Almost Lust for an 1800

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Mike-C
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Almost Lust for an 1800

#1

Post by Mike-C »

Good Evening Folks;
I have been quietly lusting over an F6B and suddenly had the idea of buying an older 1800 (a 2005 and up) and making an F6B clone out of it. After looking it up on the magical Googlizer I have decided that it just might be more trouble than it is worth. What say you? SHHHHH do not tell my wife . . . . I am sure y'all know what I mean.
That said $6000 to $8000 can buy you a good looker with 50000 or so miles. With the Canadian / US border still closed I am looking on the Canadian web sites like KIJIJI (the Canadian Craigslist) and being retired I can go anywhere to pick up what I want. There is one in Calgary, Alberta that has caught my eye, a 2008 for $7K CDN. But as I said do not tell my wife . . Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more.. I have also discovered that 1800 riders RIDE ! I have seen many examples on both sides of the border with 100,000 + miles and one had over 200K on it. Priced accordingly of course.
Mike Coleman
'84 Wing-Lite (ex-Aspencade)
'84 (un-Terstate)
'84 Standard (as yet un-named)
'96 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 (The Vulcanator)
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ritalz
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#2

Post by ritalz »

I've only had my 03 for a few weeks and really enjoy it. They shore do eat up the miles quickly. Only done a few short trips but racked up 2500 miles. A good days ride is about 350 and not getting overly tired. Go for it.
Al

2003 Goldwing Daily Rider
1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1984 Goldwing New Bagger Project
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter' Sold
1985 Goldwing Interstate 'NCC-1985' sold
1981 Silverwing Sold
1982 Goldeing Project Sold
1981 Goldwing Parted Out
1983 Goldwing Project Sold
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#3

Post by ob1quixote »

I'm sure they are great bikes, but I drew my personal line at the presence of a reverse gear. If I cant push it backwards from the saddle, I am on too much motorcycle.
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Mike-C
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#4

Post by Mike-C »

Folks, I agree on the reverse gear but at 6'3 with a 33" inseam I think I have the legs to push / pull it around. There is a video that describes the procedure to change the air filter, 20 minutes to get to it, lots of clips, panels and connectors. Then there are the valve adjustments, having to remove the cams to change the shims, much like my Kawasaki Z-1. UGH, I have become spoiled with the hydraulic lifters on my 1200.
Mike Coleman
'84 Wing-Lite (ex-Aspencade)
'84 (un-Terstate)
'84 Standard (as yet un-named)
'96 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 (The Vulcanator)
Mike Coleman
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Canada
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#5

Post by ritalz »

Reverse gear is a plus for me. Don't use it often as the bike rolls easily but I am getting older and my legs are a bit shorter than yours. I'm only 5' 6". I use it mostly when I try to park on the patio. Pushing backwards 20 feet in the grass is no fun.
Al

2003 Goldwing Daily Rider
1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1984 Goldwing New Bagger Project
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter' Sold
1985 Goldwing Interstate 'NCC-1985' sold
1981 Silverwing Sold
1982 Goldeing Project Sold
1981 Goldwing Parted Out
1983 Goldwing Project Sold
1973 CB500F Long Gone
1966 CL77 First Street Bike
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#6

Post by Rednaxs60 »

Had a 2008, nice bike. The 1800 for taller riders has a bad saddle riding position. Knees will be about 1"from the from the fairing. The handle bars are too far back for a taller rider and I was getting pinched between the shoulder blades. Had the seat modified to suit, moved back 2" and up 2", I'm 6'2". Once this was done all was well. 4 hours for an air filter change - BTDT, can't see much under 3 hours for this, lots to remove for a $25.00ish part. Clutch bleed require a few removals as well. Slave cylinder packed up well behind the front lower cowling. Flushing the brakes is quite easy, and if done correctly no need to bleed, just did my friends 2005. Reverse gear is a treat, no matter how tall you are, don't park it so it is pointing downhill and you have to back up. Didn't use reverse too often but when needed it's great. Geared quite low, there is an article in the latest GW mag about a final drive change that can be done. Get one that has heated hand grips and seat, the heated seat is very nice. The earlier models may not have the warm air ports out the bottom. This is another good feature when riding in cooler weather. Warm air flows back and up the pant leg, no need to be uncomfortable. Suspension goes soft after a while. Great from the factory but needs to be renewed or upgraded after some 70K Kms, just the way it is, and what I found from researching the 1800 before I bought the 2008. If you bought your 1800 from new and have grown old with it so to speak, may not notice a difference. If you buy used you may notice the suspension being soft. Downside is a god aftermarket suspension is expensive, put the Traxion "full monty" on my 1800 and it's a significant, great upgrade.

I sold mine for my '85 Limited Edition FI model. FI was a need, and this one has fit the requirement nicely. I wanted a retirement long term project as well. Still doing projects to bring it back to its former glory such as rebuilding the engine, new paint job (ongoing as I type). Once the engine is back together and in the bike with the new paint job, no reason it will not outlast my riding career.

Have a 1500 with reverse for two up touring with a trailer. The MRS likes riding on the 1500 so it's my two up go to bike, until the 1200 is back together. Will tour on the 1200 as well but no trailer towing.

I think the 1800 is a great bike but for my backyard mechanic skills too complicated. The 1200/1500 are easier to maintain in my mind. As mentioned the 1800 can eat up the miles quite nicely. Did cross Canada and down through lower California in 2015 on the 1800, gas and go.

The interesting issue with older versus newer bikes is that properly maintained, either goes the distance. If something happens to an older bike, more challenging to get repaired on the road. Gold Wings buck this trend in that once at the same level of maintenance, seem to keep going and going and going - energizer bunny style.

