Got two offers to trade for my FJ. Your input please...

[Bminder]

A little background: When I got the bug to buy a bike this spring, I was originally looking for an old Goldwing to turn into a naked Goldwing. I think they look cool and I love the big bike look. (I'm 6'5" and north of 250...) While on craigslist I saw this non-running FJ for $1500 which was in my price range. Thought it looked kinda cool, did some research, read what a great bike it is, found this amazing site and you guys, and got the guy down to $1100.
After help from all of you, especially Randy and Pat, got it running good and really enjoy it.  I LOVE riding.  I use it mainly to go to work and do my errands around our town of 60,000.  The main thing I don't like is the riding position is a little aggressive for me and my wife won't ride with me because of that.
So I'm toying with putting traditional bars on it to sit more upright, or get a standard bike.

Well, two guys have offered to trade me.
One is a 1982 Goldwing GL11100 Aspencade with 22,000 miles.  Ok shape, runs good he says, and would be a good candidate for a Naked Goldwing project.
The second is a guy with a 1993 Honda Nighthawk 750 with 15,000 miles in great shape. It would be perfect for around town and get great mileage but still have enough grunt from some trips.

So I'm going back and forth on what to do...  
1. Keep the FJ and put bars on it and continue to hang out with you fine gentlemen.
2. Go for the Gold... wing, and make it naked.
3. Get the sharp looking little Nighthawk with the ease and mileage it would offer.

What are your thoughts and advice, please?

[Pat Conlon]

Hey Billy, with a big fella like you, I would definitely pass on the 750, especially if you want to ride with your wife. The Nighthawks are good bikes but the wrong tool for the job ( for you)

The 22k Goldwing would be the only option, as I see it. The '82's were still the 4 cylinder bikes, correct? I wonder when the 6 cylinder 'Wing came out?

They are good bikes, but heavy, with no where near the handling of a properly set up FJ.

Get the Spiegler bar kit for your FJ and see what you think.....I think you will like it. (I like mine)
If you don't like it, the mod is reversible and you can (quickly) sell the kit here on the forum.
Also, lose  the stock seat and invest in a Corbin seat, which will properly support a guy your size

[Bminder]

Thanks Pat. It's got the çorbin seat. Don't have the stock one.

[FJmonkey]

Thanks Pat. It's got the çorbin seat. Don't have the stock one.

Do you have the backrest for it?

[Bminder]

Nope, I don't.
Not sure I could get the wife on it even with a backrest.  The bike looks too 'scary' for her with it's stance and all. 

[FJmonkey]

Nope, I don't.
Not sure I could get the wife on it even with a backrest.  The bike looks too 'scary' for her with it's stance and all. 

Ok, just saying, you get the bar risers like Pat suggested.... Would a backrest help?

[Bminder]

Ok, just saying, you get the bar risers like Pat suggested.... Would a backrest help?

Do you mean would a backrest help with my wife riding?  Maybe. 

[FJmonkey]

Do you mean would a backrest help with my wife riding?  Maybe. 

If you decide to try the bar risers, I can loan my Corbin back rest to you. You pay shipping for shipping it back to me if you want a go at it.

[movenon]

Keep the FJ........   Save up some money and buy a Goldwing or (?) for 2 up touring....

PS, Goldwings and Ventures are dime a dozen. It is amazing how cheap the older ones are.  I really like the Nighthawk series and they would make a good commuter or cafe racer but for two up stay above 1000cc.

Just an opinion  But what ever you decide it will be right for you.

George

[Bminder]

Keep the FJ........   Save up some money and buy a Goldwing or (?) for 2 up touring....

PS, Goldwings and Ventures are dime a dozen. It is amazing how cheap the older ones are.  I really like the Nighthawk series and they would make a good commuter or cafe racer but for two up stay above 1000cc.

Just an opinion  But what ever you decide it will be right for you.

George

I'd love to do that... can't right now money-wise, but could save up like you said.
I just really like the look of a big ol' Naked Goldwing...

[FJ1100mjk]

Go for the Gold. 22,000 miles is nothing for a Wing. Honda has made a ton of those, so you can find plenty of spare parts and bling for it. There are a number of good forums for them with supportive members like this one.

Biggest bonus with the Wing purchase is the wife can ride with you, AND you'll make her happy. A win-win for you!

[fj11.5]

Keep the fj, and buy your wife her own bike , then you can ride together and share the road

[Bminder]

Keep the fj, and buy your wife her own bike , then you can ride together and share the road

I've been working on her about that, but I don't think she's going to buy into it. 

[fj11.5]

  ship her of to a " spa resort " ie a motorcycle rider training session , she'll come back refreshed and ready to ride 

[Bminder]

ship her of to a " spa resort " ie a motorcycle rider training session , she'll come back refreshed and ready to ride 

Haha, I just saw your post. I'll try that!!