Forgive me Joe Boyd, for I have sinned.....

[hubcapsc]

Dont forget to put a fuel preservative in the tank of the 98. Enjoy your new ride, pretty awesome.

Or keep riding it  ...



-Mike

[Serk]

Heh, I'm quickly learning the advantages of having a bog-standard bike that has a ton of accessories available is also a down side.

Example - Mick-O Pegs.
For my Valkyries the options are Yes or No. There is a model for Valkyries.

Got GL1800 Gold Wing's? There are a TON of options available. Trying to sort through them and figure out what model of Mick-O-Pegs is best?



To the point they have a questionaire you fill out and send to them to have them analyze which one is best for you.

Oh well, after decades of taking the leftovers of available accessories or paying unobtanium prices for the few farkles that still exist, it's a good problem to have, but a pain nonetheless...

[3fan4life]

Gotta love Texas weather. Upper 70's and sunny yesterday/last night getting the bike home, woke up this morning to low 30's and snow flurries. It warmed to the upper 40's/low 50's under clear bright sun later and I took a few rides. Even at the stock maximum height I get enough wind in my eyes with my face shield up (The way I prefer to ride) that my eyes quickly get dried out and start burning. Need another 2 to 4 inches of height I'm guessing, based upon my "holding my hand in front of my face detecting where the dirty air starts/stops" highly scientific test.

I'll keep an eye out for the luggage rack that works around the spoiler, that's also solve my flag situation, appreciate the heads up!

This guy will make you any windshield that you want:

https://bikescreen.com/

https://bikescreen.com/products/honda-goldwing-f6b-gl1800b


The Euro Flip option lets you run a shorter windshield and still keep the wind out of your eyes.

[Jess from VA]

To the point they have a questionnaire you fill out and send to them to have them analyze which one is best for you.

Fill it out (measurements) and send it, they're guess is probably better than yours.  They probably exchange if you need to anyway (for the price they should).

Call and talk to them.   
 

[Serk]

To the point they have a questionnaire you fill out and send to them to have them analyze which one is best for you.

Fill it out (measurements) and send it, they're guess is probably better than yours.  They probably exchange if you need to anyway (for the price they should).

Call and talk to them.   
 

Filled it out and sent it in...

And you know better than calling. Heck, part of the reason I didn't attend Inzane for so long was that the GZ hotel booking couldn't be done online. Yes, I hate talking on the phone THAT much.

[old2soon]

To the point they have a questionnaire you fill out and send to them to have them analyze which one is best for you.

Fill it out (measurements) and send it, they're guess is probably better than yours.  They probably exchange if you need to anyway (for the price they should).

Call and talk to them.   
 

Filled it out and sent it in...

And you know better than calling. Heck, part of the reason I didn't attend Inzane for so long was that the GZ hotel booking couldn't be done online. Yes, I hate talking on the phone THAT much.

         I can attest to that no phone talkin thing!  In person good guy to converse with. BUT he are Not one ta use a phone fer the intended purpose!  You Ever git a solicitation call I can Guarandangtee it Ain't Serk callin ya!  RIDE SAFE.

[Serk]

To the point they have a questionnaire you fill out and send to them to have them analyze which one is best for you.

Fill it out (measurements) and send it, they're guess is probably better than yours.  They probably exchange if you need to anyway (for the price they should).

Call and talk to them.   
 

Filled it out and sent it in...

And you know better than calling. Heck, part of the reason I didn't attend Inzane for so long was that the GZ hotel booking couldn't be done online. Yes, I hate talking on the phone THAT much.

Whoa ! And here I thought I was phone averse. 

I assume you didn't spend the first few years of your career tied to a phone doing tech support for a bunch of Teamsters...

[Serk]

Back then we only had access to telegraph.

The sides of beef woulda been easier to reason with. I'll never forget the one that thought his keyboard was too dirty, so put it through a cycle in the dish washer, and was mad at ME because it wouldn't work after that...

