Goldwing question....

[Questions]

Greetings all:

I'm hoping to get a little input from some of the Goldwing or (ex) Goldwing riders on this board....

I have a buddy who is looking at buying a used Goldwing. He is looking at a mint 1500 with very low miles. I think he said it was a 1999 or around there. He is also looking at a 2003 that has more miles, and actually does not look as mint as the 1999 - or at least that seems to be the case, if one compared photos of the two bikes.

The question he has asked me (that I cannot answer) is the 1800 cc wing that much better than the 1500cc version. I have never been on the 1800 version so I have no idea if it is actually any better...

As a side note, I think he will ride either of these bikes 2-up most of the times and I'm not sure if that makes any difference between the two options.
I do know there is a big difference in the price of these bikes so my buddy is wondering if the differences is worth several thousand$$ to be paid for the 1800.

Thanks in advance for an help the folks on this board can give.

 

[motoenthusiast]

In my opinion the 1800 is far superior to the 1500 and the engine is why I say this. I've owned both and currently have 80K on my '03 that I triked last year with a CSC kit. There are those who would say the storage space is better on the 1500, and I would agree. But the 1800 engine puts a smile on your face that was lacking with the 1500. The 1800 is also a far sportier ride.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree::clap: If your buddy is going to spend most of his time with somebody riding shotgun, then the 1800 is the way to go! :2thumbs:

 

[MarkLawson]

I had a GL1500 from 1990 to 2001, when I bought a GL1800A, which I still have and ride. The GL1800 is so much better I can't imagine going back.

 

[Questions]

Thanks everyone:

There seems to be 30 - 50% increase in purchase price moving from a later model 1500 to an early to middle year 1800. That being the case, I have been telling him to just spend another 10 grand and buy a spyder....hyea:

When you say the 1800 is that much better are you talking "All Around" better bike - or just in power? I'm asking because I never felt the 1500 was short on power, mind you NOT running an 1800 I guess I did not know what I was missing....:dontknow:

 

[Questions]

Thanks everyone.....