2018 Gold Wing v. VFR

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by GatorGreg, Oct 28, 2017.

  1. Gator

    Gator Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2012
    Messages:
    5,201
    Likes Received:
    811
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Boynton Beach, FL
    Map
    What bike had you been riding?
     
    James Bond likes this.
  2. RedMenace

    RedMenace New Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2008
    Messages:
    266
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    DRC, the Congo
    Map
    I think the Goldwing is the absolute highest standard in touring for America. BMW's are very competitive in last 5 years, but you need to be bent a certain way. Honda is Honda. There is no better ownership experience. The new one is slimmer and has the tech. I think they will defeat the 'old man's couch' stereotype. Maybe some sexy grandpas will buy them to take 15 years off their age? Ha, ha! Honda is looking to carve into another segment. Expand their base? On the GW forums they are bitching about the storage shrink. Honda may lose 5% of the hardcore. In my opinion, they may gain back 10% of 40-50 yo who dig it. And there are always trailers! Ha,ha!

    My second bike is now a '94 GoldWing. It is a bus. Anyone who tells you different is blowing smoke. Takes a bit to stop, takes a bit to accelerate, has 4 gears +OD. Around town is a pain in the ass, interstate is pure joy. Engine is fabulous. Ergos are comfy, can ride 200 miles without noticing. (VFR, I am off every 80 mi for drink/cigarette) Living in the Arizona/SW the Wing is a replacement for a car. Take a passenger, and carry anything I want. (still working on plywood)

    I know it is "best tool for the job". If you want to to tour, the GoldWing is untouchable.

    Personally, the 1200 VFR never interested me. My '96 is a bloated example of the original idea. The '18 GoldWing is a stripped down version of the original idea.
    I find that interesting.
     
    scottbott likes this.
  3. James Bond

    James Bond Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2006
    Messages:
    1,313
    Likes Received:
    155
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Dixie
    Map
    I would too. He's passed me on The Dragon like I was standing still. I don't ever give The Dragon near all I've got (or anyplace else) because it's a terrible place to need an ambulance....or worse. I don't think the Goldwing will have the sales problems Harley has. Yes, they're heavy but I've seen a lot of very old people on them and they don't have problems. VFR's are heavy bikes too for what they are. Honda created a niche bike with the Goldwing where there's very little competition. People put some very high miles on them so like Gator said, the engine has to be good.
     
    Samuel likes this.
  4. RedMenace

    RedMenace New Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2008
    Messages:
    266
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    DRC, the Congo
    Map
    My first 5 cycles, from 16 yo to 30 yo were "naked". I didn't even know that a fairing or windshield was an option for motos.
    GoldWing put my foot upon the rock!
     
  5. RedMenace

    RedMenace New Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2008
    Messages:
    266
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    DRC, the Congo
    Map
    Sorry to be obscure, but my point is new riders don't even consider the Wing. Regardless of age.
    Older riders move towards the Wing after trying everything else.
     
  6. James Bond

    James Bond Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2006
    Messages:
    1,313
    Likes Received:
    155
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Dixie
    Map
    New riders shouldn't even consider a GW. I'd like to have a GW but I don't want to be on any bike for as long a period of time as they're engineered to be comfortable to the rider. I like to get off the bike more than most because it's good for the body, keeps the "rider mind" sharper, and you can enjoy the ride more. Marathon riding makes no sense to me.
     
    RedMenace likes this.
  7. Vulcanator

    Vulcanator New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2018
    Messages:
    247
    Likes Received:
    102
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    The Gold Wing has never floated my boat. If I need to travel long distances in more comfort, I have just the vehicle for that - my 2017 Honda Civic!
     
  8. Viffer J

    Viffer J New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2017
    Messages:
    160
    Likes Received:
    85
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    PNW
    If you've never traveled long distance on a Wing you're missing out, trust me it's much more fun than a Honda Civic.

    [​IMG]
     
    Samuel and Gator like this.
  9. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2006
    Messages:
    9,756
    Likes Received:
    269
    Trophy Points:
    128
    Location:
    Atascadero, California, United States
    Map
    I saw the press release. My wife and I have talked about getting one. She sat on back of the GL1800 a few years ago at the dealer with me and loved it. I think the extra big seat and semi wrap around feel made her feel more secure. I could see owning one of these new ones (or even the older one). I'm in the same boat as someone who mentioned lane splitting in CA, though. I don't want to get something that's too wide. I'd have to look at it in person. I think I might be able to get through most places. Prob just have to go a little slower.
     
  10. Gator

    Gator Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2012
    Messages:
    5,201
    Likes Received:
    811
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Boynton Beach, FL
    Map
    The new gen is supposed to be skinnier. Let us know.
     
  11. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2016
    Messages:
    1,984
    Likes Received:
    342
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Orlando
    Map
    I saw a TV commercial recently for the new Gold Wing - I think it was during the Live PD show on the A & E network. Can't remember the last time I saw a commercial on regular TV for a Honda motorcycle that wasn't during a motocross race or something.
     
  12. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2016
    Messages:
    1,984
    Likes Received:
    342
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Orlando
    Map
    Just saw it again on AMC channel during The Godfather, Part II :D
     
  13. Gator

    Gator Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2012
    Messages:
    5,201
    Likes Received:
    811
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Boynton Beach, FL
    Map
    I saw it too, think it was AMC.
     
Related Topics

Share This Page