TOPIC:

New guy from SE Michigan here, so I may as well introduce myself.

I've been riding for the past..... 4 years? now. My first ever bike was a 1980 Yamaha XS1100, which (while awesome) wouldn't stay running. So I sold it and proceeded to be bitten by the Naked Goldwing bug. I snagged a GL1200 Standard, followed by a 1977 GL1000. While good bikes, the 'wings never really impressed me as off-the-line machines. Over time I learned about the KZ1300, and pretty much decided at some point I had to have one. I don't (not yet), but I MAY have the opportunity to get one (maybe).

Long story short, I managed to pick up a 1983 Aspencade Goldwing for cheap, and with a bit of TLC got it running good. I have no need nor desire to own a fully-dressed bike, so as soon as I get the transferred title in the mail, it's going up for sale. I'm hoping to use the money from that to get me what I REALLY want- a naked 1300.

So that's pretty much it. As soon as I get some money I was planning on posting a "wanted" ad in the relevant forum section. Until then, I thought I'd pop in, say hi, and hope to get a reason to stick around sometime soon.

L-H:

Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself and provide a rundown of your past riding history. Welcome to this site.

With the bikes you have had in the past, you will find some common experiences in this forum.

Some suggestions in finding an A model 1300. Try www.yakaz.com. These are nationwide C.L. searches that glean cities without having to search each city or region individually.

When you do find that one bike you gotta have, let us know ahead of time what it is and you will find others knowledgeable and ready to help. (Call it a pre-buy inspection)

Regards.

Todd.

Thanks. I've definitely been keeping eye out- there's one in Chicago that looks decent, but it's the Touring model. Once I started to price out what it would take to get it to what I want (headlight, blinkers, etc.) it didn't look so decent anymore.

Oh well. Weather's getting warmer and (slowly) more and more bikes are popping up. In any case, gotta sell that Aspencade before I do anything.

Speaking of Aspencades, our CMA chapter recently renovated and donated a 1985 SEI to one of our chapter members.

First year fuel injection. I was impressed with how it was put together. The bike even sat outside for a couple of years and it still fired right up after a thorough service.

As for finding the right 1300, by being patient, it will pay big dividends to find the right one. Like you mention, converting a "B" (Touring) model over to an A model could be costly.

The one I currently own has been a chore to find just the front light, fork ears, and blinkers. Just about have all of the parts but it has taken a while to find the pieces at the right price. I have had the best results using C.L. with the nation wide searches.

I know it sounds cliché but I pulled my A-4 out of a barn in Idaho. I only paid $500.00 for mine but I have about $2,000.00 into it on maintenance and all of the refurbishment it has had. Also had to drive 700 miles round trip to retrieve it.

Regards.

T.

Welcome to the forums. What is SE MIchigan?

Adrian, in Lenawee county. Bit of backwoods middle of nowhere within spitting distance of Ohio.

I tell you one thing about Goldwings- they work AMAZING once you get them dialed in. But actually getting them to that point? Royal PITA. Now, I'm not saying they're a bit overdesigned, but....

Actually, yeah. Yeah they are.