Restored 1980 GL1100, Should I buy it?

[GarrettBeaudoin]

Looking at buying a 1980 Gl1100, just wondering if there's any common problems for these bikes. Will be my first Goldwing, so not sure of any specifics to look for. The guy is asking $3500. The guy restored the bike himselfover 2 years, this is a copy of his email replies, the only information I have about the bike:

Any issues?
THERE ARE NO ISSUES. I HAVE TRIED TO RESTORE IT TO ORIGINAL. SEE BELOW FOR PARTS REPLACED.
I AM WAITING FOR NEW STAINLESS STEEL FRONT BRAKE LINES. WHEN INSTALLED, I WILL HAVE THE OUT OF PROVINCE INSPECTION DONE FOR LICENSING.
I LITERALLY HAVE TAKEN THE BIKE APART, INSPECTED, CLEANED, POLISHED AND REPLACED PARTS THAT WERE OUT OF FACTORY TOLERANCE. THIS HAS TAKEN TWO YEARS
I HAVE INVESTED ABOUT $3500 IN PARTS AND PIECES. I KNOW I WILL NEVER RECAPTURE ANY MONEY FOR LABOUR AS THIS IS MY RETIREMENT HOBBY. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PARTS PAID BUT,I AM OPEN TO OFFERS. I WOULD TRADE THIS BIKE FOR ANOTHER RESTORATION PROJECT. IF I DO NOT SELL IT, I WILL USE IT THIS SUMMER AS I HAVE SOLD MY 2007 GL1800 AND NEED A BIKE TO RIDE UNTIL I GET SOMETHING ELSE.
THE ODOMETER SHOWS 27129 MILES, BUT I THINK IT IS ACTUALLY 127129.
I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THE RESTORATION HAS RESET THE MILES TO ZERO. I HAVE TAKEN THE BIKE OUT FOR A FEW KILOMETERS AND FOUND IT VERY SOLID AND RESPONSIVE FOR A BIKE OF THAT VINTAGE.
[/size]

The bike was imported from the states and stored for several years. I removed the Windjammer faring that was not OEM and have replaced the rubber components under the assumption they were dried out and brittle.
I removed the heads, lapped the valves and replaced all the valve seals and other o-rings and gaskets that came with the overhaul gasket kit.
II did not see any need to disassemble the engine any further as I had assumed at the time it had 27000miles on it. When I test rode it, everything worked as it should
The carbs were disassembled and cleaned ultrasonically(i have the cleaner) and installed Randakk's carb kit($200.00US) and synchronized.
I have restored a 82 Honda 750 Nighthawk and a 83 Honda V45 Sabre and have just about completed this GL1100. I like the Goldwings as they are a good solid and forgiving motorcycle. I have owned an 86 1200, 93 1500 and a 07 1800. My first bike was a 1939 Indian.
I am not a bike mechanic, but have lots of automotive experience.
Motorcycle restoration is my retirement hobby, I do not need to hurry or patch any thing just to get it done. The challenge is to repair/restore to factory specs.
As a motorcycle entusiast, I will not knowingly misrepresent anything I have done in my work on motorcycles. I have had a service industry career and would not install or repair anything that I would not want for myself.


Anything I should be worried about or does this sound like a good deal? Thanks. Garrett.

[redial]

NO

The reason(s) why - even though I think he is probably genuine, at this point in time he is asking too much for it. He has a hobby, and how manyt of us have a hobby that we make money from? "Not I," said the fly! If this is his hobby, he should be willing to sell it for market price, at best, and I would not be considering going beyond that price.

From another angle, he obviously buys cheap, and sells big. He does this as a 'hobby', but I think it is paying for his winter holidays in Florida. Think carefully before you engage with this seller, as I am sure you are not getting value for money. There are other GWs on this site and other places, and there are less and less buyers of these older models, so it should be a "buyers market". Think carefully before you proceed.

