GoldWing - 1 up???

[michaellovett]

All this talk about comfort on the Wing has got me thinking... maybe I should check one out.. but for 1 up riding.

That's probably overkill but I have been through 4 bikes in 5 years trying to find one that's really comfortable for me long distances and have not found it yet, even with the ST.

I love the ST but even with every combination of risers and blocks my shoulders and neck still are just not happy. I need the lower body positioning of an ST with the upper body positioning of a cruiser. I've looked at dual-sports and BMW's but all are simply too tall, or would take too much messin' around to get them short enough for me.

Anyone out there ride an Wing 1-up regularly? How "overkill" is it?? Is there anything out there like a Wing for One?? :-)

[Mellow]

I had 2 GL1800s and put 50,000+ miles on both. They are just fine for one-up riding.

The Wing, for many people, is comfortable right off the showroom floor, no mods necessary.

If you can't get comfortable on the ST no matter what you do, then give the wing a try, it will surprise you.

[nybryan]

just order a utopia driver backrest. they are comfortable i have also had 2 1800s with almost hundred thousand miles covered. They are also lower to the ground if thats an issue then the st

[msnyder755]

They are great one up...the performance will suprise you. Lots of space for stuff and you don't have to do a bunch of mods but you can. I love mine and ride it one up probably 80 percent of the time. You will like it.

[motomac]

Take a test ride on a GL 1800 and I will bet you will be amazed at how well it handles, how well it accelerates, and how comfortable it is right out of the box. There are aftermarket farkles available to make an 1800 anything you want it to be.

[therider]

I can vouch for the wing already. I just got mine today and it is bone stock. perfect upright seating, I can flatfoot it, low cog, awesome torque. maybe just need a clearview short shield to look over it. silent cockpit, radio, no-fumbling-ignition-key, and finally mirrors that are actually usable by just moving the eyes. I think I will grow with the wing.

Try it just once.

[gec343]

I had a new 1996 Gold Wing SE. Great bike, but just too massive. I bought it to please a girlfriend at the time. After that relationship ended, I sold it. The ST is more my style. However, if I were riding two up, then the Wing would be in the picture again.:03biker::03biker::03biker:

The Wings are great, but an overkill for one up riding IMHO.

[michaellovett]

... and ride it one up probably 80 percent of the time. .

Does this include "daily activity" rides (to the store, etc) or just long, open-road rides?

I ride my bikes everywhere, about 11 months of the year...

[Mean]

I would buy one for 1-up riding. Though my wife has already said that she would definitely ride on a Wing which sounds good to me. We have tried the ST but it was only OK for her. My plan is to rent one. Mellow already cautioned me against it and he is probably right. I will probably return it and start selling everything I have to buy one.

therider, are you really only 29 and have a Wing? ;)

G

[therider]

Yes, I am 29 and now a winger. I don't feel like an old man at all :)

[michaellovett]

therider - can I ask your physical specs? Height/Weight?

I have sat on a Wing on the showroom. My reaction was "Man, this honker is HUGE!" But I must admit I am intrigued by all the features for traveling.. If it fit me well and I could ride it almost anywhere that I currently ride, I would spring for it.

The thing I've learned though is this: sitting on a show-room floor isn't a good way to test a bike for comfort. You need at least an hour on it to get any idea at all whether there are major comfort issues or not.

Also, do you have any sense what your mileage is going to be? 6 cylinders sounds like a lot of fuel being consumed, no?

[therider]

well, I am 190 lb 5'7", trying hard to lose weight. wife is 5'5" 110lb. i can't tell if wife is in the back of the wing or not :P

well, when i sat on the bike at showroom, the ergonomics fit me just perfectly. it is just like i sat on my enfield in india. rode that 350cc enfield thumper 40k kms in 2 yrs. i just didn't get the same ergo in all the bikes i had - shadow vlx, concours, st13. they all are nice, but i needed something that would make me wake up in the morning for a ride. wing fits me the best in ergo dept, in bone stock form. the vlx was nice but my body weight was on tailbone. both the conc and st needed risers and still i was not 100% comfortable. i haven't ridden the wing much today (insu still not done) but from the short town ride I just loved it.

more later.

[Mellow]

My mileage on both 1800s was 38-42.. On the ST it's 42-46. I ride them both the same so that should help with that comparison.

The Wing does have a smaller tank and I could go about 180-just over 200 before the light would come on vs 260-300 before the ST starts blinking.

I'm 5'8" w/28" inseam and the wing was easier to flatfoot than the ST but I now have a lowered Spencer seat and it's about even.

[michaellovett]

My mileage on both 1800s was 38-42.. On the ST it's 42-46. I ride them both the same so that should help with that comparison.

The Wing does have a smaller tank and I could go about 180-just over 200 before the light would come on vs 260-300 before the ST starts blinking.

I'm 5'8" w/28" inseam and the wing was easier to flatfoot than the ST but I now have a lowered Spencer seat and it's about even.

Hmm.. Are you saying that you can flatfoot the ST with your spencerized seat? I can still only walk on the balls, or if I slip off one side an inch or so, I can flatfoot on one side..

[Mellow]

Hmm.. Are you saying that you can flatfoot the ST with your spencerized seat? I can still only walk on the balls, or if I slip off one side an inch or so, I can flatfoot on one side..

I'm sorry... I said that wrong.. what I meant to say is with the Spencerized seat, I'm now able to 'foot' it like I was on the wing... but, still only on the balls of my feet for both bikes, sorry.

[therider]

My inseam is 30" and I can flatfoot the wing. Taking a bit of time getting used to that.

[llbaker2]

I came to the ST from an 87 wing. I am still working on the ST. Just sent my seat to Spencer and adding a Utopia back rest while he has it. I hope this will help with long distance comfort factor. If not I am going back to a Wing. I dont really want an 1800ccc RV but there is nothing that comes close to it for comfort. I had hoped the ST would be my mini Wing but the long distance comfort is not even close. To bad, the ST is close but no cigar. Wouldnt take much to make it a Mini Wing. Honda should offer this bike in to versions, one for sport/touring and one for touring/sport or just plain touring.

