Honda Goldwing - opinions?

[Griffin]

Am looking at getting into lots of touring and am assuming that the Goldwing is the "Gold Standard" touring bike (comfort, carrying capacity, gadgetry etc) who has one... or has had one... what did you think, have you got something you think is betterer, would you recommend the Wing??? Is is only good for touring or can it be adequate as a daily commute bike also?

[Hitcher]

The Wing is an expensive motorcycle that was designed and built by Honda USA with that market in mind. That said, these things handle well and don't do much wrong. They're heavy, which is why recent versions have a reverse gear. The cabins on them are well sheltered, which means you'll have to spend a bit of money of gadgets and widgets to stop yourself getting roasted during summer. There's also a rider's club, complete with secret handshakes and radio call signs for the built in CB radio.

As a person who has done a bit of long distance touring, a bit of that being of the two-up variety both in Australia and North America, I can say that I don't get the point of a Wing, unless you want to tow a trailer.

There are other bikes such as the FJR1300, Kawasaki Concours, BMW R1200RT, and ST1300 that I think are preferable solutions in terms of versatility, performance and cost. They would all meet your criteria for a road-eating tourer that could also be used for the daily commute without requiring a whole carpark to house.

[Taz]

I think they'd be fine for most riding. A little heavy for trailriding though :lol: and maybe a bit wide for lane splitting. They do have one major design fault - the stereo only plays country and western music.

[duckonin]

Yes u are right Hitcher reguarding the choice of bikes, but to ride pillion for long lengths of time needs a more comfy position for the legs of some of our Gals...Not all are 20 these days a lot are turning into Grannies and for some that really love to be part of the riding scene having their legs around their neck is not an option..:msn-wink:

All tourers of substance are heavy but they mostly all ride well, Kawa has the new voyager 1700 on the road and a darn nice bike it is too, but also heavy..

Griff we own the C50T as u did or do, sure not the best bike on the road for touring, but we have done 86thou in the last 3 years with tent and all and have enjoyed the ride all the way, but then our needs of creature comforts are not great....:niceone:

[Hitcher]

Yes u are right Hitcher reguarding the choice of bikes, but to ride pillion for long lengths of time needs a more comfy position for the legs of some of our Gals...Not all are 20 these days a lot are turning into Grannies and for some that really love to be part of the riding scene having their legs around their neck is not an option.

All of the bikes I listed have great pillion seats with good ergonomics. High pillion pegs and underspecced rear seats are only really a feature of sprotsbikes and some Harleys. I would argue that granny would enjoy pegs more than boards -- once she'd got on!

[Taz]

Maybe a Can Am would be the go for some of the Granpa's and Grandma's out there?

[vifferman]

While I wouldn't mind having a ride on a Goldwing, I really don't see the point of them. They're basically a car with two wheels missing.

[98tls]

Maybe a Can Am would be the go for some of the Granpa's and Grandma's out there? Fuck the Granpas,after seeing one in the flesh today i reckon for 2 up long distance/or commuting they would be the ducks nuts,that aside no doubt if ridden well you could show a few wannabies the way home through the good bits on a Can-Am.:msn-wink:

[Hitcher]

Maybe a Can Am would be the go for some of the Granpa's and Grandma's out there?

Depending which was the pillion, they'd get thrown off. There's a lot more work required to be a pillion on a Spyder then there is on a motorcycle.

[doc]

Goldwings or "Oldwings' as some call them are the ultimate two up tourer. However if your into single touring the ST1300 is the one . Tough choice. I think the Wing is the one, once you get to the destination and can unload all the creature comforts. Dont know about the stuggle over the Takaha hill doing it tho. :cool: ideal for hauling junk tho.

[98tls]

While I wouldn't mind having a ride on a Goldwing, I really don't see the point of them. They're basically a car with two wheels missing. Cant be naffed finding the link but theres a well watched video of a bloke doing Deals Gap on a Goldwing faster than most on anything.Bit like the German chick in the Transit van,ability far outweighs anything,sadly a fact thats been lost on many motorcyclists,not a crack at you fella just an observation in general.Many motorcyclists seem to think ability is part of the deal when they hand over the cheque.