Anyway..... Topic slide, but heh...

Ordered a bunch of goodies so far.
Clearview shield 4" taller than stock.
Accessory plug so I can power my wireless phone charging mount that's already been moved over from the Interstate.
T metal valve stems
Luggage rack (Find it interesting, the luggage rack that most folks recommend, and that works with the OEM spoiler, is the one that was originally for the Valkyrie Interstate. Which I have installed on my Interstate. But I won't be a douche and sell a bike with holes drilled in the lid of the trunk, so just getting a new one)
And of course a 1:12 model because having a bog-standard bike like a Gold Wing means I can get one off Amazon for $20...


Slowly making her mine.....


Edited to add - On the Teamsters thing, not saying they were dumb, far from it (Other than a few like keyboard in the dishwasher guy). They were just very averse to change, and this was a time of lots of tech change, they saw me as the face of that unwanted change...

[carolinarider09]

The only problem I have with the wing's stock windscreen was the perceived noise.  

Last year, before I purchased the Firecreek Windbender I wanted to make sure the issue with the noise I was hearing was related to the bike's windscreen and other things (like wind blocking things along the side, I forget what they are called).
 
I have a Shark Evo One-2 helmet and thought that it was highly possible that the helmet was causing the noise.  So, to verify it was the windscreen, I took a ride on the 2003 Valkyrie with the stock windscreen.   And then on the 2007 ST1300 with its stock windscreen and then the 2015 wing.

The wing was the noisest followed by the ST and then the Valkyrie.  So.....   whille there are other things at play, it was defiantly the Goldwings design (windscreen shape of nose, ect) that was causing the wind noise.  

The Firecreek is adjustable in "steps" and that is nice and I would rather look over it instead of through it.

My quietest point is with the windshield just a little above eye level (at roadway speeds).  At lower speeds, I move it down a notch and there is no noise until I get to 45 or 50 MPH.

I look sort of through the Valkyrie stock screen unless I sit fully upright.  I look over the adjustable ST1300 Screen.  

Just some information for you.  

Oh and yes, I wear in the ear speakers or earphones.  have for many years.    

[Jess from VA]

I'll never forget the one that thought his keyboard was too dirty, so put it through a cycle in the dish washer, and was mad at ME because it wouldn't work after that...

I thought it was more like.... either get me a clean keyboard or I'll come down there and break your legs.  

At 17, I worked a summer in a steel mill as a clerk in a field engineering trailer for blast furnace relines, and one of my jobs was signing teamster truck passes in and out of the mill.  One of the men (teamster truck driver) I signed passes for was the local union enforcer who had killed several men (in the line of his duties) (never charged and never convicted, but it was well known, and I was warned to never offend him).  The problem was, I could not understand a word he said (mouth full of marbles).  I always called him sir and signed any pass he put in front of me.  This was 6 years before Jimmy Hoffa disappeared (in Detroit).  He was known as Nword Miller, but no one called him that to his face.  Many of the teamsters and other union tradesman carried concealed guns into the mill, though strictly prohibited, there were no magnetometers and no searches.  The problem wasn't in the mill, but 10 feet out the gate was one of the roughest toughest areas of Detroit.  

(true story)

[cookiedough]

yah Serk,  I was 95% confident the std. round chrome luggage rack that I have on my 2001 Valk I/S will fit fine over the visor on trunk lid of a newer goldwing,  but did not want to say 100%  just in case, but have seen dozens of pics with that chrome rack on top of the spoiler fin.  Cheapest alternative for sure, just be careful drilling the holes in the lid.

Up to you, but I also think you need handlebar risers another 2-4 inches up at least since they sit to me with you on the goldwing way way too low.  Having the handlebars too low for me anyways makes the bike much harder to turn at lower speeds.   My 98 Valk tourer has very tall handlebar risers near mini ape hangers which I like (could be tad lower for sure for my shorter arms) but then going to my stock handlebar height on my VAlk I/S sorta sucks being too low.  I was surely use to them after 7 years but once got the 98 Valk used with taller risers,  now wish the Valk I/S had 2 inch handlebar risers for sure to be comfier positioning. 