[thumperjdm]

I had a new 1996 Gold Wing SE. Great bike, but just too massive. I bought it to please a girlfriend at the time. After that relationship ended, I sold it. The ST is more my style. However, if I were riding two up, then the Wing would be in the picture again.:03biker::03biker::03biker:

The Wings are great, but an overkill for one up riding IMHO.

Sorry, but the GL1500 and GL1800 are two totally different motorcycles. I would agree with your opinion about the 1500 being overkill.

But, the 1800 is a 900 lb. Sportbike--and very much do-able for 1-up riding.

[motomac]

The Wing is capable of being a daily rider! You can haul a lot of groceries in the trunk alone, but if you empty the saddle bags and fill up all three boxes, you can easily get a weeks worth for one stuffed in them.

[DaBear]

It's funny how one specific bike can fit someone perfectly. For instance, my two Water Buffaloes -- to be specific, they are Suzuki GT750's, a water-cooled two stroke triple, made in 1975 and 1976 -- fit me perfectly. In fact, I've done my Iron Butt rides on them. I love my ST, but the Buffs are still more comfortable! Maybe it's a matter of finding the proper 'fit', and it might not be a Wing!

[sroddy7855]

All this talk about comfort on the Wing has got me thinking... maybe I should check one out.. but for 1 up riding.

That's probably overkill but I have been through 4 bikes in 5 years trying to find one that's really comfortable for me long distances and have not found it yet, even with the ST.



Anyone out there ride an Wing 1-up regularly? How "overkill" is it?? Is there anything out there like a Wing for One?? :-)

I ride about 75% 1-up.Mines an '08,don't about the older ones but the newer models are amazingly agile. If you can rent one for a day or 2 that'll help you decide.

[michaellovett]

Honda should offer this bike in to versions, one for sport/touring and one for touring/sport or just plain touring.

I agree with that.

I love the ST in so many ways; if I could get it to fit me I would keep it no questions asked.

I still don't understand why more cycle makers don't invest some R&D money to come up with bikes that are more configurable than they are.

<begin rant>
I can buy a small car for less than an ST and move the seat and steering wheel 18 ways to Sunday to accommodate my needs.

Why on earth can't motorcycles come with some basic up/down, forward/backward travel options on the bars, etc ??

Even the after-market stuff seems to be missing the mark to me- it's all fixed-position stuff. Think of tilt steering on a car.. you can position the wheel anywhere you like along its arc of travel.. If I don't like the default position, I can change it; I don't have to go find a new after-market steering wheel or steering column and figure how to get it to work with the car.
<end rant>

[Mean]

You should have gotten an ST1100. With Helibars, you would have that adjustment you are looking for. But they are tall.

My experience sitting on the Wing at a dealership was the opposite. It was visually wide but felt small as I could just about flat foot it with my 30" inseam. And I could straighten it up from the side stand easily. I almost threw my ST over the other day heaving it upright in the parking lot at work. That would have been embarrassing. The ST1100 is tall for me, especially with the Bead Rider installed. My motorcycle boots are key because the stiff toe allows me to ballet stand it at stops.

I may be renting this Friday. I want to see if the weather is going to be good.

G

[therider]

btw the goldwing forums (ridersrally.com and gl1800riders.com) are much less active than this one. I really like the st-owners.com for the super fast responses and it has definitely spoiled me. I posted some questions on the wing forum an hour back but yet to get any response. Does it mean wingers are riding much more than st-riders ? :P

[Reiner Kappenberger]

Have been riding the GoldWing (1200 & 1800) a lot 1-up as well.

Even so it feels (and is) huge sitting still it loses all of those attributes when moving. I'm 5'10" and size isn't an issue.

The GoldWing is find if you do a lot of freeway riding. That is its natural habitat. In the twisties I prefer the ST1300 by a wide margin (fun factor).

The biggest down side on the GL's is they are thursty and need to stop every 180-240 miles for gas depending where and how you ride. For a gallon more the ST1300 goes at least 80-100 miles further. Even with using regular gas the Wing runs about 10% more expensive in fuel.

Maintenance is easier on the Wing (except Air Filter change). The single sided swingarm is a fantastic feature. Swapping the wheel is a 5 minute affair.

Buttom line I still prefer the ST1300 1-up. It's more fun and even the Wing requires modifications/additions to make it the perfect 1-up tourer (lousy electronics on the GL1800 - any aftermarket Intercom beats the Honda Radio/Intercom which would have been good in the early '80s).

When I bought the ST1300 I was contemplating another GL1800 but decided against it as you have to buy the useless NAV unit (car style unit from Garmin) for $2500 in order to buy ABS (yet another $1000). Made the GL1800 completely overpriced for what it does (personal opinion) and delivers.

Just my 2cents,
Reiner

[msnyder755]

Does this include "daily activity" rides (to the store, etc) or just long, open-road rides?

I ride my bikes everywhere, about 11 months of the year...

All types of riding....around town and on the hway. It will "feel" big at first but once you get a couple of rides on it the size does go away.

Im 5.9 with a 31 inseam and I can flat foot it fine.

[msnyder755]

those that have commented on the mileage are correct about 200 tank to tank but I find it interesting that when most people compare the st and wing its an issue that comes up. For me, after 200 miles on any bike I want to get off and stretch anyway so it doesn't bother me. But then again I usually ride to enjoy the time and not just make miles. If you looking at lots of miles in little time as possible it may be a concern.

[msnyder755]

even the Wing requires modifications/additions to make it the perfect 1-up tourer (lousy electronics on the GL1800 - any aftermarket Intercom beats the Honda Radio/Intercom which would have been good in the early '80s).

