Thinking of buying a GoldWing with 82,000 miles. Is that too much?

Question

1984 GL1200 Interstate.
The guy says it runs fine, and is in good condition. But it has 82,000 miles. I have heard that Gold Wings can go to the 200,000 mile range, so I tend to think that because it's a GoldWing, it shoudl be ok. But also, it seems there are TONS of 'Wings on the market with 80,000 miles... is that when the bad Wings die or something? Should I buy? Is the mileage bad or good? What would you pay for it? $1k? $2k? $4k?

Answer 1

If the bike has been taken care of it should be fine. BUT again this is ONLY if the bike has been taken care of. Oil changes, Clutch, belt tires battery, and how was it stored in the winter. If you get answers that you are comfortable with and the price is right, then GO FOR IT. Ride safe and have fun.

Answer 2

I owned a 1984 GL1200 Interstate. Some things you should be aware of: This was the first of the 1200cc Gold Wings and there were a number of recalls that year. Nothing serious, but I would dealer-check it to see if the recalls were done. Also, these bikes (all of the 1200's) were prone to stator failure and in order to repair the stator, the engine must be removed from the bike and the back cover removed. Flat rate manual says about 10 hours for that, plus parts. The coupler from the stator was a plug-in job, located right next to the battery (look for three yellow wires) and they tended to corrode because of acid fumes coming out of the battery vent. This caused high impedence and contributed to the stator failures.
I traded my 84 at 97,000 miles and it was not using any oil and still performed almost like new. As for Amzoil, I think I would rather have a bike that's been on Hondalube GN-4. I'm not sure there's any benefit to running anyone's synthetic oil and the Gold Wing uses a wet clutch. Amzoil may not be the best thing for the clutch facings, but I don't know that much about it. Anyway, I wouldn't give much over $1,500 for it no matter what shape it's in...K ;o)

Answer 3

1983 Goldwing Interstate

Answer 4

1984 Goldwing Interstate

Answer 5

A Goldwing is one of the best over the road bikes ever made. many will run over 100K miles without any major service needed. they are a big on the big & bulky side but are truly top notch road bikes. yes, the motorcycle training schools with an MSF certified instructor are well worth the time and money spent even for an experienced rider as a reminder of things out on the highway.

Answer 6

I think its pretty uncommon for any motorcycle to hit this kind of mileage and not need some kind of work. Bikes just wear out faster than cars - as a general statement. Of course wings will go longer than most, but they are plenty of bikes around with lower mileage, so I would look for something else. Even old bikes can have low mileage, as they are not generally used as daily transport for a lot of riders.

Answer 7

We love our 1983 1100 goldwing interstate. It says interstate on the side for a reason.... Over 125,000 miles and it tows us two fatties and a cargo trailer around the black hills with no problem. Couldn't imagine anything else. You're probably in the $2-$3 thousand range depending on the model accessories and all that!
NICE RIDE!

Answer 8

I own a 2002 Wing with 44K miles. No problem with engine. At $2-4,000 is a good buy if the '85 Wing is mechanically sound, free of rust, etc.

Answer 9

The other posts are good, but I would add that you should EXPECT to do an overhaul on it soon, and then you will not be disappointed if it gives you some trouble. Wings are some durable bikes, but any bike wears out.

Have a shop check it out, and yes, $1,500 is about right.

Answer 10

Most Gold Wings get ridden. Most accumulate 'highway' miles which tend to mean nothing to the Honda. Check out item #160166305039 now on eBay. It could help you.