buying a Wing in the winter

[cookiedough]

Would anyone buy a used 2002 goldwing 38K miles from what appears to be in very good condition without test riding it first? 

Bike is at a nearby dealer (non Honda, etc, but small resell shop) and since winter in WI, will not allow anyone to test drive it even for say 6 miles down the road due to road salt, bad weather.

Am sure they will start it, but without riding it even for 3-4 miles I say not worth the risk for 8 grand or so. 

Just too many variables that 'could' be wrong like brakes,  suspension, shifting proper, engine, frame, etc. but pretty sure all are very slim chances being bad.  After all, it is a HONDA right??

If I had the garage space/room and financial means to even consider buying it before selling my Valk I/S,  it would probably be in my garage next week.

I just don't feel comfy spending that kind of dough without a warranty which am sure is none being 13 years old without at least a test drive first even if it is only 5-6 miles. 

[RDKLL]

Well, you cant really blame him but as soon as it warmed up and rained enough to get the salt off I am sure you csn go fot a ride and all will be good...unless one of his regulars, who may have bought from him in the off season for better pricing takes the plunge...

[Crackerborn]

There was a local Honda dealer here a few years ago that would not allow test rides. Their claim was the insurance company would not allow test rides. I had been looking at a new VTX they had on the floor, but once I found out their test ride policy, I never darkened their doorway again. They have since closed.

[fudgie]

I never test rode my Valk. It was a demo unit. While they were doing the paperwork they let me ride a different Valk.

[six2go #152]

It's weird how dealerships differ. The 2 Honda dealers that I use cannot get me on a test ride of any unit of my choice fast enough, even if I'm not really in the market for a bike at that time. One of them also sells Kawasaki and I've been eyeballing the new Versys 1000. I know that if I went over there right now, I could be blasting the backroads on one within an hour.
Yep, kinda strange.

[wiggydotcom]

Would anyone buy a used 2002 goldwing 38K miles from what appears to be in very good condition without test riding it first? 

Bike is at a nearby dealer (non Honda, etc, but small resell shop) and since winter in WI, will not allow anyone to test drive it even for say 6 miles down the road due to road salt, bad weather.

Am sure they will start it, but without riding it even for 3-4 miles I say not worth the risk for 8 grand or so. 

Just too many variables that 'could' be wrong like brakes,  suspension, shifting proper, engine, frame, etc. but pretty sure all are very slim chances being bad.  After all, it is a HONDA right??

If I had the garage space/room and financial means to even consider buying it before selling my Valk I/S,  it would probably be in my garage next week.

I just don't feel comfy spending that kind of dough without a warranty which am sure is none being 13 years old without at least a test drive first even if it is only 5-6 miles. 

Today and tomorrow are warm enough for you to take a test ride...even in Wisconsin! Wasn't there just a nice rain a few days ago to wash the salt away? If I wanted that bad enough...I'd be there and asking about taking it out...TODAY!!

How bad do YOU want it? Secondly, how many people buy used original Valks without a warranty? Hundreds...

[Dave Ritsema]

I didn't test ride my new Wing... My F6B OR my first Valkyrie. All were purchased off season and at better prices. It's a Goldwing with 38K? Start it and listen to the engine, put it in gear and ease out the clutch, you will know if it feels OK. As far as brakes, if the rotors look good who cares if I needs a set of pads?

The condition of the things you CAN see, (Paint, bodywork, chrome, etc.) should give you a good idea how it has been treated in its' past life. Worst case, ask if you can speak to the original owner.

[Jess from VA]

Also, if it's a state with an annual inspection, you can always ask for one to be done (though they may not be licensed to do it).  Not a foolproof inspection granted, but one that covers all the basics.

Also, though the seller will not divulge the previous owner's ID, you could ask them to contact the PO for you and give him your phone number and ask him to call you about the history and condition of the bike. (If they say they can't do this, they are lying.)  Most competent, good bike owners will be happy/proud to talk about their bike (and are hoping it goes to a good home).  If a PO would refuse this request, it would make me worry about his bike.  

I've done this several times and had long conversations with POs.  win-win

One remembered he had the original pipes and other parts, and I went and picked them up gratis.