[Serk]

Yeah, I've done a little preliminary looking into risers, but will hold off on that until I get more miles on the bike and decide on the seat.

Keep in mind, with my height also comes gorilla arms, so the current bars LOOK really low, but they're not too bad for me over all. At least so far.

(And besides, this bike has actual, real cruise control! Although I'm thinking about a throttle lock anyway for those real quick "Gotta scratch my butt" moments where I just need the throttle held steady for like 2 seconds.)

With most of a tank of gas through it now I'm starting to think a seat might move up on the priority list... But will see if I can make the stock one work. The bike has a Utopia, kinda don't wanna toss that aside, also the spousal unit has actually sat on the back seat, said she loves it, and is thinking about maybe possibly considering thinking about taking two up trips. So with that in mind I don't wanna take away TOO much of the back seat space.....

[Serk]

Getting there, it's officially "mine" now, it's drawn blood... 

Drink butler and wireless phone holder/charger moved over, TPMS added, luggage rack installed, Buc-ee and my flags ceremonially moved over.....

So much Tupperware! But.... I knew that going into this.....

[msb]

Only a few more little odds and ends, and you'll be done 

[Skinhead]

I can't tell what the flag displays, but I don't see a Molon Labe, FJB, or Let's Go Brandon sticker.  I wouldn't consider it completely yours just yet.

[Serk]

Only a few more little odds and ends, and you'll be done 

Just got a few more things to move over from my Valk first...

I can't tell what the flag displays, but I don't see a Molon Labe, FJB, or Let's Go Brandon sticker.  I wouldn't consider it completely yours just yet.

 

[cookiedough]

Is 32/38 the tire pressure monitor readings on your gauge left side?   Are newer goldwings suppose to be that low?  I would think be close to our Valks say 38-40 front and 40-44 rear, not sure?

Now to figure out what ALL those buttons do as well.  Just do not try them all while driving sorta be like texting and driving taking your eyes off the road all the time trying to figure out all those buttons.

If you mounted the chrome luggage rack,  how did it go drilling into the lid?  My luck/skill,  it would crack or be off center for sure.

Seems a lot are jumping ship over to Goldwings due to fuel injection and tad bit more power?  The ergo's of seating and comfort has not hit me yet on Goldwings vs. Valks though.  Everyone's keester is different I guess?  In my older age,  I have gravitated towards my suzuki burgmann 650 more though than my Valk pretty much does the same thing as our Valks just with less OOHH and AHHING going on.  Yah, it is a scooter, but foot placement is better for me and more hop on and go.

[..]

https://i.postimg.cc/0ytW0CPV/image.png[/img]

I'd like to know how you got the Valkyrie to lean up against the wall!

[Serk]

Is 32/38 the tire pressure monitor readings on your gauge left side?   Are newer goldwings suppose to be that low?  I would think be close to our Valks say 38-40 front and 40-44 rear, not sure?

Now to figure out what ALL those buttons do as well.  Just do not try them all while driving sorta be like texting and driving taking your eyes off the road all the time trying to figure out all those buttons.

If you mounted the chrome luggage rack,  how did it go drilling into the lid?  My luck/skill,  it would crack or be off center for sure.

Seems a lot are jumping ship over to Goldwings due to fuel injection and tad bit more power?  The ergo's of seating and comfort has not hit me yet on Goldwings vs. Valks though.  Everyone's keester is different I guess?  In my older age,  I have gravitated towards my suzuki burgmann 650 more though than my Valk pretty much does the same thing as our Valks just with less OOHH and AHHING going on.  Yah, it is a scooter, but foot placement is better for me and more hop on and go.

