Lil' help from previous Goldwing Owners

[Rrarthur]

Sorry guys, I have been tempted by the larger touring bike. I put on some long days, my normal on a single day on the weekend is 500 miles, my most is 750. I am able to take 1 or 2 great trips per year on the bike. I just like to pick some destinations and go see them. My back on the FJR hurts a little bit, as I would expect when riding those hours in the saddle, I have added a BMS seat that is incredible, and I added foot pegs which also helped. I would add the MV riser as my last option, but I'm looking for input from previous Goldwing owners. Is the larger bike more comfortable, is it worth losing all the features that the FJR has to offer. I don't like how it doesn't have ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Windshield, or the updated technology in the dashboard display. Is the comfort worth the trade offs. I know they are 2 different machines, but looking for any advice you could offer. My only option is I have to get rid of one for the other, having both to me doesn't make sense and isn't financially viable.

 

[JamesW]

speaking as one who currently owns/rides both you need a defined mission statement first. Just got back from a ride on the wing (06 1800) 396 miles of freeway, secondary and twisty stuff. It is a ponderous machine next to my FJR, plush on the freeways and most secondary roads if not pushed to hard, best passenger seat in the business (IMHO) twistys can be done but boy I have to work at it, and I do not consider it fun. Loads of storage and many options are available for these. I would keep the FJR as an only bike, but right now I am keeping both and hopefully get my wife out and about a time or two on the wing. I do not know your physicals but GL1800s are not called Hondapottamus for nothing.

 

[Twigg]

I'd have both if I could afford it.

The Honda as a fun way for my wife and I to travel together and see the country in flower-sniffing mode, and the FJR as a dedicated, single-seat Rally bike.

Instead I am working on a cunning plan that should, over the next few years, see Jodie and I riding "His and Hers" FJRs.

 

[Buzzeroo]

I have a '96 GoldWing with 116,476 miles on it. Has a tall windshield and Corbin seat. Runs perfect, does not use oil and is Very comfortable (and Fast) to ride all day on. I just returned from a three week 2,000+ mile trip to the NC mountains, did the Dragon and Cherohala as well as lots of mountain roads. The 'wing is a great bike so long as you use it as intended; it's without peer on the open road but somewhat iffy on the narrow, two lane, curvey country roads.

It's great for two-up touring, but burdensome to ride solo, especially at slow speed.

You don't need a late model big buck GoldWing to get the egronomics you may be looking for. The newer ones (as well as the FJR's) have lots of features that seem to lose their importance when actually riding, plus you'll need an aftermarket seat and windshield tuned to your size. I really like my GoldWing for what it is: big, heavy and comfortable with tons of storage room.

I suggest you rent one for a day or so and see what riding it is like. You may go home and hug your FJR.

 

[MCRIDER007]

I had both (GL1800 and FJR) for 3 years. The GW actually had an inferior ride until I upgraded the suspension with Traxxion's shock and fork kit. The GW initially was fun to ride but I got tired of the bulk and weight and eventually got to the point where I didn't want to take it anywhere.....especially when it was over 90 degrees because the side radiators threw a lot of heat on the rider. Great bike for riding 2-up but not nearly as fun as the FJR when solo.

 

[Rrarthur]

Thanks gang for the feedback. I should have included I am 6' tall and 175. I think the bike should fit me pretty well size wise. I do plan on renting one for the day. Its easier than making a purchase i would regret later. Nearly all of my riding is done solo. My wife and daughter have no real interest to go and if they would they may go for only a short ride, so the two up isn't a concern. McRider, you make the point I am expecting I might over time experience..."I got tired of the bulk and weight". I think that would hot me as well. I love how nimble the FJR is, its great for commuting, and twisties. My fear is it will be a case for be careful of what you ask for you may get it, then come to regret it. I love the feedback, some very sage advice from you guys.

 

[lonerider]

Both great bikes for their intended purposes. My GL18 does have ABS (saved me once already) and the windscreen, though not adjustable on the fly like the FJR's, can be adjusted quickly and easily while stopped at a light. My Wing has a little more leg room and a more upright riding position than the FJR. As previously stated, you can really feel the Wing's additional 300 lbs. in the twisties. For two up riding, pulling a trailer, the Wing would be the choice. For a single rider that prefers the better handling machine, the FJR wins. If I had to keep just one of the two, for the type of riding I do, I'd keep the FJR, YMMV.

 

[FJRay]

I have both and like the others have said the wing is it for two up and with the right suspension it can hold its own in the twistys (for a barge). When I get to go alone the FJR gets to come out and play with the big kids but I usually ride sweep at a relaxed pace.

 

[Bounce]

After 10 years (and 3 different models) of Gold Wings, I moved to the FJR. I've never regretted it. 900 lbs is a lot of mass to push around the country. If you're doing it all solo then it's also unneeded bulk. I found some minor comfort differences between the 2 but MASSIVE improvements in handling, response, and power when I moved to the FJR. There are far too many positives in the FJR for me to consider moving back.

