Rented a GoldWing ... Big Mistake

[nomadbehappy]

I was in Memphis for the past week at a conference and attending some advisory board meetings and decided to add 3 days onto the end and rent a bike while I was there. I have always thought I would like a GoldWing, but didn't know if I would think it was too big and heavy (cursed with short legs!). I figured renting one for a few days would be a great test drive where I could really take some time to evaluate it.

So, what did I think, my review can be summed up in one word ....Awesome! When I first threw my leg over the bike and went to lift her up off the sidestand I couldn't believe how easy it was to get the bike up. It weighs more than my nomad but felt much lighter, it is that well balanced. Started it up and went behind the dealership to a large parking lot they had to get the feel for her and do some circles and figure eights. After a couple of turns I was making much tighter turns than on the Nomad. The seat I found very comfortable and loved the sound system, built in navigation, remote trunk opener and other bells and whistles. The power of the bike is amazing. No matter what gear I was it it pulled consistently without any lag and a quick twist of the throttle and it wanted to part you from the seat. In my opinion the GoldWing is a sportbike disguised as a touring bike :-)

The negatives, wished I could have programmed the GPS with the route I wanted to follow, but they have addressed this with the new ones and added an extra SD card slot. It was a beast to get up on the center stand. I am sure there is a trick to getting it up on the center stand but I didn't want to play around too much with a rental and possibly drop it costing me $$$$

I know it is a very different bike than the Nomad and I'm not planning on getting rid of the Nomad for at least a couple of more years, but I have to say I do have new bike envy right now and that new bike would be a Wing without a doubt. Oh well until that day comes I will continue to ride my Nomad and enjoy her because like the GoldWing she is a great bike, just a different one.

Brian

[AlabamaNomadRider]

The Goldwing is an awesome bike. Owned a new one many years ago. Still miss it.

[Dave]

It was a beast to get up on the center stand.

The trick to getting a Goldwing on the center stand is to try pressing the peddle into the ground vs trying to lift it. Once you've done that way, it pops right up.

[audiogooroo]

I have a friend who calls them "couch rockets". :)

[ringadingh]

Ive ridden a few of the older 4 cylinder bikes, but never a new style yet. A friend has one and loves it. For long distance touring they cant be beat.

[Netnorske]

At some point....we will ALL end up on Gold Wings. Just not yet for me.... ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif.

[jmax5105]

My dad has a nice wing and on the freeway/ long distance, I'm not sure anything could beat the comfort you get from all that bike. It's definitely a lot more peppy than the nomad, but I love my nomad and don't think i'm old enough to trade up just yet... :-)

[Bull Durham]

GW is a awesome bike, handles great. The GW actually started out in life as a sport bike back in the '70's, then people started hanging Vetter fairings and bags on it, so Honda started it into a tourer, but kept the power.

I refused to ride one for many years, knowing I'd have motorcycle envy once I did.

[recumbentbob]

I guess I'm the only one here who does not like the GW.
I have a 36 inch inseam and the gold wing is a terrible ride for me.

Had one and sold it....... :)

[voyager]

I'm with you Bob, I tried a GW and with my long legs, the combination just did not work. I've never investigated if a different seat, floor board or foot peg configuration is possible on the Wings, if not, there will never be one in my future.

[unwind2]

My hubbie loves his Goldwing; I love my Nomad.....we're a happy couple. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[VulcanE]

A friend of mine has a GL 1800, and he let me try it on for size. I have a 34" inseam, and my knees were against the fairing lowers, and I felt very cramped. If it had a new seat that moved me back enough, then the wife wouldn't have any room. ??? I'll just stick with my Nomad, but the Goldwing is a "couch-rocket", and I've also heard them called "Gizzer-Glides" http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[ringadingh]

At some point....we will ALL end up on Gold Wings. Just not yet for me.... ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif.
I don't think I'll be looking for one anytime soon either, but a Spyder may also be in the running someday when I want a change.

[Loafer]

At some point....we will ALL end up on Gold Wings. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif.

NO!!! Say it isn't so! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[ponch]

At some point....we will ALL end up on Gold Wings. Just not yet for me.... ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif.

