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Burger
08-29-2006, 06:22 AM
No real objective to this poll other than curiosity... Wondering how many people here have a Goldwing or have any interest in them.

Thanks,

naturally wired
08-29-2006, 06:41 AM
;) Not an option till I'm "50"......sorry!

sherob
08-29-2006, 06:52 AM
When I'm older... 15 or so :rolleyes: , I'll start looking at them :) Right now the ST is perfect for commuting and the overall fun factor is there for me :p: When the commuting dies down, then I'll look into adding a GW ;)

Vifor
08-29-2006, 07:01 AM
54 and still not old enough:cool: . Had a '78 1000 in the 80's, and loved it, but then it started getting too......much;)

motomac
08-29-2006, 07:26 AM
I have had 5 Gold Wings and will always own one. Burger not to steal this thread, but when are we going to get a report on your impressions??????

Burger
08-29-2006, 07:41 AM
Well now, I'd be real happy to give my impressions but I'm very aware this is the ST Owners board... I partly posed this question to gauge the level of interest. I will though by all means put something together and post it in the review section.

Regards,

motomac
08-29-2006, 08:11 AM
Well now, I'd be real happy to give my impressions but I'm very aware this is the ST Owners board... I partly posed this question to gauge the level of interest. I will though by all means put something together and post it in the review section.

Regards,
I am sure our fellow readers will be anxiously waiting to hear from you. After all, we agonized with you as to whether you would even go over to the Winnebago of motorcycles in the first place for several days. And there are quite a few of us st-owners that have or have had Wings :ggw1: :06biker: Sorry I couldn't find a black Wing smiley

Burger
08-29-2006, 08:33 AM
This is the correct 'wing smiley...

http://www.dandmbr.co.uk/FasterGold.gif

:D

sherob
08-29-2006, 08:34 AM
Rofl!!!!

Dorian
08-29-2006, 10:46 AM
Its not an age thing. I had my first Goldwing when I was 24. I found the Goldwing (throughout its history) to be the best bike for me when traveling coast to coast on a consistent basis. I was in the USAF and my home was in San Diego. The Goldwing would get me home cheaper but just as comfortably (once I added the right farkles) as a car, and was a whole lot more fun.

I became addicted to the long distance comfort the wing affords. The low end torque is second to none. When I want to feel the fun ofthe twisties I grab nofinishline's ST and head for the hills. But when I need or want to head across the country I load up the GL and head out.

The telling story was when we went on our recent trip. On the GL I loaded:
- 4 person tent
- 2 sleeping bags
- queen size air mattress
- camp stove
- camp lantern
- cookware
- coffee pot
- clothes for 2 for a week (did laundry on the road)
- laptop computer
- leather riding clothes for 2 (we wore mesh most of the way)
- Gerbing pants and jacket liners for 2 (we actually used it one day)
- miscellaneous electronics and chargers (cell phones, video cam, dig cam, etc...)
- And all the tools, 12v air compressor, and first aid equipment I normally carry.

We didn't pull a trailer. All the gear was loaded on the GL1800 and I could still climb the steepest of hills and dirt roads like I was weightless. The ST was intentionally left basically empty since this was my wife's first 6K trip as the pilot.

If I had to choose between the ST and the GL, I wouldn't. They both have their purpose. If I was touring the west coast one up I would use the ST. If I was touring the world with my wife, the GL would have to be the choice for me.

If you think the Goldwing is for old people, you haven't ridden a GL1800.

tccox
08-29-2006, 02:56 PM
Rode one of the first naked Wings in Charlotte back in the 70s and loved it. Still love the boxer engine. And I WOULD buy one if it was offered without the topbox and lazyboy recliner rear seat, a "Sporting" wing is what I want. Oh , and no radio or Cruise, and no AIRBAG for gawds sake. Hmmmm guess what I want is a ST1300 with the six cylinder boxer engine.

ironox
08-29-2006, 03:31 PM
I don't know...limited range - low MPG/smallish tank compared to the ST.

hojo in sc
08-29-2006, 05:12 PM
How about a question that reads; "Had a Gold Wing"

I had a GL1500 for 4-5 years, then a GL1800 for a year. I loved the power of the GL1800, but hated the overheating issue. I need a moto where I can take off the topbox, and my loving wife consented.:D

Now, I LOVE driving the ST even more, lots more fun!

