Gl1500 Fairing


Information and questions on GL1500 Goldwings (1988-2000)
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SacreD
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Nov 19, 2024 9:49 pm
Location: Huntington Beach
Motorcycle: none

Gl1500 Fairing

Post by SacreD »



Hey, I really want a Gl1800, I love that bikes looks and everything about it—but I cant afford it.

The next best thing is a Gl1500 from 93-2000, its more of an entry level bike given the price. It has everything I am looking for and I think it would be a good bike for me. I would not be as worried practicing low speed maneuvers because it wouldn’t have costed me 8k. The only problem with this bike is the retro style front fairing. I completely dislike it and it’s the only thing keeping me from buying one. That said, I did some searching but I couldn’t find anyone making an aftermarket fairing for the goldwing so I come to this subreddit.

Do you guys have any ideas on how to update the fairing, does a Valkyrie fairing from similar years fit the goldwing?
Any ideas and considerations are appreciated! I am more specifically talking about the headlight and blinker part, I think I can live with the chrome on top. I know those parts are removable but I cant seem to find any aftermarket options.


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Rambozo
Posts: 4093
Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2018 8:36 pm
Location: Disneyland
Motorcycle: 1992 GL1500 Aspencade
Ducati Monster

Re: Gl1500 Fairing

Post by Rambozo »

The fairing is pretty integral to the bike as lots of stuff is housed within it. Having said that, there are some who have extensively modified it or replaced it entirely. All it takes is time and/or money. The 97-2000 lights are a more modern design, when fitted with LED bulbs can make the bike look newer, and can be fitted to any year 1500.
The 1500 and 1800 are very different bikes. If you want an 1800 you can find them for about the same price as a 1500. You just need to look around some. Since the new 1800 came out, the prices on the older model have dropped. For example.
https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/200 ... 5032635339

Examples of customizations.


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FM-USA
Posts: 3464
Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 8:40 am
Location: Near 60031
Motorcycle: 91-i

Re: Gl1500 Fairing

Post by FM-USA »

I've read some installed the GL1800 fairing on the 1500. Never seen a final pix, but I have no doubt it works with custom modding.

Back when Craig Vetter was still in the beginning stage of his Rifle Fairing, I asked if anyone tried fitting it to a GL1500. He said he didn't nor heard of anyone else. I asked if he could send me a reject one for test fit. Nope, he fixes every one.

After talking online to some who installed it on various bikes, it's a bear in moderately high side winds. OH well.

Back in the 1980s I fitted a KZ1300 fairing to my 1977 Yam XS1100. It fit right up as if made for it.
All it needed was a 3/4" spacer on the front center mounting bolt.

Larger motorcycles are almost identical in measurements where a fairing goes.
Different engine designs are the main area for custom fitting. Sorta easy when heat molding & ABS gluing pieces together.
With that, you might find one you like for sale, ask for measurements. Or I'm sure you'll find the fairing you want in a bike shop, measure those.

.
When I do one thing, I'll side-step a little & learn few more things.
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