"Who is we (from sudden impact)...."

[macmac]

I was under the impression that you needed to be 130 plus to ride a wing......

[snarleybill08]

all joking aside, i just got rid of my 08 wing last summer. i have had over 76 bikes and pretty much can give an honest rating on bikes. the wing sets the standard for the ultmate touring bike by far. it is not for extreme height impaired folks. if you don't like the old feet up under, on foot pegs riding position the wing is not for you. it does everything else absolutely perfect. if you want the best of all worlds, i just found the secret. i just bought a new yamaha stratoliner s 1900. i totally love this bike. it is as fast or faster than a wing in the 1/4 mile, will out handle the wing due to the 100 lb. weight advantage, is gorgeous (looks like a bike should look), gets 49 mpg, pulls like a john deer at anything over 1500 rpm. so far the only complaint is engine and primary oil changes. they are a bitch. i put 1100 miles on my strat in the last 2 weeks. and can;t seem to find enough time to stay on it. i love my o8 nomad too. but it won;t stack up to the strat. not even close. i took my nomad for a ride the other day and was planning on selling it. i am having second thoughts about that cuz there are things i like about it. i just love all my bikes and find a reason to keep them all. i never met a bike i did'nt like.

[ponch]

all joking aside, i just got rid of my 08 wing last summer. i have had over 76 bikes and pretty much can give an honest rating on bikes. the wing sets the standard for the ultmate touring bike by far. it is not for extreme height impaired folks. if you don't like the old feet up under, on foot pegs riding position the wing is not for you. it does everything else absolutely perfect. if you want the best of all worlds, i just found the secret. i just bought a new yamaha stratoliner s 1900. i totally love this bike. it is as fast or faster than a wing in the 1/4 mile, will out handle the wing due to the 100 lb. weight advantage, is gorgeous (looks like a bike should look), gets 49 mpg, pulls like a john deer at anything over 1500 rpm. so far the only complaint is engine and primary oil changes. they are a bitch. i put 1100 miles on my strat in the last 2 weeks. and can;t seem to find enough time to stay on it. i love my o8 nomad too. but it won;t stack up to the strat. not even close. i took my nomad for a ride the other day and was planning on selling it. i am having second thoughts about that cuz there are things i like about it. i just love all my bikes and find a reason to keep them all. i never met a bike i did'nt like.

Bikes, like cars, are made with certain demographics in mind. Part of this is size. If a rider is at either end of the bell curve for height, chances are they will have a hard time no matter what.

It's funny about having the feet under the rider. Many if not most of us started on bikes as such, so it shouldn't be foreign to us. That said, the wing is very heavy and has too many buttons and such. Whoever designed it should go back and take a class on design and usability. There are simpler ways to do things and there are lighter bikes that don't give up much if anything in terms of load capacity without having to be a whale.

I do miss the simplicity of my Nomad at times and it's general good nature. The thing is, Kawasaki didn't design it to be a barn burner. If you want one, get a different bike.

[wiz]

I never met a bike i didn't like.

There is that! The two-wheeled ones are my favorites though. :)

I can see a 'wing under me in a couple years - long distance roomy 2-up riding is high on my list of wants and the 'wing is a bit lighter than my Nomad (after installing fairing and HD trunk, etc) too. There are some great deals out there right now on new 2010 Wings which are not much different than the 2012 Wings, they seem to have skipped the 2011 model year in the US.

Note to Yamaha: Build a new Venture based on the 1900 V-Twin motor and I'll be your friend! Otherwise, I'll be on cruisin' the country on a 'wing one of these days.

[ponch]

I never met a bike i didn't like.

There is that! The two-wheeled ones are my favorites though. :)

I can see a 'wing under me in a couple years - long distance roomy 2-up riding is high on my list of wants and the 'wing is a bit lighter than my Nomad (after installing fairing and HD trunk, etc) too.

I doubt it. A fully loaded meaning top shelf wing weighs 928lbs IIRC. The 1600 Nomad is what, about 818 lbs wet? I doubt that gear weighs 110lbs. I'd guess your nomad weighs 875 or there abouts, may be a bit more. Outside of the boss hoss, the GW is the heaviest bike.

