Buy a GL1500 with a host of problems, or walk away?

[tbird71]

I was looking at a 93 Aspencade with a Lehman Trike Kit. Kit itself looks OK from what I can see no leaks or spots little beat up but restorable.
Bad news on Kit it is an early solid axle after calling Lehman/Champion they said the guy that supplied parts for those died last year so there would be no ready parts sources for it

BIKE HAS 89000 MILES

The motorcycle ITSELF has a host of problems.
The GOOD; Bike starts shifts and runs little hesitation probably from sitting all factory lights working
brake turn signal lights working brake and clutch working little motor ticking noticed

NOW THE BAD: Fork seals leaking need replaced LCD screen NOT working, OD light not working,
(radio/CD does work) COMPRESSOR NOT WORKING
Now the really bad: The entire motor bottom is SOAKED in oil. So much so that it's dripping a couple spots. No clue there as I'm not able to diagnose there. I can see where it has sprayed oil onto one side of the muffler from blowing back.

Reading all this, should I take this home and hope I get lucky, or are the possible repair bills going to
not make it worth my while. I can buy the bike for what a used Lehman kit alone would cost but I have no desire to buy a kit only/

Any comments on what I may be looking at or would this be cost effective are sorely welcomed. The bike itself isnt all that bad looking seat isnt even ripped. Thanks in advance

[Sassy]

Im just going through the process of a thermostat oring and housing, and it's a handful!
These 1500s are a bear to work on.
Do you gotta have a trike?
Lots a clean 1500s around.

[tbird71]

I have an 89 GL1500 in Illinois with only 9000 miles,
which I am selling this summer
I have to admit, just too much bike for me. Too big
and when I consider all I need to be aware of on that beast besides traffic when riding it's
probably an acident waitin to happen. Any GL1500 I own MUST have three wheels

(I also have a 1984 GL1200 standard with a dealer installed Hondaline fairing
MUCH more my type of goldwing and one I feel comfortable on)

My everyday ride is a Roadliner with a batwing fairing and strat bags
Absolutely love that Roadliner'

"A Man's GOT to know his limitations"
Dirty Harry, 1974

[Happytrails]

For me sometimes a deal isn't so much if bike needs too much work or that its in too rough condition. GL1500's are such well engineered bikes but too much neglect and they suffer like most vehicles. If you did all the work yourself would the end result be something you would be happy with? And how long would it take? Also wouldn't count out a sidecar rig if you find one you like.

[LAB3]

I was looking at a 93 Aspencade with a Lehman Trike Kit.

Reading all this, should I take this home and hope I get lucky, or are the possible repair bills going to
not make it worth my while.

That's the question, repair bills. There is no such thing as a cheap old motorcycle either way you slice it, if you plan to pay someone else to do the work then save your money for something newer and less likely to need much in repairs. If however you take on the project yourself you have a chance to make it worth your time cash wise plus you get to know your bike inside and out, nothing can buy the confidence you'll get from knowing you can repair your bike in the middle of nowhere!

[joecoolsuncle]

another option you did not mention, is to install the leman kit onto your gl1500 that has 9000 miles. that would be after confirming the lehman structure and mechanicals are up to many more miles, which i wouldnt bet on.

[tbird71]

I briefly thought abt installing kit on my 89. But the 89 is up in IL and I would have to ship this 93 up there plus pay roughly 3500 for installation, also Lehman themselves told me to stay away from that kit as there are no aftermarket parts available unless I get lucky on ebay, so that option is pretty much out.

Probably better off to buy something a little more roadworthy

[Happytrails]

Would maybe also suggest to keep eyes on gl1800's also, they are at age where there price is really good also.

[DarthJ]

With all those issues, it sounds more like a parts bike, which is always sad to see a Wing turn into.

[LAB3]

I guess that depends on how those parts are used and who uses them.

[Solo So Long]

plus pay roughly 3500 for installation

Sounds like you're not doing your own maintenance.

That flips it over into the "pass it by" category.

[tbird71]

Yeah this has way to many problems for me. I believe it has since sold.
I'm going to look at an 09 Venture with a hannigan kit really nice one that needs nothing

[FluffyDog6]

Hard pass.

You want to ride, not wrench.

This will be a soul-sucking money-pit for which you may not be able to get required parts to complete the job.

Lots of other fish in the sea.

[Peterockwing]

I also fall into the same fly trap ahahaha. But not too bad, engine seems good and smooth, reverse gear working. What're not working are CB, Radio/Cassette (changed to android with amp), Air suspension, unsure about air compressor workability. Rest are cosmetic problems like paint since bik was vinyl wrapped, left and right front pockets were with holes to accommodate wiring for assorted LED lightings (like Xmas tree) and switches. The main console got 3 big holes, suspected to be wiring holes, once upon time. There was siren and strope light too.
Now having meetings with mechanic to remove wrap and get all panels painted. Fill the holes while I search in ebay for decent ones. I think major problems derived from the gaudy lightings and siren thingy. I need to clean it up.
Like to know from members here if anyone got suggestions on best way clean the controls plastic, handle bar cover and switches...to bring it up black as it should be. Would baking soda helps?

[Rambozo]

Like to know from members here if anyone got suggestions on best way clean the controls plastic, handle bar cover and switches...to bring it up black as it should be.

I had the same issue and someone here pointed me to 303 Protectant. Great stuff, made my controls look like new, and seems to be lasting. Apply liberally and let it sit until no more will soak in, then wipe off the excess. Job done.
I wish I had taken before/after photos.

[Peterockwing]

Thks. Will look it up.

[Peterockwing]

Found the 303, around 15US here in Malaysia, 75MYR. Gonna give it a try.

[Rambozo]

If you can, take some before and after pictures so others can see the results.

[Peterockwing]

Taken the "before" pictures already and here is the mock up what it should hopefuly looks like when it is all done up (pimping). I ve chosen Copper Glossy paint. Will post actual completed photo later and the effectiveness of 303 cleaner.