to change or not to change that is the question

[bpdchief]

I am contemplating selling the GZ in order to pickup a 1984 Goldwing Aspencade (37k miles) for $2750. The idea of a nice highway cruiser appeals to me again. Central Texas and NE Oklahoma would be a much more comfortable ride from Florida on the Goldwing, but, still very do-able on the GZ. A Goldwing isn't exactly a putt around town scooter. A small car on two wheels that won't keep you dry or warm. Dropping from 68-74 mpg down to 35-40 mpg bothers my tightwad mind also. Comfortable ride vs economical ride. Pros and cons. More maintenance or less on the big bike - or just different maintenance?

Jump in with some opinions

http://okaloosa.craigslist.org/mcy/3418986888.html

[Water Warrior 2]

Sounds like you found one you like. Older Wings are a good buy if you find a good one. A friend of mine picked up a 84 last year and spent a month going through it will some TLC. A great bike. He did a very long tour on it while his 07 Moto Guzzi 1200 stayed home in the drive way.
He said the older wings are a bit of a pig around town but still doable once you get used to the weight. Just don't drop it.

[mrlmd1]

You could also look for a Honda PC800. It's somewhat smaller and lighter but extremely reliable and capable both for short hops around town and those extended road trips. I had one and it was a really nice bike, also with lots of storage, and very little maintenance required other than easy to do oil changes, with hydraulic valves and shaft drive,

[bpdchief]

Yes, the wings are very top heavy. A PC800 would be great and so hard to find :) More to think about

[bpdchief]

My riding days may be numbered.... step-daughter saw a fresh accident, van turned infront of a speeding crotchrocket. Wheels were still turning on the overturned van and bodies laying in roadway. She is set against my riding anymore even though I had a heart to heart with her about the perils of wreckless riding. We'll see what happens... short term, I'm even more aware of whats going on around me when riding. She certainly won't ride with me anymore

[bonehead]

Get the wing, you'll love being able to cruise without getting run over. As for the accident, you just never know.

[mrlmd1]

Besides, when you run into a van on your Wing, THEY'LL all be dead, not you.

[bonehead]

Besides, when you run into a van on your Wing, THEY'LL all be dead, not you.
:rawk: :plus1:

[bonehead]

Chief, give me a shout when ya come back to central tx.

[JWR]

A real good bike.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tzvXu1WEQ7Y/TtVU458TIYI/AAAAAAAAArI/Kg6gMxUPOfM/s640/pic2%2520124.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F7fdmyh5-Ms/TvPjEMsK-0I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/FScmT3jocJQ/s640/pc2.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sWIcEiVNzSA/Tyvl5K8fARI/AAAAAAAABJo/hwqXhrTKGsw/s640/Pic%25201129.JPG

[jonathan180iq]

Those are some gorgeous lines, JWR. Honda is so good at what they do.

[burkbuilds]

Bpdchief,
First off, I hope you keep riding if that is what YOU want to do. Life isn't safe and most of the fun things in life are almost always less safe than the dull things in life are. I've got a cousin that likes to "free climb" , no ropes, to me, that's crazy, but it is something that adds spice to his life, so more power to him.

Second, the Aspencade is a great bike. My cousin picked one up about 5 years ago that someone had tucked away in a barn, and like the one you are looking at his had relatively low miles on it. He's put over 80,000 more miles on it and really enjoyed riding it. It was also an 84 model. The only downside was when his "computer" went out. They just don't make those anymore and haven't for a long time. I helped him search and we finally found one on the internet and bought it used and "as is" and fortunately it worked. I guess what I'm saying is that it is a great bike and might give you many years of great service, but if something goes out on it you may have trouble getting the parts to fix it.

