2018 Goldwing first long trip

[Beardo]

Just thought I’d give a bit of a ride report of the first 5000 kms on my 2018 Wing for anyone who is considering one or is just interested. I’d have appreciated one when I bought, but they were brand new.

 

Comfort-wise...great. Did a 750 mile day no problem, and that was after 7 days of riding. Seat, despite what many have said about it being way worse than the previous model, is just fine. It allows you to shift back against the contoured part or move forward to put weight on different parts of your rear. I was never sore, despite having much greater range than my Valk and going much further between stops. Next week, my wife and I leave for another 4-5000km trip, so we’ll see what she says about the seat then. She’s only been with me for a few shorter rides, she says it’s better than the Tourer we just had. Loves the trunk behind her.

Performance...Acceleration: great. Braking: phenomenal. Better than the sport bikes I used to ride. I do wish they didn’t link the brakes, but that’s just me. Haven’t tested/needed the ABS yet. Handling...phenomenal. That new front suspension is amazing. Very solid in the corners. No flex or twisting if you hit a bump at full lean.  I wore the tires right to the edge of the tread in BC, never dragged anything hard, just the edges of my boots.  When I first bought it, I felt it was less “flickable” than the Valk...I suspect due to the wide rear tire and narrower bars. After a few days, just got used to giving more push on the bars.

Tech stuff...while I’d have bought it (preferred it actually) without all the tech, it is pretty cool. I’ve never ridden with music before...I like it. Those long days in the saddle...it just keeps you more mentally alert. The Apple CarPlay...ok...it’s just awesome. I had my Nav destination as Lethbridge the first night. I got close and realized I could go much further. I told Siri to cancel that route and set my destination for Cranbrook. She did so. I asked her to find me the cheapest motel in Cranbrook. She found one, asked me if I wanted to call. I said yes and I made a reservation for that night without stopping. Other times, I was hankering for an Egg McMuffin...Hey Siri, is there a McDonald’s on my route? “Yes, 14.4 km ahead on your right”.  Where are the nearest gas stations...up they come on the Nav. When is this rain going to stop?  “Rain should stop around Lethbridge”.

Other things...more room for my size 12’s on top of the shifter. On the Valk, I was cramped there.  Seating position is very similar to the Valk.  Adjustable windshield is great. In the city, I put it all the way down to get some breeze..or if I just went through a short rain and want to dry off. Key fob...it’s a complex fix for a trouble that didn’t exist...but I guess it’s kinda nice to just get on and fire it up and know that everything is locked when you walk away. Centre stand is great. Easy to put it up. I use it at every gas stop to get the most gas in the tank.

At Valhalla, a rider of an older wing and I swapped seats in the parking lot, we couldn’t believe the difference in their weight, just tipping them back and forth, there was a huge difference.  Here’s a pic of the size difference.



Storage...yes, it’s smaller than the old Wing. I went for 7 days, had everything I needed. Will see how it is with my wife’s stuff next week. But just have to travel basic. I prefer the sportiness and lighter weight to a bunch of extra storage. Sure, the trunk could be a bit bigger, as could the saddlebags. But whatever. I commute to work in the city every day, I like the smaller size of the new wing for that.

I love the colour...and the lack of chrome. Although the black is just as bad or worse to keep clean.

Haven’t found anything I don’t like yet.

[The emperor has no clothes]

  good report ! Very similar to what I’ve heard from others. Glad you like it ! 

[Serk]

Haven’t found anything I don’t like yet.

The payment? 

Thanks for the writeup, definitely an impressive machine...

(But I'll admit, I'm more jealous of all the bike trips you have been and are taking.)

[Oss]

I can see one in my future when I turn 65  (official geezerhood)
but with 2 Valk I-S and a bmw I am pretty well set for several years

If I do go WIng I know one of the Valkyries will have to leave

Just cant imagine that day yet

[J.Mencalice]

Have watched three video critiques of the new Goldie w/DTC and all were excellent reviews by the riders
(both professional and amateur).  One thing that all three mentioned was that the trunk was probably too small to fit two full faced helmets inside.  Do you agree?

