Thinking about a new GoldWing

[electrajoe]

My 1991 ST1100 just turned 18 (mfg 03/90) and 98,000 miles, runs like new. Annual mileage is aroung 16K. Do I need a new bike? --- probably not.

Last week I rented a '06 GoldWing (base model) and ran it 668 miles in 2 days.

The good:

zero miles
nice audio build in
cruise build in
self cancel turn signals
reverse
handles twisties similar to my ST1100
plenty of torque, will pull you back when over 40 MPH in top gear
higher geared, 70 MPH at 2500 RPM (vs 3600)
mileage 44 MPG one tank 42 second tank, about the same as my ST
little or no hang-ons needed (built in Navi GPS - well not quite Zumo)

The bad:
got to pay for it
feels a little strange doing parking lot manuvers (close-in handle bars and extra weight)
low gear is real low - probably good for 2 up and/or trailer, which is not issue)

The Air Bag model has my interest. A dealer 40 miles from me gave the best price found nationally. Besides, my birthday is soon. Just have to convince myself.

Comments, please.

[msnyder755]

It really is a great motorcycle and alot "smaller" once you get used to it.

Just do it and don't look back youll be happy..

[Medicine Bear]

Who was the dealer with the best price, out of curiosity. Not that I'm bucking for Moderator status, you understand, just asking for my wife. :D

Fred :03biker: :confused:

PS If you find a magical way to pay for that sucker, let me know!

[G-MAN]

It really is a great motorcycle and alot "smaller" once you get used to it.

Just do it and don't look back youll be happy..


Michael,
Good to hear from you. When did you get rid of your ST?

[msnyder755]

Michael,
Good to hear from you. When did you get rid of your ST?

Last October....there is a thread on here somewhere about the sad day. Basically I traded it for the shadow for the wife and the zzr for me. Still going to Westoc even without an ST however. Hope to see you there or maybe even along the way up.

[Coop]

Who was the dealer with the best price, out of curiosity. Not that I'm bucking for Moderator status, you understand, just asking for my wife. :D

Fred :03biker: :confused:

PS If you find a magical way to pay for that sucker, let me know!


Come on Fred, you cheap so and so, buy her a red one like she wants.

[electrajoe]

Fred,

The dealer is in Richwood, Texas about 50 miles south of Houston.

Jim will discount the ST1300A $1000, but $3,250 on the GoldWing airbag model.

http://freedommotorsports.org/Default.asp

[Mellow]

Fred,

The dealer is in Richwood, Texas about 50 miles south of Houston.

Jim will discount the ST1300A $1000, but $3,250 on the GoldWing airbag model.

http://freedommotorsports.org/Default.asp

Might be a wash.... but, these are listed cheaper. Looks like they both have the same price on the base models.

http://www.lakehillmotors.com/hondaonroadGold2008.html

[Medicine Bear]

You guys are killing me!

I am near to getting the ST back together and see what a ride does to my psyche and decision making...

Fred :03biker: :confused:

[Burger]

Hm, interesting thread... right where I was 21 months ago lol.

I'm going to say something that might get me shot, barred or even worse both... When I first thought about getting a wing some people told me I wouldn't like it because I wouldn't be really involved in the ride. I thought, knowing best, as I always do of course... Don't be stupid, of course you have to ride it. Well, after 21 months I can now talk with some authority on the subject I think... yeeeeeek

Does a GL1800 wing handle? Unbelievably well... better than a lot of lighter bikes. Does it perform? You think the ST's got torque? Try a 'wing... that's torque. Is the protection from the elements good? Superb. How about the comfort? Can't fault it. In fact I would say there is no smoother, comfortable way to cover huge distances on two wheels and with precision. A truly amazing experience and creation by Honda. But...

Oh yes, there's a but now...

It does it all too well... too easily... too precisely. Yep, you get to the end of a long ride on a 'wing and you'll feel more refreshed than on any other bike. But when your mates, who you had no trouble staying with, are standing round talking about that last right hander or the precision with which they carved the twisties, you'll be thinking what right hander? What twisties? OK, yeah, I remember, but it wasn't *that* thrilling. Somehow, and obviously this is just my experience and opinion, the 'wing somehow divorces you from the thrill of grass roots motorcycling. Like being a modern passenger jet pilot... there to control it but not really fly it.