I think the TPMS might need to be calibrated, it's just been installed. The actual tires are closer to 40/40, which is generally where I run mine... Looking forward to getting the icky MC specific tire off the rear and a proper DS tire on there, but that'll come in time.

I've actually sat in the garage with the bike on the center stand and worked on building muscle memory to the buttons I'll primarily be using. Haven't found the infamous "Auto wave back" button though...

Yup, mounted the rack myself. Was nerve racking but went very smoothly, just took my time and triplet checked everything before grabbing the drill. Being a Goldwing instead of a Valkyrie added one extra wrinkle, as there are two layers to the lid of the trunk, but after removing 17 screws and disconnecting a wiring harness was able to get the inner liner out. Then got the rack on, then put the rack back only to discover there's not enough room between the two layers of the lid for the rack bolts to fit, so took it all back apart again and drilled holes through the inner lining to give the rack bolt room. (Hope that made sense.)

I'll admit, the loss of BigBF plated a large part of my decision. It's just getting too hard to keep the old girls running at a level I'm comfortable traveling cross country with a 10 year old on the back... Still love my Valk, my Standard will stay with me, and be ridden frequently.

I hear ya' on the Burgman. For around town stuff I'd been using our Silverwing as my go-to most of the time, but after my buddy got rear ended on it on the freeway, it's now out of the equation, and unless I stumble on another deal like I did when I got that one (Progressive gave me almost double what I paid for it in settlement for it getting totaled) not wanting to go seeking another one out.

[cookiedough]

sucks on the honda scooter getting totaled by your friend.  I would never let a 'friend' or anyone outside of my kid (immediate family)  drive our cycles.  I also told my kid that also not letting anyone EVER drive 1, soon to be 2, of the cycles back up to where he lives in his garage come April, since I am paying the insurance under my name.

That 500cc honda scoot was probably near as quick as the heavier, probably smidge less agile, 650 burgmann.  Am sure though the burgmann has a bigger storage area under the seat and bigger seating area though and bigger ergos.  I sat on the honda 500 scooter once and found it comfy as well but guy wanted too much for it.  They are nice though to just hop on and go and with massive underseat storage able to fit 3 big grocery bags or 2 helmets plus gear inside easily.  Since most of my riding is 35 miles one way or less, I consider that hop on and go all while getting 52 mpg with top speed about 112 mph although have only gone 90 mph on it.

Am sure as well if the burgmann got totaled,  Progressive would give me near double what I paid for it since I got a GREAT deal on it few years back, a tad under 2 grand only 8500 miles on it from an older guy.

[Serk]

I'd like to know how you got the Valkyrie to lean up against the wall!

She's a dignified older lady who can tell she's being replaced by a younger upstart girl.... She's standing with her back to me and pouting.

That 500cc honda scoot was probably near as quick as the heavier, probably smidge less agile, 650 burgmann.  Am sure though the burgmann has a bigger storage area under the seat and bigger seating area though and bigger ergos. 

The Silverwing is a 600. And plenty quick, I got ours up to an indicated 110 with my fat carcass on it. And this one had a Givi top box mounted, so it had quite a bit of storage... It's missed, but yeah, not in a rush to get another...

[cookiedough]

oh yah, one more thing,  make sure you install on your phone the Dairy Queen app so you know where to stop and eat on that new to you Goldwing.... 

Am sure you would use it more than me, but does your newer Goldwing have the NAV screen option for GPS navigation similar to apple car play and android auto navigation?

Been comtemplating selling like you my Valk I/S, but just cannot seem to part with it although not ridden as much as once was a few years back.  Wife says sell one of 3 cycles in my garage.     My opinion is that they are paid for, not worth much more than 5K (like to get 6K for it), but nothing out there in that 5-6K range any better, even say a newer used Goldwing in that 8K range. 

