Goldwings

[1hellofaride]

Yes I know its Friday....so its a perfect time to ask.

I want to know what people think about the goldwing.

Looks to me like nothing would come close to comfort, low cg

has just about every gizmo you could ask for.

so tell me the good the bad & even the ugly.

also has some sort of .99% financing ( if you have a 750 or bettter ) on 2008's.

 

[kurt]

I had an '08 and sold it to buy the FJR. It was surprisingly cramped for the pilot with very few remedies available. My feet felt too far forward, my knees too high and the bars were too low and far back for my 6' frame. Other than the obvious size and weight, it was a great long distance bike. Not so great for around town.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I know this isn't the latest year...but I doubt they've changed much since the introduction of the GL1800. But mebbe this is useless info...

I rented a GL1800 for a June trip to the Smokies back in '03....before I started owning bikes again. I thought it was a great touring bike. Did plenty fine in the curves...course I didn't press it too hard but it was fun.

My wife would prefer the touring on a GL1800 more than the FJR.

 

[C&C]

Big and heavy but it definitely has its place.

 

[Bogey907]

"My wife would prefer the touring on a GL1800"

The battle cry of the GoldWing owner!

 

[vabrzn]

I talked with a guy on a Goldwing who was pulling a small pop up camper; he told me it had a reverse gear, and that's about all I know

 

[wheatonFJR]

I talked with a guy on a Goldwing who was pulling a small pop up camper; he told me it had a reverse gear, and that's about all I know

Ever try backing up a GL1800 uphill on a wet or muddy surface...that little startergear/reverse gear thingy came in handy as the thing can be a boatload to handle in a well tree'd campground. Where turning around can be gamey at times. You don't usually need it...just was nice for the 900-1000 lb behemoth.

I would definitely consider it when the wifey finally decides to go cross-country with me. I'm NEVER giving up my FJR though. :assassin:

 

[Tenchi]

Sorry, this thread just invited it.

Top Ten Reasons Why Gold Wing Riders Don’t Wave

10. Wasn't sure whether other rider was waving or making an obscene gesture.

9. Afraid might get frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip.

8. Has arthritis and the past 400 miles have made it difficult to raise arm.

7. Reflection from etched windshield momentarily blinded him.

6. The espresso machine just finished.

5. Was actually asleep when other rider waved.

4. Was in a three-way conference call with stockbroker and accessories dealer.

3. Was distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen.

2. Was simultaneously adjusting the air suspension, seat height, programmable CD player, seat temperature, and satellite navigation system.

1. Couldn't find the "auto wave back" button on dashboard.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Brother owns an '08 and loves it for two up touring. He finds it heavy of course. Insurance is high but he totalled his first '08 Gold Wing... so figures. He also said the electronics and wiring is tight under all the plastic so not as much room for farkling as you'd imagine. But he likes it at 61 years old enough to get another one. Lots of other wing nuts to ride with if'n ya want.

I worked with a guy two years ago with a GL1800 Wing. Decided we'd go for a ride in the twisties. He was spraying sparks and I was on the FJR checking scenery and relaxing. Just no comparison. I didn't ride with him again because he was obviously trying to impress rather than ride his ride. But it was instructive on the differences in the bikes. Looked comfy for long distance and his custom saddle felt good when I sat on the bike.

back in 1981 I had a hardon for a naked Gold Wing. But didn't have the money.

 

[1hellofaride]

Thanks all for all your input, maybe if I change the seat the fjr will just be more comfortable for a longer run.

 

[smokeFJR06]

Thanks all for all your input, maybe if I change the seat the fjr will just be more comfortable for a longer run.

If you're looking for ultimate comfort for two up riding and long distance, can't beat a wing. However, if you have a stock seat on your FJR, an aftermarket seat is a huge improvement. I went to a Sargent, now am running a Russell and love it. My wife hated the Sargent, but seems to really like the Russell. She's not put it to the real test of a 600 mile ride like she did the Sargent, but she swears that it will work better than the Sargent. Myself, I was okay with the Sargent, but I have to admit that the Russell is the cat's meow.

Good luck,

Smoke

 

[Lowcountry Joe]

Sorry, this thread just invited it.
Top Ten Reasons Why Gold Wing Riders Don’t Wave

10. Wasn't sure whether other rider was waving or making an obscene gesture.

9. Afraid might get frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip.

8. Has arthritis and the past 400 miles have made it difficult to raise arm.

7. Reflection from etched windshield momentarily blinded him.

6. The espresso machine just finished.

5. Was actually asleep when other rider waved.

4. Was in a three-way conference call with stockbroker and accessories dealer.

3. Was distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen.

2. Was simultaneously adjusting the air suspension, seat height, programmable CD player, seat temperature, and satellite navigation system.

1. Couldn't find the "auto wave back" button on dashboard.

Amen brother!

Im sending this to some of my wingnut friends.