[Beardo]

Have watched three video critiques of the new Goldie w/DTC and all were excellent reviews by the riders
(both professional and amateur).  One thing that all three mentioned was that the trunk was probably too small to fit two full faced helmets inside.  Do you agree?

Can’t fit 2 of our Nolan helmets, just 1. Might be able to if I really tried, but it’s not that big of deal. I’ve  been on many cross country trips with sport bikes, Harleys, Valkyrie, never had a place to store a helmet and I got by just fine. The trunk is usually full of stuff, so no room for the helmets anyway.

[f6john]

Ok, I’m officially jealous but I’ll have to get over it! Too rich for me right now. Sounds like a great ride to have at your disposal.

[Beardo]

Haven’t found anything I don’t like yet.

The payment? 

Thanks for the writeup, definitely an impressive machine...

(But I'll admit, I'm more jealous of all the bike trips you have been and are taking.)

  yeah, there’s that.

I’m on vacation from June 20 to July 23...what is there better to do than cross half the country a couple times.

...and I still have a week’s vacation left for hunting season in the fall (got drawn for Moose this year ) one of the benefits of being with the same company for 23 years.

[Bighead]

Yeah the only time the helmets go in the trunk is the end of the day and you could take them indoors with you.........rode with a fella a couple weeks ago......dont know who he was but he was on a. Ew wing and I on my '16 outdated wing   and did notice the size difference.....it is truly a good looking machine. If I were (and might) buy one it would be without the trunk.    

[J.Mencalice]

Yeah the only time the helmets go in the trunk is the end of the day and you could take them indoors with you.........rode with a fella a couple weeks ago......dont know who he was but he was on a. Ew wing and I on my '16 outdated wing   and did notice the size difference.....it is truly a good looking machine. If I were (and might) buy one it would be without the trunk.    

Is it detachable?  No one mentioned that on any of the video test rides/critiques.

[Beardo]

Yeah the only time the helmets go in the trunk is the end of the day and you could take them indoors with you.........rode with a fella a couple weeks ago......dont know who he was but he was on a. Ew wing and I on my '16 outdated wing   and did notice the size difference.....it is truly a good looking machine. If I were (and might) buy one it would be without the trunk.    

Is it detachable?  No one mentioned that on any of the video test rides/critiques.

They advertised it as removable. But it’s not. Well, it is, with a very expensive kit and 4 hours of labour.

The day I bought it without the trunk:



Mine came as a base model without the trunk (I liked this colour combination only available in the base model, just added the trunk and centre stand).  It was nice without it but I won’t be removing it. Just too much work and no point really.

[msb]

I'll add one more thing to Beardo's review... both he and one of the WA Vermin brought those brand new Wings to Valhalla last week. Despite all the space age gadgetry, performance improvements,  nouveau "fighter jet" looks, and that    price tag, they still blended in nicely with the rest of us... especially those of us still on our 90's technology gas guzzling 1500 Valks. So, having all that tech and the fancy price tag doesn't make one overly pretentious... 

[J.Mencalice]

For what it's worth, this is a little long, but the opinion of a Harley owner on a test drive up in NH.
28 minutes.  Picked up about halfway through the video; rewind if you want to see the whole thing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eond7vQ4mBA&t=965s

[The emperor has no clothes]

Haven’t found anything I don’t like yet.

The payment? 

Thanks for the writeup, definitely an impressive machine...

(But I'll admit, I'm more jealous of all the bike trips you have been and are taking.)

  yeah, there’s that.

I’m on vacation from June 20 to July 23...what is there better to do than cross half the country a couple times.

...and I still have a week’s vacation left for hunting season in the fall (got drawn for Moose this year ) one of the benefits of being with the same company for 23 years.

Good luck on your hunt.  (I thought Saskatchewan was all wheat fields ?)

[Beardo]

Haven’t found anything I don’t like yet.

The payment?  

Thanks for the writeup, definitely an impressive machine...

(But I'll admit, I'm more jealous of all the bike trips you have been and are taking.)

  yeah, there’s that.

