Should I test ride a new Gold Wing?

Discussion in 'Anything Goes' started by GatorGreg, Nov 1, 2018.

  1. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    One of my local dealers sent me an invite to a Gold Wing demo day this weekend - I’m thinking about going but I’m afraid I might like it and turn into an old fogey after trading in my VFR for one :D
     
  2. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    If you plan on doing some long mileage, multi-day trips cross country, then the newer Gold Wings
    are very hard to beat. If you're not planning long distance travel, I don't see what they would bring
    to the table.

    But a test ride on anything is a good thing.
     
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  3. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    That’s generally my philosophy as well - however I’m worried it might tip over on me and I’ll suffocate :D
     
  4. fink

    fink Member

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    Got mine several weeks back.

    I think you should stick to your scooter. :)
     
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  5. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    You got a Gold Wing or you got a test ride on a Gold Wing? I could probably strap my scooter on the back of the Gold Wing like people do with their RV’s and take it with me :D
     
  6. dABIT

    dABIT New Member

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    Test drove one a few months back. Its huge and heavy compared to the VFR. But once under way you don't notice. I drove the 'auto' version in the different modes did not like it. Was worst taking off from a stop when the weight is most noticeable. Try to ride a 'clutch' model if they have one my dealer did not .
    GW not for me. but the test drive was fun!
     
  7. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Test riders are free, experience new machines, learn how they are different from others that you've experienced, why not?
     
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  8. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    The center of gravity is much lower on the Wing compared to the VFR.
     
  9. fink

    fink Member

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    He’s gone from a vfr to a scooter.
     
  10. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    I have a Valkyrie, and I can tell you the flat six is fantastic. It has more torque at 1800 rpms than our VFRs do at peak. Slam that throttle open and hang on... Its also pretty badass sounding at full bore.
    Also the bike is very balanced and down low. Even though its 700 pounds, once you get passed walking speed, the weight becomes un- noticeable. Just a sweet ride, a keeper.

    Test ride a new GW? Hell yeah! I would go for the base model with shifting. My only nit on the thing, is it has way too much electronix on it. Give me NAV and cruise and I'm done. Then of course, the little devil on my shoulder would be saying, "Hey dude, you know now with the 4 valve engine, there's an ez 50 + horses to grab!" Very tempting.
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2018
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  11. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Been there done that, decade ago... only those who's never done it knows nothing about it.
     
  12. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    So I ride my VFR to the dealer yesterday and they have no knowledge of a Gold Wing demo day taking place. Turns out it's their other location on the other side of town having the GW festival. I am an idiot :D
     
  13. fink

    fink Member

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    Suppose it pays to read the invite. Nevermind it got you out on the vfr. :)
     
  14. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    My friend bought his 8th gen VFR after a test ride at Americade in 2015. This year we went to Americade and for a laugh he tried out the new GoldWing. He loved it. So far he hasn't purchased one or given up his VFR but the GoldWing really impressed him.
     
  15. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    I don't want to test anything I can't or don't want to afford.
    'Cuz I'll end up wanting it. :homer:

    Last month I got Kia Soul rental on a trip.
    Now there is one in the driveway and the Accord V6 has to go. :Hippie:
     
  16. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    Well, the 2018 Soul isn't as totally fugly as it used to be and I guess it isn't as bad as a Pontiac Aztec...but it's close.
    Maybe it's just...quirky.

    I reread this a couple of times and I come across as an asshat. Tastes in vehicles vary widely and I just go nuts over the Kia Souls' looks. My problem and if you like it, that's all that matters.

    At least you have good taste in bikes. :)
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2018
  17. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Regardless whether I can afford it or not, I test drive/ride everything I get a chance to.
    Because some vehicles you only get to see once in your lifetime.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  18. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    The styling grows on you, or not I guess. It's pretty roomy inside and has some nice features, and a good price. Works for me.
    OK, I would test Cat0020 red car, looks like fun, and not something for sale anyway.
     
  19. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Same cat0020 about test riding/driving. So fun, and sometimes the test reminds you to appreciate what you've got.
    I'd test a GW in a heartbeat. So... did you get across town?
     
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