[Kiwi Graham]

I've had a Gold Wing, a GL1200. All the whistles and bells on etc.
I bought it to do a tour of Ireland two up and it was perfect for the job. It carried all our gear (we camped) and transported us in complete comfort. Once home however the novelty soon faded, the size started to mean something. It was bloody awkward to get in or out of the garage, its not the easiest bike to maintain yourself, you might just as well use a car to commute (it takes up nearly as much room) and parking requires careful consideration!

If I had that time over again I'd look at the ST1300, R1200 or maybe the big Triumph. The Gold Wing is fairly single focused but does it very well.

[hospitalfood]

i have not ridden one but ridden with an 08 to cold kiwi last year. what a machine. massive but.

an R1200RT or an older model would be better on gravel and lane splitting but the seats don't compare to goldwing or K1200LT
if you want serious comfort for rider and pillion its goldwing or BMW K1200LT ( LT = luxury tourer and it really is )

you could get a new-ish K1200LT cheaper than a goldwing i think.

I ended up with my old tourer by default, bought it to make a custom with. once you ride a good tourer you may be hooked for life, be warned.

[vifferman]

Cant be naffed finding the link but theres a well watched video of a bloke doing Deals Gap on a Goldwing .... blah blah blah
Seen it.
No offense, but so what? It seems to me it's in the same category as truck racing: just because people do it, doesn't mean it's necessarily a good idea. There are other things better suited to the task.

[duckonin]

All of the bikes I listed have great pillion seats with good ergonomics. High pillion pegs and underspecced rear seats are only really a feature of sprotsbikes and some Harleys. I would argue that granny would enjoy pegs more than boards -- once she'd got on!

:niceone:Yes they are all good bikes..My Granny (shhhh), traded her pegs for boards, now she does not get pin's and needles on the long runs, we did try the Kawas 1400 and 1300 pan E but alas not for the two of us good for me but not for my better half and I enjoy having her with me...

[sleemanj]

Cant be naffed finding the link but theres a well watched video of a bloke doing Deals Gap on a Goldwing faster than most on anything.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0nrMQ3QwyPo&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0nrMQ3QwyPo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Richard Mc F]

Do a 1000km on one and it all falls into place, they handle disturbingly well, when you get the suspension set properly the pegs and stand hitting the ground are just a warning that harder bits will follow, they are stable at these angles yet can be flicked from peg to peg in the twisties, in fact pegs are consumables like tyres and brake pads:cool:

Not too good for lane splitting:nono:

No better bike from the pasengers point of veiw, I like the mph speedo, the missus thinks a few scrapes @ 70 to 90 indicated are ok ( she thinks it was in kmh :spanking:)

[98tls]

Seen it.
No offense, but so what? It seems to me it's in the same category as truck racing: just because people do it, doesn't mean it's necessarily a good idea. There are other things better suited to the task. Well if like me you ride a bike for fun then thats what,he seems to be having fun and doing it on a motorcycle albeit one that many would consider better suited to other tasks.No doubt part of his fun is yelling at riders of better suited to the task motorcycles 'get outta my way sprotbike rider im touring on my truck'.

[hospitalfood]

i would go for one of these

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-235739876.htm

[Pedrostt500]

There was a pic of a wing being jumped, it had a fair bit of air between its tyres and the road, some good person may find it and post a link.

[xgnr]

Last couple of Grand Challenges (1000 miles in 24 Hrs) there are at least two that attend on Goldwings.

They seem handle well and the bloody headlights are just a delight to ride behind (should be illegal they are so bright).

Not my cup of tea but seem to be solid and comfy!

[98tls]

Last couple of Grand Challenges (1000 miles in 24 Hrs) there are at least two that attend on Goldwings.

They seem handle well and the bloody headlights are just a delight to ride behind (should be illegal they are so bright).

Not my cup of tea but seem to be solid and comfy! Maybe flogging a dead horse here but will add like most motorcycles very quick if ridden well.

[xgnr]

Maybe flogging a dead horse here but will add like most motorcycles very quick if ridden well.

Indeed they are well ridden, a few sparks from various hard bits hitting the deck through the twisty's and lumpy bits slows them down a tad tho'

[Griffin]

Didnt expect such a good response so quickly lol.

Thanks for the feedback - I may have to have a look at some of the other suggested models in the flesh to get an idea of how they compare size wise etc.