 

[wheatonFJR]

To the OP, sounds like back issues are what have you looking around. You might look at altering your riding position..."Yoda"...or look at risers if you want a more upright FJR ride.

 

[Rrarthur]

Yeah Weaton, it's the darn back. it's not terrible but just a bit uncomfortable. I also understand it's not a car, it's a bike and I will not have total comfort on any bike. After reading all the good feedback here I will still rent a wing, but I will be looking with a little more perspective at it. I am guessing I will just go with the MV Motorrad risers to lift me up a bit along with changing the angle of the bars. I think that will go quite a way to getting the comfort restored. I do the Yoda position and that helps and the seat and highway pegs really allow for the extended rides. Sounds like I have my winter project lined up.

 

[JamesW]

You could consider wearing one of those back support belts that you see folks wearing in lumberyards, get one at home depot, or at lowes, but do not get it at a medical supply source $$$$. I just cut the shoulder straps off and used the belt a while when my back was acting up. Seems like I have seen UPS people wearing them also.

 

[RadioHowie]

Since the FJR is already 200 pounds overweight, I can't speculate the mearest possibility of owning a bike that would be 450 pounds MORE than a bike SHOULD weigh. Since I outsize you by 4 inches and about 100 pounds, I was also seriously disappointed with how cramped I was the time I took a GW out for a 100 mile test ride. Getting off of it and back on my FJR felt like I had got out of a Fiat Cinquecento and climbed aboard a Cadillac Escalade.

Just goes to show how much motorcycles are personal choices and how much differences in body size/style can affect perceived/actual comfort.

 

[Brodie]

Rrarthur

The Master Yoda position is OK, however, I find that if I ride long days in the saddle my hands are off the bars more than on. With a good cruise control you can go long distances without having to even touch the bars. Give it a try. Rest your hands on the fuel tank - both hands. The bike will go where you lean it. Without extending your arms all the time, it gives your back a rest. Play the game of freeway sweepers with body english only. Stiff winds is another challenge that adds interest.

Enjoy the thing - support your favorite tire manufacturer.

Brodie

 

[Bounce]

Why not prop your feet up on the bars while you're at it? (Yes, I did hear that as a story from an old HD rider when I was in HS.)

At the very least I would be concerned about liability if they took my advice and augured in while doing so.

While I would NEVER recommend someone else hand over control of their bike operation to chance, I can say that taking one hand off for a longer time than a throttle lock allows (on roads with elevation changes) is much easier with a cruise control.

 

[XWinger]

I put 100k on a 1991 1500 wing before trading it f or my 2004Fjr. At first the Fjr felt really sporty. Too leaned forward. But as I got used to it I've found I can do longer days & am actually more comfy than I ever was on the wing. I bought risers right away but about 1 year in I removed them just to try it & the bike feels better without them. I would recommend riding it more before changing too much.

 

[Rrarthur]

I got it last April and this years spring was bad as well, even though, I have managed to put on 24K on my bike so far. I love the advice from everyone here. Given the words I think I'll keep the FJR and then just put on MV Motorrad risers this fall / winter. I think that will allow me to take the Longer distance and ease my back just a bit. I really appreciate all the advice here. Given I like to ride solo, and don't like the added weight, I think the FJR is the bike that suits me best.

The funny part is not paying out for a gold wing would allow for a little dirt bike

 

[Old Guy]

Yeah Weaton, it's the darn back. it's not terrible but just a bit uncomfortable. I also understand it's not a car, it's a bike and I will not have total comfort on any bike. After reading all the good feedback here I will still rent a wing, but I will be looking with a little more perspective at it. I am guessing I will just go with the MV Motorrad risers to lift me up a bit along with changing the angle of the bars. I think that will go quite a way to getting the comfort restored. I do the Yoda position and that helps and the seat and highway pegs really allow for the extended rides. Sounds like I have my winter project lined up.

I rode a 2002 Goldwing for 11 years and 111,000 miles. Ironically, I finally "traded up"

to the FJR because of a bad back. I've got degenerative disk disease in my lower back, and I couldn't ride the 'wing more than a couple of hundred miles without a back brace. I've put 24,000 on the FJR since March of 2013 and haven't used the brace once -- haven't needed it. I left for a short 2000-mile trip a couple of weeks ago with a sore back. The back was still sore when I got home, but it didn't bother me while actually on the bike. My back never hurts at all on the FJR. My longest days have been 710 followed by a 790 for 1500 miles in about 36 hours.

It was the bolt-upright riding position on the 'wing that was hurting me. I have the same problem in my pickup. Sitting straight up carrying all the weight down my spine just doesn't work for me.

I realize mine may be a unique situation, but I'd strongly advise you rent a 'wing for a day before committing.