Differences between the GL1500C models

[pstelter]

So I am still waiting to test ride the 99 Standard on which I have a deposit.  Carb parts were received last week with the work scheduled to be completed tomorrow and Wednesday.  Should be able to throw a leg over it on Thursday (Lord willing and the creek don't rise...)

I was wondering if there were any differences between the models (other than the obvious cosmetic ones).  Did a seat test of a 2000 Interstate a couple of years ago and the handlebars seemed a lot like my GL1200.  However, for the brief moment I was upon the 1999 Standard, the bars seemed a lot wider.  Am I imagining things or are they different bars?  (I assume both bikes had stock bars, BTW.)  Any other differences?

(im)Patiently waiting,

Pete

[Pete]

GL1500 Goldwing 32 inches flatter
GL1500 Valkyries 34 inches more down angle - more like pull backs

GL1200 ???

[Hook#3287]

I'm not sure you can assume that the bars on a almost 20 year bike are stock.  Then there's the risers, a lot of people upgraded those to 4"

I believe the bars on all models were the same OEM, but I'd have to check the parts suppliers to know.

The seat and tanks are different on the Interstate, so that could be the diff.

[Chrisj CMA]

I'm not sure you can assume that the bars on a almost 20 year bike are stock.  Then there's the risers, a lot of people upgraded those to 4"

I believe the bars on all models were the same OEM, but I'd have to check the parts suppliers to know.

The seat and tanks are different on the Interstate, so that could be the diff.

Stock interstate bars are not as wide as stock standard bars because of the faring

[Hook#3287]

I'm not sure you can assume that the bars on a almost 20 year bike are stock.  Then there's the risers, a lot of people upgraded those to 4"

I believe the bars on all models were the same OEM, but I'd have to check the parts suppliers to know.

The seat and tanks are different on the Interstate, so that could be the diff.

Stock interstate bars are not as wide as stock standard bars because of the faring

Jeff, after reading your response, I got thinking, I can't feel any difference between my Tourers and the Interstate as far as bar width goes.  So I went and measured them.  Both the Tourer and the Interstate measured were bought used, so can't state they are OEM but feel they are.  Both also have the same Kuyakyn grips.  They both measure 35" from tip to tip with the grips.

I then checked the 99 models of the C, CT, and CF on Partzilla and they do list a different number for the CF, but the graphics, which I believe are very accurate, show them to be identical.

???  ???

The only thing I can say is, a PO could have changed my CF bars to C or CT bars.

[Jess from VA]

Stock, the IS bars are a quarter inch shorter than std/tourer bars.  Eighth inch on each side.

Not really noticeable, and Kury ISOs may cover that up what with the drop-in spacers, and mount to existing handlebar controls.   

[Hook#3287]

Stock, the IS bars are a quarter inch shorter than std/tourer bars.  Eighth inch on each side.

Not really noticeable, and Kury ISOs may cover that up what with the drop-in spacers, and mount to existing handlebar controls.   

  Well, I can't see why the bother if it's only 1/8" each side

[Jess from VA]

Stock, the IS bars are a quarter inch shorter than std/tourer bars.  Eighth inch on each side.

Not really noticeable, and Kury ISOs may cover that up what with the drop-in spacers, and mount to existing handlebar controls.   

  Well, I can't see why the bother if it's only 1/8" each side

No kidding.  (BTW, I might be off, it might be a half inch total shorter with a 1/4" on each side; it's one or the other. 

You have to assume it was done for clearance on lock to lock turning with the IS fairing and bigger 7gal tank (and also the different throttle cable exit).  But who knows..... the Japanese can be an inscrutable lot sometimes.

Look at the scoops on the IS engine guards, and scratch your head.  I don't buy cooling.  More like directing bugs up the pant legs.   

[Hook#3287]

Look at the scoops on the IS engine guards, and scratch your head.  I don't buy cooling.  More like directing bugs up the pant legs.    Grin

Agreed   I cut mine out to mount my highway pegs.

[Chrisj CMA]

Well, I only remembered from years gone by someone asked why the two part numbers for the bars IS/Tourer or Std.  The answer was that the IS are shorter.  IF its Only 1/2" overall I agree that would be hard to notice especially if custom grips make up some or all the difference.

There are other part number differences where the actual difference one to another seems minimal, but they are still differences.  Carburetor parts, Cams, wheels, rotors, bearings.  Actually the '97 bikes have front wheel bearings that only work on '97 bikes.  Same ID for the same axle but smaller OD so they only work on '97s.  Seats changed around 2001, final drives and wheels were polished on standards and toureres about the time the seats changed.  The differences with rear wheels have been beaten to death. 

Overall not much has changed year to year.  Id consider a Valkyrie for its miles and condition way before the model year.  All things being equal, Id take the '97 (partial to them)