- Joined
- Sep 16, 2018
- Messages
- 431
- Location
- Northern Baltimore suburbs
- Bike
- ST-1300A '09/'12
- 2024 Miles
- 003602
Well, as I posted earlier, I was/am thinking about getting a new Goldwing for 2 up riding. My ST does a great job with 2 but it's way more fun solo.
So, I planned a weekend in Chicago riding with our friends. They, husband and wife, each own a Harley. I rented a 2018 (I think) Goldwing. Our friends picked us up at the airport, which is near where the rental place is. I was hoping for the DCT so I could see the difference to a manual transmission, and that's what I ended up with. I rode the bike 10 miles solo to our friends'place.
The following morning we jumped on bikes, they on their Harleys and me and my wife on the wing, and headed up to Stutgeon Bay, WI. We took the slow, more winding route, avoiding major highways, and that was around 250 miles. We stopped for food, gas, and a mandatory stop at the Harley dealer (I guess that's a thing Harley riders do?). Spent a few hours there then went to Marinette, WI (100 miles away), as that was the only place with rooms available, to spend the night. The following morning we headed back to Chicago, another 250 miles, got packed up for the flight home and I drove the last 10 miles solo again. If you're keeping score, that was around 600 miles 2up and 20 solo.
So here are my take aways from the experience. These may be a bit biased since I have way more miles on the ST:
1. Wing vs. ST: The GW is NOT an ST-1800. Sure, it's fun and peppy (if you can say that about an 1800cc behemoth) and I'm sure it's more maneuverable that previous models, but it doesn't give me the same enjoyment that the ST does. Again, maybe I'm biased.
2. Passenger riding: For 2 up riding, it wins hands down. My wife felt super-comfortable and safer riding on the GW. I can only assume that she would be even more comfortable with the 2021's (this was an '18, I think) new backrest ergonomics. As the driver, I was almost unaware that she was back there. I had the suspension dialed in for 2 plus bags, but even when I increase the suspension on the ST, I feel the difference.
3. Wind protection: Again, I think the GW wins here, maybe. Let me explain. When the screens are all the way up, both bikes offer similar wind protection but the ST might buffet a bit more (see point 4). When the screens are all the way down, the GW offers more wind protection as the wind seems to hit my upper face whereas on the ST it hits my face completely. I like the option of having the wind hit me completely (especially on a hot day) so that's why I say 'maybe'.
4. Aerodynamics: I might reluctantly admit that the GW wins here again. It just seems to be less bothered by large trucks going by that my ST does. Keep in mind that we were 2up, whereas I ride more solo on the ST, and my ST has a non-OEM top box that may be increasing the buffeting. The only time I really felt the wind was when were were getting a strong crosswind driving by a lake and it was more continuous.
5. Seat: Well my wife certainly gives the GW the win in seat comfort. She thought it was great. I, on the other hand, didn't find it much different than the ST. At the end of a full day's driving, I didn't feel more or less comfortable than I would have. But, see next point.
6. Seating posiiton: Ok, this is where, I feel the ST wins convincingly. Maybe I'm just used to mine, but I found the GW's handle bars to be too forwards and wide. Also, since you sit a bit more upright, I was very thankful that the rental came with a driver's back rest. Full disclosure: My ST has helibars installed.
7. Fuel Economy: I didn't really think I'd be bringing up this point, but the GW seems to win here too. Accorinding to the trip computer, I averaged around 49-50 mpg. On the ST, usually see 43 mpg, maybe 45, with the highest around 47 mpg. I do tend to ride the ST faster and harder than we were doing on this trip.
Modes: I kept it mostly in tour mode. That gave it plenty of power but still a pretty smooth ride. I'd use economy mode once in a while as it tended to smooth even more so it didn't learch when you rolled out the throttle. Sport mode was fun and I tried that a couple of times but it would stay in 6 gear even at 65-70 mph it seemed, so it wasn't that comfortable for a long ride.
So, overall, even though the GW wins most, I still prefer the ST. It just gives me, pound for pound (hp for hp?), more enjoyment than the GW. Will I be getting a GW? Yes. My wife really enjoyed it and as the say, "Happy wife, ... something or other". I will not, however, be trading/selling my ST. I just don't think what I would get for it would make enough of a dent to give it up. The '21s are still selling full price! I'm probably going to wait for the '22s to come out if I have to pay MSP anyway.
My first farkles/upgrades?
1. Back rest: It made the ride enjoyable. Years of playing contact sports when I was younger has given me back problems and it usually needs support. Especially in the GW riding posistion. I can handle the ST because it leans a bit more forwards and if you put your butt near the rear of the driver's seat, it throws you forwards a bit and forces you to lean more. I'll probably stick with the OEM as that was what was installed and it worked fine. I also liked the look.
2. Helibar risers: As I said, I found the handlebar to be too wide and forwards for my liking. I think the risers will adress this.
