another take on it's not a 1200, but!

[waldburger56]

As I look thru the site here, I see so many beautiful 1200's, but to be honest, I see A LOT of very simularities between the 1100 of mine and the 1200's pictured here. As a goldwing "newbe" might I ask you all the "big"difference other than the nominal 100cc's. ???? I am not picking an arguemnt here, but rather expanding my knowledge of these fine motorcycles I have fallen in love with at first ride! (On my GL1100)


Great site everyone, my hat (helmet) is off to you! ^^

Jeff
Portland, Oregon

[olddude53]

When they were new my buddy had an 83 wing & I had the 85.. Biggest difference to me was the handling of the 1200 was far superior.. 1100 is a very nice wing.. I like it better than the gl1500
anyways fyi..
From the Steve Saunders site..

The GL1200 arrived for the 1984 model year and continued the trend set by it's predecessor. Competition from Yamaha's Venture (which many motorcycle magazines compared to the Goldwing) no doubt hastened the development of the successor to the GL1100 and the GL1200 was Honda's answer. There was the unfaired Standard, the dressed Interstate and the top of the range Aspencade, which had the Type 3 audio system. New, stiffer frame with major improvements, bigger and more responsive 1182cc version of the flat-four engine with bags more torque and hydraulic valve adjusters, better suspension and handling were the main attractions on the new Goldwing. A hydraulic clutch was another first for a Goldwing. Carried forward from the previous Aspencade were the now even better air suspension controls and linked brakes, and the new Aspencade had a more advanced audio system and upgraded LCD dash. The front wheel was a rather unusually small (for such a large machine) 16" and this gave the steering a very light and quick feel. The styling of the plastics was more aggressive than the GL1100, the fairing, trunk, panniers and lights all had a more squarish brute look which was evident on many motorcycles and cars for a while in the eighties. The flowing lines of the previous model were not quite as subtle on the GL1200, but the integration of the luggage was much better now because there were less gaps and spaces between the panels and much more efficient use was made of the available storage space. Four 32mm CV carburettors managed to give better response with a light feel, without the need for accelerator pumps. The GL1200 was the first Goldwing to drift away from the common Honda "parts bin" approach and most of the parts fitted to a GL1200 were unique to that machine and not fitted to any other Honda motorcycle. Hondaline could supply you with a CB radio and other fripperies considered essential by many owners of the new machine. The aftermarket suppliers had a field day, small cottage industries had sprung up everywhere to feed the habit and the vast range of chrome goodies, backrests, lights etc. available for the Goldwing rivalled that which could be had for Harley-Davidson owners.

[admin]

A friend had an 83 GL1100 and when we'd ride together I'd notice about 1000 RPM's higher engine speed on the 1100 compared to my 1200. Apparently the gear ratios are quite different accounting for the different engine speed at the same road speed which makes the 1200 a wee bit quieter when cruising but surprisingly that gear ratio helps the 1100 stay with the 1200 on acceleration runs. When we'd swap bikes one big thing that I did notice was how much lighter and more nimble the 1200 felt over the 1100, the difference is incredibly noticable and easily felt and even today the 1200 feels more like an 1800 than a 1500 in terms of handling although the 1800 is definitely more sporty feeling than the 1200 although not by much thanks to the 1200's small front wheel. Also, the bags and trunk on the 1200 are much bigger than the 1100 and you can easily fit 2 full coverage helmets in the trunk of the 1200 but unfortunately the trunk does not unlatch like the 1100 which allows the trunk to be carried with you, which is a nice feature. I've got to admit that a nice GL1100 is a beautiful bike to look at and ride and I honestly feel that if I had any extra room (and cash) that I would also have a GL1000, GL1100 and GL1800. I did not include the GL1500 because it is not my style of bike, because it's so big, but they are incredible machines in their own right perfect for rolling down the highway, mile after mile, in pure comfort but I like the sportier feel of my GL1200 better. Hmmm, now that think about it I'd probably even throw in a Harley with a highly modified performance engine with open pipes just to make noise when I'm in one of those moods and maybe even an 850 Norton and a 750 Kawasaki H2 with expansion chambers. Sorry for getting off track, now I'm starting to sound like Jay Leno or something like that. So, to get back on track, keep on loving your GL1100 as it is an awesome bike and when the mood hits to try something else go for it or stay faithful to what you now have like I do with my GL1200. It still impresses my when I walk into garage and see it and it always inpresses me when I go for a ride, even after driving a brand new GL1800. After all, the only thing that counts when choosing a bike to ride and own is your personal preference and only you can choose which is best for you. In closing, let me just say that each model of Gold Wing does what it does best according to design order and ultimately all Gold Wing models compare (very surprisingly) very closely in acceleration numbers and fuel economy with the biggest differences being found in how they feel on the road. Enjoy.

[Carly]

Yamaha is awesome here some snaps i love those bikes really

Here is mine one

my most favourite im gonna purchase it soon

[JackH]

Just looking at those pictures make my butt and wrists hurt, and I am pretty sure my wife would rather walk then attempt to climb on the back.

Back on topic,

Not an expert on the 1100 by a long shot, well not much better on the 1200 either. Anyway, having ridden both the 1200 "feels" smaller and lighter IMO. Just me being curious, how different are the nuts and bolts under the tupperware, other than the obvious difference in cc size? 1100's are a great ride and if it works for ya then keep on keeping on!

Jack

[admin]

Some of the things I know about the 1100 is that the 1100 has larger wheels, cable operated clutch as opposed to hydraulic, higher lift/longer duration cams and mechanical valve lifters and a much more reliable stator and a really neat thing about the 1100 is that the trunk has a handle and a quick release so that you can carry the entire trunk into a motel if you like.

[admin]

Yamaha is awesome here some snaps i love those bikes really

Here is mine one

my most favourite im gonna purchase it soon

Nice machines but you can't let your ego get the best of you on those kinds of bikes else you'll be in big trouble very quickly.

[robdavspa]

I rode my '82 1100 for 58,000 miles. It ran 3,600 rpm at 60 mph. My '84 runs 3,000 rpm at 60. This is pretty good saving in engine wear over the life of a bike. Never noticed any difference in handling but I was younger and stronger then. This old Asp is my fourth Wing. All have been remarkable machines, so smooth and dependable. I feel fortunate to have lived in an age when such bikes were and are made.
Bob

[detdrbuzzard]

1100 wings had the transmission gearing change in '82 ( fifth gear ) and again in '83 with fourth and fifth gear seeing changes to lower rpm according to the book " goldwing the first 20 years "

[admin]

My 84 1200 also has a unique set of gear ratios, same final ratio as other 1200's but lower first and second gear, if my memory serves me correctly.

[dkrider]

Been a Yammy rider most of my life, and, truth be told, when I bought my Goldwing, I could have bought a Venture Royale. Looking at the 2 bikes, next to each other, there was no real comparison. IMO the Venture was nice, but the Goldwing was better. So I went with the Goldwing, and I have NO regrets! \:d/