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[DOOFUS]

I'm going to call in fire on my own position. Wife and I just finished a Sunday morning chat about "positive" things once the new job starts.

She agreed that getting back on a bike is critical. (As the man once said, "It's cheaper than drugs, booze and strippers")

So she brings up the new 2012 Gold Wing because she saw one.

I said:

1.  I've had 2 and they are reliable, smooth and out of the box powerful.

2.  I did 2 IBA rides on my Wings and it was a pleasure.

3.  I loved the fact they were made in Ohio.

4.  But they ain't made in Ohio anymore.

She said:

1.  Yeah but -- I'm more comfortable on a Gold Wing.

Jeez.

[Midnight Rider]

Objectively, I don't think anybody that knows bikes would disagree that from a functional standpoint, a GW has got to be at the top of the heap for touring bikes.  Reliable, fast, good handling, good brakes, and all the goodies that make a touring bike great.  Perhaps even more comfortable for the BSR.  Just get on it and ride.  I just can't get past the looks...they don't look bad, they just don't have any personality.  I think Honda missed an opportunity on the 2012 models...they made them uglier than the 2011's, IMO.  I think they will do some major revisions in 2013 or 2014.  If I were venturing away from a Harley, I'd probably take a real serious look at the new BMW 1600...that is an awesome bike, from all reports.

If a person is buying a touring bike strictly based on function over form, and reliability, HD would probably not be in the running.  But, there's a million reasons folks continue to buy HD, most of them emotional in nature, so it's really about how you feel about the bike, IMO.  If everybody just wanted good, reliable transportation from point A to point B, we'd all be driving something like a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, etc.

You can certainly get a lot more bike for the buck with a Wing or BMW, from a practical point of view, especially when you compare them to a CVO touring bike.

[dadof2]

I was surprised when I saw this topic. It's ironic cause I test drove one yesterday. I guess I'm one of the few that actually like the looks. I just never could get past the fact that "it's not a Harley"
I was blown away with the GW. It is a fine machine. I was impressed with every aspect of this bike. The only touring bikes I have ever ridden were Ultras, 2 of which were CVO. For two up riding there is really no comparison in my opinion. I only rode it about 50 miles,but it didn't take long to see all this bike has to offer.
A few years ago I would not have thought or believed that, or cared. But I'm open to something more comfortable for longer trips. The wife even liked it. Said it was a lot smoother.
I'm probably going to add one to my garage. When your a Harley guy like I have been for years, it's a tough decision, but I think I'm ready.
I will be keeping the CVO but am excited about possibly getting a Gold Wing.   

[mjb765]

I agree with TC....If just getting from point A to point B then the Honda is OK....but it's got no personality or "soul". They are all kind of vanilla.....You don't stop and look at one and say look what they did there or cool mod...maybe you do only I never looked I also agree if I were in the market for a non Harley tourer, I'd be looking BMW....

[Master Guns]

Objectively, I don't think anybody that knows bikes would disagree that from a functional standpoint, a GW has got to be at the top of the heap for touring bikes.  Reliable, fast, good handling, good brakes, and all the goodies that make a touring bike great.  Perhaps even more comfortable for the BSR.  Just get on it and ride.  I just can't get past the looks...they don't look bad, they just don't have any personality.  I think Honda missed an opportunity on the 2012 models...they made them uglier than the 2011's, IMO.  I think they will do some major revisions in 2013 or 2014.  If I were venturing away from a Harley, I'd probably take a real serious look at the new BMW 1600...that is an awesome bike, from all reports.

If a person is buying a touring bike strictly based on function over form, and reliability, HD would probably not be in the running.  But, there's a million reasons folks continue to buy HD, most of them emotional in nature, so it's really about how you feel about the bike, IMO.  If everybody just wanted good, reliable transportation from point A to point B, we'd all be driving something like a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, etc.

You can certainly get a lot more bike for the buck with a Wing or BMW, from a practical point of view, especially when you compare them to a CVO touring bike.

TCnBham

Very well said.  I rode the metrics for several years including two GW's and I enjoyed everyone of them.  The biggest change I saw when I made the switch to HD was the dealerships and fellow riders.  The HD personnel who I have dealt with seemed more mature and were experienced riders.  The metric guys were young and wanted to talk about speed and crotch rockets.  Also the HOG members I ride with are an awesome group of people.  And, you can't ask for a better bunch of folk than on this site who continually help their fellow CVO riders, be it recommending improvements, fixes, or spending their money.  My advanced age and physical capabilities dictates that I will be on a trike in a few years and it will be a HD.

Dave

[CVOThunder]

Ya you know I had to reply. Last time I rode a 1800 Wing was in 2003 and I couldn't believe the difference an additional 300 cc's and fuel injection versus my 1996 GL1500SE could make. After putting new tires, dyna beads, super brace and progressive springs on last year, the old 1500 rides better than ever before. I was still hoping for a GL2000 with a 6th gear but all they did was some minor cosmetic mods which is a no go in my book. If they do that then I'll reconsider but until then I'll hang on to my long ago paid off Wing with 23,000 miles on the clock. Sure it's a soul less appliance and very little mods available other than additional plastic but for a comfortable 2 up machine that will take you 800 miles a day without batting an eye, it's very hard to beat. I just wanted a classic machine that fills the soul but if she lets me down I sure am gonna be disappointed and will reconsider my options. The Harley draws you in to become part of it and enjoy the ride while the other one is smooth and comfortable allowing long days in the saddle but it's just not the same. Hard to explain I guess. Both do the same job, one in style the other in functionality. I was gonna check my Wing on the dyno back in 97 at Daytona Bike week. Asked the operator about running it on the rollers and he said don't waste your time, it's got 90 rwhp and 90lbft. According to magazine articles the new ones have 98 rwhp and 105 lbft but they handle like a sports bike without the minor flex my older steel frame bike has.

