Tractor repairs are a breeze. Try working on a motorcycle to prove the point

[Dadnatron]

Today I decided I would install the new air filter that I have had for over a year for my Honda Goldwing GL1500.

So... after all that... and having a chance to look at it... did it really need changed?

 

[Oaktree]

Volvo dash cluster, for instance can only be changed out by dealer. It has to be synced with a troll in Trollhatten for it to match the VIN # of the car, by their secure servers.

I thought it was Saabs that were built in Trollhattan. :laughing:

Snowmobiles are no picnic to work on either, between something being in the way no matter what you're trying to do and the fact that they're used in the winter. Nothing like chasing an electrical problem while lying in a snowbank at 15°. :irked:

 

[jaydee325]

How about a Triumph Bonneville? Air cooled parallel twin, standard seating position, low seat height and weight. Dead simple and a joy to ride. Good used one can be found for 6 grand or less.

What year(s) are you referring? Triumph website lists current Bonnie as liquid cooled.

 

[daugen]

What year(s) are you referring? Triumph website lists current Bonnie as liquid cooled.

I'm old enough to know all about Bonnevilles and Spitfires,like buying an old Jag, which hopefully are more reliable than my own old Jag... I'm sure bspeedy is talking about a 70s model, maybe even 60's.
And since I used to own a pair of Detroit Driptroits, I know all about leaking engines so those occasional drops on the garage floor will be expected! Good idea actually...

 

[Gary Fowler]

So... after all that... and having a chance to look at it... did it really need changed?

It could have gone several thousand more miles. It had a couple of dragonflies on it and some oily spots from some pollution device I suppose but mostly it was clean enough and no cracks. I wont ever in my life time have to replace it again. Goldwingdocs.com members claim that change is only needed about every 40,000 miles. Mine has 61K on it and I wont ever reach 100K with my part time riding. I figure my rear tire might also last me till I sell the bike when I no longer ride. While in there, I added a wire mesh screen to the intake port so no mice could enter (just in case)per members suggestion.

My 84 GL1200 had a lot less plastic on it and was easy to service, easy to ride and I think it had more power than the GL1500 that I have now. For a heavy bike (around 800-900 pounds depending on the model) the Goldwing to me is about the best bike anyone makes for long distance riding in comfort. I have rode the cruisers like Harley Road King and while they are popular, the comfort just isn't there AND they weigh nearly as much as a Goldwing. These heavy bikes really don't seem that heavy because they balance really well. The other thing I like about the GL series of bike is that they have built in crash bars that wont let the bike go all the way over if you loose your balance. They rest on about a 45 angle and can be picked up by one person easily AND it wont damage anything on the bike if it happens. Drop any other bike and you WILL have some broken parts like mirrors, turn signal lights, handle bar grips, brake/clutch levers and not to mention scratches and maybe dented fuel tank. Even with all the BS involved in getting to service parts, they are still the best bike on the road for touring (BMW owners can jump on that one)

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Even with all the BS involved in getting to service parts, they are still the best bike on the road for touring (BMW owners can jump on that one)

To each his/her own. Thank goodness there are many choices out there and each of us can pick the one that works best for us!

 

[TractorGuy]

I'm from Maine myself and was born in 1941, got my drivers license in 1956 in my dad's '36 Pontiac. Back in the day, you had to be within 6 months of your 15th birthday to test for your learner's permit; most kids I knew were driving some sort of vehicle long before that

I was taught to drive and turned loose after one lesson in my granddaddy's 49 Dodge truck at the ripe ol age of 12.

Prior to that I was pulling tobacco sleds with a Farmall Super A from age 8. Had to stand up to leverage the pedals by pulling myself down with the steering wheel.

I have tried to let go of the mechanics on my stuff but had to resume. Between the rip off pricing and incompetent work it all came back to necessity.

 

[Jay4200]

You guys are riding the wrong motorcycles. I can tear my CR125 down to the frame, change the filter, oil, sprockets and chain, wheel and linkage bearings, and put it back together in one of your Goldwing oil changes...

 

[RedNeckGeek]

You guys are riding the wrong motorcycles. I can tear my CR125 down to the frame, change the filter, oil, sprockets and chain, wheel and linkage bearings, and put it back together in one of your Goldwing oil changes...

Very true, but try riding your CR coast-to-coast and see how yer butt feels after one day.:laughing:

 

[PJSprog]

Very true, but try riding your CR coast-to-coast and see how yer butt feels after one day.:laughing:

Beat me to it, RNG.