[J.Mencalice]

Heck, I test rode my girlfriend for seven years before I decided to marry her!

I wouldn't think of buying a used bike without doing the same thing.

[jdp]

I would but I would have a long talk over the phone with them and ask a lot of questions, almost all my bikes have been bought over the phone or eBay or even this website, never been burned yet (knock on wood)

[gordonv]

Bought my IS from a dealer in Vegas, a 20 hr drive away. My only concern was did the bike actually exist. Had someone go by the dealer and look it over, it was real.

Made a deal with the seller to hold the bike for 5 whole months, whereby I would have arrived before that time and drive it home.

Paid for it with a check, had the title changed, and only 4 months later it was a week long Road Trip with my brother.

[cookiedough]

Heck, I test rode my girlfriend for seven years before I decided to marry her!

I wouldn't think of buying a used bike without doing the same thing.

Exactly,  gotta rider her (or it) to make sure it is a keeper!  

I am going up that way on Tuesday on my way back I should have time to inspect it and start it up, but he definitely over the phone said NO test rides whatsoever.

Is a 2 owner bike, first guy only owned it less than 1 year in 2002 put only 2100 miles on it,  2nd owner had it since 2002 until recently and this dealer bought it from another bigger dealer he does business with often.  This dealer is basically a re-sell shop no mechanics so am pretty sure nothing was inspected or looked over.  Dealer owner had no knowledge of when fluids or oil or tires were changed although said tires looked like 90% still there.  I would think at 8K the private party seller could have gotten more than that for it before winter?

[bscrive]

I would.  I have bought a few bikes on eBay without test rides, and I have never had any problems.  It's a wing, what really could be so wrong with it that a start up, and clutch test won't suffice??

[Sorcerer]

Start it and let it warm up. Once warmed up, listen for a bad ADG. Also get the vin # and check with a Honda dealer to see if the frame recall and repairs have been done. Also last fall a recall for the rear break system was issued. Chances are pretty good the break recall hasn't been done yet.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

38000 is not even  broke in well on a wing. It's a WING, they are not prone to break on anything of your concerns.

They have a dyno? hual it to dyno? Put it on the center stand and run it through the gears.

If the price is right I'd buy it after a good eyeball of the bike.

[cookiedough]

Went and took a look at it today in the wintery mix coming down thunder snow and all.

Started up, ran fine, let clutch out and ran thru the gears just fine and reverse works and all lights work as they should.  Paint in good condition no real scratches but needs a good cleaning for sure.  I HATE the VERY tall backward sloping windshield is ONLY like 5" away from my forehead that is how far it slopes back to the driver and over my helmet height for sure -  has to go for sure. 

Tires were 6311 date on tires so are 4+ years old for sure but has plenty of tread left will last at most 2 more riding seasons probably, if that, but both tires being dunlop elite III's are starting to cup/flatten out even with plenty of tread left on both tires.   

Questions:  Did the 2002 Wing have standard rear speakers since could not hear the 2 back speakers, only front two?  Maybe there was a fade switch button I do not know where to push to get the rear speakers to work, if they are even there?  2nd question: He has no idea on frame recall  or anything else at all on the bike being done since bought dirt cheap he said at a car dealer no less about 2 hours away (he personally drove it that 2 hours to his shop no issues he said) and I couldn't easily find the vin# myself to write down to check if the frame recall has been done and he has no idea who the previous owner was besides the car dealer.  Is that a biggie since I would think if ridden even 39K miles in past 14 years,  it should be o.k. right?'
3rd question:  it has a kick heel/toe shifter and wanted to make sure either it is adjustable UP in front or the footpegs can be lowered since even with my thin tennis shoes on, I had a very tough time upshifting in front since I could barely fit my shoe under the front shifter, way too tight a fit. 

ONLY thing easily seen needing replacing ASAP is the brake and clutch fluid since very dark in the reservoir round clear viewing window, probably never been done or if has been done, only once prior it looks like.  I must be blind and loosing it, but don't the newer 2001 on up Wings have a dipstick to pull out to see oil level and how dirty/clean the oil is?? I could not find it on either side of the bike as is easily seen on my Valk I/S having the dipstick on right side.    Oil changes am sure have to remove that plastic as well to get at the oil filter am sure, darn plastic!!

