What to look for when purchasing an 1800

[bwagner6]

So I have a guy wanting to sell his 2003 1800.... Has 70K on it and looks perfect except it is due for tires. . Always garage kept and maintained by Honda. Are there certain things to look for at this mileage and year? He wants 9900.00. Thoughts guys??

Thanks!

[Viking]

Make sure the recall for frame welds was done, and that is about it. If it test rides well, it is good to go. The price is about ballpark. $9900 is Ten Thousand Dollars written to look better,

[harvey01]

Make sure all the saddlebags work, door unlock and lock with the remote as well as the levers, check the plastic side panels to insure they come off and mount properly.

Check all buttons on the audio system to insure they work and the correct thing happens, example the CB button turns the CB on if so equipped.

Don't forget to get the owners manual. Also since this is an 2003, check with the seller as he may have other parts, perhaps a service manual, perhaps Fred's or Cruiseman's videos of various maintenance problems and how to fix. He may be willing to throw them in to sweeten the deal. Things like helmets, jackets, and other clothing don't do much for me. Also if he has put a lot of farkles on the bike you may want to see if he has the original part. This provides him with the opportunity to clear out his garage also.

Finally I would ask for any maintenance records the has. If it says it was maintained by the book he should have receipts at the least to back this up, He might have a spreadsheet with everything listed on it. Just suggesting!

[Fatwing Chris]

Call me paranoid if you like,but knowing what I know now I wouldn't buy anything older than 05.The new improved frame came out in late 04(April or May of 04 and the 05's come out around July).Contrary to popular belief just because the frame recall was completed at some point doesn't mean you're out of the woods.There's still cracked ones showing up where they were checked on the recall and they're actually cracking in a different spot(behind the pass footrests).Mother Honda doesn't seem to be too interested in doing anything for either of these problems.Apparently they're not obligated to do the repair for the original problem anymore due to the length of time and the other spot they're just not doing anything for.A buddy of mine has an 04 with the tubes busted behind his pass footrests and Honda basically told him to pound salt.About 2 months ago in Ottawa,Ontario there was an 03 that was busted right in half(center of the bike sitting on the ground) for sale for $2300 that I would have to assume that Honda refused to help with the repair.
While the number of cracked frames is relatively small do you really want to take a chance on a very expensive repair($1600 to $2500 for a frame depending on year plus labour),or would you go for at least an 05 and eliminate the chance of one of the real expensive repairs on the earlier 1800.I know what I would do without a doubt.In fact I'm seriously considering selling my 04 now while it's not cracked and moving up.

[bwagner6]

Thanks to all for the insight and advice. I didn't realize the frame issue was a big deal....

[Fatwing Chris]

Thanks to all for the insight and advice. I didn't realize the frame issue was a big deal....

Most will tell you it isn't and like I said it may very well be a relatively small number,but I just wouldn't take the chance.My budget is always tight and being a licensed auto-tech I would end up doing it myself,but just parts alone would kill me.

BTW My 04 wasn't included in the recall,so I thought I was good to go.Late year build,but not late enough for the new frame.Turns out there were some modified original frames sold in between the supposedly bad ones and the improved ones.
I apologize to anyone with an older one for sale,but I just call it the way I see it.

[dragon2000]

I did a search on Google and came up with the 1st link and selected your year - 2003.

http://www.recallowl.com/Vehicle+Recall ... NDA/GL1800
http://www.recallowl.com/Vehicle+Recall ... L1800/2003

It is my understanding that a Honda Dealer can check the VIN data base to see if the recalls have been addressed.

Steve