Coop
08-29-2006, 07:25 PM
I might be interested in a GoldWing when I get old, but it's an awfully long time until then. I'm not even 60 yet! If the 2036 model is a nice color and they go back to the old 1000cc fours, I MIGHT consider one. But the 2006 model is just a two wheeled Corvair isn't it? LOL!!

yellow wolf
08-29-2006, 07:35 PM
ok im 43 and never bested on the gap by one of your little bikes, the closest ive come is on rt116 in tenn by #9 and would not bet money that i could best him at the gap due to the fact he rides the wheels off that st1100!!!


old mans bike? maybe but still waiting to be shown how its done here!!!!

ligito
08-29-2006, 07:48 PM
I have only ridden a GL a couple of times, an older 1985 model.

Too long and cumbersome for me.
It was not fun to ride.
:04biker:

emshaferii
08-30-2006, 11:32 AM
Never ridden a Gold Wing, but after riding my ST, if the wife would let me get another bike so soon, and if the Gold Wing came fully loaded (with the ability to not get the nav system), I'd have a black one in the garage right next to me ST....can't think of a better 2 bikes to have at one time.....now, this opinion is based solely on sitting on a Gold Wing on the showroom floor and riding an ST....will dealerships let you demo a Gold Wing?

ST is the minivan of cycles, Gold Wing is the diesel class A motorcoach for sure (I just sold my 40' DP).....

I am curious if for around town a Gold Wing handles as nimbly (not a word I know) as my ST?

hojo in sc
08-30-2006, 11:42 AM
ok im 43 and never bested on the gap by one of your little bikes, the closest ive come is on rt116 in tenn by #9 and would not bet money that i could best him at the gap due to the fact he rides the wheels off that st1100!!!


old mans bike? maybe but still waiting to be shown how its done here!!!!


Have you driven an ST through the gap?

Dorian
08-30-2006, 12:05 PM
....will dealerships let you demo a Gold Wing?
Some do, some don't. It all depends on what they want to sell. It never hurts to ask. If you are ever in my neck of the woods I'd be more than happy to swap keys with you for a few hours. (I even have the insurance to cover you should the power surprise you ;) )

I am curious if for around town a Gold Wing handles as nimbly (not a word I know) as my ST?
In a word, no. The wing is 200 pounds heavier and is 8" longer between wheels. The ST1300 becomes weightless at about 2mph, the wing has to get to around 4mph to become weightless :cool: . I commute daily on the wing and have no problems lane splitting. I do our grocery shopping, post office runs, and the occasional department store runs on the Wing and have no problems in the parking lot with it. However, if I'm in a real serious rush to get something and time is critical I will take the ST... it just seems to get me there and back quicker. However, both the Wing and the ST are guilty of making a 10 mile trip to the grocery store mysteriously turn into a 100 mile trip.

emshaferii
08-30-2006, 02:33 PM
thanks Dorian, I'm jealous....sounds like you've got the ideal toys in the garage....

Burger
08-30-2006, 03:48 PM
In a word, no. The wing is 200 pounds heavier and is 8" longer between wheels. The ST1300 becomes weightless at about 2mph, the wing has to get to around 4mph to become weightless :cool: .

I'm not sure I agree entirely. I do on the wing becoming weightless but the question was if the wing would be as easy around town and I think it is actually easier at crawling speeds because of its extremely low COG. The ST's is pretty low, but to me, the wing feels lighter to balance. It's certainly less effort required to raise off the side stand.

Regards,

nm6r
08-30-2006, 04:13 PM
I had a GL1500 for a while. It was clearly the best touring bike ever built at the time. It was seriously missing the fun factor. I got the opportunity to test ride a brand new GL1800 and an ST1100 back to back. The GL1800 was certainly better than the GL1500 in every respect but it didn't come close to comparing to the ST1100 in power, braking and handling. Needless to say, I bought the ST1100 and sold the wing. The ST1300 is much improved over the ST1100 in every respect furthering the performance gap over the GL1800.