After sitting on it,  it surely feels different than my Valk I/S much lower handlebars and much more upright sitting position than I am accustomed to.  The drivers backrest was not great either since was angled back up top way too much not offering full middle back support, only the lower portion of the back was touching the backrest.  Must have been a VERY tall previous owner as well since the front hwy. pegs were so far forward I could barely touch them with my feet, but they are adjustable closer to me since the plastic sides of the Wing sort of get in the way of using them.  Plus, that top of the backrest leaning back so far will interfer I think with the wife on back not having enough wiggle room.  It seems the Wing has LESS room for passenger and rider than my Valk I/S,  especially with that backrest the way it is angled back up top, agree?

I'm trying to talk myself out of buying it, but 8K is very reasonable even if so many unknowns/variables not able to get from this place who goes around and buys cheap and resells them.  He wants it gone ASAP since he wants a quick flip since is ONLY HOnda in his small showroom in a sea of used, in good shape, Harley davidsons being his niche market.  He said though he can store it for me until April (am thinking free of charge) if I buy it and then take it home then and that gives me time to sell my Valk I/S for 7K or so.  I can NO way have 2 cycles though, no room.  Even if I don't like it, after cleaning it up and fluid changes,  I know I could easily sell it come spring for 8.5K as it sits making up for my 8K plus sales tax paid. 

decisions, decisions, just wish I could ride it first with the misses to see if she likes it or not as well which won't be happening until later in March and will be gone by then pretty sure on that. 

[Michvalk]

Can't do wrong on a used wing with that few miles. Heel toe shifters upshift with the heel, and downshift with the toe. I'm not surprised you couldn't get your toe under the shifter, as you are not supposed to. I think there is less room on a wing than a Valk for the passenger. There are kits for the trunk to move them back a little.

[Dave Ritsema]

RE Frame Recall. From the Honda TSB.
"If there is a punch mark on the VIN plate as specified in this Service Bulletin, the unit has been inspected or repaired and no further action is required."

http://www.goldwingworld.com/pages/1800SB17.pdf

It most likely is affected by the brake recall also. That would be good for you because you would get the rear brakes flushed and cleaned for free as part of their procedure.

[Hook#3287]

Is he offering any type of warranty?  30 days maybe?   If so, ask him to start it the day you get it on the road.

I bought 2 Valks off e-bay, w/o test rides because of weather conditions and both were good bikes.

I felt pretty confident I could spot junk and confident in Valks in general.

I knew I could fix just about anything that would be wrong and I did.

It went well for the most part and I'd do it again.

[cookiedough]

thanks guys,  never had nor knew about heel/toe shifters having to upshift with the heel, no wonder I could not really get my toes under the front part to upshift.  Doubt I would like that shifter setup then since to me unless get used to it or adjust it so I can use just the front part to do both upshift/downshift,  that heel/toe shifter would be very odd to upshift with heel in back, doubt I would like that. 

I guess I will look for that punch in the vin plate on left side of bike to make sure frame recall has been done - good to know.

I thought that Wing rear seat was a tad bit cramped for rear passenger looking at it,  especially with that very wide and angled back on top drivers backrest taking up valuable rear space.  I'd hate to sell my more open spaced Valk I/S which the wife likes to find out she dislikes the more cramped quarters of the passenger seat.

NO warranty, he said buy as is (nothing done to it nor inspected knew nothing at all about the bike) once you buy it,  any issues even 1 day after is your problem.  Basically, just like a private party sale and somewhat worse since no information at all about the bike and no previous owner contact at all.

If it sits longer than he wants it there since said wants it gone SOON,  I may lowball him at 7500 since does need a new OEM sized windshield and probably have to get rid of that heel/toe shifter as well.  I just don't like that tall touring windshield only 4-5" from my face in front of me, way too close for comfort plus not able to see OVER it at all.  Plus,  a 2 day cleaning of the bike he will not do looks to not been washed all of 2015 for sure and then some and new clutch/brake fluid changes done ASAP is also worth some time/money, probably guessing an oil change needed as well.

