What to look for on an ‘03

[Ski_rush]

A dealer near me has an 03 GL1800A with 87k miles. We agreed on $4500. I put a deposit down on the bike. Since it’s dealership, I’m assuming there will not be any service history with the bike. The bike looks good overall, but it’s definitely not a garage queen. The paint looks a little faded. Nothing is cracked or anything like that on the body panels. The trunk and bags work. Since it is a dealership, I think they have to sell the bike in operable condition, so new tires were installed.

Please let me know what else I be looking out for when I go to pick this bike up. Are there any prominent issues or red flags you can point me to on these bikes? I’ve owned bikes before, just not a wing.

Thanks

[tamathumper]

I would check for:

Frame cracks
Mouse nest(s) on the air filter (gooseneck scope cam, $20 on Amazon)
Worn steering head bearings
Tire date codes

The last three would be an indication of overall maintenance - they're your "real life service records".

[joeincalif]

There were several recalls and service bulletins on the early 1800 wings. The dealer can look them up, make sure all of them were completed, especially the frame re weld. Also beware that the frame on the early wings have cracked in places other than where Honda had the re weld done. Also check the color of the clutch & brake fluids, they should not be dark. I had an 02 and loved it but once I sold it I never had to worry about a frame crack again.
https://www.goldwingfacts.com/cdn-cgi/i ... 39378/full