The GoldWing for us was too big and bulky for errands around town and too hot to ride in the summer.

We always ride 2-up and always prefer the ST over the GW.

BTW, We tend to ride much more than the same 11 miles over and over.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

yellow wolf
08-30-2006, 04:51 PM
Have you driven an ST through the gap?


since one has never bested me why would i bother???

Burger
08-30-2006, 04:59 PM
I don't know this from personal experience but I do from the comments of many people who do have the experience and that is...

The difference between the previous models up to and including the GL1500 and the current GL1800 is like night and day. The GL1800 performs incredibly, handles extremely well and is most definitely not a slouch.

I certainly don't mean to diss anyones comments with this statement, just that I believe it to be true. Perhaps we have some people here who can confirm or deny it?

Regards,

nm6r
08-30-2006, 05:13 PM
I don't know about the difference between night and day but the GL1800 is significantly better in the performance department than the GL1500. The ST1100 still beats the GL1800 in all performance arenas. That's why I bought it.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

yellow wolf
08-30-2006, 05:20 PM
not in my back yard they dont,am still thinking of an st,fjr,or a super hawk for a 2nd bike

was looking at bmw but the bikes are nice but the bmw site and people are pompass asses! hahahaha

Trashman
08-30-2006, 05:22 PM
For my riding the Goldwing is for me. But miss people looking twice to figure out what kind of bike I'm on. Most just laugh now!

Dorian
08-30-2006, 05:59 PM
I'm not sure I agree entirely. I do on the wing becoming weightless but the question was if the wing would be as easy around town and I think it is actually easier at crawling speeds because of its extremely low COG. The ST's is pretty low, but to me, the wing feels lighter to balance. It's certainly less effort required to raise off the side stand.

Regards,

I guess the real difference for me is backing the two bikes down our driveway. The driveway is pretty steep and the road has a high crown so its a fairly technical maneuver to pull with a bike going backwards. On the ST I pretty much pick up my feet and ride it backwards until I get to the curb, then I let the momentum carry me up the crown of the street while I twist it around. If I start to lose my balance no big deal, I've muscled the ST quite a few times back from "uh-oh" angle where I thought I would lose it.

On the GL I need to back the bike down the driveway while riding the hand brake. But here's the interesting part, it is easier muscling the Wing backwards up the crown of the road than it is the ST, and I don't use reverse. I can't explain it, but the Wing allows me better leverage with my legs. But I definitely gotta watch that "uh-oh" angle on the Wing, there is no muscling it back. I can however verify that the bank angle sensor on the Wing works as advertised.;)

Burger
08-30-2006, 06:44 PM
I got mine in March... love it! Sold the ST in June.

Does that answer your question, Dave? :ggw1:

.


Well, the question has three answers :D but I think we're in the same boat so to speak...

You see I have a dilema and this poll is certainly helping to answer it... Like a lot of people I love this community, I don't know why it should be but it is one of the friendliest I've ever found on the web with a real sense of community spirit. Sure we have disagreements from time to time but thankfully most seem to remember there's a real human being behind every message and we've so far avoided having the the know it all, primadonna, contest/argue every thread types that most other forums are plagued with. It's a place where you can make real friendships with real people even though you're thousands of miles apart and may never actually meet.

Now though I sold the ST and bought the goldwing which for me was absolutely the right move... couldn't be happier. So, despite looking at other forums specifically for goldwings I find it's this forum, my friends here, that I really want to share my experiences with. However, I think I should be careful... this is afterall ST-Owners and I'm an admin here and I wouldn't want to be seen or accused of trying to shift its focus at all. Also, it's difficult for me to relate what I love about my 'wing without appearing to knock the ST and again, that simply wouldn't do lol. While I think the vast majority would understand fully that my experiences are just that - my own experiences, there might be some, especially newcomers who might think what is this, and who is this guy on ST-Owners saying he prefers a 'wing?

I'm sure you get my drift... so I thought I would gauge if there was any interest before even contemplating posting about it. I'm still not sure it would be appropriate, but the results of the poll so far, especially the number answering they are interested has surprised me. (Watch the count change now lol).

