My 1983 Honda Gold Wing Standard (no Interstate nor Aspencade) was purchased new, it has always been with me and in 1992 I attached to it a new EML Tour T sidecar installed by Bob Odell, who owned, at that time, BMW Motorrad of St. Louis and was the official the EML dealer for the US.
As a USCA (United Sidecar Association) member, I rode my “rig” (Gold Wing and EML sidecar) to rallies all over this country and Canada with NO problems whatsoever until 2015 when my health problems (I am now 81 years old) forced me to leave my “rig” in the garage and ride it only occasionally for short distances in town. Both the bike and sidecar are in very good conditions still with no problems and NO rust. Also the bike’s original mufflers seems to hold well but they have never been separated from the bike, so I cannot tell...how long they may continue to …work. Because of the 15” automotive wheel, the odometer was disconnected at the same time (or almost) of sidecar installation. I think the rig has no more than 65,000 to a maximum of 70,000 miles on it. The engine pulls strong and the bike can ride at an average of 70 miles/hour all day long for about 115/120 miles between gas refill (unless you install an auxiliary gas tank which...I am still have). The EML conversion kit includes Leading Link forks with suspensions and brake caliper holders , EML 15" steel automotive rims and tires, EML steering damper while the rear bike suspensions are heavy duty from Progressive. The bike brakes have been modified in a way that the front brake lever controls the front wheel two calipers while the rear brake has been linked to the sidecar wheel brake. The Sidecar has its original luggage rack and beautiful convertible top. When the convertible top is not used, a tunneau cover keeps the inside of the sidecar protected from the rain. The sidecar interior and cargo area are fully carpeted.
I have saved a large amount of spare parts, both new and others bought at eBay auctions thinking that I (what a fool!) would be able to ride my rig….FOREVER. I have new spare tires for both the bike and sidecar. The rig is kind of dirty as I didn't have the chance to thoroughly wash it.
This rig is located in the garage of a friend of mine in Minneapolis, MN and that is where you are supposed to come, see it and if you like it, pick it up, or ride it back home. My email address is pierbassi@gmail.com and my home phone number in the Minneapolis area is 612 378-3748 and you can reach me from 10:00 am to 13:00 pm, every day of the week. Price requested is $7500.
Beautiful time machine with lots of stories to tell and more to be made. Sorry, Pierro, that you will no longer be the one writing it's new ones.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
As the unofficial, and self appointed Goldwing Aficionado....I can give two thumbs up 👍 👍 for a 1983 Goldwing 1100. Best year of the 1100 Goldwing, and better than any year of the 1200 Goldwing.
What Piero forgot to mention, is that hefty Leading Link front end on his Sidecar rig.
Two more thumbs up, just for that Leading Link front end 👍👍
Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort
Someone is going to get an amazing rig. Wow! 🤩
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
In 2018, I was fortunate to meet Piero and purchase his 1989 VMAX rig, which I still own and use regularly. That rig runs strong and also came with a substantial collection of spare parts, which are all still in the closet. I found Piero to be very forthcoming and would not hesitate to do business with him again, except that I also own a 1985 GL1200/EML Tour T, which also runs strong at 76k miles. Piero, sorry to see you move away from sidecars, and best of luck with your sale - I agree with sheath, someone is going to get an amazing rig!
Ooh, boy, that's nice! If I was new to sidecars and wanted to buy my first rig? Wow, what a first rig!
My GL1200/EML rig was my first rig and it is still my favorite. Has been very reliable and a positive learning experience.
My GL1200/EML rig was my first rig and it is still my favorite. Has been very reliable and a positive learning experience.
My very first sidecar rig was also a 1200 Wing. Found a locally sourced '86 Wing w/California Friendship lll, and Unit Leading Link, and bought it all for $ 2,500.00. It needed some work, had 105,000 miles on it, but I was able to drive it home the moment I bought it....all of 2.5 miles to my house. After all repairs, improvements, upgrades, etc....I was totally into this rig, including original price, and all repairs, at $ 4,250.00....then I sold it for $ 4,500.00 to a guy in Central Calif, and he drove it all the way down from Olympia, WA. to Modesto, Calif.
Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort
@2004ret ,
It is very nice to hear from you again, and that you are still enjoying the 1989 V-Max with Motek sidecar you bought from me. Has the bike given you any problem? I hope not, as its engine is very strong and if treated properly it....should last a longggggggg time. Take care -Piero
@piero-bassi - Thanks for you note Piero - Re the VMAX Rig, I have performed the regular maintenance you taught me, I renewed the tires, and replaced the fuel pump, absolutely nothing out of the ordinary for an older, owner maintainable, motorcycle. I recall that I also renewed the fluid in the Koni shocks, as preventative maintenace. Yes the engine is quite strong and has proven very reliable, and fun to ride. The carbs have stayed in tune as well. I intend to continue owning and using the Rig for many years! I continue to admire all the work effort you put into building the Rig, which I have greatly appreciated. Take care yourself! Jim
Jim, I had a problem with the fuel pump as well, but....I decided to open it and lubricate the rubber part that...had gotten stuck. I never had any further problem with the fuel pump. If you still have the pump that you replaced try to open it and perform the same procedure I did a long time ago. Who knows, you may end up with a spare fuels pump.
Ciao, Piero
@piero-bassi I had a GL1100-EML rig with the Tour-T sidecar. That rig was a hoot to drive. I see you have the preferred comstar wheels. Sorry you have to give it up.
Very nice Honda-EML rigf
It is such a pleasure to see the photos and read about a sidecar rig that was built and maintained with thought, care, and diligence. A rig that delivered much pleasure and satisfaction to its owner and every monkey that had the opportunity to ride in it. I congratulate you on your fine machine.
It is interesting that the USCA members who are complimenting your rig here are all long-term experienced sidecarists who see and recognize a quality well-put-together rig. Fancy chrome accessories and high-tech electronics do not impress them. They recognize a well-designed, well-assembled, and well-maintained hack that is reliable and built for distance.
Them giving your rig a big thumbs up is a huge vote of confidence for any potential buyer considering buying it.
Piero, keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down as you continue on life's road.
Jan Daub
President USCA
Dear Jan, thank you for your compliments on my 1983 Honda GL1100.
There are two reasons why I decided to sell my bike.
1. I unfortunately developed an health issue that does not allow me to ride any longer my sidecar rig safely.
2. I am also in the process to espatriate (return to my original country) to Italy and, even with all difficulties and bureaucracy importing the rig to that country, I would be allowed to ride it, under previous permission, only to official motorcycle rallies and this rule would not apply, if I had bought the bike in Italy.
So....my final departure from Minnesota would be on June 15, 2025 and I would need to sell my sidecar rig before that time.
Thank you again for your nice comments on my rig!