So, if you're after comfort, safety, smoothness, precision, uneventful and long distance, the wing is your perfect bike. If you like some wind in your face and to feel like you, not the bike, just conquered the twisties... my advice now would be to look for something sportier.

Sure, I know there are those... Rob, Joe, Yellow Wolf etc. who ride their 'wings with a lot of involvement and I'm sure get tremendous fun from it... heck I have too but in a way you have to make the effort to ride a wing like that and on a sportier bike you don't.

Never thought I'd say all that, but there it is... just my opinion of course.

I really hope I'm not upsetting anyone by saying all this by the way... each to their own of course.

Regards,

[Mellow]

You're outta here!!!! .. LOL

Dave, I understand completely what you're talking about. No one will shoot you here for doing what you want, as it's your decision to make. Congrats on the FJR by the way.

I always said the ST was more fun to ride than the Wing. The Wing is built for comfort out of the box. Very few don't find it comfortable.

The true Sport Touring category of bikes are built for fun and less for comfort. Doesn't mean you can't make them comfortable, or that they aren't like that out of the box for some, it just means that's not the main focus. It's fun, IMO.

Do I have as much fun on the Wing that I did on the ST? Tough question, for me anyway... With a little effort you can make a ride on the wing fun.. then, when you're tired of working you can sit back and take it easy.

The pricing structure on Wings is pretty crazy these days and my next bike will more than likely be a used ST1100 or ST1300. Will honda do something different in coming years? Let the rumors start. If it's possible to combine these two bikes in a way that make both Wingers and STers happy is yet to be seen... but, it would be cool to see.

[Medicine Bear]

Joe and Burger,

Thanks for the posts. I always come away with the feeling I learned something or got a laugh - you figure out which.

My perspective regarding the ST vs Wing comes from another direction. My accident didn't play a part in it other than to get me to thinking about why I ride in the first place. I have come to realize, after much thought, that I used to ride partly to thumb my nose at the onslaught of old(er) age. I reasoned that if I rode a sport tourer and rode it like it was supposed to be ridden then I wasn't getting older - I was just keeping up with the young'uns.

This was brought home to me when I was describing a ride I'd made in Colorado a few years ago and was in the process of telling about going 90 mph around a sweeper in the mountains. The friend I was telling the story to had visited the area and asked what the scenery looked like. I couldn't describe it, of course, because I was concentrated on the turn at the time. Anything left in my peripheral vision was a blur at best. That's when I realized I needed to reassess my reasons for riding. I am an avid photographer and always take my camera with me, especially to places like Colorado and Utah. I went back and looked over some of my photos the other day and was surprised to see very few pix taken when I was on the ST. Again, a wake up call.

I know Coop and others, myself included, kid about buying a Wing just so my wife will have a comfortable place to park her tush but I have to say the first time I rode a Wing (ironically at CheapSToc last year) everything was where I wanted it to be. I could close my eyes, imagine where the grips would be if it were the perfect fit for me and when I put my hands down there they were. The bike just fits.

And now that I have reassessed my reasons for riding I see that the Wing is a better fit for me both in riding style and comfort. To that end I will probably be selling the ST in the near future but the Wing, due to my current financial status, will have to wait - a shame since I saw the perfect 2003 ABS Wing on eBay. Yes, Coop, it was red!

ST or Wing, bike or no bike, I intend to hang around here for the foreseeable future just to keep Coop in line and enjoy the company and wisdom of all the fine people here.

Fred :03biker: :confused: :cbcgw1:

[Burger]

You know Fred that's a very good point, and thanks for reminding me. I remember saying to my wife once I see so much more of the scenery on the wing. Very true. I'm sorry to hear you'll be bikeless and I hope, really hope, you can get your wing. You won't be disappointed.

Regards,

[Mellow]

It does help to smell the roses - life if too short not to... yet, zooming by the roses ripping their pedals off is fun too...