Where is the oil dipstick or oil unscrew cap to put oil in these Wings?  My guess it is hidden behind one of the chrome side panels on the right side since NOT readily visible to me just like the oil filter is hidden/covered up in front?

It also has a VERY tight fitting dark gray velour/plastic seat for both passenger/driver cover that I want to take off to inspect the actual seat for any rips/cracks.  It is ON there VERY tight so will take some time to remove am sure and I know the owner of that small bike shop will not like me doing that, seems sort of arrogant like I am trying to find reasons on why to NOT buy the bike when I asked him about the frame recall done or not.    My money, not his!  He is a harley davidson guy all the way and doesn't like that Wing in his shop just wants a quick flip is all.

[hubcapsc]

There sure seems to be a lot of covers on regular wings... I was looking at little-Eric's
wing right before I got my Valkyrie-wing, and was surprised that even the oil
filler/dip-stick was covered...

I would look around for a $10,000 brand new Valkyrie-wing before I'd consider
an $8,000 13 year old wing, unless the wrap around dashboard, fairing and
luggage are what you are after... those are the things that kept me from
even wanting a wing before the stripped down Valkyrie one came out...

-Mike "I might could stand the dashboard if it was a yellow one  "

[Kep]

Call 1-866-784-1870 (Honda Customer Service) give them the VIN # and they can tell you exactly what recalls have been completed and which ones are pending.

[IamGCW]

Call 1-866-784-1870 (Honda Customer Service) give them the VIN # and they can tell you exactly what recalls have been completed and which ones are pending.

+1

Also even if the frame recall is done inspect the weld.  Many broke again after the repair.  I think the repair area is left side back cover.  Oil dipstick is right side forward cover.  You might check some of the Goldwing forums or search Cruiseman on youtube for buying a used wing advise.

Gil

[Jess Tolbirt]

i am not familiar with the 1800 wings other than this,, dont get rid of that windshield, after you ride it with the stock shield you will put that after market one back on,,the 1800 wings are very windy so to speak.
the drivers backrest is adjustable so that is a non issue,,, take the better half for a ride on it and she will tell you what bike she likes best,,,when the 1800 wings came out thats when i went to the valkyrie because of the aluminum frames breaking,,i like steel frames,,,

[BradValk48237]

I bought my Valk from a dealer without a test ride...

I knew it was there and was out on a ride with a friend.... 60 miles from home..

Started it up in the showroom... nothing out of the ordinary.. he said I had a 30 day warranty and could bring it back or return it for any reason.....

Went to the bank down the street, got a cashiers check and bought it within the hour after I saw it. I know it was the ONE.

Picked it up and brought it home 2 days later... needless to say it never went back to that dealer.

I say do it if you want it... But get a warranty if you can.. like someone said.. starting once you can ride it.

B

[BigChris99]

The tall windshield you speak of is a Tulsa windshield. Not sure if they are in business anymore. I hate the looks of them myself. But, Wing riders that have them love 'em. If you don't like it,post it on a GW forum. It'l sell quick I bet.

[wingrider02]

As far as an 02 having rear speakers...it might is the correct answer.  It was not stock, had to add them, but if the fader is turned to the front, you wouldn't hear it anyways.  The fader adjustment is in the radio menu...left button if my memory is correct.

The dipstick is part of the oil fill cap...located on the right side, behind what should be a chrome plastic cover. 

Does sound like it has a Tulsa on it...heard they are great for wind protection...but get tricky in rain, and heat...the latter being it doesn't let much breeze get to you.

[wiggydotcom]

I also don't know the specifics of a 2003 Wing but on later models the windshields are adjustable up and down. Even if this one isn't, there are plenty of aftermarket windshield with Baggershields, Madstad, and Klockwerks being a few of the popular ones. You are correct...as a general rule, you want to be looking over your shield-not through it. If you are about 6 ft, you might want to sit on a Wing with around a 13 or 15 inch shield.

