I'm torn....stay with the 1500 or move on to the 1800

[afekete62]

Picked up this new to me 1999 Goldwing SE with 82k miles on it. Rode it home 850 miles in January from Chicago to NJ which was a real chance to learn all about the bike and it's pros and cons. Got it home and wrote a punch list in my head about how I can make this bike solid to my liking. Took all the body panels off except for the upper fairing and started cleaning and replacing pieces and parts. My wife got a kick out of me using the kitchen sink to clean

Needless to say I have done the following:
Replaced headlamps with pathfinder lights
Replaced marker bulbs with leds
Replaced corning bulbs with leds
Replaced front and rear brake pads
Replaced air filter
Replaced front and rear tires

Removed all accessories to get the bike back to stock which I prefer

Next in line to be replaced or repaired:
Spark plugs
Fork Springs and oil along with fork seals
Speakers (they are old and worn out)
Stereo (time for a modern unit)
Timing belts
More Led bulbs coming as well
Cruise control and hazard switches stick
Wheel bearings
Brake lines

And of course I'll flush and replace all fluids.

I know this bike is 20 years old and my concern is pricing and availability of replacement parts.

Or should I just spring for a newer 1800. The 1500 is oh so comfy and big and of course the 1800 is smaller and sportier..or an F6B?

I'm sure this has been hashed out amongst many riders and there are a lot of factors that drive our decisions but I'm trying to settle on ONE bike.

[89 1500]

I'm contemplating the same thing. I'll have to get an upholstery shop to remove 2 inches of pad from the seat so I can move back in the saddle. I'd like a later model 18 because of the extended saddle bags. I don't mind giving up a little bit of storage space over my 15. I did get a chance to ride a couple different years of 18's on weekend trips over the past year and believe I'll like it besides rear tire change simplicity will be a major plus. Problem is I really like my 15 and have it set up the way I like it. The thing will haul a ton of crap for me and my wife can pack it in there. I love the protection from the elements there isn't better out there when it's cold or raining. Hardest thing for me is just pulling the trigger on a newer ride. Good luck with your dilemma either way you can't go wrong.

[Rodzim]

Im kinda on the same train as you. Mine is a 94 with 30k miles. Ive done everything you listed plus a carb rebuild. It rides like a brand new bike. Just a tip, it takes a few miles for a new set of progressive springs to settle in. I thought they were hard as a rock at first but after a couple hundred miles they feel excellent.
Parts are still readily available as well as complete engine assemblies, the used market is plenty strong as well. Im gonna keep mine for as long as i can.

[offcenter]

I also have a '99 1500.
I'd keep the 1500. I think it is the best and most comfortable of the Wings.

[AZgl1800]

I have had a '94 and a '98, and they are by far the most comfortable bike on the road.

with attention to PMs, they will last another 30 years w/o any problems.
parts will continue to be available for at least two more decades, and parts bikes are all over the 'net if you need something cheaper than Honda's parts list.

of course, if $$$ is not something you ever worry about, get the newest one out.

[minimac]

My 93 Gl1500 is the most comfortable ride I've had in over 50 years. That being said, I considered moving up to an 1800. I felt a little cramped. the 1800 felt a little spunkier(and probably got better gas mileage), but at the end of the day, I decided to keep my 1500. More room, bigger trunk and bags, and best of all, paid for-many times over!

[AZgl1800]

it has been my experience that my '94, '98, and my 2002 gl1800 all got exactly the same gas mileage.

probably because of where I lived and usually ride at 70 or 75 mph for long distances at a time. that average has been 33 to 35 mpg..... all 3 bikes had a Tulsa Tall windshield

I have a spreadsheet to prove it.

my 1800 now has a Madstad windshield on it, and the mpg has increased about 3 to 4 mpg at the same speeds. it is way below eyeline now, instead of six inches above my head.

[afekete62]

thank you for all the comments.

Still torn but making it more about being happy with what I have. This will come in time as I make the bike mine and solid.

I will continue to go through the bike and do all of the preventative maintenance and upgrade components as needed.

Perhaps I'll just save the money from buying a new bike and get a bitchin lift!

thanks again for this amazing site!
Andrew

[afekete62]

So we're staying with the 1500 for now and will continue to upgrade and replace parts.

Just ordered a new lcd panel and bulbs for the instrument cluster, new fork springs and seal kit, and will be doing front and rear wheel bearing over the next month.

Now to get a lift here pronto!

thanks again,
Andrew

[Happytrails]

I think everybody kind of thinks about what if... and as mentioned you shouldn't be too concerned about parts availability. Most of the new oem honda parts are still available although you can see things starting to dry up a little. I've always heard the 1500 was the more comfy of the 2 bikes. I felt a little cramped for legroom on the 1800 but I did like it. If I were to switch to an 1800 it would be for ABS. Thats something that would be really nice to have. I wouldn't mind taking a gen 3 goldwing for a spin.