Is it just me or does the front view of the new GL1800 resemble another bike we know and love? In fact the whole reduced size fairing looks very ST-like.
It does look very ST Like.
+1 On the ST-like part. I don't think it resembles the ST at all but that it looks like more like bikes that fall into the Sport category in general, and less like the GoldWing.
I do like the looks though. A LOT. It makes older Wings look bulbous. You could see the direction in the 2012 redesign.
I just got off the phone with my GW buddy and told him he
has to check out the new 'Wing. Unfortunately it doesn't it's not available yellow. But there IS Pearl White! If I had a place to park one, I'd get a gym membership so I could move it around!
-1 on the shrunken gas tank. The press release did say that engineers give it the
same range as the previous Wing with the larger gas tank.
If that's true then no harm no foul. Still I hate give-backs. That cut about 6.7lbs from the GVW and lowered the CG by .5". (Ok I have NO idea about the CG— just sayin'.) I could live with having the 'full gallon' back.
The reduced baggage capacity doesn't bother me. I like to travel light if I can and there are day bags and luggage racks. (At 60,000+ miles my buddy's 2005 trunk is showing some stress cracks from the rack.) The armrest/backrest throne-bit does put me off slightly but that could be dealt with easily enough.
In my memory my '77 GL1000 overall seemed a little smaller and slightly svelte compared to my ST so I've not been much for 'Wings since they turned into a turn-key tourer. But this new one has my attention if not my wallet. But with DCT it's really tempting. Seriously tempting. Fortunately I don't have the room. I'm not looking closely at the specs on the freak off-chance that the overall width is the same or less as the ST!
Rather than move the ST into GW territory, they moved the GW towards the ST. With a much higher price tag, of course.
And with much more creature comfort and possibly not that much of a sacrifice in handling for an experienced rider.
Mellow said:
now they have the electronics.. so, take 80% of that PLUS the Crosstourer V4 1200cc engine and frame, wrap it with some plastic and integrated bags and you can sell a new ST1200 for 24k.
That would rip the wallet right out of my pocket and the plastic right out of my wallet. 'SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!"