New Goldwing thoughts and reflections

[Robert]

Today the rain was constant so took the cage out to lunch with the wife and had nothing particular to do today. So stopped in at a local dealer and took another look at the new Wing. I takes me a few times looking to take everything in and when reading the articles putting everything together in my head is like painting a picture. 

My first Valk took 3 visits to the dealer and my 14 took 3 also. Both with different thoughts in my head about what I wanted and what I would need to do to make it my own and the purpose for owning it, the price I wanted to pay and a host of other thoughts.

 My first Valk was really my first true entrance into motorcycles and so I really didn't have a picture of what it would be like to ride. So many questions were answered by that bike and some things I would not do again. When I went for my 14 Valk I knew the price, the accessories, color and had a clear picture of the use of  the bike. So I went in ordered everything I wanted installed it and that was it. The 1800 Valk is a riders bike, the 1500 although a riders bike you concentrated more on the bike. The maintenance, appearance, starting, running, so rides were more bike focused. This is contrary to the 1800 since I put the key in, look at it, is it clean, have gas, air in tires, good I'm gone. It just seems to require less and I knew what I needed to have on it so its just keys and go.   

What I did notice this time was more of an appearance to our bikes in so many ways with slightly smaller looking dimensions. Yes it does look like the wing but its so much smaller and the angles reflect more our lines than the wing. I thought maybe this will be the new bike for me and while that may happen one day I was not impressed enough to go out and say I want to sell my Valk and buy this bike. I saw it as more like a progression and combining of the touring idea of the wing with the mechanical and shape idea of our bikes. I did like the beefy front rim, the 6 piston dual calipers and a few other conveniences.

But at 27k I really dont see the added value from our bikes. Sure its nice and for once a possible candidate to switch to but I still am in love with our bikes. I saw the F6B version and the full out wing versions and I must admit didn't like the addition of the passenger backrest and armrests that were incorporated in the seat. The bags are really not any bigger than my Corbins and it looks like they had a little time deciding what to do for the engine since the cylinder heads seem to stick out a bit. The F6B version lines remind me so much of the Valk that it really hit home, why would I want to buy this bike, when I have something very similar already.

I have read the reviews, looked at the wing boards and there is nothing really adverse in the posts. Some complain about the touchy throttle in sport mode for going slow. Welcome to our world, that is one thing I had to make personally adjust to. But all seem to give it a thumbs up except a few that took it back to the dealer and didn't want it. The transmission got the typical comments that anything new that requires relearning how to drive a motorcycle would expect.

A aspect I didn't know was that in the walk mode if you have the bike walking like up an incline and it gets stopped by a crack or small bump it will automatically increase the throttle to get over the bump. There was one poster that had his bike in a wheel chock and he put the bike in walk mode to get out of the chock and he said the bike spun the rear wheel for a second to get out. He did not seem at all concerned in fact gave it a thumbs up, so I guess it did exactly what it needed to do to break free. That is pretty impressive if the story is correct. 

My new feeling about the bike is all in all a great looking bike, possibly being a contender to replace my valk at some distant time but definitely not in any rush and there is nothing that great to change for 27k.

One thing I know Adrian wont be buying anytime soon either since I found out the top speed is limited to 110 mph. I have hit that so many times on my Valk that it may be an issue. Believe it or not that could cost them the sale from me since although I dont go up there much its nice to once in awhile. My Valk is quick to get up there, perfectly smooth and I would have no problem cruising at that speed if legal. So that was kind of surprising to find out. It could be pretty embarrassing when racing a Harley to pull away from them in the bottom end only to leave you in the dust at the top.

[ledany]

This is contrary to the 1800 since I put the key in, look at it, is it clean, have gas, air in tires, good I'm gone. It just seems to require less and I knew what I needed to have on it so its just keys and go.   

I thought maybe this will be the new bike for me and while that may happen one day I was not impressed enough to go out and say I want to sell my Valk and buy this bike. I saw it as more like a progression and combining of the touring idea of the wing with the mechanical and shape idea of our bikes. I did like the beefy front rim, the 6 piston dual calipers and a few other conveniences.

But at 27k I really dont see the added value from our bikes.

I have read the reviews, looked at the wing boards and there is nothing really adverse in the posts.

