quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Motorcycle market is hot, people want out, new and used are commanding good prices and sell fast.

Gold wings are good bikes, that would be an American Assembled model, Honda closed the Ohio plant when the contract ended and the taxes on imported bike ended and took the wing back to Japan in 2010. So at least its a USA assembled model.
Honda Closes USA Plant

If you haven't ridden one, if you can find one close by, take it for a ride, solo and two up. Seat height is taller, wider, and controls are mid mount, so be sure that fits the way you like to ride. A wings wider engine and mid mount controls make the riding position different. Point is, short legs and 900 pound bikes don't always go together well, and the mid mount position felt cramped to me after a long day...

Having a passenger changes things, my wife didn't like the taller bike, leaning into turns made her feel she was tipping over Much like how a ship tilts more at the top vs the bottom. Again it's personal preference. Point being if momma ain't happy....

Fast, quiet, smooth, everything you want in a cruiser/touring bike. It could be a good start, motorcycle market is hot now, and an inexpensive way into the hobby plus you could fly to NV and ride it home.

Last GW was built in June 2009. By that date most of the production had already been moved to a plant in Japan. The Marysville plant by then was archaic. Unfortunately the cost to produce in the US helped kill it.

I rode a 1994 GL1500 for 15 years with very little problems. Fortunately my friend and riding partner back then was a Honda mechanic who did most of the dealerships GW servicing.

My wife and I looked at a 2004 today. It was in good shape, but not as clean as I expected. The owner has a very steep driveway, with an angle and gravel. He asked if I’d like to take if for a ride, but I asked him to get it out of his driveway. It’s a 900lb bike, and it just felt so foreign to me. Reverse, heel and toe shifter. The owner ended up dumping it in his driveway, broke off the right mirror. I felt horrible, he’s an older gentleman, getting rid of his toys. But I’m glad I didn’t dump it in his driveway.

I took it for a ride. Smooth is all I can say. It handles very well for a 900lb bike. I wanted to take my wife for a ride, but I didn’t feel comfortable with a passenger yet.

I made an offer, and he declined. I know what they are selling for in my area, and he’s asking too much, especially when he asked me to replace the mirror and get the body work painted.

My wife and I have a date night to look at a 2005 on Monday. We are in no hurry, still got the V-Max for our dates...

This is how I sold a GoldWing to my wife. She wants one more than I do....

“Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, I’m slowly making the transition from a creepy old bastard, to a cute old man. I hope it’s a seamless process.

The next evolution is an obvious choice, buy a touring bike. It has all the bells and whistles, but lacks a turntable and phone jack for my wall mount rotary dial. I envision the missus and I will have many exciting excursions to bingo, being the first in line for the 2pm early bird special, and getting a great deal on velcro shoes.

Time for a nap. HEY YOU KIDS! STAY OFF THE GRASS!!!”