I’m on vacation from June 20 to July 23...what is there better to do than cross half the country a couple times.

...and I still have a week’s vacation left for hunting season in the fall (got drawn for Moose this year ) one of the benefits of being with the same company for 23 years.

Good luck on your hunt.   (I thought Saskatchewan was all wheat fields ?)

Pfft. No.  

We have some barley fields. Some Canola fields. Some flax fields.

Seriously though, the northern 2/3 of SK is forest. The moose used to be mostly up there but have ventured further south into the farmland so they’re pretty much in every zone now.

Thanks 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Haven’t found anything I don’t like yet.

The payment? 

Thanks for the writeup, definitely an impressive machine...

(But I'll admit, I'm more jealous of all the bike trips you have been and are taking.)

  yeah, there’s that.

I’m on vacation from June 20 to July 23...what is there better to do than cross half the country a couple times.

...and I still have a week’s vacation left for hunting season in the fall (got drawn for Moose this year ) one of the benefits of being with the same company for 23 years.

Good luck on your hunt.  (I thought Saskatchewan was all wheat fields ?)

Pfft. No. 

We have some barley fields. Some Canola fields. Some flax fields.

[Jersey mike]

suspension upgrade available now too;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=2CDDEv0QxIw

[DDT (12)]

Jason,

Great report! You've covered the important questions most 'riders' might have, and your critique is thoughtful and insightful, as well as comprehensive. Impressive looking machine, too! I also like that color...

I'd sure be tempted, but... I suppose it is sort of like being on the wrong side of 70 yo and ogling a 'sweet young thing'. Yeah, I'd sure like to ride one, but my love is and will always be the lady I've been with for the last couple of decades...

Anyway, appears you've made an awesome selection, and I'm sure everyone else is like me in that we're all also looking forward to many more great ride reports! Enjoy!!!

DDT

[Beardo]

Jason,

Great report! You've covered the important questions most 'riders' might have, and your critique is thoughtful and insightful, as well as comprehensive. Impressive looking machine, too! I also like that color...

I'd sure be tempted, but... I suppose it is sort of like being on the wrong side of 70 yo and ogling a 'sweet young thing'. Yeah, I'd sure like to ride one, but my love is and will always be the lady I've been with for the last couple of decades...

Anyway, appears you've made an awesome selection, and I'm sure everyone else is like me in that we're all also looking forward to many more great ride reports! Enjoy!!!

DDT

Thanks. I’m at the age where probably a lot of guys here bought their Valkyries, with hopefully many great miles ahead of us exploring our 2 amazing countries. We just figured it was the right time to treat ourselves. We got married at 21 and started kids at 23...didn’t have much paycheck left after the bills for a lot of years. Neither of us had even been on a plane til well into our 30’s. This bike is our long awaited “honeymoon”. 

[pais]

[/quote]

Thanks. I’m at the age where probably a lot of guys here bought their Valkyries, with hopefully many great miles ahead of us exploring our 2 amazing countries. We just figured it was the right time to treat ourselves. We got married at 21 and started kids at 23...didn’t have much paycheck left after the bills for a lot of years. Neither of us had even been on a plane til well into our 30’s. This bike is our long awaited “honeymoon”. 
[/quote]

   Great ride/eval report! Beautiful motorcycle, love that color myself! Most importantly, enjoy that long awaited "honeymoon"!

[3fan4life]

Congratulations on the new bike and on the long overdue honeymoon!

Thanks for taking the time to review the bike.

I suspect that there are more than a few of us here that are thinking about a new Wing someday.

[Savago]

People on the ST forum call the new GW the 'ST1800'.

I think Honda is right in injecting technology in the GW and making it more sport-ish, to compete with the beemer K1600GTL.

[Beardo]

Yeah, I see it as an ST1800 as well. There’s only 1 very small “Goldwing” logo on the dash. No emblems anywhere else...it’s like a total rebrand to attract a younger new customer. “Goldwing” has the association with Grandpa’s bike(except for anyone who has actually ridden one), thy definitely tried to get away from that reputation.