Just some thoughts. Cheers
"When writing the Story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen."

Ernest

1985 GL1200 Limited Edition
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
1995 GL1500 SE CDN Edition (sold)
2012 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (sold)
Ontario 1985 GL1200 Limited Edition (sold)
2008 GL1800 (sold)
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#7

Post by wingrider »

For me, reverse was just one of the selling features, but I am rather short in stature. You certainly need to ride one to see what you might be missing. They are very nimble for how big they are. I will say that you being as tall as you are, you may want to ride it and see if you are comfortable.

I certainly am not saying it isn't possible, but the trunk doesn't come off nice and neat on a newer Wing.

Maintenance is a tad more involved on the 1800 vs the naked bikes, but you also can get by a little longer it seems.
2002 1800 Wing
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1977 1200 Wing cafe/bobber project
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dontwantapickle
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#8

Post by dontwantapickle »

I would have had an 1800 a long time ago if they made a "basic" version.

I don't like all of the added fluff ( stereos, heated grips, air bags, etc) on my motorcycles.
So I ended up with my Valkyrie standard.

I may buy an 1800 one day, but If I do, it will be one that I can put together the way that I want.
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#9

Post by Mike-C »

Gents;
You have given me a lot to think about. Ernest's comments on the seat and suspension are well received, it is obvious that the more complicated a vehicle becomes the more expensive it is to fix or upgrade. As far as backyard mechanics go, I consider myself pretty competent, I can do pretty much anything, I even do my own A/C repairs on my vehicles, but I am reaching the point where I just do not want to do it any more or I am becoming selective on what I do or want to do. That said I once I get my son's Wing dialed in I will be doing driveshaft universal joints and rear brakes on my Mercury Grand Marquez. Perhaps I'll just keep what I have and am comfortable with.
Mike Coleman
'84 Wing-Lite (ex-Aspencade)
'84 (un-Terstate)
'84 Standard (as yet un-named)
'96 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 (The Vulcanator)
Mike Coleman
North Lancaster, Ontario
Canada
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#10

Post by Gowing »

My interest in the 1800 has always been on the performance side. At least when I was a bit younger. I watched a u tube of a guy who did a bunch of quarter mile timed runs, back to back, twelves I think. Burnout, etc. strong and impressive for such a big bike. When a friend bought his 07 new, i always remember him saying it was funny to see the inexperienced guys in the curves with their 600 crotch rockets, who couldn’t get away from him and some couldn’t catch him. He also said for two up it was the most comfortable for his wife, More than his 14 electroglide. Much more comfortable.
Of course now I need the new model with the automatic. Since I’m dreaming. Never say never.
In 2015 approx, I said to my bride, I’ve got to have this 03 st1300 with 2100 miles for 6K. And I almost fell off the couch when she said OK, go get it.
Dave

1975 GL 1000
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Oldewing
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#11

Post by Oldewing »

Now that I have had a 1800 for 5 years and put 40 K miles on her ( I still work)

Points for,
can do 3 or 4 hundred days at will, 6 or 7 isn't that much of a problem either

fast,handles well, and oh, it's fast.

Points against,

Lots of parts, lots that are hard to get too




All in all, I would not give it up. I would like a bit more room (6'3) I have been kicking the idea of either fixing the factory seat or doing the corbin thingy..
82 GL1100 Interstate-Oldewing October 23 BOTM
06 GL1800 Road bike, as in Rode alot...
Sometimes I wrestle with my inner demons.........
Other times we just hug.......

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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#12

Post by Rednaxs60 »

If you're 6'3" I'd recommend the same changes I had done to mine when I first bought it. OEM seat was modified, moved me back 2" and up 2", major difference. My seat was modified by Rich's Custom Seats in Kingston WA, just across the water from Victoria. He's been doing this for some 25 or so years: https://www.richscustomseats.com/ Had my 1200 done as well - seat, rider backrest, passenger backrest, rear trunk bags and passenger armrests:
Bike Seat 1.jpg
Bike Seat 1.jpg (90.24 KiB) Viewed 251 times
, may do the 1500. Good reason for a road trip. dancr
"When writing the Story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen."

Ernest

1985 GL1200 Limited Edition
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
1995 GL1500 SE CDN Edition (sold)
2012 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (sold)
Ontario 1985 GL1200 Limited Edition (sold)
2008 GL1800 (sold)
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#13

Post by pidjones »

Our '06 has about 123k miles. We've been to Grand Canyon, NOLA, BRP (several times), Barber (also several times)Natchez Trace, been to Helen back. All two-up. I commuted on it before retirement. Still trouble-free and I would head out on it for anywhere. We now pull a Uni-go. The '79 is my summer daily just to gain the airflow. But, the '06 is "our" bike and we enjoy it together.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#14

Post by desertrefugee »

I can relate 'pickle's comment about bells and whistles. Good friend of mine and one with whom I have ridden thousands of miles over the road on motorcycles has a '06 Goldwing. I can honestly say that the only thing he has that I would appreciate is the sound system. But I have solved that with quality earbuds streaming Spotify. I appreciate the no frills, very capable and quietly confident attitude of the original Valkyrie. Everything you need, nothing you don't.
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
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Lucien Harpress
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Re: Almost Lust for an 1800

#15

Post by Lucien Harpress »

desertrefugee wrote: Wed Sep 09, 2020 8:54 pm [etc.] I appreciate the no frills, very capable and quietly confident attitude of the original Valkyrie. Everything you need, nothing you don't.
You pretty much posted my exact thoughts about this thread. Although I would LOVE a proper-looking Valkyrie with an 1800 motor in it.

(If only I could get rid of this blasted GL1200....) lolol
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
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