[dank]

if you want the best of all worlds, i just found the secret. i just bought a new yamaha stratoliner s 1900. i totally love this bike. it is as fast or faster than a wing in the 1/4 mile, will out handle the wing due to the 100 lb. weight advantage, is gorgeous (looks like a bike should look), gets 49 mpg, pulls like a john deer at anything over 1500 rpm.


To me the flaw in the Stratoliner is the 4.5 gallon tank. (See spec below.) So you have to think about stopping for gas between 3.5 and 4 gallons. Too skimpy for a true touring bike.

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelspecs/634/0/specs.aspx

[coacha]

My wife refuses to let me contemplate a Wing, says we aren't old enough. Now, a BMW LT is a different story :) She loved the one we sat on last fall. If only money wasn't an issue I'd probably have that as my second bike. The ol' KawaTanker ain't going anywhere. It will always have a place in the garage.

[sas]

I've been through several Gold Wing's (5) and have chalked up a right credible amount of miles on each one. My present '04 1800 is a sheer joy to ride; in town, on the freeway, lowlands, mountains, whatever wherever. Two-up, there's no better bike made for the long trips, imho. No problems, just regular maintenance. My wife will not ride the Nomad because of her "love affair" with the 'Wing.

However, I'm not *quite* that fickle. Oh, I really like the 'Wing, but I guess you could say my real joy is the Nomad. She doesn't have the manners of the big 'Wing, but that's an endearing feature of the Nomad to me. I have 'Lili' set up as solo and when I want to get out by myself the Nomad is my companion. I've been on several 1500 mi. round trips on 'Lili' and she's never failed to make me smile.

I guess you could also say I'm lucky to have an understanding wife ...and two great bikes!

[Dave]

they seem to have skipped the 2011 model year in the US.

That was because they move production from Ohio back to Japan at the end of 2010 model run.

[ponch]

My wife refuses to let me contemplate a Wing, says we aren't old enough. Now, a BMW LT is a different story :) She loved the one we sat on last fall. If only money wasn't an issue I'd probably have that as my second bike. The ol' KawaTanker ain't going anywhere. It will always have a place in the garage.

No more K1200LT, they discontinued it. You can probably get a deal on one, but you might want to check out the K1600GTL. It's lighter than the LT or any other full boat tourer @ 765 wet.

[ponch]

if you want the best of all worlds, i just found the secret. i just bought a new yamaha stratoliner s 1900. i totally love this bike. it is as fast or faster than a wing in the 1/4 mile, will out handle the wing due to the 100 lb. weight advantage, is gorgeous (looks like a bike should look), gets 49 mpg, pulls like a john deer at anything over 1500 rpm.


To me the flaw in the Stratoliner is the 4.5 gallon tank. (See spec below.) So you have to think about stopping for gas between 3.5 and 4 gallons. Too skimpy for a true touring bike.

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelspecs/634/0/specs.aspx

4.5 is way too small to tour with. Even 5.3 is on the small side.

[waterman]

To me the flaw in the Stratoliner is the 4.5 gallon tank. (See spec below.) So you have to think about stopping for gas between 3.5 and 4 gallons. Too skimpy for a true touring bike.

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelspecs/634/0/specs.aspx

4.5 is way too small to tour with. Even 5.3 is on the small side.

May not be too small but definately does change routes around.

[ponch]

4.5 is way too small to tour with. Even 5.3 is on the small side.

May not be too small but definately does change routes around.

Depends on how much flexibility you want. I guess I was referring to the Voyager. 5.3 is on the small side for a touring bike for sure.

[Bull Durham]

To say you're not "old enough" for a goldwing is crazy talk, a bike is a bike. It's like HD riders saying the only bike is a Harley. Everyone likes what they like, that's why there is so many different types of bikes out there.

I kind of laugh to myself everytime I see someone on a crotch rocket type of bike, but their probably laughing to themselves looking at me on the Nomad. To each their own............

[ponch]

To say you're not "old enough" for a goldwing is crazy talk, a bike is a bike. It's like HD riders saying the only bike is a Harley. Everyone likes what they like, that's why there is so many different types of bikes out there.

