Rented a GoldWing ... Big Mistake

[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]

Originally Posted by 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? :)

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................

[missouricharley]

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by 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!

You left one out. Actually three. Vision, Venture and the GTL.

[wiz]

Originally Posted by sharps45100

...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]

Originally Posted by 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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[Bull Durham]

Originally Posted by ponch

you can add floorboards.

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

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Bull Durham

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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. ;)