Odometer numbers not aligned

[Beerbiker21]

Hi

I have seen several 1500's with photos showing their numbers misaligned. Imho that usually means that the vehicle has been clocked. Without complete service records or official checks e.g. MOT, CTA etc. it is impossible to judge.

I am unfamiliar with these bikes so is there a less illegal reason? General wear? Old age? Any thoughts welcomed

[lonerider41life]

Mine has a scratch near "1" on the second wheel from left to right. I have no history of the motorcycle when I bought it. It show (little over) 116K miles...

[ct1500]

Misaligned numbers are a good indicator someone has been in there. My "88 are all lined up perfectly.

As an automotive Dealer mechanic years ago I would at times have to reset odometers when needing to be replaced. It was a very tedious procedure to get them lined back up perfectly but one which I learned and mastered.

[Rambozo]

Do you have any pictures?
I've never seen any misaligned, except when in the process of rolling over a digit.

[Beerbiker21]

I ignore the bikes with this so do not save any photos. I thought I would ask the question as I have seen this several times.

[Rambozo]

I typically ignore the mileage on a GoldWing anyway. It has almost no bearing on the state of the bike. If anything, I worry more about bikes with low mileage as that usually means they have sat for years without running and that does far more damage than thousands of extra miles.

[Beerbiker21]

Very good points. Also, the pattern of usage is important whether it be long or short trips or regular or irregular use. How many miles per annum would you think would be acceptable for a GL? Personally, I would have gone for a minimum of 5k but that would put the bikes I am looking at in the 125k category which seems too much. I realise that this is almost an impossible question with so many factors but am interested in folks opinions based on their experience.

[Rambozo]

There are GoldWings with 500k on them, that still run like new. There are also ones with 20k or less that smoke like chimneys due to condensation rust in the cylinders. Like I said, mileage has little bearing on a bike's condition. Things like service records, and overall care are better indicators.

[FM-USA]

My million odometer (top one) the 4th digit went partial while riding.
1,000 miles later it straightened itself out.

IF i can find that green gear this odometer can be up & running again.

[Uncle Werner]

I typically ignore the mileage on a GoldWing anyway. It has almost no bearing on the state of the bike. If anything, I worry more about bikes with low mileage as that usually means they have sat for years without running and that does far more damage than thousands of extra miles.

My 84 and 85 odometer only goes to 99,999, then starts over. How do you know if a person hasn't put many miles on it lets say 160,000, then sells it claiming a low mileage bike which would show as 60,000 on the odometer? The 84 was rear ended, insurance co. didn't want to pay for stripping it down to check for cracks in the frame so paid me out. I know for a fact that it has 69,000 on the motor which I put aside with all the other parts I salvaged. My 85 has 176,000 and looks and runs perfect. If one is inclined they could swap out a low mileage odometer just to sell it at a higher price. One really must know bikes.

[Beerbiker21]

Thanks.

This is new to me because France is only now introducing mandatory safety checks. Old bikes therefore can have a sketchy history. I am used to the UK where all vehicles have tests so their history can be easily read. Obviously one looks for a bike with a maintenance record paper trail but rarely are they complete.

Fortunately I have enough experience to know a bike when checking it over but it is impossible to travel to all possibilities on spec. hence trying to garner as much info as possible

[smithtronics]

In Texas the milaage is recorded when a state inspection is performed. Every year that the inspection is performed. This information is avaiable on line, with the license plate or VIN lookup. I was able to purchase a 2017 GL1800 in 2020 that displayed 420 original miled on the odometer. I was suspicious of the low milage, but after checking, was able to see the milage progression from the state inspections.