra 1500 my 88 Suzuki gsx600f katana now my 88 Honda GL1500 I had a 81 gl1100 cafe racer and a 81 gs750 cafe racer both got stolen a few years ago been looking for a good reliable bike the 88 gl1500 is perfect

[@starseeddeluxe]

There are hundreds of reviews on these, and they all say "it's amazing." But there aren't many engineering focused reviews, that talk about the engine characteristics, or the gear ratios? Are the 1st and 5th gear ratios way too low---like on the 5th generation GL1800? It would be helpful to talk about the engineering details, if you get the time to do so. You're one of the most careful and articulate owners I've come across, so I'd love to see your analysis on the engineering of the motorcycle.

[@themanchannel8761]

I have an '83 Wing GL1100 Aspencade. It's a beautiful bike with almost 80,000 on the clock. It sat for years (allegedly 10) in a field. I got it up and running again with a little elbow grease, everything works, even the air suspension! It has great power and a pretty decent ride. I don't think I'll ever give it up. I agree that the classic Wings are STILL relevant.😮

[@joegallagher9654]

I also have 83 aspencade …I parched it new when I was 18 yes old…. I still ride it today…

[@frankhammer7408]

Riding a 90 wing for twenty years,great bike.

[@riddlerrides]

Thanks for watching and commenting. These are amazing bikes.

[@yolandalindsay8368]

"Sounds Good". Thanks for Sharing.

[@riddlerrides]

Thanks for listening

[@Impulse_CDL]

Got mine for $1200 with a little bit of work that needs to be done but runs great and i havent even got any work done to it yet lol.

[@thiaguinhooitodois2211]

I would stick to the early 2000’s ones. Prices are great and no carbs to worry about

[@user-xn1bo9rx5m]

frame cracking….

[@diegohperez6434]

Honda in my country call la máquina nothing is like ever I remember back in Colombia 1979 all this years still standing strong as Japanese motor cicle design to last for more generations to come 👍👌👌

[@stansmiley7206]

Always love a ride on a GL1500. The only downside is I've become too used to the easy pull of modern Ride by Wire throttles and assisted clutches.. On the GL, I'm setting the cruise at 35mph. Haha

[@riddlerrides]

Totally understand. There is a noticeable difference in a ride by wire. I've started to really enjoy the cable throttle response of the 1500, but I have to adjust my style when I jump on my fuel injected throttle by wire bikes.

[@leebuck180]

Even the Goldwing sound system with the Aux input is forward compatible with devices with the 1/8 earphone plug. I added satellite radio to my 1993 Goldwing.

[@riddlerrides]

Very true. I just use my in helmet system but the ability to use an aux in line is terrific

[@TimBarnett-pl9kd]

For comparison I bought my 88' GW for $1800. Showroom quality with new tires, suspension, trailer hitch, airbrush paint. Only problem I have is with bidenflation. How can I enjoy biking when we're getting hammered at the pumps? This GW was $18000 new an I bought it for $1800, with accessories. This GW can still do the stand up coin test with motor running! I have Harley Davidson an GW. When I ride, I usually ride the Wing. When I'm working on bike it's usually the Harley!

[@culley8841]

bought a 91 with 20k miles.....not even broken in by wing standards.

[@samestuffdifferentday5712]

I had a 1994 with only 40 thousand miles on it . I should of kept that bike. It was smooth as hell. I went to Harley and looked around and they ran the full court press on me ringing bells and shit. Next thing I know I’m on a 2022 Harley roadking special. But I’m going to trade it in in 2 years and get a dct I’m regretting trading it in and experiencing some serious buyers remorse with the Harley I mean Harley is cool to go down the street but I couldn’t see taking any long trips on that Harley vibration, loud motor , wrist

[@jimpalmer1969]

Nice bike, I will stay with my '85 Interstate.

[@pat1475]

Everyone thinks my 97 SE is a newer bike. When I tell them it’s a 97 they can’t believe it.

[@riddlerrides]

I get the same response. It does hold up with some classic lines.

[@9121646]

Please make more gl1500 vids. I have a 1997 SE and love it. What PSI do you run on the rear suspension when on thr centre stand?

[@riddlerrides]

I almost max it out at almost all times. I need to check and get back you. This is one of three bikes and I have a tough time remembering my settings.

[@daniellloyd2293]

I have an air shock on both left and right side. And when I am two up, I run about 24 pounds.

[@weebercorey]

Best license plate EVER!

[@joycecottingham9432]

Ive got the new wing ,and the only snag with goldwing ownership is that people riding 1000-1200-1100-1500 wings think they’re riding the the same machine !! “I’ve got one of those mate !” Richard Cottingham

[@riddlerrides]

Yeah, true. Not the same machine but from a price, feature and performance comparison there is a lot to say about the old dad bikes!

