1997 Honda GL1500 SE Gold Wing

Summary:

Comfortable and reliable

Faults:

Fuel gauge float. Unable to assess how much fuel (or driving distance) was available. After 100 km of riding, gauge was going to 0. Nuisance. Invested $25 in jerry can. Problem solved!

Only regular maintenance was required.

Oil change and new spark plugs at the time of purchase, then yearly

Rear gear oil, rear caliper seals and pads, front pads. Set of tires (front and rear).

Upholstery started to age as bike was stored outdoors.

Mine mileage: 38000km.

Cost of the upkeep: $650.

AVG: $0.017/km.

General Comments:

Ideal bike for long distance travel, especially if fitted with backrest and highway pegs. Fuel consumption: 6.8 L/100km, or 35 MPG. It is a heavy bike, therefore driving in big city traffic (street car tracks!), tight corners and parking lots require more attention. However, on the open spaces, rural roads and highways, riding is most relaxing. Either the wind or the draft while passing transport trucks is compensated by the vehicle's weight. I frequently took one day, around 800 km delivery trips and did not feel tired. And I am 60. Lights are excellent. Reverse gear for vehicle of this weight is a real life saver when parked in tight spots (malls). Being shaft driven, there is no need for chain lubrication (a hassle for the bike of substantial weight).

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th March, 2021

1993 Honda GL1500 SE Gold Wing

Summary:

A total joy to have purchased

Faults:

Because of the age, the only things that are breaking down are the rubber parts of the motorcycle, like the grommets and the radiator hoses. Can't complain, as the motorcycle is well over 22 years old, and still starts and rides like a dream.

General Comments:

It's a bit hard to get used to the heavy weight at slow speeds, but it's still manageable.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2015

1993 Honda GL1500 SE Gold Wing

Summary:

Trouble free, a joy to own and tour with

Faults:

No problems ever with this motorcycle.

General Comments:

Very trouble free motorcycle. Has required no repairs, only tire changes, and regular service as required.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2007

16th Nov 2014, 18:15

I also own a 1993 Goldwing with 165000, and I love it.

1990 Honda GL1500 SE Gold Wing

Summary:

The best tourer on the road..

Faults:

I have had a few light bulbs that have needed replacing.

Other than the normal recommended servicing requirements, I haven't had to spend a dime. It's been 100% perfect.

General Comments:

If you're looking for a reliable, smooth, powerful and comfortable bike, look no further than the GL1500.

It's a little hard to handle in parking lots until you get used to it, but out on the highway there's nothing that comes close to these machines. Great weather protection, a fantastic seat, good sound system, and no matter how you ride, you'll always know that the Gold Wing will get you home again.

I can't say enough good things about these bikes. Buy one, you'll be glad you did.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th March, 2005

15th Jun 2005, 07:07

Most people only notice two things on the road.

A Rolls-Royce and a Goldwing!!!

17th Nov 2005, 17:35

I was a little crazy when I bought my 88, the first year of the 1500. I was used to sport bikes, my last bike being a Kawi Concourse, but for an 810 pound dry weight bike, I was able to sling it through corners I wouldn't have believed a bike this big would take. I always told friends, rides like a Caddy and handles like a Ferrari.

Killer fuel economy, 28+mpg, driving it very hard, and when it fell over from hot asphalt melting at a friend's house, I never could find a scratch. I don't know how that is, but I crawled underneath and had friends look underneath, and we never found a darn scratch. I'm looking for another one.

20th Dec 2005, 12:17

I've owned two 1500s...a 1988 and the one I have now, a 1999. Great machines! I found the fit and finish on the 88 a little better than the 99. Never have had any problems beyond normal wear and tear. Now, if I could only talk my wife into stepping up to an 1800...

7th Mar 2008, 13:46

Extremely reliable and comfortable.

25th Oct 2008, 14:16

For its intended purpose of covering huge distances in comfort, it accomplishes its objective with 10 out of 10. It is heavy and I don't particularly enjoy it in heavy traffic but then heavy traffic was never its intended domain.

It is a fine and beautifully finished bike that remains the envy of many and has few peers, and will serve careful owners many thousands of kilometers of hassle free biking.

If you are thinking of getting a 1500 Wing, then your thinking is good. Go ahead and "just do it"

28th Dec 2010, 21:46

I would say, get the Honda Goldwing for the long highways rides, and get the Honda Elite for the heavy traffic... can't go wrong!