1983 Honda GL1100 Interstate

Summary:

Not refined, but pretty good

Faults:

Leaking fork seals. I pulled the forks and let Honda replace the seals.

General Comments:

The 1983 Honda Gold Wing Interstate was a quirky motorcycle. It was the first year of the integrated brakes, which worked quite well. It was the body style that had the center stand that would drag on the right side while cornering. The factory driver seat sucked out loud. The next year, 1984 was the 1200cc Gold Wings.

The 1100cc Gold Wings were quick bikes. In a flat out race they were probably as quick as the 1500, unless you load them down or pull a trailer. These bikes had nice lines. When I bought mine, someone had already dressed it up with light bars and antennas. It was a good looking bike.

All in all, I really enjoyed this bike. It was possible for my wife and I to ride the three hours to Asheville NC to the Honda Hoot and back home in the same day with no problems. Man, those were the good old days. If you're looking at a GL1100 Interstate or Aspencade, and the price is right, you'll get a decent motorcycle. Watch the hard right corners.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2012

31st Jul 2013, 00:19

I totally agree! I've owned my '83 Honda Interstate for 25 years and it's been a great and reliable bike, and it looks like new.

10th Mar 2015, 23:44

I have an 83 Goldwing with 18000 miles, show room condition, red, and I love it. But I think the radio needs a tuner, because it comes on, but it's not tuning in to anything, and the antenna is good.