I too will miss Big BF he came to my house for 1 week to work on both Valks in October 2020 about 5 months before passing.  My 98 tourer needed major carb/driveshaft, etc. work and seeing all those tiny carb pieces spread out on paper towels made me realize I am not the man for that type of job, he was for sure.    He was at that time still pretty worried about catching COVID after he asked me any place good to eat in my small town and I said only 6 bars on mainstreet.  He said he will pass not wanting to catch Covid due to his medical conditions.

[Beardo]

I’m surprised you got a taller windshield with the heat you get down there.  If it’s above 30 degrees, (86 f) here, I put mine in the lowest position to get more air. I know yours is fixed and not electronic but I think I’d have the lowest one possible in that heat.  Maybe have a shorter one for summer?

But I guess even with a taller windshield, someone of your height will still be in the wind a bit lol.

I’ve just never understood the Wing guys with the massive windshields. Gotta have some wind, not?

[Reb]

Serk,

Congrats on the purchase. We all catch hell when making that transition to the geezer glide. Having that alternative option in the garage makes riding the Valk even better.

I struggled off the bat with the Goldwing stock seat. If you browse some of the GL1800 forums, sometimes you can get lucky on deals for used aftermarket seats. I had an ultimate on my 2001 I got used from somewhere (maybe the fbook marketplace). The Mustang seat on my F6B was a used find as well. Regardless, it beat the heck out of the price for a new one. Best of luck with the new ride, looking forward to seeing you in Mississippi

Also... If you are into the darksider thing, 195/55/16 Achilles ATR Sport has been an awesome 25K+ mile tire. I'm on my 3rd so far, best bang for the buck option IMO.

[cookiedough]

wow REB,  you double dipped into that 1832cc goldwing era having both an F6B and Goldwing both in blue even.  I did not know you got the F6B, thought just the Wing.  Like George Jefferson said on the Jeffersons TV show,  MOVIN ON UP......

[Reb]

wow REB,  you double dipped into that 1832cc goldwing era having both an F6B and Goldwing both in blue even.  I did not know you got the F6B, thought just the Wing.  Like George Jefferson said on the Jeffersons TV show,  MOVIN ON UP......

The full wing went to Honda Heaven back in 2018. T-boned a kid texting a driving near Cookeville TN. The F6B was the insurance replacement.

[cookiedough]

wow REB,  you double dipped into that 1832cc goldwing era having both an F6B and Goldwing both in blue even.  I did not know you got the F6B, thought just the Wing.  Like George Jefferson said on the Jeffersons TV show,  MOVIN ON UP......

The full wing went to Honda Heaven back in 2018. T-boned a kid texting a driving near Cookeville TN. The F6B was the insurance replacement.

ahh,  sorry I did not keep up on your cycles, my bad.    Sorry for your loss on the Wing.  Overall,  do you prefer the F6B or newer Wing and why?   Sorry again,  changing to off subject.  I test drove both actually a used 2006 range Goldwing and near new F6B and thought the F6B had more punch off the line and overall liked the way it handled, etc. better than the older Goldwing.  Although I think I would miss that top trunk but a  soft luggage carrier on back of a flat rack behind passenger seat would suffice and almost as much storage, although not lockable.

[csj]

Thought I'd mention a couple of things. After got my 1500 goldwing, got into a tech section of a goldwing forum.

A lot of people appear to have trouble getting a 195 size tire in place. Too much rub.
100% of them agree that 175 works. Want to hear more cuz I'm going that way on the wing soon.

Another item. I've got the air vent open, cruising along. Suddenly get a taste of some liquid in my mouth. Huh. What dat. Turns out the Bug Shredder (air vent) had given pureed bug for me to sample. Vent stays closed now.

[Bighead]

Hey serk a luggage rack wil fit over that spoiler. (At least it did on my Interstate) and it was a wing spoiler I put on it. Show crome luggage rack.

[f6john]

Hey serk a luggage rack wil fit over that spoiler. (At least it did on my Interstate) and it was a wing spoiler I put on it. Show crome luggage rack.

