Maybe not, but that's a pretty good description of the STs to me.
"all bikes lead to a Goldwing"
- Thread starter Bug Dr.
- Start date
Obo
East Coast Canada
ST's and GW's are different. I loved my ST, but was and never would be a GW. I also love my GW, and it will never be an ST. Would I like to have another ST, yes. Would I want to swap it out for my GW, definitely not. Which would get used more? I think it's fair to say the GW.
Donk
Site Supporter
Joe I like the RT it's just not for me. I think it's a great bike. It has too much weather protection for my liking is my biggest gripe and believe it or not the new GoldWing is cooler or has more airflow on a really hot day. Also as I'm sure you've noticed the RT is geared a little taller than the GS. Great for relaxed cruising but does take away from the grunt when riding out of a corner. As for engines design I am partial to twins, there I said it, even put it in writing! Loved the engines in my Guzzis, the transmission in the V100 not so much! Guzzi is just a BMW boxer made right and with more ground clearance 
That said the F6 is an amazing motor and it would be very hard for anyone to find fault with. Must be a reason Porsche stuck with it all these years.
I really like the GoldWing and think it's an excellent bike. Any issue is probably with the rider. I'm starting to question at 8 months after surgery if my shoulder is really up to the task? My wife says I seem to be icing it after every GoldWing ride and not so with my NC. I don't doubt that my shoulder is affecting my confidence and then the mind games get going.
That said the F6 is an amazing motor and it would be very hard for anyone to find fault with. Must be a reason Porsche stuck with it all these years. I really like the GoldWing and think it's an excellent bike. Any issue is probably with the rider. I'm starting to question at 8 months after surgery if my shoulder is really up to the task? My wife says I seem to be icing it after every GoldWing ride and not so with my NC. I don't doubt that my shoulder is affecting my confidence and then the mind games get going.
Obo
East Coast Canada
Have you tried bar risers on the Wing to see if it makes a difference? (Helibars kit or just generic risers?)
From the Wingstuff site:
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Yes as Donk has said Motorcycles are such a personal like or dislike. And that preference even changes over time. At almost 77 I find I am still too young for a Wing, after owning a 1200 Interstate many years ago. I find that my NT1100 is turning into the correct machine for my age and family situation. My FJR Gen III is still my favorite of all bikes I have owned but over the years even she has become a bit too fat and heavy. I see a day in the not to distance future where my V-Strom will be the only bike in my garage. I started my moto career with a 650cc bike some 40+ years ago, and I will probably finish with a 650cc bike.
Sounds a lot like me. Do I go smaller or not. My 24 tour DCT is great but I don’t do the same type of riding. They don’t have the nc750x in Canada now. I think an updated 85 Gl1200 wing would be the ticket. My St1300 was getting too top heavy for me. May try some 650’s. For now the wing is staying.
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Here is the formula for Goldwing comfort. Helibar Horizon bars, Utopia backrest, RDL seat. Adjust the bars so that when your arms are down you have a level forearm. I like the backrest up pretty far to keep my back from getting sore. Steve Sanders has an old utube about the level forearm and he is absolutely correct.
Donk
Site Supporter
Maybe that's a formula for you, it isn't for me. Day I put a backrest on a motorcycle is the day after I give up riding. As for RDL seat no thank you. I use my lower body too much when riding and I could never put something that ugly on a bike I liked. You are welcome to do as you like to your bike but that doesn't mean it will work for everybody.
Criticize if you want, but I look at it like this. I am comfortable, and you are not.
I think the Goldwing is the logical conclusion, the culmination of various aspects of riding, I mean let's get real; it's got it all and what I think is the biggest draw is passenger comfort and control with that passenger aboard; is there an easier bike to get on and off of whether you're solo or two up
For me, I'm not ever gonna buy another motorcycle but if I did it would have to be this bike
For me, I'm not ever gonna buy another motorcycle but if I did it would have to be this bike
Donk
Site Supporter
What makes you so sure about that? Because I commented about recovering from shoulder surgery? Do you know how I am built or how I fit on a bike? How many hours do we both ride in a day? So many variables, so many unknowns. As I said you are welcome to do as you like to your bike but that doesn't mean it will work for everyone.
That's about how I felt about my Valkyrie. Amazing on the open road, not all that bad in the twisties, but not at all a good experience in parking lots. Loved the raw power and velvet smooth ride, but the ST has raw power, and better manners at low speed.
