Went out to buy a motorcycle, came back with a couch...

"Tristan" (casselts) 08/03/2020 at 23:36 • Filed to: None

8

12

After searching endlessly for a nice condition and reasonably priced Valkyrie, GL1200 Interstate, or GL1500, I decided to embrace my impending old manishness, go full boomer and buy a GL1800. The ABS, cruise control and fuel injection intrigued me, and the test ride sold me. My initial budget was $3,000, and yes, I overshot that by quite a bit. But, for 300 pounds of aluminum and steel, and 500 pounds of plastic, $5,000 is a steal with only 55,000 miles.

It’s been 5 years since my last bikes let the garage (a ‘77 GL1000 and an ‘85 GL1200A), and I was a bit rusty for a few miles. But, once I got back into the groove, I was shocked at how nimble this behemoth is! I’ve got some de-chroming to do (I HATEHATEHATEHATE that stupid front rotor cover, especially since it’s festooned with Seahawks-inspired green and blue lighting), but beyond that, I’m just going to treat it like a (well-maintained) commuter car.

This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: > Tristan 08/04/2020 at 01:04

1

Nice bike, congrats. Now  you just need the matching trailer.

jminer > Tristan 08/04/2020 at 01:57

1

Congratulations! They are sure as hell comfy.

camarov6rs > Tristan 08/04/2020 at 03:04

0

Given the original clientele there are MANY cosmetic accessories for you to browse. I have a feeling you’ll be able to find what you like.

gettingoldercarguy > Tristan 08/04/2020 at 04:48

0

Good to see you posting again. Nice bike as well. I can’t bring myself to buy another with children currently. However, I’m glad so many oppos will allow me too live vicariously through them.

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > Tristan 08/04/2020 at 05:54

1

Ve ry nice! I sold bikes at a Honda/Suzuki/Polaris dealer in college. Always loved taking a Goldwing out. Super comfortable, and it will hustle on twisty roads. I dragged the running boards/peg area  in a Really tight corner one day, it was fun.

shop-teacher > Tristan 08/04/2020 at 08:14

0

That's a lot of bike for $5k!

Tristan > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 08/04/2020 at 12:20

0

My old GL1000 was awful in the corners- it would drag hard parts WAY too easily, so I kinda have PTSD to get over from that. Even so, I find myself leaning this thing pretty low already . It’s so easy to ride!

Tristan > gettingoldercarguy 08/04/2020 at 12:21

1

Thanks! I’ve kinda dropped off because Kinja has gotten so frustrating to use.

I didn’t think I would buy another bike no matter how much I missed it , but moving further out from Portland traffic got me back in the mood.

Tristan > This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: 08/04/2020 at 12:23

0

Gotta grow the big belly first, and learn how to ride on the freeway at 50 mph all day long.

Tristan > shop-teacher 08/04/2020 at 12:23

1

My thoughts exactly!

Tristan > camarov6rs 08/04/2020 at 12:24

0

What I like is for the lot of them to be in the trash! :)

This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: > Tristan 08/04/2020 at 12:28

1

If you need any belly tips....