Page 2 of 2

Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 1:20 pm
by rcmatt007
my 1800 cc has a reverse in the Mazda five speed transmission. Of course the engine is not normal called an 1800... it is 124ci

Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 5:04 pm
by Liam
Mike you must resist this temptation. If you buy one of those 1800 things it will ruin you. You will not want to ride anything else again. Don't worry about the extra gizmos they have, you can choose not to use them. Don't worry either about the hard to reach bits like filters and stuff, they don't need to be attended to much. I had a 2003 which was my first 1800 which I sold with 90 something thousand miles on it and it was as sweet as a new bike. I now have a 2006 with 32,000 which I have to admit I have not ridden as much since my sickness last year. They are surprisingly nimble for such a big beast. I am a large chap and try not to use the reverse much, and I always try not to get into the situation where I need it. The standard seat is not in my opinion up to much for a taller person, I have a corbin seat on mine which pushes me back and down a bit which makes a hell of a difference. The much firmer Corbin seat is better for long distance once you get your posterior trained to it.

Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 7:36 pm
by Whiskerfish
I love mine. Once the maintenance is up to date it is pretty easy to keep up. Oil changes and tires are about all I have done to mine in the last 20,000 miles. Definitely concentrate on 06 and up. 06 is when they split it up into I think 4 maybe 5 different packages. Base (includes the premium audio), after that I forget exactly which is which but heated grips and seats are the comfort, GPS is the Navi, ABS is in there somewhere. The Airbag model is the top of the line and includes all the other stuff. 06 and up I am pretty sure is also after all the frame recalls. There is one for the rear brake on all 01-10 models I think. So you will want that checked to see if it was done. Personally I would not use the built in GPS as a bonus point. Have heard too many issues with cost of upgrades and lack of support etc. I broke down and got a Garmin Zumo 396 and do not regret it. OEM CB if you are wanting one is expensive but can be added for about 6 bills.

To bring one up to date on Maintenance takes a bit. I had to do fork seals, flush every fluid, Air Filter, service the rear shock pre-load servo, fix stuck micro-switches etc etc. Took a few weeks waiting on parts etc but it gave me a chance to get to know her. Do not let the stories about the air filter bother you. Yes it takes a bit of time but it is not hard. Plenty of Youtube how too's to guide you.

The Previous owner was a Big guy, I am short but over 200 lbs so not little. The OEM seat is "dead" and pretty much was dead when I got the bike with less than 50,000 miles on it. It came with an AirHawk seat pad. That is a great investment to put off immediate seat replacement. I would not have enjoyed my Coast to Coast run last year without it. Seats cost as much or more than most of my GL1000's!

Yes I do use the reverse. On level pavement I am pretty good but if parking on a lawn etc the reverse removes all the struggle.

For price point. February last year I paid 7,200 USD for an Base Model 08 with LOTS of extra's (several thousand dollars worth) and less than 50,000 miles. Cosmetically the bike was near showroom. It was Gorgeous!! Maintenance history was non-exixtent. The fluids (except engine oil) were all original as was the Air filter. Admittedly I was stupid lucky and got a great deal but if you are patient they are out there.

OH and one more thing NO BELTS TO CHANGE!!! lolol lolol lolol

Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 7:52 pm
by desertrefugee
I really think we should lock down this thread. Despite my comments on the appreciation of the Valkyrie, which are still very much true, all this chatter about the 1800 wing is making me scratch my chin. That is not a good thing.

Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 8:16 pm
by Whiskerfish
lolol lolol lolol lolol lolol

Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:16 pm
by Mike-C
Gents;
I do believe that I will default to the old phrase 'discretion is the better part of valour' and park this idea for future consideration. I have MBS as well as a small dose of MWS (if you count my son's Wings) and I think that I have enough toys for now. BUT one never knows and the good Wing Fairy might tap me on the shoulder with her horizontally opposed magic wand and whisper 'go for it' in my ear.
Thanks for all the advice
Mike Coleman
'84 Wing-Lite (ex-Aspencade)
'84 (un-Terstate)
'84 Standard (as yet un-named)
'96 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 (The Vulcanator)