Reiner

:shock:

I respectfully disagree....

[Mark]

Does it mean wingers are riding much more than st-riders ? :P

No, they're out cleaning them after riding back from the DQ...
:D

Mark

[Shutterbug]

just order a utopia driver backrest. they are comfortable i have also had 2 1800s with almost hundred thousand miles covered. They are also lower to the ground if thats an issue then the st

I haven't figured out how a backrest on the ST would help when I'm leaning forward all the time!

[michaellovett]

I haven't figured out how a backrest on the ST would help when I'm leaning forward all the time!

Ditto on that! In fact, a backrest didn't help my on my cruiser for the same reason: to make contact with it I'd have to let go of the bars!

[Rascal1]

Hey Michael,

I am selling an '08 Wing with 4200 miles on it, all ridden one-up here in the Virginia mountains. I went back to an ST1100 which I love. The 1800 Wing is a great bike one up, with lots of power, great brakes (ABS on mine), and superb handling once you beef up the front suspension with stiffer springs, 10st oil, and a fork brace (like mine). I know that sounds like double-talk, but the ST1100 just fits me better (I had two others prior to this one) than the Wing. If the Wing fits you to where you are comfortable on it, it is a great bike, one-up, two-up, or pulling a hay wagon full of young'uns!!
Ride safe.

Rascal in NRV, Va.

[Reiner Kappenberger]

those that have commented on the mileage are correct about 200 tank to tank but I find it interesting that when most people compare the st and wing its an issue that comes up. For me, after 200 miles on any bike I want to get off and stretch anyway so it doesn't bother me. But then again I usually ride to enjoy the time and not just make miles. If you looking at lots of miles in little time as possible it may be a concern.

We usually stop about 150 miles on the ST for a short break. But I hate when that has to be combined with a gas stop.

There are occasions (like when going from Denver to CA) where we go tank to tank - and the further the better.

Reiner

[Reiner Kappenberger]

:shock:

I respectfully disagree....

The Radio on the GL1800 has a horrible alternator whine. It is supposedly fixed with the updated Radio since '06.

The CB is overpriced for its performance and has about 1 mile reach at most.

The intercom adds more wind noise than actual volume.

No balance control front/rear. You can only reduce the volume to the rear with aftermarket pieces.

This is when I compare the Wing audio with my aftermarket Starcom1 Advance unit which doesn't have any of those issues. As well when comparing the Radio to the GL1200 radio unit, that one was already better than that of the GL1800 - except radio reception - and that was designed in the early '80s.

Reiner

[nybryan]

utopia backrest on the 1800 wing is what i meant not on an st

[Mellow]

The Radio on the GL1800 has a horrible alternator whine. It is supposedly fixed with the updated Radio since '06.

The CB is overpriced for its performance and has about 1 mile reach at most.

The intercom adds more wind noise than actual volume.

No balance control front/rear. You can only reduce the volume to the rear with aftermarket pieces.

This is when I compare the Wing audio with my aftermarket Starcom1 Advance unit which doesn't have any of those issues. As well when comparing the Radio to the GL1200 radio unit, that one was already better than that of the GL1800 - except radio reception - and that was designed in the early '80s.

Reiner

None of my 1800s had a bad radio whine.

The CB is overpriced, that's for sure but I've gotten 2-3 miles before (in optimal conditions). It's better than the J&M CB in my opinion.

Intercome wind noise, yeah I'll give ya that one and the front to back fader control.

Come to think of it, I didn't use my oem radio much, 90% of the time I used the aux input. So, I might have to give you #1 too.

[motomac]

I agree with Joe, the 1800 CB isn't worth what you pay for but is better than the J&M. My '06 was the only 1800 that the radio really worked well. I had no trouble hearing it with the volume down at 12, but the others were not very good above 50 MPH with the volume up as high as it will go. And the one I have now has 4 speakers and I still have a hard time hearing it. Maybe if I turned it on it would help!!! LOL!

[Mean]

I emailed the local Eagle Riders franchise about a Friday rental of a Wing. They said to call on a Wednesday and they will know what is available for Friday. I may do a one-day rental just for kicks. About $174 once you add up all of the extra fees. Maximum 300 miles.

It could happen. And then I would have to sell everything just to make a down payment. Maybe Mellow is right. I should just stay away.

What are you asking, Rascal?

G

[michaellovett]

Hey Michael,

I am selling an '08 Wing with 4200 miles on it, all ridden one-up here in the Virginia mountains. I went back to an ST1100 which I love. The 1800 Wing is a great bike one up, with lots of power, great brakes (ABS on mine), and superb handling once you beef up the front suspension with stiffer springs, 10st oil, and a fork brace (like mine). I know that sounds like double-talk, but the ST1100 just fits me better (I had two others prior to this one) than the Wing. If the Wing fits you to where you are comfortable on it, it is a great bike, one-up, two-up, or pulling a hay wagon full of young'uns!!
Ride safe.

Rascal in NRV, Va.

You want to publish the asking price here, or do you want to talk about that separately?

[michaellovett]

I emailed the local Eagle Riders franchise about a Friday rental of a Wing. They said to call on a Wednesday and they will know what is available for Friday. I may do a one-day rental just for kicks. About $174 once you add up all of the extra fees. Maximum 300 miles.

It could happen. And then I would have to sell everything just to make a down payment. Maybe Mellow is right. I should just stay away.

What are you asking, Rascal?

G

Too bad you didn't live a bit closer.. Maybe we could try Wings together...??

[jeff123]

"Maintenance is easier on the Wing (except Air Filter change). The single sided swingarm is a fantastic feature. Swapping the wheel is a 5 minute affair."-
Before or after u remove the rear quarter panel?