I understand what you mean when you say you can't believe you didn't have good pics of a place you visited. I try to do my best at getting as many pics I can during a ride. I throw some spirited riding in but when the scenery is spectacular... I try my best to back it down a notch.

[alphafang]

I really hate Gold Wings
:ygw1:
DUCKING REAL FAST AND PUTTING ON TIN HELMET
I have a major problem with the Wing, If I bought one I would have to move house. I don't care how much the dealer will discount it I just cant afford to move house.
OK let me clarify.... I cant get a Wing through the gap to my back garden where my bikes live. I hate Gold Wings there too damned wide.......
Actually I hate the gap I have to negotiate every time I park a bike up.:mad:
I have had the mirror covers painted three times on the ST and there due doing again. I had to fit pannier bump strips too because the panniers catch the corner of the wall. Damned that passage way. I want a Wing but cant make it fit.....My local dealer keeps tempting me, and is daft enough to keep offering test rides which I of course keep taking, well why not. They are a great piece of engineering, and a great ride.
I'm going to have to wipe the tears from the key board soon.
I really would like a Wing but it's not to be in the foreseeable future.
So until the kids have moved out no Wing for me, it will have to wait until I retire to my little cottage in Scotland, the one with the double garage and work shop.

Paul

[Mellow]

The Wing saddle bags are narrower than the ST... yes my friends... it's true... LOL

The wing sig lights stick out a ways... but, you can bend them back a little - might knock off a couple inches on each side.

[Burger]

Hm... A goldwing is 1cm wider than an ST1300... that must be tight lol. That's with it's mirrors out. Fold them in like Joe said and it'll actually be narrower.

Hm, time to put your wallet where your mouth is lol.

Regards,

[alphafang]

It's tight alright,
just wondering Dave is the 1100 wider than the 1300?
You guys know I would end up sticking bits on the wing that would make it even wider......now where did I see those slim LEDs...:D
Paul

[Mellow]

It's tight alright,
just wondering Dave is the 1100 wider than the 1300?
You guys know I would end up sticking bits on the wing that would make it even wider......now where did I see those slim LEDs...:D
Paul

How wide is your drive? I'll measure the wing when I get home, just so we settle this dispute... he he he .... (that was an evil laugh)

[alphafang]

Joe you swine you,
Drive indeed, who has a drive that's 42" wide?
I've got what we call a ginnel (even spell check cant help with that one)
If I could get a Wing in the gap it's the turn into the yard thats the b*ll breaker.
Just measured the ST mirror to mirror I get about 37" that leaves me 5" what am complaining about a wing should fly down there....but I know it won't.

[Mellow]

Ray did a measurement....

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showpost.php?p=284493&postcount=30


Bike Bags : Mirrors
ST13 32-1/4 : 36-1/2
GW 34 : 44
C14 38 : 42

So I stand corrected... the Wing is wider than the ST13.. The Connie is wider in the rear.

Now, when I get home, I'll push the mirrors in and do another measurement, they push in like most autos/trucks do. It's not flat... but, might be just enough.

[alphafang]

1/2" to spare Dave I think I'm keeping the wallet closed for now...lol
Folding in the mirrors hhmmm interesting do they have the same view when you push them back out??
I think maybe were guilty of :th1:
two mods and me hijacking threads:crackup :crackup :spank1:

[Mellow]

1/2" to spare Dave I think I'm keeping the wallet closed for now...lol
Folding in the mirrors hhmmm interesting do they have the same view when you push them back out??
I think maybe were guilty of :th1:
two mods and me hijacking threads:crackup :crackup :spank1:

Yes... the whole assembly swings in a little, the mirror position itself stays the same within the housing.. .so it's always as it was before... he he he...

[alphafang]

Ok to bring this Hijack to an end....I noticed you didn't comment on that Joe..:D ..
I will go to the dealers and see if I can have yet another test ride and bring the Wing home fold in the mirrors and try it. just a thought whats the easiest paint colour to match.....;)
Cheers
Paul

[msnyder755]

Hm, interesting thread... right where I was 21 months ago lol.

