Tough decision for a 20 year old bike. Is there anything else that needs to be addressed while they're that far in? 00

 

For $3500....here's a great motorcycle...2003 GL 1800 for sale | GL1800Riders Forums

 

That would be a tough call for me also. If the ADG went out on my 2001 with 50k miles, I wouldn't even consider spending $4,000 on it when that is probably all it's worth now. I would try to sell it as-is or part it out.

 

Part it out...will be way ahead.

 

I don't see any technical question (or any question) so I'm moving to the General MC Board.

 

What does ADG stand for?

 

Alternator drive gear.

 

I was in the same boat with my 2003 with 288,313 miles. That bearing was starting to make a LOT of noise and like you said, it was minimum of $3500 to fix it and my bike wasn't worth $3500. It had lots of other issues that made it not worth it at all to fix. I sold it for a couple thousand cash and told the guy everything that was wrong with it. He smiled and I smiled and all has been well. I turned right around and bought a 2019 DCT Tour and never looked back. Now, I really really like my 2003. We spent a LOT of time together but this new machine is kind of awesome. Gotta do what's right for you but for me, it was not a good economic decision for me to fix the old bike. I really wanted to get to 300,000 miles. The journey starts again!

 

This guy makes it sound easy to do...

 

Two different animals, alt in-frame repair, adg, engine must come out

 

For the amount of work to part it out, I'd seriously consider just fixing it myself instead. You will have to remove the engine from the frame, but once that is done it isn't too hard of a job. If it were me, I'd just tear into it, and chalk it up as a learning experience. It could actually be a fun project.

 

I think we have a different definition of "Fun".

 

How many miles on the bike ? If the miles aren’t crazy high I can definitely understand wanting it repaired even though it doesn’t make much sense money wise.

 

Look in the classifieds. I have an 03 with full Traxxion for $3500. It is in my way so you might get a deal.

 

I think the sticking speedo should have been replaced replaced under a technical service bulletin.

 

That's true! I should have had it repaired when I had the bike in for the first blown fork seal but for some reason I didn't. After that it didn't happen often enough for me to go through the hassle taking it to the dealer and going back for it, but I should have. It hasn't happened in years but maybe I just haven't ridden enough with the sun shining on it lately.

 

After much discussion with my wife, and advise from our adult children, looks like I'm hauling my '03 to the dealer for the dreaded ADG repair. He quoted me around $3,500 but won't know for sure till he gets things pulled out and apart. Betting people are betting closer to $4,000. On top of that I want my front forks serviced as well.

I have faith in the mechanic and can get the cash for the job, However...

My wife said I could purchase a Honda Rebel 1100 Manual since I am getting along in age with a lot more rides behind me than in front of me. My sons loaned me his 650 Yamaha VStar for a while in TN/NC when there last June, as well as a few times since. That thing is a blast, but I'm wanting more power and the enjoyment of a different riding experience that I don't get with the Wing. My wife wants to keep the Wing since she enjoys rides when her joints are in a happy mood. The 1100 would definitely be a solo bike. I can get the funds to do it, but spending that much for a 'tight person' is emotionally difficult. If nothing else I'll have two bikes for inheritance's when I'm yonder.

I'll probably trailer it to the dealer this week and look for the elusive Rebel 1100.

Are you 100% sure it is the Drive gear? My bearings on my alternator shaft went bad. Made a bunch of noise. Just replaced the alt. and all was fine. I would double check.

 

After much discussion with my wife, and advise from our adult children, looks like I'm hauling my '03 to the dealer for the dreaded ADG repair. He quoted me around $3,500 but won't know for sure till he gets things pulled out and apart. Betting people are betting closer to $4,000. On top of that I want my front forks serviced as well. I have faith in the mechanic and can get the cash for the job, However... My wife said I could purchase a Honda Rebel 1100 Manual since I am getting along in age with a lot more rides behind me than in front of me. My sons loaned me his 650 Yamaha VStar for a while in TN/NC when there last June, as well as a few times since. That thing is a blast, but I'm wanting more power and the enjoyment of a different riding experience that I don't get with the Wing. My wife wants to keep the Wing since she enjoys rides when her joints are in a happy mood. The 1100 would definitely be a solo bike. I can get the funds to do it, but spending that much for a 'tight person' is emotionally difficult. If nothing else I'll have two bikes for inheritance's when I'm yonder. I'll probably trailer it to the dealer this week and look for the elusive Rebel 1100. [I had to remove the engine on my 2008 to replace the gear combo(split the case). I purchased my own sevice manual, tools and repair parts for less than 1k. If you have the time and patience I think the ADG could be done for less than that. I don’t think you have to split the case(?). Shop around for a reputable mechanic by asking questions(do they have the tools, parts, done it before, show you diagrams). A good mechanic will share information and advice on how to check before you spend!

 

After much discussion with my wife, and advise from our adult children, looks like I'm hauling my '03 to the dealer for the dreaded ADG repair. He quoted me around $3,500 but won't know for sure till he gets things pulled out and apart. Betting people are betting closer to $4,000. On top of that I want my front forks serviced as well.

I have faith in the mechanic and can get the cash for the job, However...