My feeling on the wing mimics most of what was said. I bought the overpriced one for ABS. The Nav is garbage. The forks are the worst designed ever. The one fork tube has the anti-dive unit that locks the fork, not forks, under braking, creating torsion between the forks. Some connect it to their fork seals blowing 15-25k miles. Some like me, disabled the darn thing to soften the chatter under braking. A good rider compensated for dive anyway. The only thing that I liked about the gw was the pillion-happy wife, happy life.

[Orange Power]

I hear your pain.

I've had a GL1800 for about 3 years and a ST1300 for about 1 year.
I always ride 1-up and always have the top box on the ST.
I can't get as comfortable on the ST as I am on the GL.
I have some knee issues and the MCL hwy pegs on the ST are not at the location that really works well compared to the very comfortable location of the Kury pegs on the GL.

Both have a Utopia backrest The GL has a BeadRider and the ST has a full-cover sheepskin.

I just got back from a 2500 miles tour on the ST and my knees are still hurting from the bow-legged position of the hwy pegs and my butt was in pain a good part of the way. In a few weeks I going on 3000 miles tour on the GL. Since there is a lot of highway riding on this trip, I'm definitely riding the GL. Even though the GL is 150 lbs heavier, it feels lighter than the ST when in motion.

The GL radio really is not very good. I have a Zumo w/ XM and an Escort and hardly ever use the AM/FM or I/C (except to receive cell calls). I use the same Zumo and Escort on the ST and it works better there with less issues except I don't have the CB which I do use with my GoldWing buddies.

I'm 5-10 and I flat-foot the GL and the ST w/ seat in lowest position (but then my legs are too folded on the road, leading to knee pain).

I like the size of the ST and a lot of other stuff, but I sure wish it was easier on my 58 year-old body. Maybe more functional hwy pegs (but less appealing otherwise) would be the ticket. Even though I have risers on the ST I would like to be more upright like on the GL so I can press against the Utopia more. On the GL I frequently press against the hwy pegs and the backrest in order to lift my butt off the seat for some cool air and circulation. This is kinda hard to do on the ST due to the geometry of the riding position.

If I can't get the ST to be more comfortable I may have to sell it next year.

Tom

[michaellovett]

Thanks a lot Orange Power, for your insights.

Sounds to me like you give a pretty big thumbs-up to the Wing, at least for highway work. It's becoming clear that I may have to take a test ride on one of these puppies.

How much more garage space does your Wing take above and beyond your ST? I had to do a lot of creative garage work in our new house to fit in two cars and the ST (which is parked sideways, behind my car). If the GL wouldn't fit there too that would be another issue to contend with.

You echo what I and others here have said: The ST has many cool qualities and it's just too darned bad it's such work (or perhaps even impossible in cases) to for some people to get comfortable on it. I keep hoping my discomfort will magically go away.

As far as cooling off on the ST you could consider standing on the pegs (at least if you have OEM pegs that will work, don't know about your upgrades). One thing I love about the ST is having the pegs beneath me so I can stand on them to take a bump or to catch some air.

That was impossible with cruiser which had pegs practically on the front wheel axle. There was no standing up, only laying down, on those bikes LOL

[msnyder755]

The Radio on the GL1800 has a horrible alternator whine. It is supposedly fixed with the updated Radio since '06.

The CB is overpriced for its performance and has about 1 mile reach at most.

The intercom adds more wind noise than actual volume.

No balance control front/rear. You can only reduce the volume to the rear with aftermarket pieces.

This is when I compare the Wing audio with my aftermarket Starcom1 Advance unit which doesn't have any of those issues. As well when comparing the Radio to the GL1200 radio unit, that one was already better than that of the GL1800 - except radio reception - and that was designed in the early '80s.

Reiner

Interesting

I actually have no whine in my radio what so ever...

I agree the CB is overpriced but I didn't have to wire anything so it was worth it to me...Im not sure how much range I get cause when Im riding with others with CB we rarely get spread out that far. I don't really use it to "talk" to anyone just for rides with others.

The intercom is noisy but I usually just turn it off when Im alone and if the wife needs something while we are cruising she just taps my helmet and I turn it back on.

Mine actually does have a front/rear fader from the factory....maybe its just an option on certain models...mine is the Audio/Comfort/Navi version non airbag.

I have never had a problem hearing mine either...either speakers or headset.

I guess after reading your post I am glad I waited as long as I did to get one cause it sounds like the older models are good in those areas.

Thanks for info so we can all have some comparisons.

[msnyder755]

Thanks a lot Orange Power, for your insights.

Sounds to me like you give a pretty big thumbs-up to the Wing, at least for highway work. It's becoming clear that I may have to take a test ride on one of these puppies.

How much more garage space does your Wing take above and beyond your ST? I had to do a lot of creative garage work in our new house to fit in two cars and the ST (which is parked sideways, behind my car). If the GL wouldn't fit there too that would be another issue to contend with.

You echo what I and others here have said: The ST has many cool qualities and it's just too darned bad it's such work (or perhaps even impossible in cases) to for some people to get comfortable on it. I keep hoping my discomfort will magically go away.

As far as cooling off on the ST you could consider standing on the pegs (at least if you have OEM pegs that will work, don't know about your upgrades). One thing I love about the ST is having the pegs beneath me so I can stand on them to take a bump or to catch some air.

That was impossible with cruiser which had pegs practically on the front wheel axle. There was no standing up, only laying down, on those bikes LOL

Someone correct me if Im wrong but didn't Joe and Burger measure these things in a recent post and determined the wing is an inch narrower?

[Reiner Kappenberger]

Interesting

I actually have no whine in my radio what so ever...

I agree the CB is overpriced but I didn't have to wire anything so it was worth it to me...Im not sure how much range I get cause when Im riding with others with CB we rarely get spread out that far. I don't really use it to "talk" to anyone just for rides with others.

The intercom is noisy but I usually just turn it off when Im alone and if the wife needs something while we are cruising she just taps my helmet and I turn it back on.

