Pondering a Goldwing

[R.J.]

I'm keeping the Monster!

I wanted something to do longer distance trips with and took a trip to the Honda dealer to check out a Goldwing. I know it seems like the bike is for older dudes sporting an Aerostich one piece but the bike appeals to me. I swung my leg over and immediately felt intimidated by it's size and bulkiness. Is it a huge transition moving from a sportbike into a cruiser? I feel confident riding the Monster or the ZX6R as I have plenty clearance and the less weight makes it easier to handle.

[SolidSnake3035]

Yuck, too big.

You should probably look into the Sport Touring bikes.  Either with Honda or Ducati, IMO.

[Triple J]

Triumph Sprint has also received great reviews.

[stopintime]

Two summers back in the '90s I rented one for touring. I was inexperienced but felt at home right away.
It's very very comfortable and not at all hard to handle. After 300 miles, still ready to ride on. If I wanted to ride with a passenger and could afford it for a second bike - I would get one today - but of course not for hooliganism or commuting/lanesplitting.
Also it is one of few bikes that draws attention better than a Monster, and it does it without loud exhaust.

[zvezdah1]

Had an 05 wing for a couple years, Hands down the best long distance touring bike out there (had a bmw k1200lt before this). Plenty of storage space and traveling on a big tourer def. got it's advantages. However you really need a sporty bike to go with it for the rest of the time. That said, the wing served me well as daily transport, the security of hard bags, cruise control, satellite radio etc is hard to beat on long trips.

Once you get used to the big size and weight (better than k1200 which is very top heavy and a handful at low speeds) the wing is a breeze to ride.

I did take it to a ducs fly south event www.usdesmo.org and had an absolutely blast grinding the foot pegs on the corners in the NC moutains running with my friends on their ducs!

Chris

[speedevil]

I have a goldwing with the full traxxion suspension upgrade in the front forks and the progressive 460 adjustable shock in the rear.  With tire pressures set correctly, and a good pilot, you would be amazed what the big girl can do.  Suffice it to say that there are several riders on I-4s at Deals Gap wondering what big black bike passed them and never looked back.

I'm leaving on a 4-5000 mile trip Wednesday morning on the wing and there really isn't a better bike for the long trips than the wing.  Going to Montrose, Colorado from northern Illinois and will be doing day rides out of Montrose until July 10th.  Then Pike's Peak and back home.  I can't wait.

I have a monster and would love to find a really nice ST3s w/ABS.  The wing for two-up trips, the ST3s for solo trips or faster two-up trips, and the monster for hooliganning around and maybe the occasional track day.

if you have specific questions about the wing, I'd be glad to answer them.

[Scottish]

Try the new Concours 14 from Kawaski, it has a retuned zx-14 engine it's supposed to be comfie, capable, and haul balls. I think it's Kawboy in the NMMR local has one. I'd pm him.

[ADG]

Honda should name its "Winnebago" the Monster....and buy out Ducati's rights.

[sbrguy]

get a bmw touring bike those things look cool

[silentbob]

Buy a Civic, it's smaller and handles better.   

I have an ST4 and while not as plush as the Goldwing (I have ridden several), it actually keeps the "sport" in sport touring.

[ADG]

 I would ponder stomach stapling, and possibly a sex change if I were you...which I'm not.... Thank Allah.

[Rameses]

I would get one today - but of course not for hooliganism

No?

[monsta]

^^^^^
hahaha

I'll get one one day to do the 'round oz trip' but I settled for an st3 for now (didn't sell the monster) to do shorter trip till the that time comes

[speedevil]

Honda should name its "Winnebago" the Monster....and buy out Ducati's rights.

Some friends of mine call I4s "crotch rockets" - they call the goldwing a "couch rocket".

[Bick]

Honda should name its "Winnebago" the Monster....and buy out Ducati's rights.

Wingebago?

It's more money, but look at the BMW LT.



Aside from needing a new, maybe a little softer than concrete seat, I really like my GS for long trips.