Not sure where they came up with 99hp and 111 lbft...probably off the engine. Seems about right after running it through a shaftdrive.
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersguide/Honda-GoldWing-GL1500-GL1500I-GWInterstate-GL1500SE-GL1500A-Aspencade.htm

[dlaws01]

You need to check out the "Hitler wants a Harley for Sturgis" topic on this thread.

[CVOThunder]

I'll have to check it out after work and see if it's one I've seen before. I know I've seen it in different formats to fit Honda, Yamaha, BMW and others. Good way to make the scene fit lots of stuff.

[C2CRider]

I've also had a Wing, amazing bike.  Nope not made in America anymore, wonder if it (still) has more American parts on it than our Harleys do?  Can't beat the ride, power, protection from the wind and rain, and out of the box road ready.   Why am I not riding another one now......  not sure, guess for the moment I just like my Harleys better.   I do know one thing for sure ~ ride on gravel roads much and any belt drive bike will let you down. 

[Johnny]

I rode GW's a number of years before comming over to the "Dark-Side" as my GW buddies liked to say.  For well over a year I had both the 1800 & a '04 SEEG but every time I went to ride the HD was my choice!  After more than a year of not ridding the Wing (which I feel is a great bike) I sold it - my best explanation is that I just enjoyed ridding the Harley more, it was more fun to ride, has more personality, a little rough around the edges which is what I felt A bike should be, etc.  Also, the HD riders I rode with were also enjoyable, I liked being around them felt more of a kin-ship & more in common.  Not saying anything negative about the Wing riders but they are a very different group typicall from HD types!

[C2CRider]

I rode GW's a number of years before comming over to the "Dark-Side" as my GW buddies liked to say.  For well over a year I had both the 1800 & a '04 SEEG but every time I went to ride the HD was my choice!  After more than a year of not ridding the Wing (which I feel is a great bike) I sold it - my best explanation is that I just enjoyed ridding the Harley more, it was more fun to ride, has more personality, a little rough around the edges which is what I felt A bike should be, etc.  Also, the HD riders I rode with were also enjoyable, I liked being around them felt more of a kin-ship & more in common.  Not saying anything negative about the Wing riders but they are a very different group typicall from HD types!

I agree about the people... very different crowds, the HD folks are more fun for sure. Don't see many Harleys at Dairy Queen.......

[harleyteam]

a one word response

 BORING   -  when you can fall asleep on a bike,  it's not for me.

[LRebel]

I have both:  08 SEUC and, now, a 10 GW.  The GW was just too good a deal to pass up and figured I could make a few $$$ on it.  So far, I have not decided to sell it.

I keep thinking I will buy a new SEUC or SERG, but the past few years have not excited me.  I will probably look a little more seriously when the 2013's hit the street, since my 08 will be out of warranty next summer.

The GW is a different ride... feels like a sport bike compared to the SEUC.  The power is unbelievable.  It is a bigger bike than the SEUC, so it does ride better.  There is more seat room, which is good on a long trip.

I agree with the comment about Honda missing a chance with the 2012's.  I too think Honda took an ugly bike and made it uglier in 2012.  And, the GW very much needs a 6th gear.  Someone above called the GW an "appliance"... I think that is a very good description.  A GW is just a bike... nothing special or sexy, just a motorcycle.

My wife tells everyone that she HATES the GW, but when we get ready to take a long trip (200 - 1200 miles), she now says, "Let's just take the Goldwing this time"  

I will probably hang on the the 10 GW for awhile... it is good to have a second bike to ride while the SEUC is in the shop.  If Honda ever does a cosmetic make-over on the GW and gives it the 6-speed, I might have to think about it... just sayin.

[Midnight Rider]

I think if they did something with the rear end of the GW, it would be an improvement in overall looks.  From the back, it looks like a VW or something.  And they for sure need a 6 speed gearbox...I'm really surprised that they have done done that by now.  The Sport bike comparison is a good one...the bike feels much lighter than it is.  Traxxion Dynamics has an older 'Wing at their shop...I don't know what year, but probably an '05 or so...they do a LOT of suspension mods on GW's, putting the AK-20's in the front forks, a brace they make for the forks, and modding the rear shock.  They pretty much have it down pat on the GW's...that bike's handling is AMAZING, as is the ride quality.

GW's are a lot of bike for the money.

[grc]

.............................................................................
I will probably hang on the the 10 GW for awhile... it is good to have a second bike to ride while the SEUC is in the shop.  If Honda ever does a cosmetic make-over on the GW and gives it the 6-speed, I might have to think about it... just sayin.

There, IMHO, is the real difference.  Reliability and function trumps "style" every time in my book, and for those who can only swing having one bike it's a dilemma.  Go with the proven reliability, power, handling, and comfort of the Honda "appliance", or take your chances with the stylish but not so reliable Harley?  I guess the answer is for everyone to own both.  As soon as they cut the prices to less than what a decently equipped midsize car goes for these days, maybe more of us could do that.  All I know is, if I were planning to ride across a desolate desert without a fully equipped chase truck, I'd be much more confident doing it on a Honda than a Harley. 


Jerry