'85 fuel injected GL1200L w/issues - keep/fix or sell?

[kyalami321]

Picked this up for $1500, 45k miles. Runs, but has a fuel system light on and struggles to idle and drive with less than a quarter throttle. Should I put work into it to get it right or sell it and get something else?

[tbird71]

Looks like an 85 Limited?
86s were called the SEI and were different color

Define "Good Price". If it's a fuelie it'll need to be dealt with by a competent mechanic or you'll probably never get it right. May cost up to or over 4 figures depending on what's needed. If you have 500 in it why not? But there are others out there pretty nice that are ready to ride for as little as 1500. Your call.

[kyalami321]

Well, I'm glad you told me that, because I paid exactly 1500 for it. Rode it back home over an hour and some and I'm getting tons of buyer's remorse.

[tbird71]

I'm not a mechanic so have always stayed away from the fuel injected ones
If you rode home that far maybe it's something simple but if your luck anything like mine then prepare to BOAT (Break out another thousand)

[Wolfy999]

Get a Clymer manual as they have a lot of good detail on the EFI system on these bikes. There really isn't much to the EFI system on these as far as I can tell. I'm in the process of sorting mine out and getting it road worthy. You have a crankshaft position sensor, an intake temp sensor, and the computer itself. Before getting panicky, I'd look for rodent damage in the wiring and fix accordingly. Second, I'd look at the crankshaft position sensor. You'll need to tear it down as if you're going to replace the timing belts to get to it. Make sure it's not loose. I inadvertently ran mine with the sensor disconnected for the intake air temp, and it just made mine run very rich. Maybe yours is shorted and causing a lean out condition? It's located on the top of the air box and can be easily checked. I don't know the resistance allowance, but shorted will be zero ohms. Those are the top things I'd check - rodent damage 1st, Air temp 2nd, and crankshaft position sensor 3rd. From there it will take deeper sleuthing. Given how rare the EFI models are, I don't think you're going to easily find someone who will be willing to work on it, so this will be a learn as you go experience.

[Rambozo]

All depends on what you want. Is this the bike you want and are you willing to learn to work on it? Or willing to hunt for someone who will work on it and pay what they ask?

[Rednaxs60]

The quintesential question, carburetor or an FI older Goldwing. Myself, I'm a fan of the '85/'86 FI models. Did a short primer on buying one of these FI models on the Classic GW forum. This is my thread: https://classicgoldwings.com/threads/sh ... ing.14700/

My take on your issue(s) is this, you need to get an OEM service manual, Electrical Troubleshooting manual and the Supplement (most important). If you do not have these, you will be asking a lot of questions, and getting a lot of opinions. You cannot equate the '85 Computerized Fuel Injection system to a carb model. May use the same terminology, but the workings are different.

Good advice so far on this thread. Be nice to know why you purchased it - just wondering.

Once this bike is mechanically sound, it has the same issues as any older Gold Wing of its vintage, you will get many good riding miles from it.

You need to determine why the FUEL SYSTEM dash indicator light is on. This is Honda's check the CFI system light, has nothing to do with the fuel system. The FUEL dash indicator light is for the fuel tank level.

When the FUEL SYSTEM light is on there is an error code on the ECU. You need to leave the key ON, do not turn it OFF when this light comes on. You need to check the ECU for the error code. There is a window on the left side of the ECU as you look at it, and there are 5 indicator lights.

If you turn the key off the error code generated will be lost and you will have to wait until you turn the key back ON and/or start the engine.

The ECU error codes are detailed in the Supplement.

If you don't know how this bike was maintained, everyone's idea of maintenance generally differs, I would suggest the following.

First - get the manuals
Second - general maintenance such as timing belts, flush of coolant, brake and clutch systems. Consider removing the clutch slave and clean/rebuild it. Brakes - new pads. Plugs, filters, tires and such.

I have been working on my '85 Limited Edition since I bought it in 2015. I have rebuilt the engine in its entirety during C-19, installed the external alt mod, several other smaller mods such as a side stand sfatey switch, and a complete paint job as well. I use mine for a daily ride, and solo/two up touring. It's been to Los Angelos and back two up, as well as around British Columbia.

As I have mentioned, these are great bikes once the bugs/issues are taken care of, mine is my long term retirement project.

You will have to be up front with the reason(s) for selling. Keeping it will probably necessitate you becoming very familiar with the CFI system and be your own mechanic. It is an older bike, 37 years old, and this brings issues with it. Carb models are not without issue(s).

Good luck.