I kind of laugh to myself everytime I see someone on a crotch rocket type of bike, but their probably laughing to themselves looking at me on the Nomad. To each their own............

Yeah. I was on a forum where a guy said a R1200GS was a Panzer. Understand it's about 525lbs wet. I though and think the GS is pretty light as bikes go, but these guys are used to 400lb sport bikes. I think they'd have a stroke with a 800+lb cruiser.

[Bull Durham]

Ahh, the "Panzer" remark has me laughing. It's sure gets a visual point across, whether it's true or not, eh? I mean, calling it a "Sherman" just wouldn't do, would it? :)

[ponch]

Ahh, the "Panzer" remark has me laughing. It's sure gets a visual point across, whether it's true or not, eh? I mean, calling it a "Sherman" just wouldn't do, would it? :)

Probably not, but the GS isn't a tank from the point of view of it's weight. Now an Ultra might be an Abrams. Then again, Sherman works better. ;)

[recumbentbob]

I think they'd have a stroke with a 800+lb cruiser.


Now that's funny................ http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[missouricharley]

I've been through several Gold Wing's (5) and have chalked up a right credible amount of miles on each one. My present '04 1800 is a sheer joy to ride; in town, on the freeway, lowlands, mountains, whatever wherever. Two-up, there's no better bike made for the long trips, imho. No problems, just regular maintenance. My wife will not ride the Nomad because of her "love affair" with the 'Wing.

However, I'm not *quite* that fickle. Oh, I really like the 'Wing, but I guess you could say my real joy is the Nomad. She doesn't have the manners of the big 'Wing, but that's an endearing feature of the Nomad to me. I have 'Lili' set up as solo and when I want to get out by myself the Nomad is my companion. I've been on several 1500 mi. round trips on 'Lili' and she's never failed to make me smile.

I guess you could also say I'm lucky to have an understanding wife ...and two great bikes!

Kinda like my story, have a '06 Wing that my wife and I both love. Power out the kazoo, great ride and handles like a crotch rocket. We rode it 3 years before health forced us to trike it. Now page 2, I have a 2010 1700 Nomad that I ride solo. It's comfortable, lots of leg room, just fits me. But you know we're comparing apples and oranges, 2 entirely different type bikes and both have their place for me. Plus the Nomad has that cool factor for a 64 year old Geezer. Charley

[sharps45100]

My wife and I test drove a 2012 wing, a 2010 voyager, and a 2011 ultra limited. both back rests on wing and voyager my wife said she was tilted back to far. I didn't like the foot pegs on wing....for 25 g's you would think they have floor boards. The voyager in my opinion is built cheaply. My 07 nad seems to have better quality thru out bike. Now for the limited... As a person who never really gave harleys a look I was impressed and so was my wife! I know now what the next bike will be...unless kawa makes some quality changes...it will be a harley!

[ponch]

My wife and I test drove a 2012 wing, a 2010 voyager, and a 2011 ultra limited. both back rests on wing and voyager my wife said she was tilted back to far. I didn't like the foot pegs on wing....for 25 g's you would think they have floor boards. The voyager in my opinion is built cheaply. My 07 nad seems to have better quality thru out bike. Now for the limited... As a person who never really gave harleys a look I was impressed and so was my wife! I know now what the next bike will be...unless kawa makes some quality changes...it will be a harley!

You left one out. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Actually three. Vision, Venture and the GTL.

[wiz]

...unless kawa makes some quality changes...it will be a harley!

That seems to be the trend Paul. There are a lot of Ultras showing up in the club and the riders are happy with the bikes. I guess I'll figure it out in about 2 years but my excitement over the Voyager did not survive actually sitting on one and checking it out. Two years from now it will be between a Wing and an Ultra unless Yamaha brings out a new Venture.

[Bull Durham]

I agree with the GW and the foot peg, seems like they would put a floor board on it.

[ponch]

I agree with the GW and the foot peg, seems like they would put a floor board on it.

you can add floorboards.