[@MrZipperhead16]

My 97 SE gets complements all the time, even from Harley guys. For today the audio system sucks but in helmet comms and Bluetooth to your phone are so easy there's no reason to even use it. The brakes are linked which is a good thing in this bike because it doesn't exactly stop on a dime at 900+ pounds, more like a suggestion to slow down. Use OEM or EBC pads for best performance. Maintenance is straight forward and a little time consuming since everything in under plastic but simple enough to do and the best part is it's one of the very few big bikes with a center stand. Goldwingdocs is my go to source for info on any Gold Wing. These 40 year old bikes are still one of the best touring machines you can get today and at a insanely cheap price.

[@riddlerrides]

Agreed. I am still very impressed with this bike and smile when I see it in the garage. Tons of fun - literally

[@user-xn1bo9rx5m]

valkyrie no plastic, now that they will be 25 years old is Valkyrie better? ? plastic not fiberglass? will the thin covers age out ? what pice of plastic is 25 years old ?

[@MrZipperhead16]

The Valkyrie is the same drive train with a cruiser styling instead of touring. They are great bikes and you can't go wrong with one. My bike was garage kept like most of them and the plastic is in very good shape.

[@roadglide]

100% Truth!

[@riddlerrides]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@phensriwood2093]

Have a GL1500 but prefer to ride my ST1100.

[@aerobiker8230]

i have a goldwing 1992 special edition.. and even thought i want a new model.. i would not sell my classic 92 goldwing is my fav model ever

[@californiamicke9527]

👍👍👍

[@curtisbarrow7650]

My 1995 worked great right up when until the starter quit. Then the local Honda shop told me they didn't work on bikes "older than 20 years"...apparently they didn't have anyone trained on a 1500 anymore...{!-{P

[@coonfreddy1957]

❤❤❤

[@bradbruggeman6745]

The 1500 was and still is a smooth,comfortable,reliable bike. I just thought it was a slouch for its time. The competition at the time was considerably more powerful.

[@joycecottingham9432]

What competition?

[@bradbruggeman6745]

@joycecottingham9432 Yamaha Venture 1300,Suzuki Calvalcade 1400, were both more powerful and quicker at the time.

[@joycecottingham9432]

The 1500 would leave a Venture or the down a twisty road.The Ventures brakes were rubbish-I’ve had one-Both sales flops.1500s would indicate 125 mph.l doubt if they were more powerful. Richard Cottingham.

[@bradbruggeman6745]

@joycecottingham9432 I know my 88 venture would leave my dad's 97 wing in the dust and actually will keep up with the 1800 wings. The handling is heavily depending on the skill of the rider. I thought the brakes on mine were great. Yes, sales numbers never stood up to a wing, but I blame that on marketing and not because they weren't a good bike. Mine had well over 100,000 miles on it when I sold it. That was 15 years ago, and it's still on the road. Wish I knew the current mileage? I have had three bikes with the venture design engine 83 Venture, 88 venture, and currently 95 Vmax. I can say that engine is pretty strong and durable.

[@riddlerrides]

Interesting. I admit I know very little about those bikes from the era. I’ll check them out!

[@samestuffdifferentday5712]

The only downside with that old goldwing I had was that you can’t find anybody to work on it at a reasonable price because of its age. The Honda dealers won’t work on them after a certain age. I was quoted 2500 bucks for a tuneup 😂no way I’m paying that.

[@riddlerrides]

That’s the issue in most old bikes these days. You’ve gotta work on them yourself

[@samestuffdifferentday5712]

@@riddlerrides yep

[@wdhewson]

Did the 'Wing have 6 cylinders in 1988 ??

[@riddlerrides]

It did. This was a clean sheet redesign and a bump up to 6 cylinders. There are some great videos on KZbin from Honda about the development process they went through to bring it to market.

[@user-bu2en3cl6s]

Yep.

[@yossiallen3316]

300000 miles is unbelievable for such a machine. All other bikes are on the scrapheap before 60000 miles.

[@markhogan9435]

These bikes will go 400k miles. Million miles on transmission. 400k per engine. Water pump about 150k miles. Fuel pump little less

[@viktorru4934]

Я что то не пойму,у меня и на Авито начало GL рекламировать,теперь и на Ютуб стали видео попадаться. Сама судьба просит купить GL и быть счастливым)))

[@gman77gas]

Handles like a jiroscope! The 2000 and up 1800cc are far better handle ing

[@cjsteele9594]

The late 90s 1500 with progressive shocks is just as good. And better looking.

[@thomasbrogan8036]

Vs. Valkyrie interstate ?

[@riddlerrides]

The Valkyrie was a terrific bike. I never rode one but always wanted to check one out.