I had considered FJR’s, Concours, ST1300, R1200RT...all great fun bikes that can tour cross country, but none had the 2-up comfort.

I do wish Honda got another 25 hp or so to get it closer to the Beemers. No reason why they couldn’t have. But Honda’s reliability, better dealer network, easier maintenance made it an easy decision.

[RDKLL]

If we decide to get away from the sporty side of sport touring to the touringy side, we will look real hard at he new GW and the BMW K1600GT

[baldo]

People on the ST forum call the new GW the 'ST1800'.

I think Honda is right in injecting technology in the GW and making it more sport-ish, to compete with the beemer K1600GTL.

That Beemer is one sweet looking ride....

Any idea how the maintenance program is? It can't imagine there's very much an owner can do to it.

[RDKLL]

Any idea how the maintenance program is? It can't imagine there's very much an owner can do to it.

I like the BMW and I am not sure how Andrea would like it. Part of the reason she was not comfy on the Valk was her tailbone hurt because she was leaning back on it. On the KTM she is more upright and leaned forward if we are getting after it and if if gets REAL fun there is a sport handle bolted to the fuel tank. Maintenance wise the BMW is probably very similar to the KTM and it has not been too bad.
I just wish the shop had loaner bikes...if I get another new KTM or BMW for that matter...I believe loaners will have to be part of the deal.

[J.Mencalice]

(Referring to the Gold Wing) Is there any routine maintenance that an owner can perform?  Oil changes, air filter, tire changes, spark plugs, etc. that would save a few hundreds of dollars from going into the pockets of dealers?  Or is this thing so buttoned up that you can't even begin to turn a wrench?
Does it have a built-in, paid-for maintenance program/warranty for the first five years/50,000 miles like many of the automobile companies?
Dealers are notorious for jacking you when you ride up to the service manager for routine things, it's painful to the ears and wallet for the working man.  "New rear tire, installed, balanced...that'll cost ya $350 out the door."  Gulp.

[Beardo]

(Referring to the Gold Wing) Is there any routine maintenance that an owner can perform?  Oil changes, air filter, tire changes, spark plugs, etc. that would save a few hundreds of dollars from going into the pockets of dealers?  Or is this thing so buttoned up that you can't even begin to turn a wrench?
Does it have a built-in, paid-for maintenance program/warranty for the first five years/50,000 miles like many of the automobile companies?
Dealers are notorious for jacking you when you ride up to the service manager for routine things, it's painful to the ears and wallet for the working man.  "New rear tire, installed, balanced...that'll cost ya $350 out the door."  Gulp.

Just did my first oil change, was just as easy as the Valk, except the filter is right beside the header which means I’m sporting a cool red burn on my thumb right now. The filter is mounted vertically so you can pre-fill the filter with oil.  I have the manual, so it’s 1 drain plug right beside the filter.  The DCT has 3 drains and 2 filters. Mine takes all of 15 minutes to do. Less if you don’t worry about draining every last drop. There is no stupid resetting of a maintenance reminder like on the BMW that requires a trip to a dealer or a $500 computerized tool. As soon as I read that about the Beemers, they were out. My nearest dealer is 2.5 hours away.

Air filter will be like the old Wings...a pain. Spark plugs are easy...unlike the Beemer.

Rear tire...simple. Single sided swing arm, just remove the small back fender(if you don’t have a lift), lug nuts. Front is about the same as the Valk.

I got the 5 year extended warranty (negotiated the price down) due to the price of some of the parts...it doesn’t include maintenance...although the sales guy incorrectly said it did. I knew it didn’t and corrected him.

[Novavalker]

Cruiseman's review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89lwJdML8YI

[Beardo]

On our trip out east. We were going to go west to Prince Rupert but the forecast didn’t look good. So east it is. No real destination. Just the roads. And some time away from work, the kids, the dog.

We’re in North Bay Ontario right now. Heading a little further east, almost to Ottawa then south into the “Highlands” area. We were going to go north to do the Temiskaming loop, but forest fires are preventing that.

