[Cantankerous]

I have a question for those of you who have stepped up in size on the GoldWing. I currently have the 1200 and am stepping up to a 1500, but I keep getting information that I shouldn't do that. What I'm seeing is that if one owns a 1200 they should skip the 1500 and go up to the 1800.
I understand that the 1500 doesn't handle as well as the other two. I love the handling characteristics of the 1200 and don't know if I'll enjoy the 1500 as much.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[trike lady]

I know of a few disappointed GL1500 owners who moved up to the 1800 and don't like it,
their major complaint is they miss the smooth ride of the 1500, they don't like the alternator 'Whine', they don't like the leg room and it doesn't have the same cargo capacity. All have gone back to a 1500.

 

[Ralphumor]

I have not spent enough time on the 1500 but I can say that I went from the 1200 to the 1800 and WOW! what a difference. I never owned a 1500 but rode my bosses a couple of times.
Other arguments may be valid to go to the 1500 but I say you wont miss what you never had. I cant believe that a 1500 rides more smooth than my 1800 (Im not saying it doesnt, just cant believe it). Good luck on a tough choice!!

 

[trike lady]

I know one of the gentleman was so desperate for a 1500 that he placed in his ad 'will trade my 2004 1800 for a 1500 of any year'. He got plenty of interested individuals and could pick and choose from the 1500's being offered to him, he traded for a 1997 GL1500SE with 35,000+ miles. I guess both parties were happy.

 

[Cantankerous]

Interesting information. I just hope I like the 1500 when it arrives!

 

[trike lady]

I'm sure you will. Did you get an SE or an Aspencade?

 

[L2R]

CT,
I have a 1500 and while I enjoy the ride, I would trade a little comfort for a little more aggressive ride.

The overwhelming fact that new accesssories are not made for a shrinking market makes me think the 1800 is coming like it or not if you like things like bling, mp3 player type things that continue to come about. If you like to be trendy, then the 1800 is to be taken seriously.

 

[ptwingmn]

I owned a "85" GL1200 Aspencade and loved it until I rode a GL1500 so I bought the 1500 and loved it. I had an "88" & "97", by the the time I got the "97" I had done a lot of modification so it would handle well in the twisties and ride firm two up ie: fork brace, progressive fork springs & dual rear air shocks. It was a good ride and I loved it.

Then I rode the GL1800. Comparisons: GL1500 rode like a cadillac, was very comfortable in foul weather, was warmer in cold weather, had a little more luggage capacity, had better wind protection, got 19-21,000 miles on a set of tires, eaiser to do basic maintenance.

The GL1800: handles better by far,much more power, don't have to down shift from 5th-4th to pass (unless you want a thrill), like a sport bike in the mountains and twisties, can travel at higher speeds for longer distances without getting as tried, (the 1500 seemed like more work at 85-90 mph traveling, that is 5 over right?)
Pulls my trailer easier, does have less leg room, has better lighting front and rear. Basic maintenance is harder to get to the simplest of components. I personally take the 1800 over the 1200 or 1500. I have 100,000 miles on this one.

 

[Cantankerous]

I'm sure you will. Did you get an SE or an Aspencade?

It's a 1993 SE.

 

[trike lady]

It's a 1993 SE.

You've got all the 'Bells & whistles'.
The footwarmers, adjustable passenger floorboards and the lighted spoiler to name some of nice upgrades from the Aspencade.

 

[Ron Robertson]

In 93 I went from a 85 Aspencade to new 93 Aspencade, still riding it with 171,854 miles
crossed the country twice on it and still love it. Never aquired a taste for the 1800. I'll probably ride this one till it quits then I'll think about quiting.
From the Northwest Corner
Ron

 

[detdrbuzzard]

It's a 1993 SE.

wow what a cowinkedink so is mine!!! a 1200 seems to handle better than a 1200 because a 1200 is lighter and shorter but 1500 wings have a better frame and if the weight is no issue you'll out hustle any 1200 in all but the sharpest of curves and it has something a 1200 doesn't have..... torque, torque that pulls a 1500 where a 1200 is down shifting a gear or two to get in the power band. a 1500 is always in it power band. the head light on the 1500 makes the stock 1200 head light seem dim and i still have a harder time getting the 1200 on the center stand than i do with the 1500. after test riding the 1800 saturday i can say it feel more like a sport tourer leaning more to touring and i finally found some linked brakes that i like cause i don't like linked brakes on the 1200 or 1500 wing

 

[Eric]

From all these post, I had better not ride a 1500 or a 1800 unless I am ready to buy. Or I will be like Joe's mate that went in to buy a tire and come out happy with a new bike. Not that it is a bad thing if you are happy with the new ride. If my 1200 doesn't let me down too much I will be happy. And that comes down to me and keeping my maintance up. Eric

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

I never had a GL1200 but I did have a Kawasaki Voyager 1200. I went from that to a 98 GL1500 and then my 2009 GL1800. In every case the step up was an improvement and something I never regretted. Each bike had its own characteristics along with pluses and minuses.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

From all these post, I had better not ride a 1500 or a 1800 unless I am ready to buy. Or I will be like Joe's mate that went in to buy a tire and come out happy with a new bike. Not that it is a bad thing if you are happy with the new ride. If my 1200 doesn't let me down too much I will be happy. And that comes down to me and keeping my maintance up. Eric

just remember that the best goldwing is the one you are riding

 

[Chopin]

So Cantanker, this bike is heading your way ? When can we expect delivery ?

 

[Cantankerous]

So Cantanker, this bike is heading your way ? When can we expect delivery ?

No, not yet, I will never use uship again! They give a lowball quote on eBay, but when the actual shipping companies give you their quotes it's almost double! I'm going to look into a different company today.

 

[LarryinSeattle]

I haven't ridden a 1200 or an 1800, but did I mention that I put a car tire on the back of my 1500 about 6,000 miles ago?

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

I haven't ridden a 1200 or an 1800, but did I mention that I put a car tire on the back of my 1500 about 6,000 miles ago?

Sneeky plug....

 

[budoka]

I had both a 1200 and 1500 at the same time briefly. Once I got off the 1500 and onto the 1200 again it felt a bit crude in comaparison (sounds aweful but it's true). Never found the 1500 to be awkward at all and the difference in power was wow. Now the 1800 does have a bit less luggage capacity, but the handling/power is just night and day, but there is less footroom on the 1800. Would I go back, nah.