Duckonin - I still have the C50T - love the bike but when it comes to 2 up touring I think there are better options. Would love to keep the C50T for the daily stuff tho... and the B.O.A.R.S rides of course :msn-wink:

[hospitalfood]

check this mcn touring bike comparison.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYUbURkdvnY

has a victory, electraglide, goldwing and K1200LT

[hospitalfood]

had another thought about this, it is obvious I support the K1200LT but there is possibly a disadvantage with BMW. the servicing.

not sure about service on the other options but I do know with a modern BMW you need to get the serious stuff down by the pro's.
I think the ABS is prone to issues if not properly serviced, I think it invovles plugging it into a service computer. if the ABS dies you are looking at a few grand to sort it. i don't know heaps about it but i think it is worth looking into to get the facts.

despite that IMO the BMW K1200LT is a serious contender. the germans seem to take things seriously when it comes to designing and building bikes.

[duckonin]

Didnt expect such a good response so quickly lol.

Thanks for the feedback - I may have to have a look at some of the other suggested models in the flesh to get an idea of how they compare size wise etc.

Duckonin - I still have the C50T - love the bike but when it comes to 2 up touring I think there are better options. Would love to keep the C50T for the daily stuff tho... and the B.O.A.R.S rides of course :msn-wink:

Absolutely Griff, a lot of way better bikes around. Our main aim is to tour with a kick back attitude, we miss nothing, others on tour just want to do the k's, ours is stop, start, camp pick the mushrooms, swim ect ect and rallys,did I say rallys? so the litle C50T is ideal for us at least for the time, may move to the 1500 when this bike has done the 100,000 k's...So have to start thinking about that now...:woohoo:

[xgnr]

had another thought about this, it is obvious I support the K1200LT but there is possibly a disadvantage with BMW. the servicing.

despite that IMO the BMW K1200LT is a serious contender. the germans seem to take things seriously when it comes to designing and building bikes.

I do all my own servicing on the Beemer and I ain't no mechanic . I think that if you have problems then you might need to take it in for diagnosis etc but apart from that the 10k services are straight forward.

IMHO the Beemers are some of the the best tourers (but I am biased) my mate rides a Honda ST1300 and I hate to admit that it is a great bike for the Km's we do (30,000+ PA).

cheers

Stu

[hospitalfood]

I do all my own servicing on the Beemer and I ain't no mechanic . I think that if you have problems then you might need to take it in for diagnosis etc but apart from that the 10k services are straight forward.

IMHO the Beemers are some of the the best tourers (but I am biased) my mate rides a Honda ST1300 and I hate to admit that it is a great bike for the Km's we do (30,000+ PA).

cheers

Stu

think i may be a bit biased myself

[Warren]

The big scooters make ok tourers and are very comfortable for long distance as you can move around a bit more (legs etc). They don't come close to a goldwing though. Here is a link to one I found on trademe to illustrate.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Scooters/auction-236304411.htm

[longwayfromhome]

I have a touring bike similar to the Goldwing, a BMW K1200LT. Most of my200,000+ km on it were done in the US (47 states), some here. The bikes are very similar in many ways, the GW has a better motor, the LT has better handling. I am answering as a touring rider.

Comfort: GW-type bikes are designed for all day rides...many riders going from tank-to-tank without stopping. Under those circumstances, seats on such machines can get tiresome and many install custom seats. If you don't think you will regularly ride 250+ km non-stop at a time without a break and repeat, then standard seating will be fine. I have done lots of long distances on other bikes which may be alternatives to a GW, but for reliable comfort, and when you are tired, the GW-style bike really does bring something to the riding experience, especially two-up.

Weather protection: under-rated here in NZ I feel given the amount of rain, but the large shield/screen is a benefit which allows longer, more comfortable riding than others. Just make sure you can look over the screen. Riding having to look the the screen detracts significantly from the riding experience.

Size/Weight: these are heavy bikes, so not the best for lane-splitting (though I have done plenty on it, even here in Auckland). Once moving though, the weight disappears.

Personally, I feel that one-up, GW-type bikes are too large for day-to-day riding in NZ, even with a large component of touring thrown in. The shabby roads with plenty of gravel work against heavy bikes. If you are doing lots of two-up though, they should be considered. I have ridden long distances with passengers on the LT....they all get off surprised at the comfort. If I had my druthers though, I'd get something like a K1300GT or an FJR1300, fix up the passenger accomodation, add some bike comms and away you go.