My new feeling about the bike is all in all a great looking bike, possibly being a contender to replace my valk at some distant time but definitely not in any rush and there is nothing that great to change for 27k.

One thing I know Adrian wont be buying anytime soon either since I found out the top speed is limited to 110 mph. I have hit that so many times on my Valk that it may be an issue. Believe it or not that could cost them the sale from me since although I dont go up there much its nice to once in awhile. My Valk is quick to get up there, perfectly smooth and I would have no problem cruising at that speed if legal. So that was kind of surprising to find out. It could be pretty embarrassing when racing a Harley to pull away from them in the bottom end only to leave you in the dust at the top.

I agree Robert. I test rode the new wing (the) bagger, thought it is a nice bike (the brakes are fine, at last !) but later I discovered the speed limit and for me it's a no go, because I love to speed up a hill I know on the highway once a week, to check if I can reach 124 mph easily (yesterday it was 202 km/h). I like to ride in Germany where as you know it some parts of the highways have no speed limitation. You are over 124 mph but you can't stay on the left lane because the cars behind you drive 30 mph faster than you 

The complains about the new wing are about the smaller bags. Wingers are really upset about it because they are mostly above 50 years old, they like to tour with their wife for a week or more and there's a place for one helmet only. 

They say it's no Wing but only an upgraded Pan. 

I think I'll keep the Valk for quite a while though it has almost 55,000 mls on the clock. 

[AdrianR]

55k already eh??  This is why you need more then one bike.  I have two....but I'd love 3!  Just like guitars it's better to have more....less fret wear saves $$!

[Crabballs]

I took the new Wing for a test ride last weekend and I must say it definitely is a very nice bike, seriously thinking about snagging one.  Salesman wanted the Valk on trade-in and I said there's no way in hell I will get rid of it.  Different bikes for different moods.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Agree wholeheartedly concerning the 112 MPH top speed. Might as well buy an old Cushman.

[dans2014]

Russelville will sell a new bagger for $22,000. Love the new brown

[Crabballs]

Russelville will sell a new bagger for $22,000. Love the new brown

That's the one I test drove.  I never thought I would like brown on a bike, but that brown is amazing!!!

[ledany]

I test rode the Touring DCT today and it's definitely a no go for me. 38K$ (35 K€), 110 mph, not fine at all but this I knew before the ride.

I left the dealer's as if I was drunk or newbee, I felt the handling at very slow pace  hasardous (didn't experience the walk mode) and as far as I know, the first contact defines the love affair 

So I rode it for one hour, the bike is fine but not so joyful and  so slow for such $$$$$$$€€€€€€€ 
I told the dealer that I would prefer to drive a german convertible for that price, he agreed  but he had to say "It's of different use". No sir, it's quite the same : summer, cruising, showing of   

After that, I rode my Valk, so versatile : roadster, scooter, GT 

[Robert]

While on my ride yesterday I stopped at the dealer and he had 3 Goldwings and the F6B now called just a Goldwing and it looked so close to our bikes that if you looked fast you would think it was.

They also had a couple of Runes there and the engine design for the New Goldwing looks exactly like the Rune's engine. Even down to the valve cover style.

One story a guy sold his 02 Goldwing because of a problem in 5th gear bought the new Goldwing and took it back and bought the old style. He said it was to twitchy for him and didn't like the feel. One of the things I never liked about the Goldwing was you feel like your driving your couch, no real input back and so smooth it feels like your gliding.

[Promagnaman]

I heard that there is a speed limitation in overdrive, but if you downshift to 5th gear then it will go faster. Is this true?

[dans2014]

  I will own one. The new technology is worth the money in safety alone. I may start touring again!!

[Robert]

I heard that there is a speed limitation in overdrive, but if you downshift to 5th gear then it will go faster. Is this true?

Yes there is a speed limitation but I dont know if you downshift that you could get around it. There are electronic speed sensors on the bike so downshifting I doubt would change the speed limit. It has to be taken out by programing and not any mechanical means.

[98valk]

I will own one. The new technology is worth the money in safety alone. I may start touring again!!

what safety items are there that will stop an inattentive driver from pulling out in front of you from a side street/driveway?   its clear the new goldwing doesn't have LOUD PIPES. 

