ASKSmith,

Both good choices, if you are a few years out then getting an 06 and up Wing might be better. Honda really changed them with the latest generation 6 models, lighter, narrower, more features.

Newer bikes have so much more tech, so it is a double edged sword, having Apple Car Play, GPS, BT, throttle by wire, linked ABS vs carbs, throttle cables and no tech so to speak.

Before buying rent a bike for a weekend, many HD dealers have rental fleets, and there are companies that rent. Vegas has a good rental place Eagle Rider Rentals , fly out for a family visit and take a Road Glide out for a trip, hit the back roads, tour Red Rock Canyon head over to the Pioneer Salonfor a taste of the old West, and a steak, Ride to Hoover Dam, by then you'll know if you like the RG...

Eagle rider also rents Goldwings, see where they have a location in NJ and MD with a 1800...

This option would get you out on a weekend with the wife for a nice ride, and you both find out what features and how the ride/fit work...

Since you'd be dropping some good money, testing them out is a great way to be sure..

I've owned 2 Goldwings - a 2001 and a 2002. I purchased both used. One with about 70K and the other about 60k on it.

The 2003 you're looking at (or any of the 1800 wings) are great bikes! 64k on the clock is nothing. Nothing. If it's been even casually taken care of then you don't need to worry about much.

Both my bikes had ABS so you don't need to look for a 2006 or later to have that. And unless you're going to load it for a trip to Alaska for a year or carry hundreds of pounds of gear or passengers the frame isn't an issue.

Yes, it's a heavy bike but once you're moving (and I mean like 5-10mph) the weight disappears. It's a very quick and nimble bike even though it doesn't look it. Lots of torque and you can easily cruise all day at 100mph without a second thought.

The 1800 was designed by Honda's sport bike designer so it truly does have some solid performance.

I'm not sure what your seller is asking but I paid $6500 for my 2001 and $5500 for my 2002 (bought the 2002 in 2018) so deals are out there although going into summer isn't the time to get the best deal on a bike as everyone is looking to ride. Still, deals are out there.

The only reason I sold my last wing? I got divorced and didn't need it as I already has a "solo" bike. But, once I'm done with my current ride I seriously expect my next one to be another 1800 Goldwing. Yes, they're that good.

Best of luck. Let me know if I can be of any help. Thanks

Question for the OP:

Do you really want to take your wife on an extended motorcycle trip on a near 20 year old bike that's been thru several owners and came with questionable maintenance?

IMO, spend a few thousand dollars more and get a newer GW.

^
GW, a new one is not out of the equation. In fact I’ve made it perfectly clear to my wife, when I retire, I’m paying cash for a new one.

Right now we are just playing, and looking. We are in no hurry. But I do appreciate your advice.

You could buy the 1800 ride it all summer and sell it before the fall and get your money back, the pandemic has backed up all vehicle production, there are rumors that dealerships of all kinds may not be getting much in the way of new inventory...

Used vehicles are hot, so if it's a good bike and price it's not a bad time. Have to agree that a new Wing would be my choice over an older 2000's model...

Mojojo,

I’m always looking for/at bikes. Took me 35yrs to finally buy a V-Max.

We are looking at short term bikes. Mainly for weekend getaways. We both still work, and have kids and a dog at home.

The V-Max is impractical for anything over 100 miles. If it doesn’t fit in your pocket, it’s not going. But the wife and I enjoy riding.

If I could find that pristine 1986 GSX-R 750, it would be parked in my living room.

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
Do you really want to take your wife on an extended motorcycle trip on a near 20 year old bike that's been thru several owners and came with questionable maintenance?
.

I may have missed the questionable maintenance part, but an extended road trip on a 20 year old Goldwing isn't an issue. I've done it numerous times with and without passenger. Yes, newer is nice but you can get just as much enjoyment and save some $$$ with an older bike. Been there, done that.

Posted by ASKSmith,

quote:

If I could find that pristine 1986 GSX-R 750, it would be parked in my living room.

I wish you only the best of luck on your endeavor. Those babies are getting to be pretty damn hard to find at a reasonable price.

I’ve been REALLY WANTING a clean Nicky Hayden RC51 but most examples are either crazy $$$$ or in terrible shape. Probably the same issue you are facing with your search.

^
Stick, the V-Max would tear a new asshole on the Gixxer in a 1/4 mile. But I’ve always loved both bikes. I’m still kicking myself in the ass for passing up an ‘87 GSX-R 1100 for $4500. It was mint.

But I guess that’s why we love bikes. Not only looking for an amazing journey, but looking for the personal Holy Grail of motorcycles.

The GoldWing is the only logical evolution. Lol

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Posted by ASKSmith,

quote:

If I could find that pristine 1986 GSX-R 750, it would be parked in my living room.

I wish you only the best of luck on your endeavor. Those babies are getting to be pretty damn hard to find at a reasonable price.