Mine actually does have a front/rear fader from the factory....maybe its just an option on certain models...mine is the Audio/Comfort/Navi version non airbag.

I have never had a problem hearing mine either...either speakers or headset.

I guess after reading your post I am glad I waited as long as I did to get one cause it sounds like the older models are good in those areas.

Thanks for info so we can all have some comparisons.

The '07 you have has the "updated" radio. Fixes the alternator wine and adds the rear speakers with amplifyiers. I've never used the speakers as I'm always on the headset. Surprised that they can balance front/rear on the headset.

I need the Intercom for the Radar Detector - thus the stupid noise pickup is horrible. As well the wind noise is amplified.

I use the CB for listening to truckers when traveling - gives good information on road information up ahead. But if you can only listen to the trucker by your side its hardly any information.

Reiner

[Orange Power]

How much more garage space does your Wing take above and beyond your ST? I had to do a lot of creative garage work in our new house to fit in two cars and the ST (which is parked sideways, behind my car). If the GL wouldn't fit there too that would be another issue to contend with.

I park my ST and GL end-to-end in the middle of my garage and there is just enough room for a car on either side. But I do park one of the cars (a Toyota Sienna van) backwards to I can open the door w/o hitting a bike.


As far as cooling off on the ST you could consider standing on the pegs (at least if you have OEM pegs that will work, don't know about your upgrades). One thing I love about the ST is having the pegs beneath me so I can stand on them to take a bump or to catch some air.

I have stock GL rider pegs on the ST (they are longer for wider boots) and I stand on them also. I have a Spencer LD seat w/ the Utopia (as I said) but the Russell may be the way to go if I still have butt issues. It's more like the GL seat. I may try the STeed STicks or Arkansas Jack's hwy pegs as they appear to offer more foot support and a better leg angle than the MCL pegs. I also may put my Rifle Touring windshield back on since its more like the WindBender ST shield I have on the GL. I haven't given up on the ST yet, but I am discouraged after the last tour.

Tom

[Reiner Kappenberger]

"Maintenance is easier on the Wing (except Air Filter change). The single sided swingarm is a fantastic feature. Swapping the wheel is a 5 minute affair."-
Before or after u remove the rear quarter panel?

My feeling on the wing mimics most of what was said. I bought the overpriced one for ABS. The Nav is garbage. The forks are the worst designed ever. The one fork tube has the anti-dive unit that locks the fork, not forks, under braking, creating torsion between the forks. Some connect it to their fork seals blowing 15-25k miles. Some like me, disabled the darn thing to soften the chatter under braking. A good rider compensated for dive anyway. The only thing that I liked about the gw was the pillion-happy wife, happy life.

That is including the quarter panel. Done it about 20 times on our Wing by now and it's a piece of cake.

Fork seals on the GL1800 go about every 60-80k miles on ours. Guess I will have them done in the near term again. Haven't disabled the anti-dive. Doubt it will extend the life of the seals to make any sense - on our bike.

Reiner

[Orange Power]

On the pre-2006 GL1800 the cruise control tends to whine into the radio and the shelter tends to be an amplifier of road noise. If you ride one of these try tapping the false gas tank, you may hear it amplified into your headset. If you use earbuds, you may need to put a variable reducer ($5) from Radio Shack in line with the earbuds. Set the reducer so that you can run the GL radio at say 10-15 for hearing comfort. This will drown-out the cruise control whine and some other noises. Without the reducer, volume of 1-3 will be all you will need/stand and will not be enough to drown-out the noise.

Most GL1800 riders install Mic-Mutes to get rid of the wind noise that gets into the I/C. If you want to integrate a Garmin or other devices you will probably want to get one or more of the Kennedy products.

[Mellow]

On the pre-2006 GL1800 the cruise control tends to whine into the radio and the shelter tends to be an amplifier of road noise. If you ride one of these try tapping the false gas tank, you may hear it amplified into your headset. If you use earbuds, you may need to put a variable reducer ($5) from Radio Shack in line with the earbuds. Set the reducer so that you can run the GL radio at say 10-15 for hearing comfort. This will drown-out the cruise control whine and some other noises. Without the reducer, volume of 1-3 will be all you will need/stand and will not be enough to drown-out the noise.

Most GL1800 riders install Mic-Mutes to get rid of the wind noise that gets into the I/C. If you want to integrate a Garmin or other devices you will probably want to get one or more of the Kennedy products.

I remember some of that... I did get a small whine when the cruise was on. I also remember hearing the creaking of the seat as I moved around on it through the headsets. I didn't feel like I got too much road noise though.

[Mean]

Try this

http://www.youtube.com/v/orRG9mO2CFM&hl=en

G

[michaellovett]

Try this

http://www.youtube.com/v/orRG9mO2CFM&hl=en

G

That seemed pretty bizarre to me... that the whole angle of this video was about performance.. fast cornering, fast take-off's, spinning in the dirt. Seems to me that their primary audience is less interested in stellar performance and more interested in just a great overall touring bike.

[sherob]

OK... I've sat back for a while now :D

I ride 1up pretty much all the time... the only time I have a passenger is when my 10 y/o daughter rides with me :)

I commuted daily from Katy to Houston and back (25 miles each way) on my Wing and loved every minute of it... I now commute from Brighton to Lakewood (30 miles each way) as often as I can, and I love every minute of it as well! :)

I don't use the GPS that came with it... I use my Zumo, I do use the entertainment system :D I have the XM antenna for the Zumo plugged into the Aux jack... use J&M headsets... pretty decent sound... Might opt for EdSets next time around :)

I have the Hondaline CB... overpriced, yes... useless, no. It has provided hours of endless entertainment in the wee hours listening to truckers... LOL!!! It has also provided a few LEO alerts as well when I decided to open her up on long stretches of open road :D Easy install... the antenna was more of a pain than anything.

