Seeking Advice for buying 2003 Goldwing.(Edited)

825 Views 27 Replies 12 Participants Last post by Gokmanowar, 15 d ago

Gokmanowar

Discussion Starter · 19 d ago (Edited)

(Edit: I am looking for weekend ride. Not daily commuter.)
___

Hey everyone, new in the forum. (I don't know if it's correct place to post, sorry if wrong)

I want to buy a second hand Goldwing but kind of hesitate and need your experienced helps.

I had a 2017 Burgman 650 earlier and I really liked the large and heavy body, comfort, wind protection, abs, car mirrors etc... But eventually it was a scooter and I wanted something more like a "motorcycle". I bought a Kawasaki VN900 cruiser. (mistake!!) I like it but I found that I really miss the specs that I mentioned above. So now, I want to change my VN900 and thinking about something larger, more powerful... maybe second hand R1200RT or something similar. I never thought Goldwing before. I thought it would be way too heavy, way too expensive to buy and maintain, way difficult to ride... But after a few youtube videos I think I'm in love with the Wing!!

I found a 2003 GL1800, Imported from Japan (with a windshield wiper, photos below) probably low mileage (still waiting for answer from seller). Haven't seen the bike yet. And there will be no test ride. So any consideration about 20 years old Goldwing?

I'm living in Hong Kong, so there's no long trips, and usually hot/wet weather. Do you guys Goldwing is too much to ride around small city? Any help will be appreciated.

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Andy Cote

· #2 · 18 d ago

Welcome to the forum.

Just because the Goldwing is capable of all day touring does not make it a bad choice for every day commuting. If you like it, ride it. One possible drawback would be the fuel mileage. Maybe half what you were getting on your Burgman.

As far as that particular bike goes, you can review a number of threads on this site looking for potential maintenance or recall issues for that year. I suggest that as I would be hesitant to purchase a 20 year old bike without looking and riding it and know what to look for. At the least, as a relatively new rider, try to get it inspected by an independent mechanic.

Reactions: 1

Captron

· #3 · 18 d ago

I ride my goldwing around town all the time........... (as well, as long distances)

Ronnie
5/23/23

Gokmanowar

Discussion Starter · #4 · 18 d ago

Andy Cote said:
Welcome to the forum.

Just because the Goldwing is capable of all day touring does not make it a bad choice for every day commuting. If you like it, ride it. One possible drawback would be the fuel mileage. Maybe half what you were getting on your Burgman.

As far as that particular bike goes, you can review a number of threads on this site looking for potential maintenance or recall issues for that year. I suggest that as I would be hesitant to purchase a 20 year old bike without looking and riding it and know what to look for. At the least, as a relatively new rider, try to get it inspected by an independent mechanic.

Hi,

Appreciate the answer. I will be weekend rider as I drive my car to work with my wife every weekdays. Since I got the car, she don't want to back pillion days anymore. I can understand it's hot and humid here in HK. That's why I had Burgman 650 before car. Comfy for two up.

Anyway I checked some known issues. There's one "cracking frame" is a big concern. But I think I know where to check. And it's a lifetime recall as I know. The bike is just imported from Japan. So those cracked frame or major problems should be solved over the years. And inspection here is very tight. They wouldn't allowed to be registered if something majorly wrong with the bike. Still a bit stiff price, around 11.000 usd. I don't know how much you guys would pay for it but it is what it is here.

Thanks again, I'll go to see the bike tomorrow. Usually no test ride in Hong Kong. But I will see... keep researching. Thanks again.

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tourit21

· #5 · 18 d ago

I think for city driving you'll find the 900lb goldwing burdensome for daily driving. It will certainly serve the purpose but personally I would not find it enjoyable. The Wing is a road bike designed for travel. If you don't commute a reasonable distance or travel...it wouldn't be on my short list. I don't know about the overseas Wing or if they had the same slow speed overheating issues the early(pre 2006)US market had. Good luck. Welcome to the forum. B.

Reactions: 3

Gokmanowar

Discussion Starter · #6 · 18 d ago

Captron said:
I ride my goldwing around town all the time........... (as well, as long distances)

Ronnie
5/23/23

Thanks Ronnie, i appreciate. What year is your wing?

