Stuck between Two Bikes

[TylitoZookowski]

Hey y'all, I'm stuck between a 1994 with 22k miles and a 1996 with 44k miles. Both are the same price. Both look garage kept. Tires on the 1996 look like they might be newer. Do you guys have any advice?

https://www.facebook.com/share/xFNUUwRR ... tid=kL3p88

https://www.facebook.com/share/PRXMXecu ... tid=kL3p88

[gford]

I would check the following on both bikes:

Look at the color of the fluids in both master cylinders on the handlebars for clutch and front brake. If the fluid has been changes it will not be black.

Check the brake pads for how much pad is left.

Pop the left front side cover and have a look at the shifter seal to see if it is leaking.

Rub your fingers along the top of the fork shaft above the seals to check for leaks.

Check the date code on both front and rear tires.

Check the oil for level and color.

Listen to the engine, run it through the gears and see how it rides.

Listen to the mufflers, at that age they may be starting to rot out.

Inspect body parts for damage.

I would then compare the results on both bikes, I would not worry about the millage as both bikes have what is considered low millage for a goldwing, for example my 1999 goldwing has 190,000 miles and still runs like new.

[Andy Cote]

Welcome to the forum. Assuming from the links, you are from Mississippi.

I would check the following on both bikes:

Look at the color of the fluids in both master cylinders on the handlebars for clutch and front brake. If the fluid has been changes it will not be black.

Check the brake pads for how much pad is left.

Pop the left front side cover and have a look at the shifter seal to see if it is leaking.

Rub your fingers along the top of the fork shaft above the seals to check for leaks.

Check the date code on both front and rear tires.

Check the oil for level and color.

Listen to the engine, run it through the gears and see how it rides.

Listen to the mufflers, at that age they may be starting to rot out.

Inspect body parts for damage.

I would then compare the results on both bikes, I would not worry about the millage as both bikes have what is considered low millage for a goldwing, for example my 1999 goldwing has 190,000 miles and still runs like new.

All good things there.

Do they have good maintenance records? If not, I would just plan ahead to replace fluids, filters, tires, fork seals/bushings, timing belts and perform final drive/driveshaft service. Few hundred dollars and a few days work for many years of peace of mind.

[FM-USA]

Both look really sharp.
Without going deeper into the bike, this is just a quick inspection.
Red one's missing the top fork cover.


25,000 miles is 1 to 5 seasons of riding.
Dash gauge backgrounds should be different, color preferences.
Pull all 4 side covers off, look for cleanliness, tell-tale sign of how/where it was ridden.
Any added wires? QUESTION it all.
Plastic repairs? QUESTION it all.
Trunk lid rack, any plastic cracks at the 2 rear mounts? Also look inside.

Look around at the bolt heads, vice-gripped???
Engine off, bike in 1st gear & roll back & forth. Listen & feel for drive-line slop. Tho that few miles should be like new.

.

[FM-USA]

Just comparing.

[Rambozo]

Check for trans noises with the bike pointing uphill then downhill. (neutral clutch out) If it rattles one way and is quiet the other, walk away quickly.

[Happytrails]

Green bike looks a little better. Would prefer an SE over Aspencade if its available.

[Happytrails]

Here is white one $5000, springfield MO. So many 1500's available. Possibly could take your pick and find a really nice SE.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 6867%22%7D

Green 1500se $3900 reduced price, kansas city MO
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... f232e722d8

[blupupher]

I prefer the SE over the Aspencade, but both are better than the Interstate (no reverse).

In this case, it really comes down to color choice (so long as mechanicals mentioned above are in good shape).
Both seem to have been listed for a while, see if either of them will come down in price.

[Rambozo]

You can pop over to Ohio and buy WingAdmin's 1500.

[Charlie1Horse]

I'd rather have the red SE over the green Aspencade even if it has a few more miles. I really like that Candy Spectra Red.
Russell