Sport-tourer on steroids, yes. I love when others think of it is as a pig and all they see is headlights in their mirrors as you play tag with them :) It is a boatload of fun... engine is full of torque... it's not the fastest, but not the slowest... and it'll surprise alot of people in the right hands, including yourself :D

Suspension isn't the greatest... but it isn't the worst I've ridden on. Traxxion will be going on mine soon, fork brace is on order. :bow1:

Back to your regular Wing bashing programming :D

[therider]

well said sherob :)

I am loving every moment of wing ownership.

but how much can the fork brace help ? I saw the lower triple tree is inches from where the brace would be. Also, is traxxion for only front or rear as well ?

[sherob]

well said sherob :)

I am loving every moment of wing ownership.

but how much can the fork brace help ? I saw the lower triple tree is inches from where the brace would be. Also, is traxxion for only front or rear as well ?

You can get Traxxion for both front and rear :bow1: Traxxion recommends the Kuri fork brace... I've read mostly positive reports. A friend of mine has Traxxion f/r w/ the f/b... had the f/b before doing the Traxxion and said it did make a difference.

[Mellow]

On my '01 GL1800 I got a superbrace and I could swear it made a difference.

So, when I got the '05 GL1800 I decided to ride it a little while first, maybe 40,000 miles before putting on any suspension 'stuff'... I put on the Kury fork brace and really couldn't tell much difference.. However, when I put progressive springs in the forks it made a big difference.

The suspension isn't terrible.. but, if you like to ride it like a sport tourer, you'll quickly feel it getting 'mushy'.

[Orange Power]

I put a Traxxion re-built stock shock on the back and RaceTech springs w/ GoldValve on the front. Lots cheaper and it works well for me.
I can keep up with most anything. My talent runs out way before the bike's ability.

Other farkles:
Windbender STwindsheild w/ quick release knobs to move while riding.
Zumo w/ XM
Escort 8500
Kennedy harness for both
Kennedy FRS + radio (don't use much, no body to talk to)
WingSoft heated seat w/ BeadRider
Heated Symtec under Kury ISO grips w/ throttle boss (color matched)
Honda CB w/ short Sierra 3' black antenna (1' shorter than stock)
Cee Bailey headlight protectors
ElectricalConnection driving lights
Luggage rack on trunk (don't remember the brand)
EdSets 3G
Other stuff I can't remember.

[Mellow]

I can keep up with most anything. My talent runs out way before the bike's ability.


LOL.. that's my case w/stock suspension...

[jeff123]

I found the ride jarring and being ur str8 up, directly up and down ur spine. Traxxion is the way to go smooth and stiff for both touring and sportier rides. If I were to buy one again, maybe when the wife and I have more time to cruise, here's what I'd do. Get a used base model. I had one with everything but the airbags. The heated grips would not heat the entire grip, just the first 2/3ds of it. Left my pinkies freezing or I cramped all my butcher hands almost on top of the clusters. Brought it in and they tested one on the floor, same thing. Now most of my dissillusionment comes from paying the premium and feeling like not getting my moneys worth. Hence a used base model and farkle it myself. My first wud be the traxxion front and rear. I had a Kury brace, but I did that to even out the forces on the forks due to-1st the anti-dive, which I then disabled, then the fact that each fork leg has a different system, one is old fashioned oil/spring, the other a more modern cartridge style. This was done because of the anti-dive unit needing a flowing oil fork in which to close a valve on braking to lock one fork leg. Can u tell Im not a fan? The 06 & newer have a louder alternator gear, making grinding noises on accelleration. So to sum up, mine was not nearly worth the $25k I paid for. New base models cud be had for $16 at the time of my purchase. Hindsight is 20/20 and that may have been the way to go. But I rode it for a year and the things I liked was the motor-she's thirsty but there's enuff power to move that 900lb monster thru traffic like it was standing still. I put Tulsa large windscreen, like driving a car w/no air conditioning, loved it in winter, hated it in summer. For commuting it was great, the trunks worked well, but on trip when my wife and I wud finnally get away, I want detatchable luggage-just bring it into the hotel. Space is at a premium on trips and to take up space with bags inside the trunks was not econimical. To get the most of the space, u need to pack in the nook and crannys of the side trunks, again counting against using liner bags. But back to the motor, I seriously cant tell the difference between my wife sitting behind me or not on the bike. Behaves the same. I loved that. I didn't like that we got 35mpg, little more than my car, but the fact that I cud lane split in backups with holiday traffic sort of makes up for it.
Now if my wife and I made more trips and had kids that were out of the house, I may have kept her. But I had more fun on My Connie and now my ST than I did on a wing. I found a lot of similarities when I got my ST, the motors feel identical to me, but in a more compact platform in the ST.

[gec343]

Sorry, but the GL1500 and GL1800 are two totally different motorcycles. I would agree with your opinion about the 1500 being overkill.

But, the 1800 is a 900 lb. Sportbike--and very much do-able for 1-up riding.

Thanks for that information. I probably should ride one of those 1800's, but they do still appear to be very massive. I consider my ST to be a mini Wing.

However, I may ride a new 1800 Wing, and who knows what I might do.:confused:

[bmcdonau]

Thanks for that information. I probably should ride one of those 1800's, but they do still appear to be very massive. I consider my ST to be a mini Wing.

However, I may ride a new 1800 Wing, and who knows what I might do.:confused:

The ST is not a miniwing and that's what causes people to look for risers and peg lowering kits and bigger windshields. It's a sport bike with some touring pretentions and it's designed to put you in a feet back, forward lean like a sport bike.

[Mean]

Interesting comment. The power delivery of the ST though denotes more of a touring bike that I believe makes you start thinking that you should be more comfortable than you are. "Why are my knees and wrists a little sore?" On a real sport bike with much higher pegs and more lean, you usually get a powerplant that is equally racy so the mindset is different and you expect to be a little uncomfortable. Riding in touring comfort, you are surprised by excellent handling and a responsive engine, hence most folks reaction after riding a Wing.