3. Foot pegs: The rental had the ones that kind of blend in with the bike so they are not immediatly noticible. I forget who makes them but they were great to use once in a while to stretch stiff knee joints (see point 1).
4. Passenger arm rests: Although my wife said she didn't need them, I think she'd enjoy them. The ones I'm thinking of, kuryaken I believe, fold down when you want to use them and fold up out of the way the rest of the time. This way she has the option.
5. Suspension: Possibly an aftermarket Traxxion Dynamics suspension upgrade. Although the suspension rode fine, and I never felt like it was bottoming out, I felt like I felt the sharp bumps. Like when you ride over a crack in the road or transitioning from a bridge to a road, you feel that double bump. It seemed more pronounced on the Wing. Could be just me, I'll have to research further.
6. Trunk relocation kit: This is a distant upgrade, if it happens at all, but I may look in to getting TD's relocation kit to give more room to my wife (if she wants it) and also to have the possibility of removing the trunck for a sportier look. But, since I probably won't be riding this bike much solo, It may not be necessary. I just think my Harley friends would be a bit less embarassed to ride with me. lol!
Used vs. new? I'm looking at the new ones for a couple of reasons. First I think the ergonomics for the rear passenger have been improved for 2021. Also, and this baffles me, I can fit both of our full-face helmets in my ST's after market top case but probably could not in a pre '21. *****? Honda should have made the larger trunk to begin with, IMHO!
DCT vs Manual? No brainer! Manual! "What?" I hear you say? Well, the DCT preformed admirably. Actually, it performs really well. As good or better than any automatic car transmission. It seemed to usually be in the right gear although it was a bit strange to feel it downshifting and engaging through gears as you slowed down, unlike a car where it just feels like it's coasting. I guess this keeps it ready incase you decide to accellerate again. Also, it's pretty cool when you're at a light and your mucking around with the radio or searching in the glove box that you don't have to put the gear in neutral and release the clutch. And when you're ready to go, you just give throttle and go. Then, not having to pull in the clutch again and put the bike back in gear? Child's play! But... I enjoy having a clutch. Plus, and this is just me, not being able to slip the clutch made slow speed maneuvers more difficult and unnerving. I know, I know, there are ways around it (rear brake & throttle) as I said, it's just me. I just enjoy it. It's one of the things I was happy about when I got back into riding after driving automatic cars for years.
So that's my take on the new Goldwing. I've only ridden it for a little over 600 miles and have many more miles on my ST (or my previous bikes). It was fun and well worth the experience.
So, TLDR; The Goldwing was a pleasure to ride. It did it's job as good as could be expected. Will I be getting one? Likely. Will I be selling my ST? Not on your life!
So, I planned a weekend in Chicago riding with our friends. They, husband and wife, each own a Harley. I rented a 2018 (I think) Goldwing. Our friends picked us up at the airport, which is near where the rental place is. I was hoping for the DCT so I could see the difference to a manual transmission, and that's what I ended up with. I rode the bike 10 miles solo to our friends'place.
The following morning we jumped on bikes, they on their Harleys and me and my wife on the wing, and headed up to Stutgeon Bay, WI. We took the slow, more winding route, avoiding major highways, and that was around 250 miles. We stopped for food, gas, and a mandatory stop at the Harley dealer (I guess that's a thing Harley riders do?). Spent a few hours there then went to Marinette, WI (100 miles away), as that was the only place with rooms available, to spend the night. The following morning we headed back to Chicago, another 250 miles, got packed up for the flight home and I drove the last 10 miles solo again. If you're keeping score, that was around 600 miles 2up and 20 solo.
So here are my take aways from the experience. These may be a bit biased since I have way more miles on the ST:
1. Wing vs. ST: The GW is NOT an ST-1800. Sure, it's fun and peppy (if you can say that about an 1800cc behemoth) and I'm sure it's more maneuverable that previous models, but it doesn't give me the same enjoyment that the ST does. Again, maybe I'm biased.
2. Passenger riding: For 2 up riding, it wins hands down. My wife felt super-comfortable and safer riding on the GW. I can only assume that she would be even more comfortable with the 2021's (this was an '18, I think) new backrest ergonomics. As the driver, I was almost unaware that she was back there. I had the suspension dialed in for 2 plus bags, but even when I increase the suspension on the ST, I feel the difference.
3. Wind protection: Again, I think the GW wins here, maybe. Let me explain. When the screens are all the way up, both bikes offer similar wind protection but the ST might buffet a bit more (see point 4). When the screens are all the way down, the GW offers more wind protection as the wind seems to hit my upper face whereas on the ST it hits my face completely. I like the option of having the wind hit me completely (especially on a hot day) so that's why I say 'maybe'.
4. Aerodynamics: I might reluctantly admit that the GW wins here again. It just seems to be less bothered by large trucks going by that my ST does. Keep in mind that we were 2up, whereas I ride more solo on the ST, and my ST has a non-OEM top box that may be increasing the buffeting. The only time I really felt the wind was when were were getting a strong crosswind driving by a lake and it was more continuous.