I've even wondered about us having a forum for 'other' motorcycles, not just 'wings, to discuss likes, dislikes, even issues if there were any. Perhaps expand the purpose of the motorcycle reviews section? Afterall, many of the people here have more than just their ST, but again, I wouldn't want to dilute the main target of the forum because... right back at the beginning now... it's such a great community.

Certainly no decisions been made on this and it's not the sort of thing I would decide on my own without discussing with Joe and as I am now... all the members. I'm just now putting my thoughts and questions on paper so to speak.

Anyone care to comment?

Regards,

Trashman
08-30-2006, 08:56 PM
Dave, I agree I've made friends on this board that will away be my friends regardless of the bike we are currently riding. I too have been reluctant to post concern or bust about my new wing as you said this is a ST board but I don't see any harm in posting Wing issues both good and bad in the off topic forum. Beside whats more off topic than a ST'er who fell off onto a wing.

Pred8tor
08-30-2006, 09:09 PM
Don't we have a forum for motorcycle reviews? Can't you post your experiences there? Heck, I'm sure my next bike will be a Wing... just can't do it now. But I would like to read about them.

Medicine Bear
08-30-2006, 09:27 PM
Dammit, Burger Dave, give with the info already! :spank1:

We've talked about every bike known to man or woman on this board - enquiring minds want to know! Okay, maybe not an "enquiring mind" but I want to know! :D

Fred :03biker:

PS Or would you rather write something up and just PM half the population of this board?

bygdawg
08-31-2006, 08:36 AM
Have you driven an ST through the gap?

I was just wondering the same exact thing??? :o:

Dorian
08-31-2006, 10:28 AM
Dave,

You nailed it on the head when you said that this forum is one of the best accumulation of personalities and open discussion around. When my wife and I were first looking at the ST this place turned out to be a great resource. I learned so much about the ST and even had a member here help us find the one we were looking for ('05 was already out, but we wanted a new '04 still in the crate).

I try hard to stick to the topic at hand, the ST. But occasionally a thread like this pops up and I lose all discipline and gush about the other bike. I feel extremely fortunate that circumstances allowed for us to have both. Now, if I can only convince my wife that a BMW GS is the way to go instead of a new car to replace our aging convertible. Fat chance of that.:Chair1: She's not about to allow a 4th bike in our stable.

hojo in sc
08-31-2006, 01:07 PM
since one has never bested me why would i bother???

By riding an ST, maybe you can be the one to beat your 22 minutes, or was it 19 minutes? :bow1: :ygw1:

yellow wolf
08-31-2006, 01:11 PM
overlook to the store......... 11:55

any st riders wanna try me?


all kidding aside the st will hustle down a twisty road and still mite end up with one

Horst
08-31-2006, 01:36 PM
Burger, you forgot one more category ....

I ONCE OWNED A WING AND WILL NEVER GO BACK !!!!!!!


:D

(ok, maybe when I'm sixty four .... :) )

bygdawg
08-31-2006, 02:07 PM
overlook to the store......... 11:55

any st riders wanna try me?


all kidding aside the st will hustle down a twisty road and still mite end up with one

I'd love to. The next time I'm up that way, we'll see if I can keep up with you. I'll be in Eureka this coming week. We could always try 341.

CrashTestDanny
09-01-2006, 04:02 PM
overlook to the store......... 11:55

any st riders wanna try me?


all kidding aside the st will hustle down a twisty road and still mite end up with one

The thing that discussions of this nature overlook is that it's neither a man nor a machine that wins a race, but rather a marriage of man to machine. In fact, it is the complete system: rider, machine, preparation, trip, weather, traffic, road conditions, etc... It's not that the GL1800 is the best bike for that trip, it's the best bike for you on that trip; and you may be the best rider for that bike on that trip. Of course, you've ridden that trip on that bike hundreds of times. Comparing that to someone on an ST who has ridden it a handful of times or less really isn't so much a comparison of the machine or the rider, but of the fit between machine, rider, and route.

That, by the way, is why you should try the trip a few times pushing an ST with the same zeal you started with on the wing - even though no combination of other riders on STs have bested you. By keeping the variables of trip and rider the same, you then have a much better vantage from which to render a comparison between two machines after you have put some time into developing a relationship with an ST on that route.