I'm kinda curious about all these comments regarding "handling at low speed."
Without casting aspersions, as a RiderCoach AND with decades of watching other riders in virtually every imaginable daily scenario, I know I have seen a LOT of riders struggle at parking / parking lot speeds, so I have to wonder... just how much is attributed to rider skills, versus the bike itself?
To add to my curiosity, I have watched many, many Gold Wing Drill Teams, and have seen everything from the 1200s to 1500s to 1800s in formation, as well as individual riding demos. So I am reluctant to believe a Wing (presuming in good tune) is actually difficult to handle at very low speeds. Now, of course, individual riders may have a specific leg or hip injury, or weakness, that would have no bearing on the capability of the motorcycle itself.
But for many reasons, one of the very first things I do with ANY bike that's new to me, is go practice parking lot drills, including 360s, u-turns, and all that.
In fact, that's how I first dropped my ST1300 upon getting it home to Birmingham, doing slow u-turns to learn how it feels.
Again, I'm not picking on anyone, just wondering what is meant by "Hard" when going slow. Motorcycles.
I've had a couple GL1800s and the wheelbase is noticeable at low speeds... Sure, anyone with practice can do some amazing things in an obstacle course but that usually does require hours of practice and filed down crash bars doing that course over and over and over.
As for recreational riding... There's a big difference in, say a tracer 900 zipping through 10-15mph curves and throwing the GL1800 around... it does take more effort and concentration, no matter how good you are. So, there is a difference...
As for recreational riding... There's a big difference in, say a tracer 900 zipping through 10-15mph curves and throwing the GL1800 around... it does take more effort and concentration, no matter how good you are. So, there is a difference...
Obo
East Coast Canada
I'm guessing folks compare slow speed handling and movement against other bike's that they've ridden. While that would make each comparison based on that persons own abilities, it could correlate if a majority of riders, who's ability varied, found certain commonly ridden bikes harder than others at low speed.
Donk
Site Supporter
To clarify; without rereading my previous posts I do not think I used the word hard anywhere in reference to the GoldWing. I can't speak about earlier generations but the 18+ GoldWing is a super easy bike to ride and I believe I said that. I do not believe there is anything wrong with my specific bike again I believe it to be an excellent example of an excellent machine. What I said was it has a long wheelbase and isn't the best in tight places. Combine that with a recovering right shoulder that is not up to full strength by any stretch I find myself in uncomfortable situations. Not the bike, it may not be the rider but the combination of GoldWing and this rider is struggling at low speeds AT THIS TIME and more so at low speeds and bad pavement. I did mention I have spent a fair amount of time in parking lots practicing with the bike. I am of average motorcycle skills maybe with a little more training and practice than some. I have done training with LEO Motor instructors and can throw a RoadKing around ok for a civilian that doesn't work at it, or at least I could pre shoulder injury and surgery. I am not defending myself. Anyone who knows me knows I don't give a R A about what other people think or think about me. I am however right now defending the GoldWing. It is a brilliant piece of machinery and I have never said otherwise. That said a GoldWing because of its longer wheelbase cannot turn as tight a circle as some other bikes such as a Police HD for example. I have watched LEO Motor instructors try and they couldn't do it, neither can I, neither can you. GoldWing is still a great bike. All I was saying was right now there are times where I'm struggling with it. I do think most of the people here on the forum get it, get what I'm saying, I apologize if this turned into a rant.
Donk
Site Supporter
For better or worse I parted ways with the GoldWing. Brilliant bike made better by the Traxxion suspension. For whatever reason, the bike while super easy to ride was causing me a great deal of anxiety. Love the bike but I am relieved it's gone. End of story for me.
Erdoc48
Site Supporter
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2009
- Messages
- 274
- Age
- 62
- Location
- Myrtle Beach, SC/ Sometimes Colorado
- Bike
- 94/00/04 STs, FSC600
Just a question (and I know shoulders can take a while, like up to a year post surgery)- do you suspect you’ll get another bike or stay with the NC750?
Donk
Site Supporter
NC750 can do it all and 98% of it really well. I think it is a pleasant bike and if you think about it that is all any of us are really after. I believe there will be another Moto Guzzi at some point just because I like them. At the moment I have in addition to a sore shoulder a lack of enthusiasm.