[Robert]

I will own one. The new technology is worth the money in safety alone. I may start touring again!!

what safety items are there that will stop an inattentive driver from pulling out in front of you from a side street/driveway?   its clear the new goldwing doesn't have LOUD PIPES. 

 

[KUGO]

Re: speed limiter / maximum speed:

What is the general consensus on why there is a speed limiter at all?  OEM tire limitations?  Poor aerodynamics at speeds higher than the "limit"?  Other reasons, perhaps political/PC like German cars that may be limited to 155 mph?  I have no burning desire to go that fast on my '14 Valk, but do have a burning curiosity.  Does a Power Commander have the ability to override these limitations?  What about "correcting" the supposed factory-inserted lessening of power in 1st and 2nd gears that I've read about?  (True?) Is it really an issue that Mother Honda is concerned that we can't handle the full power that this wonderful engine is capable of?  I'm skeptical of that.  Again, just curious.   

[Robert]

I wont be to much help but here goes, the diminished power in first and second I have never felt and with the track times the bike puts in I doubt its real. The tires may be the controlling factor for the speed limiter since the OEM tires are good to 135, rev limit 125, so that could be the reason. Anything other than that good luck trying to find out the truth of the speed limitation from Honda.

The power commander will not get rid of the limiter but the Ghul reprogram will and for my money that would be the way I would go. They have gotten rid of it on the wing and may have on the Valk also. It actually should do more than the Power Commander and its cheaper.

Some here including myself have had the bike to the limit and I can tell you its very stable.

[KUGO]

I wont be to much help but here goes, the diminished power in first and second I have never felt and with the track times the bike puts in I doubt its real. The tires may be the controlling factor for the speed limiter since the OEM tires are good to 135, rev limit 125, so that could be the reason. Anything other than that good luck trying to find out the truth of the speed limitation from Honda.

The power commander will not get rid of the limiter but the Ghul reprogram will and for my money that would be the way I would go. They have gotten rid of it on the wing and may have on the Valk also. It actually should do more than the Power Commander and its cheaper.

Some here including myself have had the bike to the limit and I can tell you its very stable.

Thanks, Robert.  That info is both helpful and appreciated.  When I first bought the bike I originally toyed with the Power Commander direction, but after putting miles on it I found that I was perfectly happy with the power delivery as is.  VERY, as a matter of fact.  I remember, quite vividly, my first full crank on the bike in first and second gears.  I was so surprised at the turbine-like acceleration, that never subsided, that when I shifted into third I simply coasted to a stop on the side of the road and took stock of the bike I was on, and in a totally new way.  Talk about instant respect!

Very glad to hear about the Valk's stability at high speed.  I haven't taken mine above 95, even though I've ridden quite a bit faster on a few other bikes.  I've always had a real fear of high-speed wobble after an experience in '69 on a Bonneville 650.  Did not ever want to repeat that helpless feeling again.  Fortunately, contrary to gut reaction, I remembered to give the bars a very light hand as it decelerated (with just a bit of rear braking) and the wobbling went away.  (The bike's that is, not mine.  I wobbled for the next few hours reliving it over and over.  That had never happened to me before on any bike and left a lasting impression.  That works for me.)  I still have no idea how fast I was going as I had other things on my mind at the time, and when it happened it happened RIGHT NOW.  I slow-putted all the way home (I was a senior in H.S. with a special girl on the back and I had already scared the pee-wad (sp?) out of the both of us.  NOT the time to try to re-impress her with my Brando outlaw skills.)  I'm also glad I no longer have to trust a big screw-down, lawnmower collapsible handle-style fastener on the fork (How much is enough?  Too much?  Only one way to find out!!)  Yikes.  "Good-ole days"?  Kinda.   

[dans2014]

Test drove the 2018 DCT today. Super brakes, super ride, tranny is awesome, seating is just right. Had some buffeting but the taller windshield should fix that. Awesome experience. Very easy to ride. Tour mode is near perfect for all riding and I will hopefully own one next year. I'm afraid of all 1st year anythings!

