Honda Goldwing.....Would you?

[sprintster]

A Goldwing isn't for me but I take my hat off to this guy.A good read too. (thumbs)

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[AndyB]

Somewhere out there on the internet is a short video clip of a guy with a gullible fool on the back (me) slowly doing laps of the roundabout that used to be next to the Horse & Jockey in Aylesbury.

I'd persuaded the owner to give me the keys (he didn't trust the other rider) so I could take it for a quick spin up the road and the original plan was that we'd both do a few laps as pilot but the owner is a lot bigger than me and asked nicely if he could have his keys back

The guy who was riding and had his knee firmly on the floor died a couple of years later in an accident totally unrelated to bikes and the owner of the Wing traded it in for an 1800 then destroyed it in a big accident. Never say a Wing doesn't handle (thumbs)

[Throttled]

I would love to have a go, but suspect it is not for me. I've got a Jaguar for cruising around in comfort.

[92kk k100lt 193214]

My choice was a Guzzi Le Mans, Pan European or a Gold Wing.

Someone persuaded me to try a K100LT which wasn't even on my list. Took it out and was hooked. Like the Pan and Wing they will go all day at 80mph and are supremely comfortable for a pillion. Price was an influence because I had kids in college abroad. I never regretted the K100 and even bought a second one which I take anywhere.

I think it comes down to personal choices and preference and also size. At 5' 8" I was in trouble years back, hopped from a CD175 onto a Honda CB750-4 back in the early 70s 'I'll have one of those'. Promptly found legs too short and the guy in the dealer said you need to try this one....a CB500-4 which actually was much better for me in superior handling.

I found a bit of the same with the K100LT and the K100RT was a big improvement for me, 30kg lighter.

Find whatever suits you, and respect the other guys choices. I do like some of the new bikes but not willing to spend €25k on them. Personal preference there too and equally an older bike well maintained can be just as reliable if the known weak points are addressed.

But, in fairness to the Wing, its comfortable, goes forever and all day long, has everything and has shown itself to be very reliable.

[IainD]

I knew a guy who had one he dropped it on a slope leaving a campsite in Scotland he had to go round gathering help to put it back on its wheels!!
Not for me I'm afraid.

I passed one the other week with a sidecar. I suppose that would keep it upright.

The rider was "on a wing and a chair"

[Big Red]

I had a couple of 1000 wings years ago and had ridden a couple of 1500 wings. But I ended up owning a K1200lt, a lot more nimble in the handling department and much more economical than a 1500 if friends are to be believed. It was equally as comfortable as a wing had a 300 mile tank range and in my opinion was much much easier to ride than a wing.
Another bonus was they are much cheaper to buy as well

[Zookman]

Have no interest at all in the fully dressed tourer Goldwings...... but i find the naked GLthou, 11 and 12 Wings from the 70's & 80's strangely appealing. I also road tested a Valkyrie about 15 years ago and loved it. It was a real blast to ride and i was close to buying it, only the crap trade in deal stopped me.

[AirbusPaul]

Have no interest at all in the fully dressed tourer Goldwings...... but i find the naked GLthou, 11 and 12 Wings from the 70's & 80's strangely appealing. I also road tested a Valkyrie about 15 years ago and loved it. It was a real blast to ride and i was close to buying it, only the crap trade in deal stopped me.

Agree the original Goldwing of the 70's was an ok bike, now it looks lie a car

[MarkN]

I'd love to have a test ride. There is something that appeals about them and I think I'd probably enjoy riding one. I like big, comfortable bikes but would want to compare and contrast with the BMW K1600GTL as well. I've ridden the big, Victory Vision and really enjoyed that but I still like 4/6 cylinder bikes for touring as they're a lot smoother than a V twin etc.

I'm sure I'll have one at some point! (thumbs)

[peterpan241]

I passed one the other week with a sidecar. I suppose that would keep it upright.

The rider was "on a wing and a chair"

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Charnwood Royal & GL1500SE

I used to struggle to get it through my 6'9" garage door B) but was ace when it was out