I’ve been REALLY WANTING a clean Nicky Hayden RC51 but most examples are either crazy $$$$ or in terrible shape. Probably the same issue you are facing with your search.

Great thread!

You rarely hear any negatives about a GW.

You brought up the GSXR750, I got to ride one for a class at Sears Point. It was my friend's and for me it was a bizarre journey into the riding position I think of as a monkey humping a football.

Perfect position for what it's made for, but I ride an ST (BMW R1200R) and before that an 85 Yamaha Virago 700 cruiser.

It was a shock to my system, but I adapted and saw it for the correct ride it was.

That's the day I learned to lean the damn thing. I was really proud of the tires at the end of the day. Much wear and balled up rubber.

This is only a matter when it will happen, not if.

I see an older guy in my community, almost daily during nice weather. He just upgraded from his last ‘Wing to a new one. I’ve never been able to stop and talk to him, but he always looks so damn happy on that bike. Someday it will be my wife and I.

I’m heading out to a local dealer, without the wife, to check out a new one at 10am. Technically it’s not in our budget, but I may be able to swing it.

About 5 years ago, we looked at one, and I told my wife, when I retire, I’m buying one. She didn’t even hesitate when she replied, “Why wait until then?”.

quote:

Originally posted by ASKSmith:
This is only a matter when it will happen, not if.

I see an older guy in my community, almost daily during nice weather. He just upgraded from his last ‘Wing to a new one. I’ve never been able to stop and talk to him, but he always looks so damn happy on that bike. Someday it will be my wife and I.

I’m heading out to a local dealer, without the wife, to check out a new one at 10am. Technically it’s not in our budget, but I may be able to swing it.

About 5 years ago, we looked at one, and I told my wife, when I retire, I’m buying one. She didn’t even hesitate when she replied, “Why wait until then?”.

You might prepare yourself for a case of "Sticker Shock".

A new Honda Gold Wing OTD can be as much as $30K.

^
GWBiker, that’s about what I’m expecting. I went to go look at a local dealer, but ended up getting lost due to road construction, and the morons directing traffic diverted me into a single lane into oncoming traffic, I was on my bike. I took that as a sign from God. Road construction everywhere I turned. I ran out of time and came home.

But yeah, I’m expecting just under $30k.

A basic wing, no tour pack starts at $23 MSRP, the Touring Model you'd want (non DCT) $28,500, that's about right in the market for a new full on Touring bike. Indians, HD all fit in that price point for heavy touring bikes.

You can spend more, and in this market it just depends on the dealer, their inventory, and if they are marking up or just holding MSRP.

IF you are serious I'd shop around the area on the internet, find the best deal that way.

https://powersports.honda.com/...wing/build?year=2021

^
Personally, I love the looks of the F6B. But this is not a solo purchase. Every time I’ve taken my wife to look at bikes, any bike, the first thing she does is check out the back seat. So this is a family investment, I’ll make the sacrifice if it satisfies the wife. The first purchase I made with my V-Max was a backrest for her.

We are going to look at a used 2008, 40k miles. Older gentleman who just lost his wife, and getting rid of some toys. That kind of spoke to me, you can plan for the future, but need to live for today. Tomorrow isn’t a promise, it’s a gift. I’ve mentioned the “empty nest” syndrome, and that is effecting both of us in different ways. But we still have fun together, so I guess I found a keeper. And she wants a comfortable back seat.

Again, I’m in no hurry. Just looking for that great deal. I’m still kicking myself with in the ass after passing up a late model year, brand new for $19,500. I talked myself out of it, my wife wanted it.

Its about the story, not the brand

Everybody who is worried about the age, I'm just the opposite. I'm looking for a nice 1975-1977 GL1000. I would even be okay with a GL1200 up to 1982. Basically, I want a naked wing. I was given a 1984 GL1200 with the body in pieces, but stripping it down is a lot of work, with the electronics integrated in the fairing. I'd need a donor bike anyway for a headlight, signals, and gauges.

An old-school naked GoldWing looks so badass.

Sigcrazy, funny you mentioned that. About a month ago, in a parking lot, I noticed an 80’s era ‘Wing. I saw a guy younger than me, by about 20yrs. I complimented him on his bike, and asked how many miles he had on it. He replied, “About 170,000” I commented they don’t make them like that anymore, he said, “No, they don’t”.

Beautiful bike.

quote:

Originally posted by sigcrazy7:
Everybody who is worried about the age, I'm just the opposite. I'm looking for a nice 1975-1977 GL1000. I would even be okay with a GL1200 up to 1982. Basically, I want a naked wing. I was given a 1984 GL1200 with the body in pieces, but stripping it down is a lot of work, with the electronics integrated in the fairing. I'd need a donor bike anyway for a headlight, signals, and gauges.

An old-school naked GoldWing looks so badass.

The Japanese motorcycle collectors think so, too. To them, an early GL1000 in near mint condition can go for top dollar.

quote:

An old-school naked GoldWing looks so badass.

I'd like a GL1000 in the garage next to my Road Glide.