Gank,
My decision and change of heart was based on several things:
1. Honda's decision to move all MC production to Japan. My Wing was arguably as American made as any other bike when it was built in 2005. The only parts made in Japan were internal engine parts, so I'm told. Yes, the corporate profit went overseas, but not before hundreds of American workers were paid to build it. I swore when I heard the news they were moving that I wouldn't buy a Honda again. I have a Dodge truck and Mercury sedan. Buying American made is important to me.
2. Even the Honda was largely made here, the fact that was still a "Jap bike" never completely sat well with me. The snooty culture didn't help either.
3. Eliminating the Wing as a future bike left me with HD and Victory. While I admire Victory for what they've been able to accomplish, the Vision is not for me. Mainly because of the small saddlebags, and partly the styling. The new Cross Country is a beautiful bike, but it's not a touring bike in my book.
4. My Wing has 60,000 miles over 4.5 years. I have done all the maintenance on it myself, including air cleaners (no small feat), front fork seals, fluids(clutch, brake, coolant), brake pads, tires, etc. I've installed a trailer hitch, wiring, electronics, exhaust, etc, so I feel I know the bike pretty well. Looking through the service manual and seeing some of the procedures and complexity of the bike will bewilder even the best shade tree mechanic, which I am not. Yes, it could go to the dealer, but after having to replace the right side handlebar switch module, the hazard flasher switch, and other minor electrical pieces, I feel the handwriting is on the wall for what the future holds in potential maintenance and problems. It's a damned complex bike.
5. I had bought a Dyna last year as a second bike, intending to ride it to work instead of the Wing so much. I found that I still rode the Wing a lot because I needed the storage space. But I *liked* riding the Dyna more. Why, I asked myself? Because of the motor, the sound, and the feel of the bike. It has soul. The Wing simply doesn't. It's a great bike, don't get me wrong. But it's just not the same.
6. A buddy of mine just got a new Limited, and had me take it for a spin in December. I read several MC magazines and knew about the redesigned frame and the rave reviews it was getting, so I was curious. To be honest, I was expecting it to handle like the Dyna, and other cruisers that I've ridden (front end flopping around, hard to get into a turn, etc. But it wasn't. In fact, it handled very similar to the Wing, which I consider to be the best handling big bike out there. So now I'm starting to wonder...
7. I was in the dealership a couple of weeks later (had bought the wife an HD purse that she decided to return, and wound up with a jacket !), and saw the SEUC. Sat on it, and fell in love on the spot. It took a few days to come to a decision, but we went back the following Saturday, traded the Dyna in, and bought it.
8. The "brotherhood". HD has it, others don't. (With apologies to Sonic.)
9. Last, but not least: Life is short, and you shouldn't waste time wondering about what could be... Change is good.
Now here we are two weeks later. The only regret I have so far is that I've only had a few days to ride it before it snowed. Sorry this was so long and boring, but it's where my weird little mind led me...
BTW, love your sig line...
CK
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Topic: Greetings from a Goldwing ---> CVO Ultra convert from KS! (Read 3588 times)