Gokmanowar

Discussion Starter · #7 · 18 d ago

tourit21 said:
I think for city driving you'll find the 900lb goldwing burdensome for daily driving. It will certainly serve the purpose but personally I would not find it enjoyable. The Wing is a road bike designed for travel. If you don't commute a reasonable distance or travel...it wouldn't be on my short list. I don't know about the overseas Wing or if they had the same slow speed overheating issues the early(pre 2006)US market had. Good luck. Welcome to the forum. B.

Hey, thanks for the answer. I will be a weekend rider basically. Not everyday commuter with bike. So it's purely for riding pleasure. Not carrying me from A to B. But still Hong Kong is a small city. Couple hours of riding will make bring you back home after a loop around city. Overheating seem only happens in very slow traffic. Peak hours maybe won't be nice but again I will be riding on weekends. Tomorrow I will go to see the bike. I know I will like even more when I I see closer. Hope it won't mess with my decision 😁

Reactions: 1

murf

· #8 · 18 d ago (Edited)

Gokmanowar said:
Thanks Ronnie, i appreciate. What year is your wing?

Ronnie rides a goldwing trike. A trike is easier to ride in city traffic since you don't have to put your feet down and worry about slow speed balance.

I believe his goldwing trike is a 2010.

Reactions: 2

Sladep

· #9 · 18 d ago

It is big, long and heavy, so if you need to do a lot of parking in the city or do lane-splitting, it will be a lot or too much to deal with. Does it have reverse? You will want that for sure, as getting it in and out of places is difficult without it. Do you see any other GL1800's in HK? There presence or lack thereof, in. both the main city as well as around othernparts of HK may be telling. As much as I love my '08 GL1800 and have zero problems with it in heavy traffic, I think there are many better bikes for this situation.

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Captron

· #10 · 18 d ago

2010 wing {That I bought brand new /zero miles} ^^^Murf is correct/above ^^^ that I converted into a trike a couple of years ago (72,000 miles of smiles ) on it now.... So yes it's much easier to ride in the city traffic as Mr. Murf stated above

Ronnie
5/23/23

Reactions: 1

Gokmanowar

Discussion Starter · #11 · 18 d ago

Sladep said:
It is big, long and heavy, so if you need to do a lot of parking in the city or do lane-splitting, it will be a lot or too much to deal with. Does it have reverse? You will want that for sure, as getting it in and out of places is difficult without it. Do you see any other GL1800's in HK? There presence or lack thereof, in. both the main city as well as around othernparts of HK may be telling. As much as I love my '08 GL1800 and have zero problems with it in heavy traffic, I think there are many better bikes for this situation.

Hey I appreciate your comment.

I forgot to mention that, it will be only a weekend ride. I will not ride as daily commuter. As I know it has electric reverse. There's not much Goldwing or even large bikes in HK. Either scooter or sport bikes are popular. I don't really enjoy leaning forward uncomfortably. Also I will enjoy the storage capacity.

Sladep

· #12 · 18 d ago

Gokmanowar said:
Hey I appreciate your comment.

I forgot to mention that, it will be only a weekend ride. I will not ride as daily commuter. As I know it has electric reverse. There's not much Goldwing or even large bikes in HK. Either scooter or sport bikes are popular. I don't really enjoy leaning forward uncomfortably. Also I will enjoy the storage capacity.

Then the GL1800 might be really nice for you. It's a great bike in every regard. Quick, handles great, great braking, excellent storage, very comfortable. You would benefit from taking an advanced rider training course as soon as you get it to develop your slow-speed expertise. Once you master the slow-speed skills, your GL1800 will not feel anywhere as big as it does when you first get it, and your confidence will go through the roof. Enjoy!!!

Reactions: 2

Captron

· #13 · 18 d ago

Sladep said:
Then the GL1800 might be really nice for you. It's a great bike in every regard. Quick, handles great, great braking, excellent storage, very comfortable. You would benefit from taking an advanced rider training course as soon as you get it to develop your slow-speed expertise. Once you master the slow-speed skills, your GL1800 will not feel anywhere as big as it does when you first get it, and your confidence will go through the roof. Enjoy!!!

"true'rrrrr ' word have never been mentioned!!!

Ronnie
5/23/23

Reactions: 1

Wild Turkey

· #14 · 18 d ago

Gokmanowar said:
(Edit: I am looking for weekend ride. Not daily commuter.)
___

Hey everyone, new in the forum. (I don't know if it's correct place to post, sorry if wrong)

I want to buy a second hand Goldwing but kind of hesitate and need your experienced helps.