[@thomasbrogan8036]

@@riddlerrides Ty :)

[@choppergirl]

All that With all that plastic fairing in the way, it looks too difficult and involved to maintain. Parts wear out, and you have to replace them. I know, I'm always replacing any one of these... it's so much stuff, I have to do it in a rolling kind of way spread out over time.... and never all at the same time. Brake shoes, brake fluid, oil, tires, tubes, batteries, fork oil, drive shaft oil, fork seals, antifreeze, carb kit, bolts that fall off, parts that break. A well designed motorcycle is one that is a system, designed to be easily maintained, not just highly reliable. What are you going to do when the day comes you have to replace the valves, top end head, and rings on that bike? I always look at a bike like I'm going to have to work on it next week, something deep and painful to get at. Do I really want to do it. If it's too painful, then pass. If it looks like a cinch and easy, then you've caught my interest as a bike.

[@riddlerrides]

Yeah - I get your point and respect the fact that you wrench on your bikes. By the way, I checked out your channel - you are very talented and have some serious creative range. Not trying to oversell you on this bike but really the answer is that you likely won’t have to do any serious engine work for the life of the bike. It has hydraulic lifters and as long as you keep up the basic maintenance it’s likely to be fairly trouble free as long as you own it. Great points and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@choppergirl]

@@riddlerrides Well I'd like to have a Goldwing. I have an 85 Honda CMX250, an 82 Hondamatic CM450, and I just bought an 07 Shadow Spirit. Kind of regretting the Spirit, it's like a huge pretty piece of silverware that requires lots of cleaning and polishing. Two bikes are ideal; three is too many. The Rebel is a dream to work on; the CM450 not much worse; the Shadow with it's Vtwin is going to be a nightmare. I probably should of bought a light used Japanese pickup truck instead.

[@riddlerrides]

Ha, totally - I have three bikes also and am trying to unload some of them. Nice collection of bikes!

[@choppergirl]

@@riddlerrides kzbin.info/door/rqR1s8xj71-3p8XaDe6XNQcommunity?lb=UgkxL7w_LxGg0eRWNI9eV-kaiFBFx8iJYky-

[@artemzhirkov7565]

No way I'm buying a 6th generation 1800 goldwing. It just doesn't look as American as previous Gold Wings. Honda made a huge mistake with it.

[@riddlerrides]

I didn't want to get too deep into that but I agree. From a design and appearance perspective, the 4th is in my opinion the classic icon of Gold Wing. The 5th gen was very late "90s" styling and I would compare it to a lot of the automotive industry of the time. For example, the 4th generation Mustang; I would compare the GL1500 to the cool Fox-body Mustang and the Porsche 993 (before the 996). The 5th gen Gold Wing was way too bulbous and frankly fairly dorky looking. The new 6th gen looks like a Transformer/spaceship and you can see that Honda is leaning it into more Sport styling. I get the move but it also leaves an opening for enthusiasts to revisit or discover the classics. From a performance perspective there is no denying the appeal of the 1800s and their evolution in technology.

[@mr.solitude3352]

Every 1500cc GW owner who has let go of his bike did so for the 1800cc GW. There must be a reason for that.

[@riddlerrides]

No doubt there were great improvements and a bump in power with the move to the 1800. We can't deny the most famous and one of the fastest bikes at the Tail of the Dragon was the Yellow Wolf. I just contend that the 1500 was the foundational model where Gold Wings peaked and were lightyears ahead of their time. I also think the 1500 has an iconic profile.

[@user-bu2en3cl6s]

You are mistaken. Every time I see an 1800, I understand why 1500s get so many miles put on them; to avoid the 1800.

[@stevek8829]

Not, "every." I still have my 99 1500.

[@cjsteele9594]

And many want the 1500 back.

[@telemark140]

shuuuut dont telle to everyone, its a secret best bikes ever for touring

[@riddlerrides]

lol - right? I’d love to advocate to get more people to restore and keep these in the road.

[@southhillfarm2795]

It’s especially not expecially

[@riddlerrides]

Ha, thanks. Correct. I don’t always enunciate well. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@kjmdrumz3]

I think the 1500’s are the absolute ugliest of all of the wings. The 1100s and 1200s look retro cool. The 1500s look like the old Astro van.

[@riddlerrides]

C'mon, you're not getting the 80's Countach vibe from the 1500s 🤠?

[@chuk2795]

Lol it's not pretty

[@parvero1]

Carbs are better than efi

[@user-bu2en3cl6s]

This bike is superior to EVERY (touring) motorcycle. It's PRECISELY why EVERY... SINGLE touring bike is STILL measured against it. Sorry if that chaps some folks asses but NOTHING, with two wheels, has (before OR since) been as perfect for pointing in any direction, where roads exist, with a greater expectation of not only enjoying the journey, but arriving at the destination without, well, WORRYING about arriving at the destination.

[@kkkevan]

I traded my 92 GL1500 for a 2009 GL1800. No regrets but I would prefer having had both in the garage.