How much do older Honda Goldwings cost? Are they difficult to handle?

I'm interested in getting an older Honda Goldwing. Just how old depends on how much they cost and what the fuel economy of the older models is like. I also want to know if older, used Goldwings are likely to be reliable or if problems are commonplace with them.



And, since they're such large, heavy bikes, are they difficult to handle for a modest-sized person of 150 lbs?



Thanks!How much do older Honda Goldwings cost? Are they difficult to handle?Gold Wings are good bikes, no doubt about it. They're also common as owl poop and because of that, there's still plenty of parts available. Whether you consider them top heavy depends upon what you're used to. My Kawasaki Voyager XIII weights 960 pounds (80-100 more than a GW) and is much more top heavy than a GW. I'm 50+ years old, weight 165 and while it's heavy, it's no problem for me. After riding that thing, a GW would feel like a scooter.



GW engines run forever. However, the 4 cylinder jobs were notorious for frying alternator stators. While that's not uncommon on bikes, on a GW you have to pull the engine to replace it. If you takeit somewhere, plan on a $1500 bill for that. If the bike you look at has already had the stator replaced and is working now, you're probably ok.



The '74-76 1000's were kind of high strung with sportbike engine behavior. The '77-78 1000's were a little more torquey but lost the get up and go the earlier ones had. The 1100's were still pretty limp wristed in the torque department. The 1200's were probably the best of the 4 cylinders for touring. Good fairing and bags, easy low speed handling but rather twitchy handling at high speeds. The early seats made Corbin and others rich. On the 1100-1200 it all seemed dependant upon the individual. They were either a Lazy Boy or the vinyl monster from hell.



Like most bikes, gas mileage is highly dependent upon the rider. Figure 35-40 for interstate riding, 40-45 when on slower roads. Ring them out hard and you'll be looking at the low 30's.How much do older Honda Goldwings cost? Are they difficult to handle?
My dad was around 190-200 lbs the last time I remember riding with him on his 1981 Goldwing.



I remember him dropping it once (it was late, we were both tired, going slowly down a dirt road into a campground), and needing help to pick it up.



I don't know the precise circumstances, but a couple years later, he crashed it and ended up paralyzed from the chest down. I can say for sure that if you get one, do not get a passenger back rest, at least not a tall one with any rigid metal parts near the surface or exposed. That's what got him.How much do older Honda Goldwings cost? Are they difficult to handle?I had an '82 GL1100 . It was a great bike and I only had a couple thousand dollars in it. It sat low, relative to later model Gold Wings.

I traded it for a Valkyrie which weighs about 150 lbs less than a H-D.

All wings handle great and are reliable if cared for. They are not impossible to pick up if dropped. I picked up both my Wing and my Valk. I weigh about what you do.
Last year my friend bought an '85 GW with a matching trailer for around $3500. It only had 40,000 miles on it, which isn't much on one of those.How much do older Honda Goldwings cost? Are they difficult to handle?the 1200 year 85 is a good bike reletivly cheap.

yes they are heavy, the same weight as a harley.

and being a biker i don't think you would have trouble

getting a fellow biker to help pick it up if you dropped.

besides I haven't found a bike yet that if laid down

was real light..

dollar for dollar the ride is great. fuel mileage well

around 35 mpg give or takeHow much do older Honda Goldwings cost? Are they difficult to handle?
I had one in the mid '80's. I didn't pay much for it then, you can find deals if you look enough (I am looking for a V-Max).



I rode it home in the snow one time...That wasn't fun. It kept sliding out from under me. I could stand it back up, but it was a hand full. I weighed about 150 then...



They handle well, and ride nice.
The gold wings are nice but they are top heavey you can feel the weight when doing parking lot manauvers and backing up even with reverse.I would recomend getting an ultraclassic the bikes weigh about the same but you realy cant feel the weight of the Harley Davidson they are very very nice bikes.How much do older Honda Goldwings cost? Are they difficult to handle?
Cost? Depends on the deal. My brother-in-law has an 84 for $3000. There are better and worse deals than that. Condition, mileage and accessories will make a big difference.

Heavy? Yes. But the seats are surprisingly low.

Goldwings run forever. :)



Here is handy site for those considering getting a used Goldwing:

http://www.goldwingfacts.com/usedgoldwin鈥?/a>
how much older do you mean.

also do you want a lead wing that has

the flat 4 or flat 6.
I have an 86 1200. Low speed handling is great as well as high speed cornering. (better than HD FLT not as good as BMW LT) Rides like a Caddy on two wheels, but somewhat sluggish on acceleration. Not top heavy at all really LOW center of gravity, compared to other large dressers. I am getting about 38 on hi-way and 28 in town.
They are not all the same price. Yes.