I had a 2017 Burgman 650 earlier and I really liked the large and heavy body, comfort, wind protection, abs, car mirrors etc... But eventually it was a scooter and I wanted something more like a "motorcycle". I bought a Kawasaki VN900 cruiser. (mistake!!) I like it but I found that I really miss the specs that I mentioned above. So now, I want to change my VN900 and thinking about something larger, more powerful... maybe second hand R1200RT or something similar. I never thought Goldwing before. I thought it would be way too heavy, way too expensive to buy and maintain, way difficult to ride... But after a few youtube videos I think I'm in love with the Wing!!

I found a 2003 GL1800, Imported from Japan (with a windshield wiper, photos below) probably low mileage (still waiting for answer from seller). Haven't seen the bike yet. And there will be no test ride. So any consideration about 20 years old Goldwing?

I'm living in Hong Kong, so there's no long trips, and usually hot/wet weather. Do you guys Goldwing is too much to ride around small city? Any help will be appreciated. View attachment 420771 View attachment 420772

I would say no to that bike. make it a 2006 or newer you should be able to pick a 2006 up for around 5 to 6 thousand dollars and make sure they have a print out of all the scheduled maintenance
. It should at least have 2 to 3 thousand miles per year .

Reactions: 1

Gokmanowar

Discussion Starter · #15 · 18 d ago

Wild Turkey said:
I would say no to that bike. make it a 2006 or newer you should be able to pick a 2006 up for around 5 to 6 thousand dollars and make sure they have a print out of all the scheduled maintenance
. It should at least have 2 to 3 thousand miles per year .

Hey, thanks for the answer.

I'm living in Hong Kong. So there are very few Goldwings here. Even less for sale. Currently there are few 90's and one 80's goldwing for sale. There's this 2018 but way out of budged. I was reading about pre06 models have some problems. So maybe I'll pass.

Captron

· #16 · 17 d ago

I had a 2002 for years, and never a problem .............BUT then again, I baby all my bikes, and take good care of them

Ronnie
5/24/23

cycledude

· #17 · 17 d ago

From reading all your posts I get the feeling you would pretty easily adapt to the Goldwing, yes 2006 and newer don’t have the possible frame issues and have slightly better cooling system. I currently have a little over 600,000 miles on my 2002 and it still runs like new. One great thing about the Goldwing is the weight is low so even though it’s heavy it’s not as top heavy as many other bikes, if it does tip over it’s easier to pickup than some bike weighing much less and the built in crashbars will usually prevent any significant damage.

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gkarasik

· #18 · 17 d ago

Welcome from Los Angeles.

I'm a weekend rider. My 2018 DCT is perfect for that, but it's a big motorcycle. I don't know if a really big motorcycle is ideal for an envirnment as crowded as I imagine Hong Kong to be.

1stWing

· #19 · 17 d ago

Gokmanowar said:
Hi,

Appreciate the answer. I will be weekend rider as I drive my car to work with my wife every weekdays. Since I got the car, she don't want to back pillion days anymore. I can understand it's hot and humid here in HK. That's why I had Burgman 650 before car. Comfy for two up.

Anyway I checked some known issues. There's one "cracking frame" is a big concern. But I think I know where to check. And it's a lifetime recall as I know. The bike is just imported from Japan. So those cracked frame or major problems should be solved over the years. And inspection here is very tight. They wouldn't allowed to be registered if something majorly wrong with the bike. Still a bit stiff price, around 11.000 usd. I don't know how much you guys would pay for it but it is what it is here.

Thanks again, I'll go to see the bike tomorrow. Usually no test ride in Hong Kong. But I will see... keep researching. Thanks again.

Honda will do the repair for you if needed, because it is a safety issue same with brake recall. Better to look for damage to plastic, very expensive to replace, leaking fork seals, what upgrades were done, brake rotors are expensive too.

rayjoe

· #20 · 17 d ago

What is the speed limit in HK?
How tall are you?
How much do you weigh?
How much is insurance?
Stop and think why the're aren't many Goldwings in HK.

I vote no on the purchase of a Goldwing! Riding around in stop and go traffic is a pain in the arse on a 900lb bike. I've ridden bikes for over 50 years and have lots of experience with large and small bikes.
Now lots of people on this forum will disagree with me and talk about how they have no problem riding in town. I did not have a problem either until I hit 71 yrs. I now have a 2018 T120. 380 lbs lighter!!

Muscling a big bike in town will quickly lose its charm and you'll be regreting your purchase.

Rayjoe

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