[sharps45100]

Actually I would like a Road Glide Ultra cause I like a frame mounted fairing better. Just would like to add heated grips and seats, and a luggage rack to trunk and I'm good to go. Yes I would need to check out the Vision, Venture and th GTL just to cover all bases...never know.

[ponch]

Actually I would like a Road Glide Ultra cause I like a frame mounted fairing better. Just would like to add heated grips and seats, and a luggage rack to trunk and I'm good to go. Yes I would need to check out the Vision, Venture and th GTL just to cover all bases...never know.

The Vision and the GTL come with heated seats and grips.

[Bull Durham]

I agree with the GW and the foot peg, seems like they would put a floor board on it.

you can add floorboards.


That's the deal, you shouldn't HAVE to add floor boards, should come on it already.

[ponch]

you can add floorboards.


That's the deal, you shouldn't HAVE to add floor boards, should come on it already.

That's funny. Some will spend all sorts of money on chrome accessories, but when it comes to adding something functional, it's a crime. Floorboards aren't for everyone and the bike has pegs positioned more so under the rider. Floorboards for a GW are an afterthought in order to be able to change foot position. Yes it will help in comfort as foot position can be changed, but the bike wasn't designed with boards in mind. What should be standard are items like ABS, cruise control, heated seats and grips, even traction control. May be they should furnish it with a russell seat and a Cee Bailey's windscreen too. While we are are it, may be they will have a car tire option too. Why not, it's already $25k+. I am just funning you. It is funny though what we ask for. ;)

[Bull Durham]

Well, I kind of feel like Mac Mac. I think they make bikes with too much technology now, I'm kind of old school. Don't really believe in heated grips, seats, hot air vents, on board computers, fuel injection, automatic chokes, petcocks, etc, etc.

But there is no comparison between floorboards and pegs. Pegs are for sport bikes, floorboards are for tourer / cruising bikes. The GW should come with boards.

[ponch]

Well, I kind of feel like Mac Mac. I think they make bikes with too much technology now, I'm kind of old school. Don't really believe in heated grips, seats, hot air vents, on board computers, fuel injection, automatic chokes, petcocks, etc, etc.

But there is no comparison between floorboards and pegs. Pegs are for sport bikes, floorboards are for tourer / cruising bikes. The GW should come with boards.

But the ergo layout isn't like a cruiser. Again, it can be added if wanted. In my case, they even have boards for my bike, but they are expensive. A better choice is a peg lowering kit, at least for me. If I need boards, I will get a different bike. As far as the tech goes, for the most part it's a good thing. What I don't like is the cost if some of it breaks outside of warranty. That said, I think ABS is a no brainer. I like the heated stuff as I ride all year round. As far as fuel injection goes, have you followed a bike with carbs lately? I have and I nearly choked to death. of course they probably aren't turned well, but FI is a lot cleaner and it also contributes to a longer engine life. Anyway, vehicles are going that way and no matter what, we have to deal with it. It's only going to get worse. As it is, I have to buy another $400 in tools for this damn thing. If it didn't do everything well, I would have taken it back already. ;)

[Bull Durham]

I'll grant you the ABS, I sure would like to have that.

[ponch]

I'll grant you the ABS, I sure would like to have that.

I test it all the time when I pull into the garage. The nomad would slide, not this bike. it works. I highly recommend it.

[ridgeman06]

I had bought a new gl1800 abs back in 03. I owned it for three years, and sold it with 18000 miles on it.
I thought I was ready for something like the Wing, but I never really bonded with it. It needed more refinement as the volume control was worthless, the radio power was very weak, and too much rattling plastic for my taste. It comes with extra buttons that are useless unless you want to spend $800 for an antique cb radio, or $1000 for a junk cd player. One day one of my front speaker grills came flying off, and I had to go back and look for it on the road.
I don't miss it much. Maybe on those 40 degree mornings I do though, but that's about it.
I love my 2010 Nomad, and will keep it for the long haul.

[ponch]

I had bought a new gl1800 abs back in 03. I owned it for three years, and sold it with 18000 miles on it.
I thought I was ready for something like the Wing, but I never really bonded with it. It needed more refinement as the volume control was worthless, the radio power was very weak, and too much rattling plastic for my taste. It comes with extra buttons that are useless unless you want to spend $800 for an antique cb radio, or $1000 for a junk cd player. One day one of my front speaker grills came flying off, and I had to go back and look for it on the road.
I don't miss it much. Maybe on those 40 degree mornings I do though, but that's about it.
I love my 2010 Nomad, and will keep it for the long haul.

