need opinions about possible purchase

[Full_Throttle]

So There is this 2002 gold wing locally that has been repossessed by the bank.  I am thinking of checking it out.  what I know over the phone is that it is a gl 1800, and hasn't ran in 2 years.  It is at a towing company right now and what I have been told is that I can get this for under 3K.  the bad news is that when they went to put in a battery they noticed some "black" connectors and are afraid of electrical problems in the bike.  I don't believe it will run just due to the fact it has sat for 2 years, and they don't want to try because of a fear of electrical fire.  Now I haven't seen this bike yet, I am going to go look at it today.  What are some things I should look for?  This bike seems to be going for 10K in good shape, so even with electrical problems and such, 3K seems like I am getting a steal, but there are several unknowns here.  I have rebuilt several old cars and such, and I am quite handy with wiring (electrical tech. background) so the wiring doesn't scare me in the least.  What scares me is that I won't be able to hear the bike run, and I don't know the mileage.  I am HOPING to find that out today, but they may not be willing to even turn on the key (I am assuming it is a digital odometer).

Opinions? advice? thoughts?

thanks!
Mike

[alph]

my thought is this, if you get it cheap enough, it won't hurt if you have to stick some money into it, if not, you can easily make your money back parting it out on ebay.

[Pete]

Good luck  ---- get it as cheap as possible    --- raises your odds of getting it going without putting to much money in it.

If you are not a hands on type of person  --- do not do it  --- having the work done will eat you alive.

Be prepared to spend time and effort  --- if luck you will not need it   ---- if unlucky it will be the only way to come out +$$$$$.

Not being able to ascertain the condition of the engine is a biggy  ---  most folks cannot rebuild these engines on there own --- so at least check the oil very carefully.

[big turkey]

Go else where sounds like trouble.

10,000 in this day and age for a 2002 is a little high.

Get a low mileage bike from Craig's List and you'ed be better off.

A good deal does not always mean a good deal.

Big AL

[Chrisj CMA]

Go else where sounds like trouble.

10,000 in this day and age for a 2002 is a little high.

Get a low mileage bike from Craig's List and you'ed be better off.

A good deal does not always mean a good deal.

Big AL

Al....he said he is paying 3K or under not 10K........Id go for it.........cant cost that mcuh to fix....well as long as its not otherwise damaged

[Full_Throttle]

Well, I went and looked at the bike.  There wasn't anyone there to talk with, but by just "looking" at it, I can only find one small issue with the front fender chrome.  I think I will attempt to purchase this bike.  I think I can get it for $2800.  That leaves me with A LOT of room for $$ for repairs.  My goal here is to turn a proffit so I can spend more $$ on the valk . Back tire needs replaced, front looks fine.  I still do not know how many miles are on this bike.  I know it sat for 2 years, so it has 6 years of riding on it.  Who knows.....we will see Tuesday.  The rear looks funny because I "removed" the license plate using paint.

Here are several pics I took with my Cell phone.   

[Mary (Ontario)]

There was a frame recall on the 1800 wings up to early 2004 - not 100% certain off the years involved. There should be a notation somewhere to note that it has been checked and the weld should be have been done if it was needed. Might want to check the 1800 msg. board for the full info. (Lots are still riding their bikes after the weld has been done without problems).

[Full_Throttle]

  Gotcha!  I had seen that, and is on my list of things to check.

[T.P.]

Looks clean, go for it

[alph]

DAMN NICE LOOKING BIKE!!!

the first thing i would do is NOT TRY TO START IT!!  drain and replace the engine oil, drain the fuel tank completely!!  don't let any crap plug up those injectors.  i'd even replace the coolant.  it wouldn't be a dumb idea to put about a tea spoon of engine oil in each cyclinder, turning it over without the spark plugs in, acouple times, check the exhaust, make sure no mice made it their home!!  then, crank 'er over!!  i bet she'll start right up!!

congrats, hope you get it for $2800!!!  f-ing nice looking deal!!!

[Jabba]

Looks like a deal to me.

Like alph said... drain EVERYTHING you can first... before you ever put any juice to her.  A little oil in the cylinders and crank a little with the spark plugs OUT won't hurt any either.

I'd run some injector cleaner thru it pretty quick too.

Jabba

[rockrat]

And if you don't buy it, let me know where it is, as I probably would.  Assuming its not 1500 miles away that is.

[sandy]

I can't see the front rotors but the rear has very little use. If you turn the key all the way to the right, it'll be on aux. The ODO should come on.

[alph]

And if you don't buy it, let me know where it is, as I probably would.  Assuming its not 1500 miles away that is.

even if it is, you'd be looking at about an aditional $500 in fuel costs to get it, still a deal!!

let us know if you get that bike, i enjoy hearing about people getting a good deal now and then!!

[franco6]

a STEAL! turn around and sell it for 13 . or keep it