5. Seat: Well my wife certainly gives the GW the win in seat comfort. She thought it was great. I, on the other hand, didn't find it much different than the ST. At the end of a full day's driving, I didn't feel more or less comfortable than I would have. But, see next point.
6. Seating posiiton: Ok, this is where, I feel the ST wins convincingly. Maybe I'm just used to mine, but I found the GW's handle bars to be too forwards and wide. Also, since you sit a bit more upright, I was very thankful that the rental came with a driver's back rest. Full disclosure: My ST has helibars installed.
7. Fuel Economy: I didn't really think I'd be bringing up this point, but the GW seems to win here too. Accorinding to the trip computer, I averaged around 49-50 mpg. On the ST, usually see 43 mpg, maybe 45, with the highest around 47 mpg. I do tend to ride the ST faster and harder than we were doing on this trip.
Modes: I kept it mostly in tour mode. That gave it plenty of power but still a pretty smooth ride. I'd use economy mode once in a while as it tended to smooth even more so it didn't learch when you rolled out the throttle. Sport mode was fun and I tried that a couple of times but it would stay in 6 gear even at 65-70 mph it seemed, so it wasn't that comfortable for a long ride.
So, overall, even though the GW wins most, I still prefer the ST. It just gives me, pound for pound (hp for hp?), more enjoyment than the GW. Will I be getting a GW? Yes. My wife really enjoyed it and as the say, "Happy wife, ... something or other". I will not, however, be trading/selling my ST. I just don't think what I would get for it would make enough of a dent to give it up. The '21s are still selling full price! I'm probably going to wait for the '22s to come out if I have to pay MSP anyway.
My first farkles/upgrades?
1. Back rest: It made the ride enjoyable. Years of playing contact sports when I was younger has given me back problems and it usually needs support. Especially in the GW riding posistion. I can handle the ST because it leans a bit more forwards and if you put your butt near the rear of the driver's seat, it throws you forwards a bit and forces you to lean more. I'll probably stick with the OEM as that was what was installed and it worked fine. I also liked the look.
2. Helibar risers: As I said, I found the handlebar to be too wide and forwards for my liking. I think the risers will adress this.
3. Foot pegs: The rental had the ones that kind of blend in with the bike so they are not immediatly noticible. I forget who makes them but they were great to use once in a while to stretch stiff knee joints (see point 1).
4. Passenger arm rests: Although my wife said she didn't need them, I think she'd enjoy them. The ones I'm thinking of, kuryaken I believe, fold down when you want to use them and fold up out of the way the rest of the time. This way she has the option.
5. Suspension: Possibly an aftermarket Traxxion Dynamics suspension upgrade. Although the suspension rode fine, and I never felt like it was bottoming out, I felt like I felt the sharp bumps. Like when you ride over a crack in the road or transitioning from a bridge to a road, you feel that double bump. It seemed more pronounced on the Wing. Could be just me, I'll have to research further.
6. Trunk relocation kit: This is a distant upgrade, if it happens at all, but I may look in to getting TD's relocation kit to give more room to my wife (if she wants it) and also to have the possibility of removing the trunck for a sportier look. But, since I probably won't be riding this bike much solo, It may not be necessary. I just think my Harley friends would be a bit less embarassed to ride with me. lol!
Used vs. new? I'm looking at the new ones for a couple of reasons. First I think the ergonomics for the rear passenger have been improved for 2021. Also, and this baffles me, I can fit both of our full-face helmets in my ST's after market top case but probably could not in a pre '21. *****? Honda should have made the larger trunk to begin with, IMHO!
DCT vs Manual? No brainer! Manual! "What?" I hear you say? Well, the DCT preformed admirably. Actually, it performs really well. As good or better than any automatic car transmission. It seemed to usually be in the right gear although it was a bit strange to feel it downshifting and engaging through gears as you slowed down, unlike a car where it just feels like it's coasting. I guess this keeps it ready incase you decide to accellerate again. Also, it's pretty cool when you're at a light and your mucking around with the radio or searching in the glove box that you don't have to put the gear in neutral and release the clutch. And when you're ready to go, you just give throttle and go. Then, not having to pull in the clutch again and put the bike back in gear? Child's play! But... I enjoy having a clutch. Plus, and this is just me, not being able to slip the clutch made slow speed maneuvers more difficult and unnerving. I know, I know, there are ways around it (rear brake & throttle) as I said, it's just me. I just enjoy it. It's one of the things I was happy about when I got back into riding after driving automatic cars for years.
So that's my take on the new Goldwing. I've only ridden it for a little over 600 miles and have many more miles on my ST (or my previous bikes). It was fun and well worth the experience.
So, TLDR; The Goldwing was a pleasure to ride. It did it's job as good as could be expected. Will I be getting one? Likely. Will I be selling my ST? Not on your life!
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