Is there a difference, 1997 - 1998 Aspencade?

[LK1LK1]

I've been fortunate to have purchased excellent 1200 and 1500 models in the past, with the 1500 my favorite, but I'm still hurting from kicking my own butt for selling those great (1500 models) that I had once owned through the years. Now, I have a great opportunity to once again purchase low-mileage and one-owner 1500 models. One is a 1997 Aspencade and the other a 1998 Aspencade. Each have tasteful but not overdone accessories, and so I like them both.

Still, I've heard the 1998 model of 1500 had some slight improvements over the 1997. If anyone knows of the improvement(s) specific to the 1998, please let me know! I suspect any "tweak" on the '98, when compared to the '97, was minor from Mother Honda, anyway. I'm in my "upper" 70's now, and it's time for me to once again ride the great 1500 across the United States, scheduled for late May of this year!

I love the 1500! (And, I refuse to participate in growing old).

[blupupher]

I don't know of any real significant differences between '97 and '98.
'97 is when the GL1500 received the "upgraded" parts from the Valkyrie (transmission is the big one, fixing the 4th gear shift fork issue). I think that is when the seat was changed a little also to be a little lower.
'98 did get some minor cosmetic changes (different engine guards and cosmetic changes to the valve covers, clear headlight housing).
I think one difference between the 2 that some hate is that in '98 they changed to a white faced instrument cluster.

[Andy Cote]

If I were trying to choose between two bikes, I would be much more focused on condition and maintenance history. I would strongly favor a well loved bike with good documentation of oil changes, timing belts, fluid changes, etc. Otherwise, you should plan on doing a complete refresh and most dealers will not work on it so you need a friendly small MC shop or do it yourself before you head off on a cross country tour.

[AZgl1800]

I once owned a '98SE and I will tell you that White Instrument faces are a bitch, never, ever, will I buy another vehicle with a white instrument face. totally invisible at dusk or when you ride under a street light.

You mention Aspencade. surely you are not wanting to buy a bike w/o Reverse???

backing a 900 lb load from the curb/kerb is horrible on street where they have sloped it down to the rain gutters.

I try to always back up to the curb myself, I like to use the Center Stand

[MikeB]

I once owned a '98SE and I will tell you that White Instrument faces are a bitch, never, ever, will I buy another vehicle with a white instrument face. totally invisible at dusk or when you ride under a street light.

You mention Aspencade. surely you are not wanting to buy a bike w/o Reverse???

backing a 900 lb load from the curb/kerb is horrible on street where they have sloped it down to the rain gutters.

I try to always back up to the curb myself, I like to use the Center Stand

Both the '97 and '98 Aspencade have reverse.

[MikeB]

I've been fortunate to have purchased excellent 1200 and 1500 models in the past, with the 1500 my favorite, but I'm still hurting from kicking my own butt for selling those great (1500 models) that I had once owned through the years. Now, I have a great opportunity to once again purchase low-mileage and one-owner 1500 models. One is a 1997 Aspencade and the other a 1998 Aspencade. Each have tasteful but not overdone accessories, and so I like them both.

Still, I've heard the 1998 model of 1500 had some slight improvements over the 1997. If anyone knows of the improvement(s) specific to the 1998, please let me know! I suspect any "tweak" on the '98, when compared to the '97, was minor from Mother Honda, anyway. I'm in my "upper" 70's now, and it's time for me to once again ride the great 1500 across the United States, scheduled for late May of this year!

I love the 1500! (And, I refuse to participate in growing old).

There are slight differences between the '97 and '98 Aspencades but I believe they are cosmetic.

White face Speedometer and Tach faces in '98 as mentioned.
Engine guards reshaped in '98.
Valve covers changed in '98.
Front Brake Rotor Covers chabged in '98.
Exhaust Pipe Style was changed in '98.

Here is a picture of a '97 SE. Unfortunately i do not have a similar picture of the '98.

I just found a picture of a '98 Aspencade.

They are both SE's but I am hoping you know the difference between an Aspencade and an SE.

[joeincalif]

I once owned a '98SE and I will tell you that White Instrument faces are a bitch, never, ever, will I buy another vehicle with a white instrument face. totally invisible at dusk or when you ride under a street light.

You mention Aspencade. surely you are not wanting to buy a bike w/o Reverse???

backing a 900 lb load from the curb/kerb is horrible on street where they have sloped it down to the rain gutters.

I try to always back up to the curb myself, I like to use the Center Stand

The Interstate was the only Gold Wing without reverse. I had both a 97SE and a 98 SE, the white gauges wasn't a problem, I actually liked them, also I liked the front wheel covers, and crash bars and valve covers better on the 98 also, But as said before, check the maintenance records, that is the real concern when buying a used bike that old. Timing belts are a must to be changed no matter the mileage at that age.
My 97 SE

My 98 SE

[LK1LK1]

Thanks for the info about the small differences in the '97 and '98 Aspencade models. It seems that tire replacements and the timing belt change will be necessary, primarily because of the bike's age and not because of it's overall (low mileage) and pristine condition.

I've watched the timing belt change (video) procedure on this forum. I'll now need to find an experienced GoldWing mechanic to do the job because I'd certainly NOT want to mess up that procedure. Looks cut and dried, simplistic. But, envisioning a valve and piston "bang" because of my possible "screw up" during the timing-belt change would be a nightmare!

I'm aware that just finding a qualified technician to do the job could be a challenge on such an older Wing. Anyway, I have full confidence in my riding skills, -- not so much in turning a wrench. Better safe than sorry.

[joeincalif]

Most Honda shops will not work on an older bike, that includes some 1800's and all 1500's. best bet is to find an independent shop., Maybe if you know of a club that meets in your area you can attend a meeting or email them on line and ask for a shop that they use.