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LollieOlllie · 10-31-2011, 07:53 PM

We are trying to decide between:
a 2004 Goldwing with 49K miles for $10,000
a 2005 Elctra Classic w/17K miles for $9500.00

I am kinda leaning toward the Harley with lesser miles because it is newer and has less miles, but my husband is thinking that the Goldwing is more comfortable and even with 3X the miles he thinks it will be less maintenance in the long run.

Is there any data or schools of thought that can help us make a decision.
Thanks
Lollie

The_AirHawk · 10-31-2011, 08:00 PM

Neither bike's engine is near what I would call "worn out" (if it has been maintained satisfactorily). It comes down to overall condition of the machine, and what "Fits" you - both physically, and emotionally. Buying a Motorcycle is NOT a Rational Decision.

All things being (somewhat) equal: Get the one that "calls" to you.

LollieOlllie · 11-01-2011, 05:47 AM

Thanks, you sound like my husband (who is normally very rational). I am amazed at how this motorcycle thing effects grown men.

pushrod · 11-01-2011, 06:35 AM

Also, you need to consider which kind of weirdo you want to associate with, the Harley crowd or the 'Wingers.

And then there is the fashion issue...

As far as the bikes, it's as the 'Hawk said - it depends on your taste in sound and looks, and how many doo-dads you want.

Your primary requirement is the comfort of the pillion, and both candidates have fairly comfy accommodations for the passenger.

trenttheuncatchable · 11-01-2011, 06:44 AM

If they're used bikes, and you're going to use them for trips, then both of you saddle up and take them for a spin to see which one suits you better. They're very different bikes, so it should become pretty obvious which one is the one for you once you both get on it.

seruzawa · 11-01-2011, 06:47 AM

People get waaay in excess of 100K miles on Goldwings. Some people claim over 200K. The main differences are going to be a lot more power from the Goldwing but a lot worse fuel mileage. Either bike is extremely comfortable. If you like 1/2 ton barges.

sarnali2 · 11-01-2011, 06:52 AM

Maintainance cost on the Wing will be higher overall. Harley's require little more than oil changes and the occasional spark plug. As long as the Harley is unmolested, IE stock exhaust and airbox then it will be as close to bullet proof as you'll find. The GW just by the complex nature of the bike will be more costly from a maintainance point of view.

Squid Killer · 11-03-2011, 11:12 AM

I had lunch last week with a friend who has almost 190,000 miles on his 2006 GW and has no plans for replacing it. Im not even at 100,000 miles on mine.

10-31-2011, 07:53 PM	#1
LollieOlllie Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 2	mileage on used bikes? We are trying to decide between: a 2004 Goldwing with 49K miles for $10,000 a 2005 Elctra Classic w/17K miles for $9500.00 I am kinda leaning toward the Harley with lesser miles because it is newer and has less miles, but my husband is thinking that the Goldwing is more comfortable and even with 3X the miles he thinks it will be less maintenance in the long run. Is there any data or schools of thought that can help us make a decision. Thanks Lollie

10-31-2011, 08:00 PM	#2
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Livin' in a Van: down by the Mariana Trench Posts: 10,891	Neither bike's engine is near what I would call "worn out" (if it has been maintained satisfactorily). It comes down to overall condition of the machine, and what "Fits" you - both physically, and emotionally. Buying a Motorcycle is NOT a Rational Decision. All things being (somewhat) equal: Get the one that "calls" to you. __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now...

11-01-2011, 06:35 AM	#4
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,478	Also, you need to consider which kind of weirdo you want to associate with, the Harley crowd or the 'Wingers. And then there is the fashion issue... As far as the bikes, it's as the 'Hawk said - it depends on your taste in sound and looks, and how many doo-dads you want. Your primary requirement is the comfort of the pillion, and both candidates have fairly comfy accommodations for the passenger. __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

11-01-2011, 06:47 AM	#6
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	People get waaay in excess of 100K miles on Goldwings. Some people claim over 200K. The main differences are going to be a lot more power from the Goldwing but a lot worse fuel mileage. Either bike is extremely comfortable. If you like 1/2 ton barges. __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

11-01-2011, 06:52 AM	#7
sarnali2 Aging Cafe` Racer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sittin' down by my window, lookin' at the rain. Posts: 8,132	Maintainance cost on the Wing will be higher overall. Harley's require little more than oil changes and the occasional spark plug. As long as the Harley is unmolested, IE stock exhaust and airbox then it will be as close to bullet proof as you'll find. The GW just by the complex nature of the bike will be more costly from a maintainance point of view. __________________ "Carpe` Throttelum -Loud Suits Save Lives" "All the BMW riders in the room, I want you to leave. Now. Out. "

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11-01-2011, 05:47 AM	#3
LollieOlllie Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 2	Thanks, you sound like my husband (who is normally very rational). I am amazed at how this motorcycle thing effects grown men.

11-01-2011, 06:44 AM	#5
trenttheuncatchable Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 834	If they're used bikes, and you're going to use them for trips, then both of you saddle up and take them for a spin to see which one suits you better. They're very different bikes, so it should become pretty obvious which one is the one for you once you both get on it.

11-03-2011, 11:12 AM	#8
Squid Killer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 41	I had lunch last week with a friend who has almost 190,000 miles on his 2006 GW and has no plans for replacing it. Im not even at 100,000 miles on mine. __________________ Riding Instructor FZ1, R6, Gold Wing, EX250, Seca 2, TTR230, Metropolitan.