As for handling, despite the comments about truck racing, which have an element of truth about them, these type of bikes can handle pretty well. On curvey, unfamiliar roads, the limitations are, so often, the road conditions, the visibility and the rider capabilities. I have found that generally these bikes, again on unfamiliar roads, have capabilities which create few if any limits for the rider.

[pritch]

I had a test ride on a new Wing, wrote about it on KB somewhere. The weather was bloody awful at the time (you had to book in advance). I can reliably inform you that even a little two-wheeled slide is an impressive thing on a Goldwing.

If I lived in the USA or even West Australia maybe, but not here thanks.

Something I would not previously have considered until it was suggested when I was at Rider Seats is the Kawasaki Nomad. The new Thunderbird set up in similar fashion could have appeal too.

People who ride Wings seem to like them, so if that's what you really want go for it!

[vifferman]

The big scooters make ok tourers and are very comfortable for long distance as you can move around a bit more (legs etc).
That may be so, but even if they are faster than a bike, more comfy, more economical, blah blah blah.... they're still ghey. :whistle:

[insane1]

the big scoots aint gay and tehy will embarras and suprise most people who get to ride one.

[carver]

the big scoots aint gay and tehy will embarras and suprise most people who get to ride one.

i was embarrased when i found the 650 would only just beat a GSX250.
i was surprised it was so slow

your right on that one

[Lula]

This Goldwing has all the bling and modcons....

[Dodgyiti]

I followed a group of Wings, Wing trike and those mega BMW things today, and they seemed to get along pretty well on the back road we were riding.
In the choppy corners that had me bounced off the seat a few times these things seemed totally unaffected. I guess the shear mass had something to do with it. Food for thought anyway.

[goldgal]

I'm a wing rider, waited 40 years to be one, and would ride nothing else. No doubt we all think what we own and ride are the best, however let me know which river!!.

[AllanB]

I like the really early ones - stripped back to basics with rowdy pipes - not really touring bikes like this though!

I personally don't see the point in the new fully dressed ones in NZ. IMO NZ is too small for them - what's the point of a 2,000 km day bike when the country is so beautiful and there are so many cool places to stop at?

[wingrider]

Have had my wing for 2 years. 89 GL1500. Would not trade it for anything.

Passenger seat is better for pillion and you can pack more luggage than a 1800.

Not a hell of a lot of difference in power from the 1800, not quite as good in handling.

2 up with gear i get 43-46MPG cruising at 110kph.

1500 is also better for taller people.

Anything over 20kph leave in top gear. Will pull like a horse.

Only ever change down if I have restricted passing room.

Bullet proof reliability. Easy for general service.

Can get hot in the cabin but decent wind-wings cure this, also shield vent.

Dont get moved around in side winds, belly pan helps.

Lighting superb for night riding and with all the other lights cager got to be medically blind not to see you.

Try one out and I recon you'll be hooked after 15mins in the saddle.

[glegge]

An old friend i have not seen for some time, needed his goldwing returned to Wellington from auckland. of course i put my hand up! flat 6, 1500cc, reverse, cruse control, radio/tape.
I loved it, and if i could afford one (the aspencade(sp?)) i'd buy one (even a few years old). i had a ball riding it back from auckland - i know it's not far, but hey - what a machine.
Ok, i would not want to ride it to work every day, but for a nip over the tucks to head some place - hell. why not. equally so to go to auckland, or down south, whatever.. all the bases are covered, and with the VFR800 in the garage at home for commuting and 'play time' hell - yes please, i'll add one to my garage.
<end rant about experience on the big cool wing>

[wingrider]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers//auction-244663257.htm

One of our club members ex bikes. Imaculatley looked after.
Worth a look

[Renegade]

well i wouldnt consider myself an oldy at 30 but i bought a GL1200 the other day pretty dam cheap.

i have always wanted to customise one as i reckon its the cadillac of the 2 wheeled world, i have plans for it this winter!

I recently sold my ducati monster and kwaka er6 mostly due to the fact that whilst i dont commute on my bikes when i do hop on i want to go for several hours to nowhere in particular just because.

I found that i would get a sore ass, lower back and some times sore wrists after about a hour and a half, even after a coffee break to rest i was sore again in 30 minutes, this sucked as i would get off and still wanted to ride but didnt due to discomfort.

I love twisties as much as the next guy but it can be done at a track now days.

I would love a ST1300, concours 1400 or even a 1250 bandit etc but they are well out of my price range to be honest.