[bjatwood]

Sounds like this bike has lots of life left. And from the way he describes it. Has loved it back to new. I would buy it and not look back. Just my .02, as I restore old Honda's as a Hobby also and get just about what the parts cost out of them and have not had 1 issue with a dissatisfied buyer yet. Get the names of the new owners of the other bikes he has restored and ask them if there bikes were as "described" and if they would buy another bike from him....I bet they would.
Let us know back with what you deceide to do.

[RoadRogue]

$3500 for a naked Wing is too much. It maybe nicely polished up but not $3500 worth. Check out Kijiji and Craigs list prices range from $600 up . theres alot of newer Gl1100's there for less money. some are full dressed from the factory for well under his asking price. I would pass on this one. If you see anything in my area or near by I would be happy to go look at it for you and give you my opinion on it. Unless you want to buy my 82 Aspencade................

[GarrettBeaudoin]

I know he is asking too much, blue book is about $2500 in excellent retail condition, probably offer $2200, and we'll go from there. On the other hand, I don't want to insult the guy it's been his baby for 2 years. Thanks for all the replies and comments so far.

[redial]

GL1500SE Goldwing like GL1800 Smooth (So.Cal., CA)
Friday, January 11, 2013
.........1989..GL1500SE Goldwing.........Reverse.........Cruise Control.........AM FM Cassette Stereo........Trunk Luggage Rack......Towing Package with Lighting.......New Tires.....Ready to across the USA and Back!.........Rides amazing......Very Clean Condition.......Everything Works Nice!..........Complete Serviced!.......Service Records!........Quick Sale Priced!....$2900.....Charlie...760-264-5716.........If you see this add...........It is Still For Sale

There are others on the Classifieds for this site, that are around this price. I would still be looking.

[golden highway]

A good bike? Probably. The price is way to high for a naked wing. I would make him an offer of what you want to pay. Don't' worry about hurting his feelings. You don't know him and he doesn't know you. You are not his friend and after the sale you will probably never see him again. Is he really concerned about cheating you. Only time will tell.

[SteveB123]

GL1500SE Goldwing like GL1800 Smooth (So.Cal., CA)
Friday, January 11, 2013
.........1989..GL1500SE Goldwing.........Reverse.........Cruise Control.........AM FM Cassette Stereo........Trunk Luggage Rack......Towing Package with Lighting.......New Tires.....Ready to across the USA and Back!.........Rides amazing......Very Clean Condition.......Everything Works Nice!..........Complete Serviced!.......Service Records!........Quick Sale Priced!....$2900.....Charlie...760-264-5716.........If you see this add...........It is Still For Sale

There are others on the Classifieds for this site, that are around this price. I would still be looking.

That "seller" has four Wings for sale. Two are the same bike, in different states! All are priced rediculously under market.
I don't believe he actually have any motorcycles.

And.....that bike, if it exists, is 1300 miles away.

[GarrettBeaudoin]

I think you're right, I checked it out, looks to good to be true. I am not so much worried about pricing, I am more concerned about if there is anything in particular I should be looking for when I go to look at the bike. Surely the restoration, if as high quality as stated, should make the bike more valuable than well running, non-restored, GL1100's? More worried about any common issues with the bike rather than the value of it. Thanks

[SteveB123]

I think you're right, I checked it out, looks to good to be true. I am not so much worried about pricing, I am more concerned about if there is anything in particular I should be looking for when I go to look at the bike. Surely the restoration, if as high quality as stated, should make the bike more valuable than well running, non-restored, GL1100's? More worried about any common issues with the bike rather than the value of it. Thanks

Took the liberty of looking on Trader.ca and Kijiji in your area. Slim Pickens!.....and more than a couple of 1100's at this price or better, with nowhere near the service history.

Steering head done, carbs done, brakes done, heads done, new coils, leads, battery, brake lines, rear tire. Holy Cow.

The only common issues are issues of time. Sounds like he's freakin' reset the clock on this old girl.
Offer him 3000. And ask him if he did the water pump.