That said, I've watched some of your videos and I would never even try to keep up - that's KAWAZY! :eek:

hojo in sc
09-01-2006, 08:20 PM
overlook to the store......... 11:55

any st riders wanna try me?


all kidding aside the st will hustle down a twisty road and still mite end up with one


11:55, sorry, couldn't remember what your time was. Ya ought to take an ST out and make a run for it, you might actually have a little fun with it.

bygdawg
09-01-2006, 10:53 PM
I have respect for both bikes, and as someone pointed out earlier, each bike is limited by it's riders experience and it's physical limits. Based on the fact that the riders experience is equal, there is no reason that the ST should not out perform the Wing in this challenge. Of course, a modified wing would offer better numbers than a non-modified wing, but still should fall short of the ST, especially a modified ST.

Fireball18
09-02-2006, 07:38 AM
I keep hearing these comments that the Gold Wing is an "old man's" bike. Still not sure where that's coming from. The GL1800 (I'm on my 2d one) is merely an overgrown sportbike. Sure, it's heavier than my ST1300, but it does remarkably well, and as one dealer told me, it out ST's the ST1100. Can't make that same reference to the 1300, though.

The GL1800 is comfortable, sure enough, but is remarkably nimble and handles the twisties quite well. I've put a 70-series rear tire on which not only trues out the speedometer, but also raises the bike and increases ground clearance. I have to really lean it over to touch something down, now.

I do have to say that I really miss my ST1300, but the more I ride my Wing, the less I miss the ST. However, if I could financially justify it, I'd have an ST in the garage next to the Wing. I got the Wing because I didn't think it would be safe to tow a camping trailer with it, and because my wife didn't find the ST to be a very comfortable 2-up bike. After having the surgery done on my right hand, that became a non-issue.

End result? Don't "dis" the GL1800, and don't think for a moment that it's an old man's motorcycle. Just ain't so.

Horst
09-11-2006, 04:36 PM
this needs a reply ...

"... it (the GL1800) out ST's the ST1100 ..."

in a one way (power) yes ... but in so many, many ways, not even close !!!

One of the things I *love* about my ST1100 is the versatility.

It can go from mini-GL to almost-CBR-XX in less than one minute ... :D

And this is how I ride it ... full bags w/Givi topcase for when my lovely wife of many years comes along (she doesn't know I set up the suspension :)) ... and naked (less than two minutes) with soft suspension settings for my back roads burner frame of mind.

The big GL's major shortcoming is those friggin bags and humpback top case. I don't think I'll ever get one again (had a GL1500 once).

But, to each his own ... if you're happy, I'm happy, and we're all happy :) ... I do ride with GL and Valky owners, and yes we all had breakfast together last Saturday morning !

keywestwego
09-11-2006, 06:04 PM
I enjoy my Goldwing. Primarily a two up bike with my wife on long trips. The ST is a one up on the curves and with younger riders. Of course that doesn't include NC Sam. He is MUCH older than I am and rides a heck-of-a lot better too.

nm6r
09-11-2006, 06:10 PM
Horst, actually the ST1100 has more power. The GL1800 has more low end torque but the ST1100 will take it off the line and keep pulling. DAMHIK.

I test rode the GL1800 and ST1100 back to back. There is no comparison. They are two completely different bikes.

It looks like several riders have bought the ST1100 or ST1300 and tried to make it into a touring bike only to find out they really should have bought a GL1800. Of course there are several of us that went the other way, bought a GW only to find out it was missing the fun factor so we bought an ST.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

coldoughboy
09-11-2006, 06:20 PM
I'd love to. The next time I'm up that way, we'll see if I can keep up with you. I'll be in Eureka this coming week. We could always try 341.


