How's the dealer experience at Honda, are they like the Harley dealers of old? In my experience when I bought a Goldwing, the sales people knew nothing about the bike they were selling. In fact I was given a lot of bad information. The Honda dealerships in my area sell Yamahas, generators all kinds of other equipment. They couldn't expect to know everything. I think the days you refer to are long gone.
They've been very good. I have always done my own maintenance, but they give me 10% off on all of the accessories for life and were quick with helpful insight to questions, etc. I haven't had a single warranty issue, so I cannot comment there, but so far I am very happy. It's been pretty fun starting with a clean slate to add the accessories and mods I want.
With the Harley dealers now under the Blizzard of Oz, you really have to have your own parts book (which I do) if you want to have the slightest chance of getting what you need. I have to essentially give them a list of part numbers and demand they check everything off as they are prone to screwing things up. Gone are the days when I could call one of the trusted parts guys, tell him what you are looking to do, and he looked everything up and had it boxed up ready to go - Without a prepay. He would also make suggestions how best to tackle things and/or what else you should hit while you're at it. Now, they firstly stock pretty much nothing, and at times you have to wait weeks, and be just be prepared with the deer in the headlights response to everything you ask. It's ridiculous.
Now, I will mention about the Goldwings is the Tour doesn't come with a Tourpak rack. The storage between the saddlebags and the Tourpak are probably a 1/4 less than a Harley. And, the stock seat is good for about 100 miles before your ass starts screaming. I've added floorboards, highway pegs, backrest, and for this year, I used an Airhawk, but a custom seat is on the agenda. If you do any longer distance touring, that's something to consider.
However, I highly recommend anyone with the slightest interest to take one for a ride - it's pretty eye opening compared to the Harley. The local dealer told me to come in the first warm spring day, and he tossed me the keys and said just be back before they close. I will say that the immediate thought that came to mind is, the Harley reminds me of an old muscle car - Loud, rough, obnoxious, and certainly draws attention. The Goldwing is eerily quiet, crazy smooth, and takes off like a rocket - Like a Porsche or something. Not a single person will pay you much attention, so if you have the typical Harley Napoleon complex, it's probably not for you.
I have been known to do 1,000 miles a day, and on the Harley, God knows you feel it. On the GW, it's just so less fatiguing. You set the cruise for 80 and it's pretty amazing how you don't need a few minutes after jumping off to collect your senses. Now the Harley is my official local bar hopper only. I'm going to ride the crap out of this GW and probably just replace them every 3-4 years. That's my plan for now at least.
Author
Topic: 2023 CVO's (Read 29408 times)