I've never removed my ST bags on a trip. Ever. For maintenance sure. Otherwise that's why I have liners.
Mr 987, yes interesting thing with helmets, we used to use use an Arai FV, XL (stop s******ing at the back) and AGV XS, both full face. Used to fit wherever we wanted to put them, went to Shoei Qwest's X 2 and they wouldn't fit anywhere. Now gone to Shoei Gtair's and I don't know if they'll fit or not. But some folks who store helmets on their bikes today might be surprised if they swap helmets. It's only a problem on day rides anyway, otherwise all the bags are full with Er indoors clothes.Helmet storage is a non-issue for me since I rarely, if ever, put my helmet in a top case or even a saddlebag. I always set it on top the bike with a cable lock to secure it from falling off mainly. It's upright so if there is rain or other droppings from overhead it stays dry and clean inside. When I had my GL1500 there were helmet locks under the rear of the top case that I did use.
I didn't know that the wing had a single sided swing arm. When I have done my looking at other tourers that I might like to own, I first go through and cross off my list the ones with a single sided arm * - my feeling is that they are not up to the job for carrying the weight. A rather bigoted opinion which has been reinforced by having a couple of friends who's BMWs final drive collapsed on them.Rear wheel maintenance is a breeze on a wing, remove the rear center panel and then a cross bar and you have access to the 5 bolts that hold the wheel on the single sided swingarm.
The previous generation GoldWing has had a single sided swingarm also since 2001. I'm not aware of any particular reliability issues, although the frames had cracking issues in earlier years - and I'm sure some rear ends have been worn out. It's actually a nice feature, as the rear wheel can be R&R'd in the field by simply laying the bike over on the tipover bars, and unbolting the wheel. No messing with brakes or rear fender removal. I'm not sure that works on the 2018.I didn't know that the wing had a single sided swing arm. When I have done my looking at other tourers that I might like to own, I first go through and cross off my list the ones with a single sided arm * - my feeling is that they are not up to the job for carrying the weight. A rather bigoted opinion which has been reinforced by having a couple of friends who's BMWs final drive collapsed on them.
But if the Wing can cope with one, maybe I just need to cross off BMWs rather than any with such an arrangement.
Do the Goldwings have a history of problems, or do they have the typical Honda reliability ?
* The other things I cross off are - those that instruct riders not to use panniers and top box at the same time, and those that had twitchy fly by wire throttles. I don't know what I feel about automatics or canbus. But I digress !
I didn't know that the wing had a single sided swing arm. When I have done my looking at other tourers that I might like to own, I first go through and cross off my list the ones with a single sided arm * - my feeling is that they are not up to the job for carrying the weight. A rather bigoted opinion which has been reinforced by having a couple of friends who's BMWs final drive collapsed on them.
But if the Wing can cope with one, maybe I just need to cross off BMWs rather than any with such an arrangement.
Do the Goldwings have a history of problems, or do they have the typical Honda reliability ?
* The other things I cross off are - those that instruct riders not to use panniers and top box at the same time, and those that had twitchy fly by wire throttles. I don't know what I feel about automatics or canbus. But I digress !
Like a kid in a candy store ......... every year some bike comes out with great pictures of riding through some incredible roads and suddenly I want that bike !! Then reality sets in,,,what a bummer!!As far as ground clearance... with the older version it was only in tight twisties w/poor form that you would notice a scrap a peg.. for me anyway... once your technique is better then it's a non issue. But, now that it's a little more and the suspension can be adjusted electronically to a stiffer setting it may just be a almost perfect setup. I'm trying to not like the new wing but it's not easy.. lol The only thing saving me is I have a few things I want to do to my house that is stalling funds for a new bike so whew, that's close... but then again... do I really need new counter tops.. h mmmm
This is what my 'Wing buddy says about riding in general and with his '05 'Wing. We talked to a random 'Wing rider when met on the road and he was pretty proud of grinding down the pavement feelers on the bottom of the pegs. 'Oh yeah I have to replace them all the time! 'Mellow said:it was only in tight twisties w/poor form that you would notice a scrap a peg..
Aha! I figured you did that since you didn't call me to "let's go look" on Monday...just went on and jumped in head first! At Southern Honda in Chattanooga?Put down my deposit. The wait begins.
I didn't go to Cool Springs to look until Tuesday, and was told that they couldn't buy them for what Southern quoted. Oh, well. Called Southern and placed $300 deposit over the phone. Waiting on call back with estimated delivery. Sitting on one, looks smaller than my ST1300.Aha! I figured you did that since you didn't call me to "let's go look" on Monday...just went on and jumped in head first! At Southern Honda in Chattanooga?
Great link! Thanks. I've always liked the F6B in yellow. As the Gold Wing it looks great in white but next to the GWT it looks a tad dated. Still looks great but I'd take a PW DCT GWT.cdnemsguy said:I was emailed this today.
We'll meet half way somewhere and have a lunch when you get it. They look like a great bike to me but I want to put a few more miles on my ST.I didn't go to Cool Springs to look until Tuesday, and was told that they couldn't buy them for what Southern quoted. Oh, well. Called Southern and placed $300 deposit over the phone. Waiting on call back with estimated delivery. Sitting on one, looks smaller than my ST1300.
Ride Safe
John
We'll meet half way somewhere and have a lunch when you get it. They look like a great bike to me but I want to put a few more miles on my ST.
Raymond
The ST1300 and the new wing are both 36" wide at the tips of the rearviews.When I sat on a new one this week, it looked smaller than my ST1300 from the rider position. Much narrower and I can stand up flat flooted over the bike, just like my '08 Wing. It's shorter than the 1300.
Ride Safe
John
My wallet just cringed...Gug said:The ST1300 and the new wing are both 36" wide at the tips of the rearviews.