:bigpop: I would love to watch that ride.

yellow wolf
09-11-2006, 06:45 PM
dawg looking forward to that!!!

and i know with the same rider on board the st will out run a wing,but what fun would that be? hahahahaha

John Ephlin
09-11-2006, 07:37 PM
Not Braging but I woreout four of them:04biker: :biker:

bygdawg
09-11-2006, 09:54 PM
Well...341 was a blast as it was before, but I found myself really enjoying 123 as well. If I was in the area, I'd make it a point to hit these two, plus 7, 16, 9, 14, and 23. Now...if I can just find that Wolf Pen Gap the next time I'm out that way. Heck...I may have even rode it and not realized it. I put a little over 1,600 miles on the bike over the weekend. :D

jdpfms
09-12-2006, 08:09 AM
I got my GW in March... love it!

I sold the ST in June because I could never get 100% long-distance comfortable on it. It was, however, a blast to ride. :grin:

Does that answer your question, Dave? :ggw1:

.

I've had two GL1800s in the past, but when my wife quite riding, I sold them and moved to V-Stroms. I have had an 04ST1300ABS for about 6-7 months now along with the stroms. I am having the seat redone (stock one sent to Spencer) and the Corbin still makes me slide forward. I have tried the MCL riser plate and added the GenMar (stacked). I like the stacked version better than the MCL plate and don't feel it is more risky as another thread says. All that said, I really love the engine and reliability of the Honda, but if I can't get my ergonomics just a little better with the seat, I may consider selling like Atadude did and just stick with the 1000 and 650 stroms (which are most comfy bikes I've ever ridden) or add an 02-05 wing or used 07 BMW RT (would have to wait for that to happen about another year). I will see. BTW, even if you never ride two up, the GL1800 is an awesome one up ride.

JDP

Mellow
09-12-2006, 09:24 AM
BTW, even if you never ride two up, the GL1800 is an awesome one up ride.

Yeah... it handles okay in the twisties... :D

bygdawg
09-12-2006, 10:50 AM
Plus, it has a really nice microwave oven setup in the rear, as well as optional appliance room in the side bags. Unfortunately, I have to cook all of my food in the small cubby up front. :p:

Bob Hughes
09-15-2006, 02:56 PM
I sold my wing recently and have been in a similar situation as you, but reversed. I spent the last 4 years on the gl1800riders.com board and know those people very well. I started reading and posting on this board 3 months before I actually bought my ST recently and feel like I know many of you already. I have however turned the corner and read this board first and with the most interest, the VFR board second and the wing board third. It's a slow transition but I believe that you too will make the same one.

It's easy to see that your friends here will always be glad to have you around though, and to know how you are doing on your Goldwing. Best of luck on the wing, they are great bikes.

dteel
09-18-2006, 09:03 AM
Yellow Wolf, I've seen the video of one of your rides though the gap, I wouldn't even try to keep up with you. I'm fond of spirited riding, but alas, my reflexes aren't what they use to be. Now back in the days when I was in good shape and tracking around the canyons of SoCal on my 1979 Honda CB750F, I would have been happy to take you up on a little challenge.

2dogs
12-06-2007, 03:40 PM
I think we can see by the interest in this thread and the replies in the poll that there are many riders here that would like to read more on the Goldwing .
I have been thinking it will most likely be my next 2 wheel purchase.
So by all means Burger post your take on the wing so we can all benefit from your experience.
BTW, I have no intention in selling my ST.
The better half would be much happier on the back of the 1800 but that's maybe 10% of my riding so I would have to keep the ST.
I'm thinking an 1800 ABS would look mighty nice in the garage next to the ST. Now if I can just bring myself to part with all that cash :rolleyes:

:06biker:
Dave

2dogs
12-06-2007, 04:02 PM
wow , I gotta check the dates on these posts...lol
just went back and found Dave's "update" on his Wing.

Thanks Burger!

knew I'd been away from the site a lot but sheesh....

electrajoe
12-06-2007, 11:05 PM
Burger,

I read your blog on the GL1800 Navi. Any new developements? I have a 1991 ST1100 but may go to the GL1800 AirBag model soon.

