your opinion on my next purchase please.

[mugmarine]

I own a 02 standard which is just awesome and love to ride. I don't post much but I read all the time and do my own maintaining of my bike. Im looking at adding an interstate valk or a Goldwing late 90s model. I would like your opinion on both before I make a purchase. I want a bike for longer rides and comfort.
 Great reading here and ive learned a lot  but I don't get involved with conversations very much.

Thanks for your input and ill let yall know my purchase..

[The emperor has no clothes]

I love my interstate. I've not owned a GW, so I couldn't give you a good opinion on it.

[Chrisj CMA]

An 1800 Wing is the king of comfort no Argument there and surprisingly gets better gas mileage and longer range.  The downside is its a bit harder to work on with maybe the exception of removing the rear wheel.

[Willow]

You may not get much useful help here as everyone is going to be highly opinionated.

Riders who ride wings love their wings.  There are those on Interstates who love the comparative simplicity.

Your in an area with friends who are on each.  Make contact with someones and ride each consciously thinking about what kinf of long distance riding makes you happy.  Your experience will speak to you more dependably than others' advice.  

[hubcapsc]

When I go out for more than three days or so, I slap an ugly (but good)
Givi trunk on my Tourer, which is already the king of comfort...



That's cheaper than an Interstate, but probably not as much fun as
getting another bike  ...

-Mike

[Disco]

Hey, Marty!  Long time no see.  Good to know you're still around.   

I haven't ridden a 1500 'wing, but my dearly departed 1800 'wing was a great bike.  (Its service manual was as thick as a Dallas phone book - yikes!)

I rescued a 2000 Interstate weekend before last.  It still needs a complete going-through, but it's all there and you'd be more than welcome to take it around the block.  I'm between Denton and Frisco.

There is a lot to be said about not having to learn a new bike.   

[samoanrich]

I have a 2001 interstate that comes with a matching cargo trailer that I'm thinking of letting go. if interested pm me. Getting back to your question I've own both the 1500 an 1800 wing. 1500 rode like a caddy nice ride, 1800 thought it was a sport bike on steroids. There both good bikes and you won't go wrong with either choice... But, the interstate will hold its own  that's just my 02

[solo1]

I had a 1991 GW Aspencade.  Truly made for touring with reverse, cruise, and tunes.  Not so much for the riding experience but you already have that.

[Cracker Jack]

You may not get much useful help here as everyone is going to be highly opinionated.

Riders who ride wings love their wings.  There are those on Interstates who love the comparative simplicity.

Your in an area with friends who are on each.  Make contact with someones and ride each consciously thinking about what kinf of long distance riding makes you happy.  Your experience will speak to you more dependably than others' advice.  

Hey Willow, that's "You're". Was this a test?

[Willow]

You may not get much useful help here as everyone is going to be highly opinionated.

Riders who ride wings love their wings.  There are those on Interstates who love the comparative simplicity.

Your in an area with friends who are on each.  Make contact with someones and ride each consciously thinking about what kinf of long distance riding makes you happy.  Your experience will speak to you more dependably than others' advice.  

Hey Willow, that's "You're". Was this a test?

It was and you passed!   

[Dave Ritsema]

If I was choosing between a Valkyrie Interstate and a 1500 Gold Wing I would choose the Interstate. If you are moving into the GL1800 platform now things are a bit different. The GL1800 performs and handles better than the Interstate. However, as far as looks go I will always favor the Interstate as one of my favorite bikes from a styling perspective. Early GL1800's had some issues, I suggest going up to at least 2005 to be clear of the majority of them.

[vanavyman]

  We own both a 1999 Interstate and a 2005 GL1800.  If it is me I will always pick the Valkyrie to ride.  I love my GL1800 Wing and my wife and I have taken it over 20,000 miles in the 3 years we've owned it.  Cost me a lot of money to get my wife "Goldwing" comfortable on my Valkyrie Interstate.  GL1800 has a lower center and can really be pushed in turns and if very fast.  The Valkyrie is the best looking Motorcycle ever created in my opinion.  Can't go wrong with either.
  We owned a GL1500 for 11 years and we loved the bike.  When one is in good shape it has a great suspension system and does drive like a Cadi.  Probable the least fun to ride of the 3 for the driver.
  Part of the choice is your size.  If you have longer legs, Goldwings can be hard to get comfortable on if knees hitting all the plastic and they can only move you back so far before taking your partners space.  I like all 3 bikes and the GL1500 Golwing will always be my wife's favorite bike.  There are some great deals out there on low mileage Valkyrie Interstates and GL1500 bikes.  For a few more thousand you can get a GL1800 with Fuel Injection.