My wife said I could purchase a Honda Rebel 1100 Manual since I am getting along in age with a lot more rides behind me than in front of me. My sons loaned me his 650 Yamaha VStar for a while in TN/NC when there last June, as well as a few times since. That thing is a blast, but I'm wanting more power and the enjoyment of a different riding experience that I don't get with the Wing. My wife wants to keep the Wing since she enjoys rides when her joints are in a happy mood. The 1100 would definitely be a solo bike. I can get the funds to do it, but spending that much for a 'tight person' is emotionally difficult. If nothing else I'll have two bikes for inheritance's when I'm yonder.

I'll probably trailer it to the dealer this week and look for the elusive Rebel 1100.

I would say the bike isn't worth the money your getting ready to put into it. I would advise a new bike if you can afford it. I sold my 2008 for 4,000.00

 

I would advice before putting all that money in this 20 year old bike...check the frame for frame cracks in the rear triangle of the frame down by the left passanger floorboard...look at that area of the frame with a magnifying glass while under the bike. The 01 to mid 04 models will always be suspect for frame crack in that part of the frame. There is no sense going into this deal blind

If I couldn't fix this bike myself I would just buy another bike using the repair money before spending that much on a 20 year old Gold Wing...sell the old one for whatever you can get for it and move on.

 

If the rest of the bike is in good running condition, putting that much money in it could be considered a long term investment. Bike would probably be good for another 150,000 miles.

Funny thing I have noticed about the difference between Goldwing and Harley riders. When Goldwing riders face a multi thousand dollar repair/maintenance bill, they are thrown into a tizzy and catharsis. Harley riders consider that routine maintenance costs.

 

I appreciate the feedback and suggestions. When I bought it my thought was it would be my last bike, and still feel that way. At least for when my wife wants to go for a ride. If the repair gets me another 70K miles before my times up, then it makes financial sense to me. Thanks again, everybody.

 

Your bike is 20 years old and it is really a tough decision to make. I recommended you sell this one. Don’t waste your money and time on this one.

 

Now, I'm kind of worried about my 2005. I bought it after I totaled another bike back in the summer of 2017. This bike only had 18,500 on it when I got it but had to recover from broken bones before I could ride it in April 2018. I am a Goldwinger believer in that I had a 1977 sold at 97,000 miles and a 1992 sold with 112,000 miles and a 2001 that was totaled with 46,000 in 2005. My current bike now has 59,000 and I have a spare new ECM, spare new Alternator, 2 Knock sensors, spark plugs, and a few more items. I am 75 and wanted this bike to be my last. Now something to keep my ear to.

 

Seems like you have not taken this decision lightly. Discussed it with the family and are alright with your course of action. There is not a wrong or right answer, only what's right for you. You know what you have and if you feel the expenditure is justified..do it. Sure you could buy another Goldwing of that era for similar money, but you may be buying a motorcycle with similar problems, poorly maintained or worse. Or you could abandon it and purchase a new one for eight times the cost of the repairs. How much longer do you plan on riding?

A lot of factors go into a decision like this, and the only one that can make it is you. For most of us this hobby is not logical or practical, it's emotional. We could not possibly justify the money we spend on it to a non-rider. I grew up around the car culture. People happily spending tens of thousands of dollars on improving their cars that they will never get back. We see it here too, some here has spent the cost of the AGD repair on a suspension upgrade. I recently explained to my wife why I spent over $800.00 on a fuel line replacement kit on a 43 year old car.

 

Seems like you have not taken this decision lightly. Discussed it with the family and are alright with your course of action. There is not a wrong or right answer, only what's right for you. You know what you have and if you feel the expenditure is justified..do it. Sure you could buy another Goldwing of that era for similar money, but you may be buying a motorcycle with similar problems, poorly maintained or worse. Or you could abandon it and purchase a new one for eight times the cost of the repairs. How much longer do you plan on riding?

A lot of factors go into a decision like this, and the only one that can make it is you. For most of us this hobby is not logical or practical, it's emotional. We could not possibly justify the money we spend on it to a non-rider. I grew up around the car culture. People happily spending tens of thousands of dollars on improving their cars that they will never get back. We see it here too, some here has spent the cost of the AGD repair on a suspension upgrade. I recently explained to my wife why I spent over $800.00 on a fuel line replacement kit on a 43 year old car.

Since this thread has been revived, it got me curious. What did the OP decide to do? And is he still happy with that decision? Is he still on the forum? If not, anybody know what happened?

 

That's a lot of money for an older bike that is likely to keep coming up with repair bills down the line. I owned a 2003 for a few years, and one of the reasons for selling was the fact that it was just getting old. Mileage was low (especially for a Goldwing), bu I could feel the wiring loom getting stiffer and had visions for chasing down wiring issues eventually.

Personally, I would either attempt to fix it myself. The job is not rocket science, just a lot of steps in the process.

Or take the old girl behind the barn....

 

There are a couple special tools required for an ADG change. A special tool to torque the transmission output shaft locknut and a couple big wrenches/sockets not normally found in the average toolbox. A competent mechanic could do the ADG replacement if they follow the manual closely and take lots of pictures. Pulling the engine out of the bike is a job in itself. Again, take lots of pictures and label everything.