[shuter]

I'm wondering about the reliability of the old GLI 1100's. Are the 1200's & 1500's more reliable? How about parts availability on the three models I listed?

 

[joe in calif]

A lot depends on the care the bike had. I would say your best bet would be a 1500 Gold Wing, more reliable than the other two and probably a lot easier to get parts for,

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

Although 1100/1200's are dependable, Joe is right about 1500's. Lots more parts available and interchangable between years. The 1500 was made for 13 years and is pretty much free from major problems. The 1000/1100/1200's were only produced a few years each and maint is much harder to perform on them. Now is your really handy with a wrench, have time and have a good shop manual, then they can be a bargin. Good luck and ride safe...

 

[shuter]

Todd - 5000 miles in less than two months! Sounds like you have been enjoying your Wing.

Joe & Two Wheel - I have been able to do some of the maintenance on previous bikes but they were simple compared to these babies. I've been looking through the owners manual and find everything so complicated, I'm wondering if I'll be able to deal with much of the work?

You make a good case for the 1500's.

 

[billcarr_]

1100

I love the look of the 1100, kinda of like the future waiting to happen past tense. My dealer tells me "you can't get parts". Hey don't ride on luck. I would get a 1200 over an eleven, clean w low miles. Parts may still be a trick but easier than an 11.

 

[trike lady]

Never fear parts for older Wings can be found and while they may not be new they will keep your bike running. Try www.usedgoldwingparts.com for you old Wing part needs.
Personally I wouldn't want to ride an antique motorcycle, I'd rather put it into shows. Oh yes, I am looking for a special older Wing the 1976 Limited with the gold wheels. I almost had one a month ago, someone else knew what it was and got it before me.

 

[shuter]

I want to thank you all for your input. I'm learning a lot already

I picked up the Wing today and took it to a little shop I heard about where the guy specializes in Goldwings. Yeah, I know, I chickened out! These things are just so complicated that I wanted an expert to go over it. He is going to check out the engine, tank and starting/charging system for me. I should know Monday evening whether I have a bike that I can resurrect, or a parts bike. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

 

[Cantankerous]

Hello Hoagieman, welcome to the forum.

If the smoke is indeed white, it's not unburned fuel, that would be black. It sounds more like burned coolant.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

hello hoagieman, welcome to GWOF!! when the head gasket blew on my old 1200 wing it never had coolant in the oil or vice versa