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Re: speed limiter / maximum speed:

What is the general consensus on why there is a speed limiter at all?  OEM tire limitations?  Poor aerodynamics at speeds higher than the "limit"?  Other reasons, perhaps political/PC like German cars that may be limited to 155 mph?  I have no burning desire to go that fast on my '14 Valk, but do have a burning curiosity.  Does a Power Commander have the ability to override these limitations?  What about "correcting" the supposed factory-inserted lessening of power in 1st and 2nd gears that I've read about?  (True?) Is it really an issue that Mother Honda is concerned that we can't handle the full power that this wonderful engine is capable of?  I'm skeptical of that.  Again, just curious.  

Concerning the new 2018 wings, not the earlier Valks or F6Bs. I have to wonder if there is a chassis or drive-line flaw which makes them unsafe above the 112 mph governor they built into them? Or, it could be as simple as allowing the dealerships to offer an upgrade later which gets around the governor much like HD does with their "stage ?? kits".  

Anyway you go it amazes me that with two decades of time and many new tech innovations Honda came out with probably the slowest Goldwing ever built as far as top end goes.

[98valk]

Re: speed limiter / maximum speed:

What is the general consensus on why there is a speed limiter at all?  OEM tire limitations?  Poor aerodynamics at speeds higher than the "limit"?  Other reasons, perhaps political/PC like German cars that may be limited to 155 mph?  I have no burning desire to go that fast on my '14 Valk, but do have a burning curiosity.  Does a Power Commander have the ability to override these limitations?  What about "correcting" the supposed factory-inserted lessening of power in 1st and 2nd gears that I've read about?  (True?) Is it really an issue that Mother Honda is concerned that we can't handle the full power that this wonderful engine is capable of?  I'm skeptical of that.  Again, just curious.  

Concerning the new 2018 wings, not the earlier Valks or F6Bs. I have to wonder if there is a chassis or drive-line flaw which makes them unsafe above the 112 mph governor they built into them? Or, it could be as simple as allowing the dealerships to offer an upgrade later which gets around the governor much like HD does with their "stage ?? kits".  

Anyway you go it amazes me that with two decades of time and many new tech innovations Honda came out with probably the slowest Goldwing ever built as far as top end goes.

limiters are 98% of the time insurance regs.  why Busa and others were limited to 188mph which started by european govt regs.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Re: speed limiter / maximum speed:

What is the general consensus on why there is a speed limiter at all?  OEM tire limitations?  Poor aerodynamics at speeds higher than the "limit"?  Other reasons, perhaps political/PC like German cars that may be limited to 155 mph?  I have no burning desire to go that fast on my '14 Valk, but do have a burning curiosity.  Does a Power Commander have the ability to override these limitations?  What about "correcting" the supposed factory-inserted lessening of power in 1st and 2nd gears that I've read about?  (True?) Is it really an issue that Mother Honda is concerned that we can't handle the full power that this wonderful engine is capable of?  I'm skeptical of that.  Again, just curious.  

Concerning the new 2018 wings, not the earlier Valks or F6Bs. I have to wonder if there is a chassis or drive-line flaw which makes them unsafe above the 112 mph governor they built into them? Or, it could be as simple as allowing the dealerships to offer an upgrade later which gets around the governor much like HD does with their "stage ?? kits".  

Anyway you go it amazes me that with two decades of time and many new tech innovations Honda came out with probably the slowest Goldwing ever built as far as top end goes.

limiters are 98% of the time insurance regs.  why Busa and others were limited to 188mph which started by european govt regs.

I guess 188 would be acceptable. :-)

[Robert]

Speed Rating: W - Rated up to 168 MPH

In MPH

V or VB    149    
Z or ZR    149+    old rating new is up to 149 mph
W    168    
Y    186


2013 Suzuki
GSX1300R Hayabusa

Rear Tire Specifications
Brand:    Michelin
Part #:    543976
Mfg #:    46235
Sidewall    Blackwall
Bias / Radial    Radial
Speed Rating    (W) 168+ MPH
Load Rating    73(805 LBS)
Ply Rating    -
Tube / Tubeless    Tube or Tubeless
Rim Size    17 in.
Tire Size    190/50-17
Front / Rear    Rear

As manufacturers continue to add speed to their vehicles, tire speed ratings evolve to match the speeds. For example, Z was the highest rated speed at 149+ until W & Y were used to match the higher speeds of exotic sports cars