May be it's a bike to buy slightly used as to let someone else eat the depreciation. All I can say is test ride all the touring bikes. I am sure everyone will find one they like.

[ridgeman06]

Ponch, I didn't do too bad pricewise. I bought it new in the spring of 03 for $17300. I sold it in 06 with 18000 miles for $13250. That was the abs model too. I am not complaining there.
The Wing is a great bike, and I am sure the newer ones have improved. But after having all those buttons along with the useless ones, and all that plastic to gingerly care for, I am better off without it.
If I ever want to go back to a tourer, it will be something along the lines of a Voyager, Victory, or dare I say, HD. I did fall in love with the v-twin.

[ponch]

I would also look at a bike that require the least attention maintenance wise.

[vulcans2]

I was in Memphis for the past week at a conference and attending some advisory board meetings and decided to add 3 days onto the end and rent a bike while I was there. I have always thought I would like a GoldWing, but didn't know if I would think it was too big and heavy (cursed with short legs!). I figured renting one for a few days would be a great test drive where I could really take some time to evaluate it.

So, what did I think, my review can be summed up in one word ....Awesome! When I first threw my leg over the bike and went to lift her up off the sidestand I couldn't believe how easy it was to get the bike up. It weighs more than my nomad but felt much lighter, it is that well balanced. Started it up and went behind the dealership to a large parking lot they had to get the feel for her and do some circles and figure eights. After a couple of turns I was making much tighter turns than on the Nomad. The seat I found very comfortable and loved the sound system, built in navigation, remote trunk opener and other bells and whistles. The power of the bike is amazing. No matter what gear I was it it pulled consistently without any lag and a quick twist of the throttle and it wanted to part you from the seat. In my opinion the GoldWing is a sportbike disguised as a touring bike :-)

The negatives, wished I could have programmed the GPS with the route I wanted to follow, but they have addressed this with the new ones and added an extra SD card slot. It was a beast to get up on the center stand. I am sure there is a trick to getting it up on the center stand but I didn't want to play around too much with a rental and possibly drop it costing me $$$$

I know it is a very different bike than the Nomad and I'm not planning on getting rid of the Nomad for at least a couple of more years, but I have to say I do have new bike envy right now and that new bike would be a Wing without a doubt. Oh well until that day comes I will continue to ride my Nomad and enjoy her because like the GoldWing she is a great bike, just a different one.

Brian

The problem (and I speak from experience) with just taking a
GL1800 Gold Wing for a test ride is that if you do, you will get one. My friend got an '01 Wing, new, and insisted I take it for a ride. I resisted at first, then relented. I was hooked before leaving the parking lot!

The seat can be modified, and you can get custom seats made for it. Russell is about the best, but I understand the Ultimate seats are pretty darned nice, too.

I'm 6'2" and have a 32" inseam, but for some reason, my knees are nowhere near to hitting against the fairing. Maybe it's the way the Russell seat seats me. Couldn't say for sure. You can also put handlebar risers on it, as well as highway pegs and driver's floorboards and a heel and toe shifter.

I'm not sure why it's so widely taken that the Gold Wing is an old guy's bike. Unless the younger guys are just envious. It'll outperform most other bikes except for the true crotch rockets and sport touring bikes. It's also true that it's not for everybody, but it's sure for a lot folks. If you ever ride one, just the sheer power and handling performance will make you a believer. I've been riding them for 20 years and I'm still impressed.

[Bull Durham]

I agree with you Grego, I refused to ride one for many, many years, because I didn't want to develop "bike envy".

Wife and I were riding a new one a few years ago out in California, got stuck in a 10 mile traffic jam. Started lane splitting with it as it's legal there, needless to say a GW doesn't leave much space between people's car mirrors and the GW. Never got a scratch, which is surprising with my wife screaming and smacking me on the back of the helmet the whole time. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif