Restoration questions

[Bugmerc]

I need a project, OK fine, I WANT a project. I've got a line on both a 1976 and a 1978 Goldwing. I have never restored a motorcycle before. Which one has more parts available? Is one of them more desirable than the other? Is there any other reason that I should pick one over the other?
Thanks!
Chris

[SnoBrdr]

I need a project, OK fine, I WANT a project. I've got a line on both a 1976 and a 1978 Goldwing. I have never restored a motorcycle before. Which one has more parts available? Is one of them more desirable than the other? Is there any other reason that I should pick one over the other?
Thanks!
Chris

Is the 76 a LTD ?

If not, pick your poison.

90% of the original parts are no longer available.

You find used parts on EBay and similar places.

You can restore the bike to just about showroom condition but it is not for one on a budget.

[Maz]

I need a project, OK fine, I WANT a project. I've got a line on both a 1976 and a 1978 Goldwing. I have never restored a motorcycle before. Which one has more parts available? Is one of them more desirable than the other? Is there any other reason that I should pick one over the other?
Thanks!
Chris

Definitely personal preference. Both are desirable and bloody good bikes. The '76 has spoked wheels as opposed to the Comstars of the '78. The '78 has the gauges on top of the 'faux' gas tank. Various other details that make the '78 look more 'modern' and, in my humble opinion, more cumbersome. If the '76 is an LTD (gold wheel rims, dark maroon paint, special badges on side covers), I would go for that as it is much rarer. That would, however, make some parts harder to find.
Parts for both are getting rare but, with a bit of internet searching, you should eventually find what you need.
For me, the '76 would be the one to go for but, as I say, purely personal preference.

Maz

[Bugmerc]

Thanks guys! Unfortunately, it's not an LTD. I think I might get the 76 and start from there. The owner said it's complete, all body panels are there etc. It also comes with a Vetter fairing, but I think I will skip the fairing. I will have to park it in a corner for a bit since the shop is a mess! First step would be cleaning the wood shop so I have a clean place to work and either clear off some shelves or buy a new one so that I can keep the parts organized. And then figure out what to do for a lift if I don't want to drop $500+ for a platform lift. Is there a less expensive way to get it up in the air where it's easier to work on?
Next would be to get the manuals and start reading!!

[maintainer]

A 76 would hold a slightly better value but both have pluses and minuses.
I was where you are a year ago, during the winter restored a neglected 77 that spent the last 12 years in a comatose state.
It was fun, educational, frustrating at times, and everything else you can imagine.
On the downside, even though I did all the labor the costs mount up very quickly and it would be difficult if even possible to make any profit on one.

[Old Fogey]

If the budget will streeeeeeetch just a little, buy them both! You will do that eventually anyway; most of us have!