I went 2.5 hours down the line on the back of a mates venture royal to pick this thing up and man was i surprised when i through a leg over the wing.

Not as heavy as you would think and once going you dont even notice, rode it back no problems at all, no discomfort, i could have happily kept riding and can honestly say i was grinning from ear to ear, i love it more than any bike ive previously owned.

Coming over the desert road and through the sisters was no problem at all, even with the road works, i think the weight of it helps keeping the tyre planted.

As for parking it does have to be considered carefully due to its stationary weight but id happily use a carpark over a bike park, fuck em!
At home no probs in and out of the garage.

The bike aint to slow either and will pull quick up to 100 in 2nd gear no sweat and wants to cruise in top at 120, must be careful of that.

For the price i paid i could get a GN250 for commuting if i had to, and may do.

I just love this bike :woohoo:

[martybabe]

I had the fifteen hundy for a while, I think they look great, great for making trikes too and they sure are a bit different but... Not for me, I think they shot past what the perfect touring bike should be. They thought of everything a touring bike should have as a paper exercise and shoved the lot into one rather bulky package that went a step to far.

It is a great thing and it's marvelous at what it does but I think the ultimate real world touring bike lies in the group just bellow the Goldy. The BMWs are supreme for comfort, then there's Hondas own ST1100/1300 and Yammy's Fjr1300.

Then again if you've got to have a wing you've got to have a wing, I had to, I bought one and It wasn't me. Test ride mate and take the prospective pillion.

Good luck.

[5cotty]

I am going to be buried with my GL1200I. For two up fully loaded touring it is an excellent machine. With the missus on the back it is docile, sure footed, comfortable and compliant. Without the handbrake (hope she doesn't read this) and with the shocks pumped up it is happy to mix it in the twisties, but, beware! you need to be able to ride well to get the best out of a wing, "They are not a sportbike" so if you dont have a reasonably advanced skillset, you may get pushed past your limit.

I have ridden a 1500 and the word that comes to mind is "Big"

I have ridden an 1800 and the word that comes to mind is "Porche"..and.. Awesome!!. If I ever need to replace mine (cant see why) I would get an 1800.

Take a wing out for a weekend and make up your own mind, once you get the hang of it.. trust me.. you will LOVE a wing.

[Toaster]

One of the few bikes that almost need an HT licence to ride.

I'd love one if I was rich.

[GazzaRuney]

In my 40+ years of riding Ive had 22 or so bikes. In that time Ive had 2 GL1000's which I managed to break using them as comuter bikes. I have a GL1500 1989, which has just had its 20th birthday. Its looking a bit old and tatty like me but still goes beautifully. (The ex Pres of the Gold Wing Club recently turned over 500,000 MILES on his 1500 - check that out - I challenge any other tourer in NZ to do that!)

My 15 fits like an old glove and still makes me smile like an idiot when I ride it. In 120,000 miles, Ive only changed a starter motor and two sets of plugs - it is totally unbreakable. The 1800 is perfect - too perfect for me. Its absolutely seamless without the idiocyncrasies of the 1500 that I enjoy so much.

And they handle! For a big bike they do really well in fast corners and can keep up with lots of other bikes.

As another post said - I will be buried with my Wing!

GazzaRuney

[twotyred]

i must be getting old:rofl: these beasts are starting to call to me... although I admit I have never tried one out...what I would love to see is a comparison (from experienced wingers,not a bike mag) about the real world differences between the 1200 and the 1500,maybe even a 12 vs 15 vs 18?
that would be interesting...

[Renegade]

the goldwing flys

[wingrider]

Have a mate with an 86 GL1200 aspy.. loves it and wouldnt sell. Has taken 12 months to set it up to his liking. Like any 20+ year old bike, you need to be criticle on maintainance. 3000km oil changes and filter.
Standard checks befor setting off.

I have an 89 GL1500. wouldnt change. 8000km oil changes and filter. just hop on and ride.

Another mate has just changed from a 1500 to a 1800.
Lighter and more powerfull, better handling. Not as good for taller person, cant pack as much gear. Pillion seat not as good for room. 1800 is more a sports tourer.

All are shaft driven so very smooth, all have the bells and whistles, 1200 more of a standard type bike. 1500 ultimate tourer. 1800 sports tourer.

Reliability bullet proof, comfort unequaled. best pillion bikes I know of.
Very stable, not affected by crosswinds. Very dry due to windshields etc