G

[michaellovett]

The ST is not a miniwing and that's what causes people to look for risers and peg lowering kits and bigger windshields. It's a sport bike with some touring pretentions and it's designed to put you in a feet back, forward lean like a sport bike.

I think that really sums things up. I knew I hadn't bought a Wing, but in my mind I sort of thought I was buying a mini-Wing ....(I expected the same ergo comfort , just in a different riding position and in a smaller package with fewer bells and whistles.

Having said that, I wish Honda DID make a mini-Wing.. or that I could farkle the ST to get close enough. Who knows, maybe I will.

BUT until then... how can I resist trying out the real thing (Wing)?

[therider]

jeff summed up his experience pretty well. i don't find the suspension that bad, maybe bcoz i don't know how good the traxxion is, will think about it later. i am glad i got a stock bike for a great deal and now started to slowly farkle her up. besides tires and usual 12v outlets, i am getting luggage rack (for camping stuff), trunk support system and mirror wings. soon i will get backrest and armrest, belly pan and a clearview short shield. this will serve me for many happy miles.

i am finding myself looking for excuses to ride, even in town, and i didn't do that with the st right after i bought it from colorado. now that speaks something about the wing experience.

[bmcdonau]

I think that really sums things up. I knew I hadn't bought a Wing, but in my mind I sort of thought I was buying a mini-Wing ....(I expected the same ergo comfort , just in a different riding position and in a smaller package with fewer bells and whistles.

Having said that, I wish Honda DID make a mini-Wing.. or that I could farkle the ST to get close enough. Who knows, maybe I will.

BUT until then... how can I resist trying out the real thing (Wing)?

I think a lot of people think the ST is a miniwing when they buy it and that leads them to the typical mods. I hope you can find something you are comfortable on Michael.

[bmcdonau]

Interesting comment. The power delivery of the ST though denotes more of a touring bike that I believe makes you start thinking that you should be more comfortable than you are. "Why are my knees and wrists a little sore?" On a real sport bike with much higher pegs and more lean, you usually get a powerplant that is equally racy so the mindset is different and you expect to be a little uncomfortable. Riding in touring comfort, you are surprised by excellent handling and a responsive engine, hence most folks reaction after riding a Wing.

G

You have a point there. I think the Honda will find a way to increase the power out of the ST engine in the next generation so it can compete with the FJR and Concours, at least in the public's mind. In reality its got more than enough power for what its supposed to do, but you can't market successfully against bikes with 30 more hp.

[Mean]

You have a point there. I think the Honda will find a way to increase the power out of the ST engine in the next generation so it can compete with the FJR and Concours, at least in the public's mind. In reality its got more than enough power for what its supposed to do, but you can't market successfully against bikes with 30 more hp.

I4 engines have so much more top end it is ridiculous. The high RPM rush makes for a whole different experience. Too much of a "devil on the shoulder" thing for me. I much prefer the big midrange of the V4 for touring around. I4s are good for sport bikes though but you gotta watch that license. :D

G

[Canuck]

"I need the lower body positioning of an ST with the upper body positioning of a cruiser"
Go test ride a BMW KLT. I did, the only thing I have to say is WOW but CHACHING $$$$$

Mark 05STA

[michaellovett]

"I need the lower body positioning of an ST with the upper body positioning of a cruiser"
Go test ride a BMW KLT. I did, the only thing I have to say is WOW but CHACHING $$$$$

Mark 05STA

I did check out their website.. It does look interesting! Next weekend I plan on going to checkout a Wing and a BMW. Thanks for the tip :-)

[Nightflyer]

No, they're out cleaning them after riding back from the DQ...
:D

Mark

Bwahaaaaa..! You're wrong! We clean them before we go to DQ!!:D Now, where are my Geritol pills?!?

[jbim]

Don't know what you ended up doing, if anything, but I think you should try the R1200GS or GSA. These bikes are extremely comfortable. Extremely easy to ride. Just a bit tall.

[moosulkwanman]

cool thread, I would like to have a wing also

the ST is great around town,for commutes to work, errands, short trips.

my wife wants that big back seat and arm rests , so if I want to get some real long rides in, I can see that the wing will have it's place, I'll have to get a wing at some point in the future

but for now the ST is great and for one up rides, if I can manage some trips short of divorce, I love the ease of handling and the sport feel of my ST

But then again, I've never riden a wing..............

:07biker:

[therider]

Just back from a 7 days, 3200 mile 2-up trip to colorado on the wing. What a comfortable ride it was. I think I found my bike at last. The only thing that sucked was my stamina to ride non stop for more than 50 miles. I felt drowsy on the open interstates and had to stop on the side of the road for 5 min to wake myself up. Later I found that red bull works pretty good to solve this.

Also, I carried an awful lot of stuff, some on trunk rack and most heavy stuff on the cooler rack. Didn't feel they were there.

[Orange Power]

In June I rode my ST1300 on a 6 day tour thru southern Utah and parts of CO,NM and OK. Total 3400 miles w/ 500+ miles per day. I have the MCL Wings and Spencer LD seat and sheepskin cover and Utopia backrest. My butt and knees hurt for days during and after the tour.

In August I rode my GL1800 on a 6 day tour from OK to NM,CO,WY,MT,ID. Total 4000 miles w/ 500-600 miles per day. I have Kury hwy pegs and WingSoft seat with BeadRider beaded seat cover and Utopia backrest. My butt and knees were only a little stiff at the end of the day.

Big difference!

I'm researching ways to make the ST as comfortable as the GL. Main problem is the fairing and wings don't allow the placement of hwy pegs that work as well as those on the GL. On the GL my legs are in a natural position and I can lift my body off the seat against the backrest w/o discomfort or fear of breaking the hwy pegs.

