Riding the Wing

[Mogambo]

Because of my work schedule I haven't had a chance to put many miles on it, however I thought that I would share my first impressions to date.

I had never ridden a Wing before I got one. I will admit to thinking, "oh man, all that mass and weight". Let me say this so far, soon after you start riding the big rig, both thoughts go out the window, so to speak. The weight seems to just disappear once under way, even at slow speeds (and stopped at traffic lights). Although cornering clearence is certainly less than the FJR or other bikes, it is amazingly nimble through the corners. I can see how a good rider that is an experienced Wing man could give some sport bike riders fits.

I have said to non-motorcyclists that riding a motorcycle is the closest thing to flying without leaving the ground. I would say that this may even more the case with the Wing. It is just that smooth. With the S.O on board, it is like she isn't there at all (except when she taps me on the shoulder to tell me to "turn the music down a little")(Good thing she wasn't on board as I was cruising the Wing with ZZ Top "La Grange" cranking this morning.)

Anyway, I know it's early on in this relationship, but boy, she sure is a pleasure to ride. I know some folks like to poke good natured fun at the Winger's, but it does offer a very pleasant and different aspect to motorcycling. It's all good. Just different.

 

[Scab]

I'll have one before this game is over. I'll probably have to wait till the kids are grown and gone, but I'll have one.

 

[dcarver]

I understand. I've ridden earlier Wings and was impressed. Not ready for one right now, but I do understand. Last week, while on a ss1k ride, I ran across 2 1800 wings at the McDonalds in Weed, Ca. Went inside, got my burger and diet coke (phook them fellas that say carbs and caffeine ain't good for a ride.. ) then met the two Wing riders, mentioned I was on a ss1k virgin ride.. They replied back, 'oh, yeah, we did that, how long ago honey, 25 years?'.. turns out both he and she, and she was 74 and still riding her Wing have done 16 of the 32 3 Flags ride..

.. I guess some of them Wing riders really can ride..

 

[RatoneMuerto]

I dont think there is any machine that is as sweet a ride as a GL.My first experience with one was in 1976 and my latest was with a buddies 2006.Closest thing to a Rolls Royce on two wheels in my opinion.They are really well built and will last forever it seems in the right hands.There is even a 78 running in this years IBA rally and I have been to a few Gold Wing club events with the clock on a couple of models out of the 80's with nearly 400k on them.I am amazed that someone that is 5'6" like me can stop and actually stand flat footed at a light and get air under the crotch!.One accessory that blew me away on the 06 I rode had a 7" LCD mounted in the drivers back rest so his wife can watch movies!

 

[rockmurf]

I had an 03 1800 that i put 40k miles on in less than 2 years. It is a phenom 2 up bike. I got rid of mine when my wife got her license and a bike cause it just aint the same riding single on a wing. I still feel nothing can touch it. My wife felt funny at first riding on it because it is supposed to be a retirement meaning old peoples bike but for those that think that should go demo one and I am sure your minds will change. good luck with yours and ride safe. Everett

 

[Orient_Express]

I had an 03 1800 that i put 40k miles on in less than 2 years. It is a phenom 2 up bike. I got rid of mine when my wife got her license and a bike cause it just aint the same riding single on a wing. I still feel nothing can touch it. My wife felt funny at first riding on it because it is supposed to be a retirement meaning old peoples bike but for those that think that should go demo one and I am sure your minds will change. good luck with yours and ride safe. Everett

I remember reading about some guy in Florida that put a million miles on one. It's been about 7 or 8 years ago - if I remember right it took him 2 engines to do it - amazing machines and can't be beat for comfort on the Interstate system.

It will be my next motorcycle - unless I find a really good Triumph to play with. Seems like more and more younger people are buying the Wing these days.

 

[TriggerT]

Several years down the road, or if I win the lottery, my next bike will be a wing. I have few thousand miles on them and they are great.

 

[DucatiSSsp]

Only done a 10 minute jaunt on one before and came away with the "I could see myself with one of these" feelings <_<

 

[Mike-H]

Only done a 10 minute jaunt on one before and came away with the "I could see myself with one of these" feelings <_<

Owned 2 or is it 3 of them & plan to have another before I stop (if I ever stop) riding.....(me Da rode until he passed away @ 77)....& I'd like to do the same if given the choice...

 

[Joe R]

When I bought the FJR the first thing my wife said was " one step away from a Goldwing".