1978 naked GL1000 vs Full dress 1982 Aspencade

[HulaMonkey]

I have been a die hard Yamaha fan for many years. owned 3 Virago's. Then I saw a naked Goldwing and found this site. Seems like most everyone is friendly and for the most part eager to offer helpful information! Well I sold my 1992 Yamaha Virago XV1100 just so I could buy a GW and strip it. I have noticed that if a GW goes up for sale and is priced right, it goes quickly. My quandary.... I can get a 1978 GL1000, already naked with low miles for a good price. But I also looked at a 1982 Aspencade, full dress for a few hundred more with 15K more miles. Any thoughts on 1978 over 1982 or vice versa, other than the engine size. When I finally find one, I will post pics as this will be a summer/fall project.

Thank You!

[TNTbefree]

Welcome to the club. Get them both. I take it both run well? If you want a project, the 82 sounds like the biggest project. Going down from a newer model xv1100 to an old school 78 Gl1000 could be a big jump. Brake quality, belts, and points to name a few.

I think the 78 is the best looking of the first gen GW's. But the 82 is nothing to sneeze at either. But going from a full dresser down to naked is a good bit of work and you will need additional parts and some wire splicing skills if you want to do it right.

I have an 81 that I brought to its naked glory. I love it. If I had your choices, knowing what I know now, willing and able to do the work, I would get the 82 and take it to naked. The upgrades on the 82 trump the 78 for me. Then, I would get a first gen GW to tinker with on the side for fun.

In truth, I do not think you could go wrong with either. Again, get them both. That way you don't have to worry about it and you will not be kicking yourself later for letting the other go.

[5speed]

I'm a newbie to bikes and this site but..if I wanted a naked wing..I'd buy the naked one.
Mine is a 76..and I love the vintage spoked rims and just the look of the bike.

[warhead_71]

78 is my favorite year... it's what I have

[Track T 2411]

Welcome from Wisconsin! I'm kinda partial to the 1100, but like the looks of the '78 as well. Overall, the 1100's are better suited for the highway, with a little longer wheel base and higher gearing. They also have electronic ignition, so no points to worry about, although there are several conversions available for the the 1000's. You might find that the one you're looking at already has the Dyna ignition installed, as it is very popular.

[rcmatt007]

welcome.... 78's ARE the best looking!!!!

[kermit]

Well, it seems that the vast group of this site agree on one thing..the best year is 76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83 and 84 so I would buy the two that are available now and find the 76,77,79,80,81,83 and 84. Then after procuring the rest of them, see the want adds for a good lawyer (check under the section "divorce lawyer")
I think that the 78 looks the best too however they all need loving so when you better half starts to complain say that you are "Rescuing them"...make it seem as if they were animals...since most people like animals you might just get way with it!!
Take them both you need to fix one and ride the other so it works out....All the best and good luck..pics please

[Graham Cracker]

I've always said there's only one thing better than a Gold Wing....two of them

[rcmatt007]

yeah, a few of us have a few... and parts and parts and parts

[HulaMonkey]

Hey all, thanks for the comments! Last weekend I found a 1983 Interstate with only 27k. Really great shape. I spent the next day getting it naked

[rcmatt007]

pictures?

[RedRider]

Take em naked, myself I have a garage full, 75s and 77s

[emma88]

I have been a die hard Yamaha fan for many years. owned 3 Virago's. Then I saw a naked vintage Goldwing and found this site. Seems like most everyone is friendly and for the most part eager to offer helpful information! Well I sold my 1992 Yamaha Virago XV1100 just so I could buy a GW and strip it with its clothing. I'm gonna miss riding it in my hippie dress but I had to let it go. Every time I window shop here, I have noticed that if a GW goes up for sale and is priced right, it goes quickly. My quandary.... I can get a 1978 GL1000, already naked with low miles for a good price. But I also looked at a 1982 Aspencade, full dress for a few hundred more with 15K more miles. Any thoughts on 1978 over 1982 or vice versa, other than the engine size. When I finally find a bohemian one, I will post pics as this will be a summer/fall project.

Thank You!

Hi there!

It sounds like you have a difficult decision to make here, deciding between the 1978 GL1000 and the 1982 Aspencade. Both of these models have their pros and cons.

The 1978 GL1000 is a naked bike that has low miles, so it would be a great choice if you are looking for a project bike that won't require a lot of work. However, this model does not have all the features of the full-dress Aspencade.

On the other hand, the 1982 Aspencade is a full-dress bike that has more features, such as a windshield, luggage racks, and audio system. However, it has 15K more miles than the GL1000 and may require more maintenance or repairs.

In the end, the decision is up to you. If you are looking for a project bike and don't mind not having all the features of the Aspencade, I would recommend the GL1000. However, if you are looking for a bike with more features and don't mind doing some maintenance and repairs, then the Aspencade may be the better choice for you.

Good luck with your decision!

[gltriker]

Hi there!

It sounds like you have a difficult decision to make here, deciding between the 1978 GL1000 and the 1982 Aspencade. Both of these models have their pros and cons.

The 1978 GL1000 is a naked bike that has low miles, so it would be a great choice if you are looking for a project bike that won't require a lot of work. However, this model does not have all the features of the full-dress Aspencade.

On the other hand, the 1982 Aspencade is a full-dress bike that has more features, such as a windshield, luggage racks, and audio system. However, it has 15K more miles than the GL1000 and may require more maintenance or repairs.

In the end, the decision is up to you. If you are looking for a project bike and don't mind not having all the features of the Aspencade, I would recommend the GL1000. However, if you are looking for a bike with more features and don't mind doing some maintenance and repairs, then the Aspencade may be the better choice for you.

Good luck with your decision!

hello emma88! Welcome to the Club

If you look at the date of HulaMonkey's post again you will see it was June,2016
according to their member profile, HulaMonkey was last active, April, 2020

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