Good Luck with a fun choice,

Dan

[F-six]

I have a Standard and an Interstate. Turns out I made the Standard as comfortable and useable as the Interstate. Got the Champion hardbags, Ultimate seat, big windscreen and most important, the bigger Interstate tank on my Standard. That may be an option too.

Having said that, I love my Interstate, my bike of choice for a long vacation.

 

[sandy]

I have a 98 Tourer and an '05 wing. Formally had a '99 IS but didn't like it. It felt a bit top heavy. Not so with the wing. Some folks like the 1500 wings better because the bags are larger and the steering head is set up for long distance riding. The 1800 wing is a sport bike on steroids. Handles great with good brakes. The 1500 wing has 2 carbs vs FI on the newer wings. The 1500 & 1800 wings have the fuel tank under the seat which helps lower the CG. The IS has a conventional fuel tank up high on the frame.

[Bassfisher]

I have a newly acquired 2000 Standard (after trading off a 05 VTX 1300) and a 2005 GW 1800 Trike.  My better half does not have much seat time on the Standard yet (this weekend she will get some), but she loves the trike.  She falls asleep on long trips on it.

I like the zip and maneuverability that the 1500 offers (on two wheels), but like the comfort of the GW ( a radio, cruise control, air suspension, etc.)  

I know that I'm not really answering the question, as riding a trike and two wheels are like comparing apples and oranges.   Both are great bikes and I ma a loyal Honda owner (had 5 different models so far)   I think the biggest disadvantage of the trike is the maintenance.  I can change the oil and do basic maintenance on the GW, but once things get to complicated -  it goes to a shop  (luckily that's very rare).  

[Earl43P]

I have a 99 IS and a 93 Goldwing Interstate ( no reverse ).

I put 35,000+ miles on the 93 since 4/7/15 when I put it on the road, mostly commuting 130 miles/day.
Probably put 1/3 that many miles on the 99 in the same time frame, mostly on fun trips and weekends.

There is no comparison if you're going to go far, Goldwing wins, hands down for comfort and handling. I don't like it's linked brakes, although they work great.

The 99 wins every time if there are mountains on the way.

My wife prefers the 93, if that helps you any.
I pick the 99 if I'm going alone.

You should try to ride a GW1500. Then you'll understand the difference in the # that got sold, Goldwing vs. Valkyrie IS.

I'll be keeping my IS LONG after I've replaced the 93 (probably with a 2006+ 1800). I consider the 93 like a nice beater car, wear it out and replace it. I see them all the time for ~$3-4k. I paid $1800 for my 93, but it needed work, brakes, tires, Speedo, a punctured transmission cover and headlamp wiring. Hard to go wrong at that price point.

[sixlow]

One advantage to owning two Valks is that the box/cabinet full of parts you have accumulated will fit both bikes and trouble shooting problems is easier when swapping a part is always an option. Plus if the day comes when parts become unobtainable for our beloved Valkyries you have a better chance of keeping one road worthy. 

[cookiedough]

longer rides and comfort might not go hand in hand depending on what you like and your size, etc.

I'm only 5'10" and 280lbs.   I felt cramped just a tad on the 1500 wing even at my height and more open on my valk I/S.

For longer rides,  probably the 1500 wing over the valk I/S but both will work just fine.

A 1500 wing can be had a dime a dozen for 2-3 grand cheaper, or more,  than a Valk I/S being slightly newer and faster. 

I was going to get a 1500 wing due to price and 3-5 years older, but I made the right choice FOR ME on my 2001 Valk I/S in the long run at the time 7-8 years ago only about 1 grand more in price is all. 

Not much help are we???

[Bighead]

For longer rides,  probably the 1500 wing over the valk I/S but both will work just fine.

why would you think the 1500 Wing would be better on Longer rides? you stated that you felt Cramped on it. I have ridden my IS coast to coast and border to border without issue I too in the past tried a 1500 wing out for size but found riding position and overall comfort lacking.
just curious why you would think that?