chalayko
12-07-2007, 08:27 PM
We recently traded in a 2002 ST1100 on a 2007 Wing. I had an issue with the ST that couldn't be resoved with out great expense so we looked around. My riding buddy has a Road King and we enjoy going to rallies where mainly v-twins show so of course we test road a new ElectraGlide Ultra Classic. It's a beautiful bike to look at but not for us to ride. I had a cheque in my pocket for the deposit and was going to go for either Candy Red or 2 tone red. It was disappointing. I've since had a Harley, formerly Honda, mechanic tell me I'm not the Harley "type". Whatever.
Next was a ride on the a Wing I was looking at for some time. We had a great ride and were really impressed with the Wing. Getting back on the ST cinched it. The ST is in the used bike line at the shop, the Wing's in our garage and the farkles are arriving.
Cheers,
Cliff.

chalayko
12-07-2007, 08:28 PM
Oops, better change my avatar and signature!
Cliff.

lorenzell
12-07-2007, 09:40 PM
I cannot understand why I, for single riding could possibly want that behemoth of a motorcycle. You might as well just drive a Civic. Actually, if I was going to change I would go to a Suzuki Bandit 1250. Faster, quicker, lighter, less of a heat problem, yet still good and gas and great torque.

LZ. Had a nice ride to Wallyworld today. 70 degrees.

Burger
12-08-2007, 04:32 AM
Burger,

I read your blog on the GL1800 Navi. Any new developements? I have a 1991 ST1100 but may go to the GL1800 AirBag model soon.

All developments are in the blog. Everything I've done with or on the Goldwing is there as well as everything I've done with or on the Bandit. I haven't updated it for a few weeks coz I haven't done anything :(

Work and the run up to Christmas are taking all my time and the weather here is atrocious right now so being on either bike wouldn't be much fun.

Regards,

Burger
12-08-2007, 04:33 AM
I cannot understand why I, for single riding could possibly want that behemoth of a motorcycle. You might as well just drive a Civic.

You've not taken a GL1800 for a test ride then?

Regards,

gec343
12-08-2007, 08:30 AM
IMHO, the Gold Wing is the most comfortable two up bike. In 1996, I had a friend that didn't like motorcycles. So in my stupidity, I purchased a new 96 Gold Wing to take her on a trip to California. She complained all the way to California and back to Michigan.

However, I must say that the Gold Wing is an impressive machine, but I see the ST as sort of a "mini Gold Wing". The ST has almost everything that the Wing has, but without all that size and weight.

I rode the Wing until I almost totaled it hitting a deer. I didn't trust the frame after that. I don't knock the Wing's. Excellent machines.:03biker:

motomac
12-09-2007, 05:20 AM
Since I totalled my second Wing this year, I had to change my vote. The SO is still recovering from her surgery and there is 8" of snow on the ground and I am still waiting for the insurance check, so investing in another Gold Wing is not too high on the priority list at this time. If she says she won't ride again, then I will probably replace it with a dual sport of some kind.

deanrd
12-09-2007, 09:54 AM
Whats a good site (like this one) for reading about potential issues with them?

I'm interested because of my SO. The ST is the bike for me otherwise.

Actually, I'd like a Ural also. Then I could ride all year.

Thanx

sherob
12-09-2007, 10:32 AM
www.ridersrally.com is pretty good... very friendly peeps. www.gl1800riders.com is ok... I've seen shots taken at people for asking questions :rolleyes:

S2000-Dave
12-09-2007, 11:01 AM
Thinking of purchasing a Wing, pricey tho. I've seen some fair prices on e-bay. How do they compare to the Yamaha Royal Star Venture?

motomac
12-09-2007, 12:03 PM
You can get a base Wing (new) for $17K out the door. I don't know what the others are going for.

TxStPilot
12-09-2007, 06:49 PM
one day i'd like to own a wing..for now the ST is just fine...

tsp

rbs
12-10-2007, 05:15 PM
I think it would have been interesting to see how many of us used to own a Goldwing but moved on to the ST!

I have owned two very different GWs, the first a '96SE that I put 46,000 miles on, then when the 1800 came out I bought one of the first ones with all the extras in illusion red. However as with a lot of first issues I had some technical problems with the 1800 so switched to sport touring vs. luxo touring.

As I aged the wing simply became too heavy in slow manuvers.

Mellow
12-11-2007, 06:00 AM
There are many that have gone from Wing to ST and ST to Wing.. heck, I've done both.

The wing is easier for me at slow maneuvers than the ST was but everyone has a different feel for the bikes.