I'm going to say something that might get me shot, barred or even worse both... When I first thought about getting a wing some people told me I wouldn't like it because I wouldn't be really involved in the ride. I thought, knowing best, as I always do of course... Don't be stupid, of course you have to ride it. Well, after 21 months I can now talk with some authority on the subject I think... yeeeeeek

Does a GL1800 wing handle? Unbelievably well... better than a lot of lighter bikes. Does it perform? You think the ST's got torque? Try a 'wing... that's torque. Is the protection from the elements good? Superb. How about the comfort? Can't fault it. In fact I would say there is no smoother, comfortable way to cover huge distances on two wheels and with precision. A truly amazing experience and creation by Honda. But...

Oh yes, there's a but now...

It does it all too well... too easily... too precisely. Yep, you get to the end of a long ride on a 'wing and you'll feel more refreshed than on any other bike. But when your mates, who you had no trouble staying with, are standing round talking about that last right hander or the precision with which they carved the twisties, you'll be thinking what right hander? What twisties? OK, yeah, I remember, but it wasn't *that* thrilling. Somehow, and obviously this is just my experience and opinion, the 'wing somehow divorces you from the thrill of grass roots motorcycling. Like being a modern passenger jet pilot... there to control it but not really fly it.

So, if you're after comfort, safety, smoothness, precision, uneventful and long distance, the wing is your perfect bike. If you like some wind in your face and to feel like you, not the bike, just conquered the twisties... my advice now would be to look for something sportier.

Sure, I know there are those... Rob, Joe, Yellow Wolf etc. who ride their 'wings with a lot of involvement and I'm sure get tremendous fun from it... heck I have too but in a way you have to make the effort to ride a wing like that and on a sportier bike you don't.

Never thought I'd say all that, but there it is... just my opinion of course.

I really hope I'm not upsetting anyone by saying all this by the way... each to their own of course.

Regards,


I can't agree more with Daves assessment. However, I really can't see myself getting rid of the Wing anytime. I just love riding that thing. When I owned both the Wing and the ST at the same time I found myself on the Wing more than not (but I truly do miss the ST). I bought the ZZR for that in your face conquer the roads ride. If I had to give up all but one bike the Wing would stay for sure no question hands down.

[KrazyKooter]

Does the wing take 87 octane gas, or 91?

[Burger]

Measurements wrong...

GL1800 across mirrors: 945mm or 37.20 inches and they are the widest point.

ST1300 across mirrors: 935mm or 36.81 inches and they are the widest point.

ST1100 across mirrors: exactly the same as an ST1300 (according to wikipedia).

So plenty more than a half inch to play there Paul.

I know where you can get a perfect gold GL1800 for a bargain price by the way... but only for a few days lol.

Regards,

[Mellow]

Does the wing take 87 octane gas, or 91?

Premium is NOT required for the wing.

[jasonJonas]

Does the wing take 87 octane gas, or 91?

87 all the way. gotta love the wing-a-ding-ding. debbie and i went for a ride this weekend. when she's not riding, we're on the wing. it's a pleasure to ride and for a such a big boat, it's downright smooth and nimble.

[Mellow]

Measurements wrong...

GL1800 across mirrors: 945mm or 37.20 inches and they are the widest point.

ST1300 across mirrors: 935mm or 36.81 inches and they are the widest point.

ST1100 across mirrors: exactly the same as an ST1300 (according to wikipedia).

So plenty more than a half inch to play there Paul.

I know where you can get a perfect gold GL1800 for a bargain price by the way... but only for a few days lol.

Regards,

Wow Dave, I didn't even see that coming... LOL.. Thanks for the measurements.. Heck, you should just ride it over there and let him see for himself..

[electrajoe]

Not yet. My ST1100 and rental GL1800 both will fit with the 3 cars in the garage. May have to throw out some junk.

I was real close but found out the Wing is going to be made in Japan. Marysville USA plant is scheduled to close in the Spring 2009. The GoldWing will probably be a completely new bike. Will the GL1800 become an orphan?

Your thoughts.