[GarrettBeaudoin]

Thanks SteveB123, Ya there are very few wings for sale in Alberta, some sat outside for years, and the majority are project bikes. I am looking for a turn-key operation, I think $3000 and a bottle of Rye for his effort would be a good price. Supposably this has been completely redone, thanks for the water pump tip, I will ask him about it. He is even having an inspection done for my personal assurance, so I think he shouldn't be trying to hide anything. I just wish we had the selection of good used Wings in Alberta as there is elsewhere. Hopefully this bike is as good as it sounds and looks.

[GarrettBeaudoin]

I asked the seller about the water pump, this was his reply, sounds good to me.

When I had the front off to replace the timing belts I checked the water pump impeller shaft and bushing, they appeared to be within the acceptable wear pattern for end play and lateral movement. No leaks occurred after the parts were reassembled and the bike test drove.

Any more common issued this guy hasn't already resolved? Thanks. Garrett

[SteveB123]

http://www.fortycreekwhisky.com/home.html My suggestion.

Well, obviously, there's always going to be something that he didn't get to, and that will require some fussing about on your part.
But it certainly sounds like if you want to RIDE, and not twist wrenches, this may be your bike!

Hope it was stored properly, tank filled with stabilized gas, etc. Be a shame if those Randakked carbs got plugged.

[bjatwood]

Here's a good looking 1100 for sale a bit cheaper....?

http://omaha.craigslist.org/mcy/3524712633.html

[SteveB123]

Here's a good looking 1100 for sale a bit cheaper....?

http://omaha.craigslist.org/mcy/3524712633.html

1300 miles, (and a different country!) away.
That's four days round trip driving and costs, and the vehicle importing costs/fiasco.
And it sounds like the carbs need to be rebuilt.....or something. Says he rebuilt them, but it's cold blooded for 10 mintutes?
Hmmm.

I think I'd be all over something like this, if I was feeling flush:
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Honda/Gold%20Wing/CALGARY/Alberta/19_6545409_/?ms=motorcycles_atvs

Crazy low mileage 1800, ~2 hours away, $7700.

[twostrokes48]

I think an awful lot of this depends on "what bike" you want....We all have some twisted thoughts about bikes I think....and for many different reasons. Me, I'm going back to a 75 wing. I have a perfectly fine mint condition 98. But I am a little lost in the past....I had a new 75 and have many memories tied to "that bike". Maybe I am trying to relive the past, I don't know...I have one now I am restoring I picked up last month.

If you want a turnkey job, and you want a classic, for whatever reason, then the price is whatever you are willing to pay for the bike. It is a good deal .....if you are happy with the bike........It may not be the cheapest deal around, but if you don't like to turn wrenches...then you are just paying the guy for his labor. So, I would say....if you want the bike, like that style, feel its a solid bike...go for it.....If you are looking for the best "deal"in town....you also take your chances...Most people don't sell cheap unless there is a reason...just my 2cents

[GarrettBeaudoin]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I am waiting for the guy to do the last touchups and have the inspection done before I can come look at it. Really like the looks of this bike. I like long highway trips and was originally looking for a cruiser when I stumbled upon this ad. I like cruisers, but they were not very comfortable for long trips. The GL1100 looks like a cruiser but with the comfort and luxury of a Gold Wing, so it should be perfect for my needs. I will let you know when I am going to look at the bike and whether or not I take it. Thanks again. Garrett

[twostrokes48]

Well????? Are you riding a GL1100 new to you??? just wondering.

[seldonca]

I found a few wings in alberta here, http://alberta.kijiji.ca/f-goldwing-Cla ... earchZtrue . They're worth taking a look at.

[GarrettBeaudoin]

Well, I finally bought the bike, paid $2900 and I am feeling pretty good about it. Hopefully I will have many happy miles with the new Goldwing!

[twostrokes48]

good for ya.....hope you ave many safe miles under your belt by end of summer.