Also, don't be so quick to think you'll hate that heel toe shifter. I think it will take you all of 10 minutes to get used to it and love it. Give it a chance. It's one of the best options I put on both of my Interstates! Good luck on the bike! It doesn't sound to me like that dealer is very accomodating. You are right about wintertime being a buyers market. I got a great deal on my second Interstate because the owner admitted he didn't want to pay interest/taxes on it all winter. I think it's a good idea to shoot him that lower offer and let him stew on it a week or two. Give him your number along with the offer. But be prepared to deal with it if it gets sold in the interim.

[fudgie]

I also don't know the specifics of a 2003 Wing but on later models the windshields are adjustable up and down. Even if this one isn't, there are plenty of aftermarket windshield with Baggershields, Madstad, and Klockwerks being a few of the popular ones. You are correct...as a general rule, you want to be looking over your shield-not through it. If you are about 6 ft, you might want to sit on a Wing with around a 13 or 15 inch shield.

Also, don't be so quick to think you'll hate that heel toe shifter. I think it will take you all of 10 minutes to get used to it and love it. Give it a chance. It's one of the best options I put on both of my Interstates! Good luck on the bike! It doesn't sound to me like that dealer is very accomodating. You are right about wintertime being a buyers market. I got a great deal on my second Interstate because the owner admitted he didn't want to pay interest/taxes on it all winter. I think it's a good idea to shoot him that lower offer and let him stew on it a week or two. Give him your number along with the offer. But be prepared to deal with it if it gets sold in the interim.

My coworkers 02 has adj shield.

[Mr Whiskey]

Hey Cookiedough, if you're still tryin' to talk yourself outta buyin' that Wing, let me help
You can do better!!
An '02 with 38k is good, but mileage on a Wing is nothing, kinda like a Valk.
If I had it to do over again I would have held out for an '06 or newer simply for the up-grade in the sound system. The '05's & back have a really cheap, built into the radio, high distortion amp! I'm gonna have to pull the top shelter (no small feat) & send the radio to Larry on the Wing board to get this fixed. (He's built his own fixtures & installs a much higher quality amp for $145.) Everything sounds like crap with the factory radio amp & yes you have to install your own rear speakers. (You'll need a wire harness from Lewis at Electrical Connections.)
You DO need to crawl around on the ground & inspect that frame, even if the recall's been done!! (I'll try & find you some pics of what you're lookin' for & where.)
All factory Goldwing suspension SUX, (trust me!) so you really want one with some up-grade in this department if you can get it, & you can! Jus' gotta prowl the Wing classifieds & Craigslist.
I'd keep my eye out for an '06 or newer with 80k-ish or less for roughly the same price & with those suspension up-grades I was talkin' about, Traxxion or Progressive. My '05's got Progressive heavy duty springs front & rear, corners like it's on rails!
All that said...............if you let Momma sit on that bike.........you're doomed!
(Don't say I didn't try an warn ya, haha!)
Here's one comperable to what you're lookin' at, with trailer, & you'd know some history on the bike.....
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/mcy/5428669833.html
& here's one I would have flown out & rode home!!!...........
(it laid around on the Wing board for a couple of weeks)
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/6-gl1800-classifieds-4-sale-owner/259170-2006-gl1800-sale.html

You really can do better!
Hope this helps Bro, seriously

[cookiedough]

Yah, that one in portland looks nice for sure for just a tad more with trailer.  I see that one had the handlebar risers as well which I feel would be needed since the stock 02' Wing handlebars were pretty darn low it seemed like.  By the time you figure in a new windshield and fussing with the driver's backrest to see if can get it to go straight up/down, new clutch/brake fluid, etc.,  you have got the difference right there plus newer tires.  

That possible offer of 7500 vs. 7995 asking price seems more to my liking?  The worst he can say is NO, especially as he says he got it dirt cheap and wants it moved out ASAP. 

[Mr Whiskey]

Frame pics........



While there were multiple known issues at that cross member where the swingarm mounts, this seemed to be the worst place.......
(both sides)



Original design.........



Honda's redesign '05..........
(not pretty, but effective)



Like I said, crawl around on the ground & look it over good.
Happy hunting Bro

P.S. They've pretty much all been recalled (multiple times) for rear brake drag. The newest recall replaces the secondary master cylinder completely & is supposed to be "the fix" everyone's been waiting for.
Any competent dealer service dept. can take care of that for ya.