to change or not to change that is the question

bpdchief · 12-02-2012, 12:02 AM

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 · 12-02-2012, 12:19 AM

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 · 12-02-2012, 12:47 PM

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 · 12-02-2012, 08:35 PM

Yes, the wings are very top heavy. A PC800 would be great and so hard to find

More to think about

bpdchief · 12-03-2012, 03:32 PM

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 · 12-03-2012, 04:08 PM

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

mrlmd1 · 12-03-2012, 04:18 PM

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

bonehead · 12-03-2012, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrlmd1

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

:rawk: :plus1:

bonehead · 12-03-2012, 04:22 PM

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

JWR · 12-03-2012, 07:23 PM

A real good bike.

12-02-2012, 12:02 AM	#1
bpdchief Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 848	to change or not to change that is the question 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 __________________ I'm never lost - I'm exploring alternative destinations ! Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-02-2012, 12:19 AM	#2
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: to change or not to change that is the question 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.
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12-02-2012, 12:47 PM	#3
mrlmd1 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Crawfordville, Florida Posts: 2,853	Re: to change or not to change that is the question 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, Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-02-2012, 08:35 PM	#4
bpdchief Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 848	Re: to change or not to change that is the question Yes, the wings are very top heavy. A PC800 would be great and so hard to find More to think about __________________ I'm never lost - I'm exploring alternative destinations !
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12-03-2012, 03:32 PM	#5
bpdchief Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 848	Re: to change or not to change that is the question 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 __________________ I'm never lost - I'm exploring alternative destinations ! Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

12-03-2012, 04:08 PM	#6
bonehead Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: elgin,tx Posts: 907	Re: to change or not to change that is the question Get the wing, you'll love being able to cruise without getting run over. As for the accident, you just never know. __________________ Standing with the PGR until they stand for me.
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12-03-2012, 04:18 PM	#7
mrlmd1 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Crawfordville, Florida Posts: 2,853	Re: to change or not to change that is the question Besides, when you run into a van on your Wing, THEY'LL all be dead, not you.
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12-03-2012, 04:22 PM	#9
bonehead Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: elgin,tx Posts: 907	Re: to change or not to change that is the question Chief, give me a shout when ya come back to central tx. __________________ Standing with the PGR until they stand for me.
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12-03-2012, 07:23 PM	#10
JWR Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville, TN Posts: 1,413	Re: to change or not to change that is the question A real good bike. __________________ Jerry Truth is there are lots of great bikes available and not nearly as many good riders out there riding them... "A man's got to know his limitations..."
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