[RDKLL]

I have more electronics on my KTM than my legacy Valk and love them, especially the cornering traction control and lean sensitive ABS...and it can save you when someone just pulls out in front of you...mash on the binders and let the electronics sort it out. Straight line at 40mpg and a car pulled out...pretty sure if I had been on the Valk it would not have ended well


Somewhere in one of those 2 threads, it is explained that the limited to speed had to do with cooling capacity at extended high speeds. There was concern about heat soaking the engine. It was a compromise.



http://gl1800riders.com/forums/193-2018-goldwing-board/398945-top-speed-limiter.html
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/4-general-mc-message-board/396089-112-mph-limit.html

[KUGO]

Somewhere in one of those 2 threads, it is explained that the limited to speed had to do with cooling capacity at extended high speeds. There was concern about heat soaking the engine. It was a compromise.

http://gl1800riders.com/forums/193-2018-goldwing-board/398945-top-speed-limiter.html
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/4-general-mc-message-board/396089-112-mph-limit.html

Thanks, RDKLL!  That answer makes more sense than most. 

[dans2014]

I never ride that fast anyway. I'm done at 80. Things go by very quickly! I'm retired and enjoy the scenery. Now taking off to 80 is pure pleasure

[98valk]

I never ride that fast anyway. I'm done at 80. Things go by very quickly! I'm retired and enjoy the scenery. Now taking off to 80 is pure pleasure

yep 0-60mph in less then 4 secs is the life.

for the high mph crowd

HP is how fast u hit the wall
Torque is how far u move it.

[Robert]

I never ride that fast anyway. I'm done at 80. Things go by very quickly! I'm retired and enjoy the scenery. Now taking off to 80 is pure pleasure

HP is how fast u hit the wall
Torque is how far u move it.

 

[98valk]

stopped by the dealer today. The new goldwing is a joke in my opinion and does not meet the touring riders requirements, luggage capacity. This is what honda was focused on for decades. Why the change Honda? The saddle bags are almost useless. The salesman agreed and stated many have said same thing and many also brought up the smaller fuel tank. He said they have sold a few. they had two new last yr GWs and new F6B there.  saddle bags are similar to the Vision and the new star venture which I also checked out. look really large on the outside yet open them up and all about the same interior size/capacity.
very disappointing.
the venture is very heavy to get up/off the side stand. that kinda surprised me since I've been on my friends stratoliner and it never felt heavy to lift.

The two new Rebels are pretty sweet. interesting the same exact frames just different engines. one thumper one parallel twin.

[bscrive]

The new Goldwing is nice looking, but I have to agree with bags being pretty much useless.  The steering suspension is almost bottomed out, so it needs upgrading which is not cheep. 
Too darn expensive for what you get. Not in my future.

[dans2014]

Starting off with the throttle wide open with the 7 speed DCT bike in tour mode is friggin awesome. I cleared the red light runners and opened her up and WOW! This bike clicks off easy 1/4 mile times. Take less on tour. I toured all over America and Canada with two duffel bags rapped in plastic on my rear rack on my 1973 Kawasaki 900 Z-1. I even had room for a Coleman lantern for my tent AND my girlfriend! ha ha . Leave the kitchen sink home!

[st2sam]

Starting off with the throttle wide open with the 7 speed DCT bike in tour mode is friggin awesome. I cleared the red light runners and opened her up and WOW! This bike clicks off easy 1/4 mile times. Take less on tour. I toured all over America and Canada with two duffel bags rapped in plastic on my rear rack on my 1973 Kawasaki 900 Z-1. I even had room for a Coleman lantern for my tent AND my girlfriend! ha ha . Leave the kitchen sink home!

Sounds like they built this bike for guys like you Dan!

(you can't please everyone)

[Robert]

I never ride that fast anyway. I'm done at 80. Things go by very quickly! I'm retired and enjoy the scenery. Now taking off to 80 is pure pleasure

Dan you better not come down to Florida if your not on the east coast since life on 95 seems to start at 80  .

[dans2014]

ha ha. One of my best life long friends lives part time in Englewood, Florida. Visited him in January and could picture myself living there!