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 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..

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....

[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.

[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. 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:Me]

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!

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...