Owners of new-isn Goldwings

Any owners of new-ish Gold Wings here? If so, what do you like about them if you like them? I think they would be a neat bike to own and ride. What do you not like about them if anything? Thanks.

 

I test rode a 2018 model for about 40 miles.. surprisingly light steering, similar to a BMW Telelever front end.
Compare to the previous generation GL, the weight loss is quite significant.

I could use without all the digital doo-da, electronic buttons on the handlebar and tank.
I wonder how long the tires last under all that power of that super smooth 6-cylinder engine.
I think it would be so much cooler if they made it with the DCT, twist-n-go model.
I still like the looks of the Valkyrie better:

 

Hi JB. My Pops had an 1800 that I toured. He was an old Gold Wing Guy so I rode all his GL's over the years from the 1100, 1200, 1500 and 1800. The 1800 is by far the best of the bunch and is a terrific machine to tour on. The power is fantastic for blowing past slower moving cages or bad assed accountants on their Harley's all while cranking the tunes. If you are into touring, this is the machine. Even has reverse for backing out fully loaded. But, your VFR will feel like a GP bike after fiding the Gold Wing. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the feedback. One VFR is enough after 300 miles in the mountains yesterday. My body hurts. Didn't stop enough times.

 

I'm pretty sure any bike is enough after 300 miles in one sitting for any rider.. even those seasoned for IronButt Rally.

 

Are you getting old and a little soft on us there Mr Bond? You will disappoint Moneypenny.

 

None of us are getting younger by the minute..

Personally, I appreciate a comfortable bike that allow me to put more hours on the bike vs a fast bike that's a torture rack to ride.

 

Yes. Some bikes look beautiful. Just don't look where the handlebars are in relation to the seat and pegs. 10 - 15 minutes and I would be wanting off.
I want to sit up and beg. This is not mutually exclusive with having a ton of power.

 

Not really. Try following me some day. You have to get off your ass in order to get tired. In my case, it's to have fun or work in the yard. I don't play video games.

 

True. One just has to get off of it now and then. Same as with driving a cage that far.

 

Sometimes, bikes that are "Looking beautiful" have little to do with comfort over long hours in the saddle.

Most of the time fuel range determines how often we stop; but reality, your body should determine how often you take breaks.

By the time you feel tired, it's already too late; your ability to ride is already compromised.
Most drops occurs at parking lot speed when you're tired and unable to hold a top heavy bike uptight.

I don't consider the new GL top heavy, that 6 cylinder engine spread across the bottom keeps it nice and stable at parking lot speed. But if you plan on your next bike for long trip, the parking lot speed stability if something you should keep in mind; because that's when you're likely to be tired and compromised in riding ability.