Just a couple pics from the ride out here.





Have done about 7000 km (4300 miles) so far, counting my trip out west with a few thousand more to go.  Might be my first 3 oil change summer 

[Rams]

Have watched three video critiques of the new Goldie w/DTC and all were excellent reviews by the riders
(both professional and amateur).  One thing that all three mentioned was that the trunk was probably too small to fit two full faced helmets inside.  Do you agree?

This inquiry confused me at first.  Unless you're talking about when you leave the bike while traveling and want to secure the helmets,
Guessing you ride in a location that doesn't require helmets.   So do I but I won't fire the fat lady up with out one.    

Will have to say that is a nice wing.  Is that wing available minus the trunk? 


Rams

[Forge]

Beautiful bike!

[Alpha Dog]

Great write up Beardo.  I really like that color. I am very happy the bike is this good, as I am mesmerized by it.  The Honda Dealer 25 minutes from me in Troy, OH has two to test and insist I take one out for a long ride.  I think early this Saturday morning might do the trick.  I saw one last week while on vacation in Northern Michigan at the Lumberman's Monument,  but could not find the owner to get his/her opinion.


Safe and happy journeys you lucky guys.

[..]

 

[hubcapsc]

That new front suspension is amazing. Very solid i 

I think the suspension tech seems awesome on the new Wing, but your
phrase "very solid" make me think of the Max McCallister youtube showing
the front shock's travel....

Haven’t found anything I don’t like yet.

I don't guess you have hiway pegs, and I don't see a way to add them,
is that a problem?

-Mike

[Beardo]

That new front suspension is amazing. Very solid i 

I think the suspension tech seems awesome on the new Wing, but your
phrase "very solid" make me think of the Max McCallister youtube showing
the front shock's travel....

Haven’t found anything I don’t like yet.

I don't guess you have hiway pegs, and I don't see a way to add them,
is that a problem?

-Mike

Take a shock salesman’s opinions with a grain of salt.

Sure, if/when my suspension wears out, I’d probably upgrade it. But for now, it’s still an amazing suspension, way better than any bike I’ve ever ridden, including the Valk.

Hiway pegs would be nice. Will wait to see what Honda or the aftermarket comes up with.

[hubcapsc]

Take a shock salesman’s opinions with a grain of salt.

I agree in general, but I went down to see Max not long ago...

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php?topic=100709.0

I'm extremely happy with the new suspension, though I have
struggled to find objective statements to support my approval of it.

My bike isn't all sagged out just sitting there anymore, and when riding
(I've put about 3,000 miles on the bike since Traxxionization) the
bike just "does right" now - it is real "tight". Stanley Steamer thinks I
go too fast on the BRP now  ...

-Mike "he's just protecting his CDL"

[Alpha Dog]

That new front suspension is amazing. Very solid i 

I think the suspension tech seems awesome on the new Wing, but your
phrase "very solid" make me think of the Max McCallister youtube showing
the front shock's travel....

Haven’t found anything I don’t like yet.

I don't guess you have hiway pegs, and I don't see a way to add them,
is that a problem?

-Mike

Take a shock salesman’s opinions with a grain of salt.

Sure, if/when my suspension wears out, I’d probably upgrade it. But for now, it’s still an amazing suspension, way better than any bike I’ve ever ridden, including the Valk.

Hiway pegs would be nice. Will wait to see what Honda or the aftermarket comes up with.

And yours is pretty much the same take as everyone has on the suspension, of course it can be made better probably like traxxion dynamics does at a stiff price.

As far as highway pegs, I doubt Honda themselves will provide one and I do not know what is wrong with these engineering and marketing folks at Honda.  Mic O Pegs has designed one that is out for testing right now and I would think they would be providing them soon, I certainly hope so.  They are taking advance orders.  It can be seen on their website.

[Beardo]

Nous sommes dans la Quebec maintenant. Ou est mon cheque de la idiot Western Canadian taxpayer?

[msb]

Nous sommes dans la Quebec maintenant. Ou est mon cheque de la idiot Western Canadian taxpayer?

lol...lol