I'm considering the Arkansas Jack hwy pegs.
http://groups.msn.com/st1300us/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=54339&LastModified=4675507799718974777

[RaYzerman]

Two reasons for my GL, SWAMBO's bad back and my not ST-friendly knees. I never thought I'd like the GL as much as I do, and it really is the ultimate touring machine. There aren't any problems that can't be fixed as there are so many things available for GL's. But, it is a bit bigger, doesn't feel heavier when moving, and isn't an ST. Pick your compromise, but my body is happier now. And when I want a lighter bit of fun, my old V4 Magna is a hoot too.

[BytownBandit]

Anyone out there ride an Wing 1-up regularly? How "overkill" is it?? Is there anything out there like a Wing for One?? :-)[/QUOTE]

Just noticed this post while searching the site today. No overkill here!

Here are some pictures of a "Wing for 1".

A friend of mine who I ride with every weekend designed and built this a couple of years ago. I helped him with the design and layout, and I must say it has to be one of the nicest Wings ever. This is what he wanted when he bought it in 2004, and within a month the Top Box was off, and the design process started.

The seat pan and plastic cover form were made at home. A local upholster who does a lot of bike seats in Ottawa stitched the cover and did the embroidery work (Gold Wing logo), and another company made the cover using an injected plastic process to cover the form.
The frame for the top box was cut down, and the top of the bags were shaved to mount the cover as low as possible. Removing the top box also got rid of 85lbs of weight, and with a seat height about 1.5 inches lower, the center of gravity was lowered improving the handling.

The Honda Gold Wing spoiler for the top box was added to complete the look. This conversion is a one of a kind, and is so well done you would swear Honda did it. In fact we have had other riders ask is it a prototype!

Take a look at the pictures, and even though you're an ST rider, you will not be disappointed. If I ever buy a Wing, there will be 2 of these "Wings for 1"

I will put up an album in my profile showing some more pictures, some of which are during the build and design process.

Bytown Bandit

[STay froSTy]

Very interesting ride Bytown Bandit. Almost like the Europe only DN-01 look. I have always liked the Goldwings. In my mind it is the best touring bike on the market (most comfort).

My 1100, I would say is still uncomfortable with helibars. I should've never sold my genmar risers, but I would have needed longer clutch line and probably throttle cables. To much forward lean angle.

I have tried a BMW R1150RT and R1150GS and those two bikes have more of a neutral riding position. My next machine will probably to a GS.

A Goldwing might be in the distance future.

[STArnie13]

The Goldwing isn't overkill for one. While I haven't ever owned a Goldwing I have had two Yamaha Ventures and still have a BMW K1200LT, all of which are very similar. I am thinking of getting a Goldwing to replace the LT as there are no dealers in this state. Actually I like the comfort of the ST's better than my LT and I have the stock seat and bars on all of them. :03biker:

[Orange Power]

I really like the look of a GL1800 with no trunk or a a small trunk.
The Black Princess II is a great look.

[Orange Power]

Here are 2 more custom GL1800 with modified trunks.

[moosulkwanman]

I was on the Interstate, I110 going through Baton Rouge this past weekend

a dude on a wing, looked like it might have been a couple of years old, whipped through the traffic with ease, obviously a skilled rider, handled that bike like a sport bike, I was envious riding with family in my caddy, it was such a nice day...........

he was one up and having a good time

[Carl_T]

Joe, Rob, Mac, former, and present wing riders,
The ST is a VERY easy bike to drop in the garage or at stops.

How is the wing in comparison to the ST regarding stopped drops, what are the damage consequences if done?

[RaYzerman]

A garage dropped wing will land on the front and rear chrome crash bars, no damage except scraped chrome on the bottom of those bars. Unless you have highway pegs, then they might hit first. Center of gravity is enough to keep the wheels on the ground. If you by chance roll further, while riding, the handlebar ends hit and the mirror housing. If the mirror breaks off in a crash, then you start grinding expensive painted plastic. Don't go there.

[sherob]

Joe, Rob, Mac, former, and present wing riders,
The ST is a VERY easy bike to drop in the garage or at stops.

How is the wing in comparison to the ST regarding stopped drops, what are the damage consequences if done?

See below above. The Wing isn't, to me, an easy bike to drop... center of gravity is real low. The only thing you really have to watch on it I've found is parking on down hill slopes... it will roll off the kickstand with that weight :o: I have caught it a few times... just pop it in 1rst :cool:

I am very aware of it's size and weight... so maybe that's why :rolleyes: I just don't want to have to pick her up :D

[Carl_T]

Thanks Ray, that's good news on a bike with that much weight.

Yeah, kind of why I was asking Rob. Picking up the ST was gut popping enough, especially the time it went over on a steep gravely slope and had the top side facing downhill... GRUNT!

Thanks for the answers guys. :) I sat on one in the showroom and it felt fine, since it seemed like the weight was held very low down. Showroom feel can be very different out on the road though, so that's why I asked.

[Orange Power]

I ride both an ST1300 and a GL1800 and I've dropped both.
The ST1300 feels heavier (top heavy). Both will surprise you suddenly.

Dirt and gravel is real problem as are sloping parking lots.
Safest thing to do is straddle seat when moving, if possible.
Use reverse on GL1800 helps too since you are not pushing with boots which can break traction.

Get rear tip-over bars (if you don't have them) on the ST.
I had Bygdawg's (good product for static drops) but switched to 3-point chrome police bars http://www.mcenterprises.com/garage/policebikes.html.
I'm thinking they would be better in a slide.

[RaYzerman]

I found the ST easier to drop due to top heaviness, while the Wing is more controllable because of the lower C-O-G and because you can get your feet flat-footed. I think the Wing is slightly easier to get back up. I agree with all the above comments.......

[joweb94]

In respect to comfort on an ST I found this link provided by a St Forum member very helpful.

http://www.bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2757&fpart=1