There are rarely black and white answers to most of life's questions. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

[Water Warrior 2]

The regular Interstate model doesn't have a computer and fuel injection. Still has most of the bells an whistles along with the 4 carbs. Also keep in mind the 84/85 models all have hydraulic valve lifters which means no adjustments needed. I think they were a standard feature till Honda made the 1500 Wing and went back to shim adjustments. Can't say for sure but I think their shim system is pretty much bullet proof as I've never read any comments for or against the design.
The only point that is stressed about older Wings is to keep up with regular oil changes.
Why do I know this stuff? Here's why. Did some research on 84/85 Wings after seeing a really pristine 85 Interstate on a local CL page. Only 60,000kms(37,000 miles since 1985). Asking $2800+12% tax.
Oh, here is more on old Wings. They will eat stators now and again. The stator is cheap enough until you realize the engine must be remove to do the repair. Lots of labor $$$ involved. Here is the solution. Add a car style alternator to your Wing. There are 2 do it yourself kits available to replace the stator function. Both kits involve mounting the alt up front and are driven off the front end of the crankshaft. No need to remove the dead stator either. Just isolate the wiring and forget about it.
Even I could tackle that mod. Or read up on the DIY kits and build your own from scratch.

[bpdchief]

Thanks for that tidbit of info. Never thought about adding an alternator to the GW, makes sense though. My hard point is losing the 35mpg in favor of a more comfortable ride.

[Water Warrior 2]

The Wing is actually quite economical for a big bike. Not what you are used to economy wise but there are trade offs in every change of bikes. You would likely just grin and bear it after the first time you pulled out and passed with just a twist of the wrist. I honestly think you wouldn't begrudge a wing for it's appettite at the pumps. Depending on your riding style and I know it isn't too aggressive you will be happy as a clam. The MPG would still be better than a cage with exception of the newest hi-tech fuel misers on the road.
I keep looking at the advert for the local CL Wing and have to slap myself for thinking about it. I am almost afraid to go take a look at it up close and personal. I might have to give it a new home.

[bpdchief]

I almost don't dare say I will IF You will :poke2:

[Water Warrior 2]

I almost don't dare say I will IF You will :poke2:
Believe me, it is very tempting to pick up an older Wing and ride. What makes things even more tempting is the fact that yesterday(yes yesterday) I found $3000 I had forgotten about. That would buy an old Wing in decent condition. And no I won't.

[bpdchief]

:lol: wish i could find a mystery $3k laying around. What about a vstar 650 instead? smaller, still more power and maybe less maintenance than a wing. But the wing is soooooooo tempting, comfortable ride and all that storage :drool: :drool: :drool:

[Water Warrior 2]

The found $ were actually part of the proceeds from selling the Vstrom. I put it aside with intentions of going to the bank and then got caught up in preparations for our trip to the Grand Canyon.

Vstar 650s are a nice bike but I could more easily buy Lynda's Suzuki M-50(805 V-twin) and know it's history from day 1 of it's life. It is a low mileage bike with quite a bit more power and better handling than the Vstar and about the same weight. It also has all the bells an whistles that I would have to put on another bike.
Actually every time I look at CL postings or bike websites I find nothing of enough interest to make me want to ride again. Not even another Vstrom which is one heck of a bike for the $$. Bikes still have my interest in a big way but I'll leave the riding to other folks.

[mrlmd1]

You might feel differently, get the urge again, when the weather warms up in the Spring.

[Water Warrior 2]

That is a possibility. However I only rode a half dozen times last year and there wasn't the same feeling of fun and enjoyment that I once had. I even had Lynda's bike out and it wasn't even all that great with a different bike.
I'm sure it has a lot to do with age and my vulnerability on 2 wheels when compared to the greater amount of protection a cage has to offer. I used to have fun challenging my skills on the bike in the twisties but the traffic and general braindead attitude of drivers and riders is getting a bit frightening to deal with.

[Water Warrior 2]

Just for giggles I grabbed a friend for company and went to see that $2800 Wing. It has an actual 60,000 miles on it, not kms. That tells me it is originally a U.S, bike. No, I'm still not going to buy it but it is a fine looking bike. Must have spent a lot of it's life parked indoors rather than outside in various weather conditions.
The bike was parked outside in the rain a little above freezing and started relatively quickly which was impressive. Smooth idle and quiet running too. I'm pretty sure my friend Ron would have tried dealing if he had the cash and not marked for other things in life right now. An older Wing is on his list of bikes to own till he dies in the saddle.