a 'Wing and a prayer

I recently listed some of my non-burnt spare parts from my burnt bike collection on E-Bay, then flipped thru the Craigslist, just seeing what's out there, when suddenly. . .

 

. . . This ^ thing pops up and I was the first one to jump on it. ($700.00)
I broke 3 of my rules for buying - - do a compression test; no bikes over 40,000 miles; always offer less money. (bike shows 184,000).

But the bike was complete/intact, clean title, and the guy's phone was ringing off-the-hook while I was looking the bike over. He cranked it, and it WOULD NOT start. (the "prayer" part). Then asked "You buying it, or what? Other people want to look.

Well, it does have reverse, and the engine sounded smooth while cranking, and the seat isn't ripped, and there's about 40% tread left. I sprayed some Ether in at home and it barked on all 6, found out there's only 2 carbs to rebuild. Then the easy stuff like brakes, busted plastic, and paint.

 

You should be able to make $700 atleast in parts if it's not an easy fix so win win I guess.

I'm sort of looking for something like that.

 

Thats how I got my Venture. I broke all the rules just like you did. Mine are the same, but for 550$ I could not loose. I have 1000$ invested in it so far with no regrets.

 

for that kinda deal, it makes up for it being a car-2 wheels. you gonna strip off all the stuff and add more rake?

 

I really like the 1500 better than the 1200 for obvious reasons you've already found! The 6cyl, Carbs and Reverse. Been looking at a few myself.

I just hate it when you get there first and lose all bargaining power with the phone ringing off the hook. Had it happen to me with my 80XS11. Same words, you gonna buy it or what? Once I said yes he said hold on, called his wife and told her to take down the ad off craigslist. I ended up giving him the $800 for it but it only had 5400mi.

150k miles I take it? I too hated not being able to do a compression check or start it. Nice ride, hope it all works out.

Richard

 

Schooter - if I rake the forks, the lines of the brake covers would be (edited)ed.

RP - 184K, really ! but the motor is under-stressed, at 100 HP, and combined with the usual Goldwing riding style, just Putz-in' along with traffic, and the motors last forever.

Performance - It goes 14.00 @ about 90 MPH, which means it really lays over at the top end, like pushing a wet rag.
By way of comparison - the FJR can hit 100 MPH in 6.5 seconds (with a skinny pilot), and could brake to a stop before the 'Wing did a quarter mile.
I'll keep everyone posted.

 

...or http://www.ngwclub.com/ 8)

 

Interesting link Zap, but these beasts have nothing under their plastic that anyone would want to see - - it's all business.

I have now ridden one (1) mile on a GoldWing. Carbs are done, Master and Clutch CYL's rebuilt, no smoke, no funny noises, gears shift, clutch grabs, coolant leaks. . . and it left an oil spot. Bike still has "issues".

 

You could leave it the way it is and call it a harley

 

I've been watching the wings in my area for a while now hoping to find one that wasn't trash. I have been hesitant to go for one with over 100K miles but it sounds like you did ok on that buy. Good Luck!

 

You know all that stuff I always say about old bikes not being like old cars, etc. ?

Nevermind. You of all people should know better. 180K?????

One thing you might like to know: my first personal experience with brake lining delamination was on a Honda (automobile.) Might wanta have a gander at the pads...

 

Get your terminology right, dear. It's called a "Hondabago".

 

EWWWWWW!

 

That's how I got my Concours. It had over 90K. But man it rode nice for it's size and weight. Plus I REALLY liked the looks. Also, the PO, unlike the XJ PO, was meticulous with maintenance and repairs. There are quite a few on the road with well over 100K and still running great. (including mine)

A touring water cooled bike should last WAY longer than an air cooled sport bike.