[IR Harry]

I found a nice 1985 Goldwing Aspencade with only 30,000 miles on it. Is that an okay first Goldwing? Are there any weak points to look out for? Will that be a good long hauler?

What would you pay for a bike like this?

Thank you,

Chris

The shortcomings of the 1200 are pretty well covered. The problem with the stator is that when it goes, the engine has to come out, and it is an expensive repair. Remember, that bike is over 20 years old, and the associated wiring, hoses, O-rings, electrical connections are also over 20 years old. Depending on the storage methods, could be a problem. So could the availability of parts at this age - remember they quit making these machines in 1987.

But, in good shape and with good maintenance, they were a great bike in their day. Time has marched on, and better bikes are being built every day, but at a cost.

So, as to your original question, a couple of thousand would be tops for value for a really good well maintained one. If you get up to the 4-5 thousand mark, you can finds a really clean 1500 with all its improvements.

 

[soggybottom]

One more time, the 1500 has the same stator plug issue as the 1000,1100,1200. If the plug is kept clean nottin happens.

On a positive note, the 1200's frame won't crack and the trans won't blow. Still wobbles but eaiser to fix.

 

[pidjones]

I've had a GL1000, SE-i (86 fuel injected GL1200) and now the GL1800. Yes, the stator, unless corrected, is a problem that must be corrected for reliability. Yes, some parts are beginning to be in short supply. Yes, it is getting harder to find a mechanic that knows them. But, they are GoldWings! There are manuals readily available if you can do your own wrenching, and the www.goldwingfacts.com as well as other sites will help you through any problems that you might run into. If you budget says start with an older one, by all means do so. I am a firm believer in not overspending your ability to pay. The main reason for the present economic problems is over-used credit. I gotta have it now needs to be toned down some.

I don't regret the two previous 'Wings that I've had (starting in '05, one year each with them) and don't feel it was money or time wasted. I learned GoldWing history and lore, and why many things are they way they are on the GL1800.

The '85 GL1200 was a good bke. In Aspencade trim with those low miles I would go no more than $3500. Evidence of stator replacement and wiring repair would be a plus. It is very easy to inspect for the wire problem - the connector is just forward of the battery. eBay can be a fair guide as to what they are going for sometimes. Check the "completed" area.

BTW, unless there is a recent replacement, the seat is what you will dislike immediately. 20+ year old foam has no resiliency - but new foam can be had (even local upholstery shops can do it) as can new seats.

 

[Italian Stallion]

Can all you guys be that young not to remember the problem the '85s had with their fuel injector system? Why do you think Honda discontinued the FI in the '86 and subsequent model year, only to reintroduce it with a much better system in '01 with the 1800? Problematic is really an understatement.

Since you asked, I would put that money on a used 1800. The availability of parts will be much greater, than messing with a relic, should a problem arise.

Mike

 

[Keghead]

The shortcomings of the 1200 are pretty well covered. The problem with the stator is that when it goes, the engine has to come out, and it is an expensive repair. Remember, that bike is over 20 years old, and the associated wiring, hoses, O-rings, electrical connections are also over 20 years old. Depending on the storage methods, could be a problem. So could the availability of parts at this age - remember they quit making these machines in 1987.

But, in good shape and with good maintenance, they were a great bike in their day. Time has marched on, and better bikes are being built every day, but at a cost.

So, as to your original question, a couple of thousand would be tops for value for a really good well maintained one. If you get up to the 4-5 thousand mark, you can finds a really clean 1500 with all its improvements.

Harry is spot on!!!

I really liked my 86 Aspencade... But because of the inevitable degradation of various components due to aging, I don't think I would buy a 24-year old bike unless it was something special.

 

[bluestreek-02]

sorry to say but personally because of the stator problems with the 1200 i would not even consider buying it unless your plan is to stay pretty close to home. just think of all the costs if the stator went out 1,000 miles from home

+1:agree:

 

[IR Harry]

One more time, the 1500 has the same stator plug issue as the 1000,1100,1200. If the plug is kept clean nottin happens.

On a positive note, the 1200's frame won't crack and the trans won't blow. Still wobbles but eaiser to fix.

The big difference is the engine has to come out to change the stator on the 1200. It is an alternator mounted on the side of the 1500 and only takes an hour or so to change out. BIG cost difference

Italian Stallion said, Can all you guys be that young not to remember the problem the '85s had with their fuel injector system? Why do you think Honda discontinued the FI in the '86 and subsequent model year, only to reintroduce it with a much better system in '01 with the 1800? Problematic is really an understatement.



I believe he asked about an Aspencade, not a Special Edition or Limited model. Those were the only two models that had fuel injection and a computer. Aspencades were carburated, as were all the 1500s. It took Honda until the 1500s in 88 to get the alternator out where it could be worked on, and a lot have been changed to the Amputron high output alternators.

And it took the same amount of time to get a reverse built in - on all but the Interstate models of the 1500.

 

[jmd10259]

My 85 Apsencade was probably one of the best bikes I ever owned! Put huge miles on it, BUT kept up religiously on the maintenance, including hard wiring the stator and at the regulator. Water pumps seemed to haunt me on the bike though, went thru 2 of them in 70K. Got pretty quick at taking them apart too! Really had to keep on top of things or grief would set in.
What really used to eat me was riding with my brother back when he had his new 01 1800. There was no possible way to keep with him on the highway when he got on to it. Also in the mountains loaded up I just said SEE YA while he easily pulled away while I downshifted and cracked the throttle fighting to keep up! Then I made the mistake of riding his 18 (now mine ), A good mistake though.
I'll never ever go back to anything smaller. It boogies effortlessly to 100mph plus, and not even break a sweat. No more frame flex and wallowing in corners. Love the radial tires and most easy to scrape pegs on. Personally the 1200 was a great bike in its time but do take an 18 out at a local dealership then take the 1200 out and you will wonder what the heck you were thinking! You cannot compare the two whatsoever. I do miss the bells and whistles the Aspencade had though, but there "IS" no replacement for displacement. Mine is an early production 01 and have had zero problems with it!! Good luck to you.
Mark

 

[soggybottom]

I guess we just scared Chris away, if your looking to spend 3K it may be a little hard to double it to 6K then on to 12 for an 1800. If Chris has only 3K to spend on a tourer it will be a 1200 or nuttin.

There is an 1100 loaded on Phoenix CL with 12K miles for $4000!

 

[PaulC]

Chris;

All the above points are right on. Especially the stator, the difficulty in parts, and the difficulty in getting somebody to work on a 24 yr old bike.

You asked if it is a good long hauler. If it is mechanically sound, the answer is yes. After a 27-yr. hiatus I got back into motorcycles three years ago. Started with an '84 Aspencade. The stator had been done, it was carfeully looked after, and ran like dream. Put 20,000 miles on it that summer. Did the Dragon, BRP - no problem with long haul.

I started with a low cost bike because I wasn't 100% I still loved biking. Had to see if it was just a fantasy. In no time I knew I was still hooked. Got a '98 1500 on a great deal, then traded both bikes and $$$ for my current '04 1800.

If you know you're going to be biking seriously and for a few years anyways, skip the 1200 and go straight to an 1800. You'll go there sooner or later. Used or new. There is a posting on the board that new 2008 1800's can be purchased for $14,XXX, and Honda is offering 0.99% financing on new 2008 or older 1800's.

Good luck.

 

[Mayor Hal]

Also if you plan on doing any long hauls, alot of dealers will not even work on a bike that old! Ten years old...thats it.

Shadow1

Hal

 

[jae1677]

Not as serious a problem as the stator issues, but the 85 wings also had a service bulletin for the rear wheel bearings.