He done did dat!

[fudgie]

www.wingstuff.com for goodies. They also make risers, shims really, for the bars. Rose my bar ends up 2". Best thing I added to mine. Cheap too.

[f6john]

www.wingstuff.com for goodies. They also make risers, shims really, for the bars. Rose my bar ends up 2". Best thing I added to mine. Cheap too.

So what are you riding these days? Still have the Valkyrie?

[Serk]

As much as I (rightfully) rip on government incompetence, I gotta give a little kudos - on Friday I left the house for lunch, drove to the Dallas county tax office, stood in line, got them to do the title transfer and register the new Gold Wing, including swapping my vanity plate from my Interstate to the Gold Wing, and transferring the license plate the Gold Wing came with over to the Interstate, and made it back home in 54 minutes.

The $568.75 I had to pay in fees and theft stung a bit, but not much I can do about that.

So she's officially "mine" now...



Got either the deal of the century or bought an $80 pair of paper weights, guy had a set of Mick-O pegs model "AF" (Which as far as I can tell don't exist, but LOOKS like one of the sets for taller riders) that came off an '06 Gold Wing for $80 shipped on eBay. We'll see when they get here, theoretically on Tuesday.



First LED lighting upgrade is done, the fog lights are now LED. LED headlights, turn signals (Front and back, including a kit to convert the front lights into white running lights when not signaling) & brake lights are on order.



One of the most important stickers has been transferred over from the Interstate. As this windshield is temporary until my Clearview comes in, didn't bother with a new sticker, this one will do for now.



I've put a few tanks of gas through it so far, and overall still in love. Have noticed one VERY odd problem - If I signal left, after canceling the signal the left turn signal running light doesn't come back on. If I then signal right, the left running light comes back on, but if I cancel the turn signal the right running light doesn't come back on.

Evidently this is a semi common problem, might be the switch, might be the relay.... Fun times...

Almost ready from a practical point of view to put the Interstate up for sale (No, this isn't a stealth sale thread, not taking offers here or anything of the sort) but emotionally, that might take a little longer.

I hesitate to say such a thing on a Valkyrie enthusiast forum, but I took the Interstate out for a quick run to a park by the lake to get some pics, decided it needs a bath first, but..... After a week of riding the 'wing the Interstate felt like I was driving a dump truck.

In the Interstate's defense, that I put the OEM seat back on might be part of the problem, but still.....

Need to get the Standard out for a bit and see if it's the seat or if the 'wing has just already spoiled me that much.

Also went to a high school parking lot tonight and did some low speed cornering practice and quick stop practice. I try to do that whenever I get a new bike and annually as well. Getting to know her...

Oh, and already have a few orders in at www.wingstuff.com as well as electricalconnection.com

One nice thing about a bog-standard bike like a 'wing, I've also been able to order a lot of stuff off of Amazon and have it same day/next day delivery.....

[cookiedough]

sounds like bling, bling, bling, and bling time.   Glad you enjoying your new ride, but a Valk I/S a dumptruck, really?   I raced side by side newer 1832cc goldwing vs. my 1520cc Valk I/S and although he won pulling out on me at first just a smidge, I hung right with him the rest of the way never pulling on me or gaining more ground.  It is faster, but not one heck of a lot.  As far as handling though am sure is a tad bit better, probably in reference to your dumptruck theory more so.

I still do not think our Valks handle bad at all pushing 800lbs. considering the rest of the big heavy cruisers out there newer nowadays.  l did get spanked once though pulled up in the country alongside something never seen before, guessing a hybrid Ducati of some sort had all kinds of cross bars all over the sides, never got a good look at it but he toasted me but I was not in the mood to race once he pulled on me from the stop sign.

Too bad Serk you do not live closer, if not smashed up or sold already,  I would be interested in that Silverwing's rear trunk and bottom plate to mount on my burgmann 650.  I been looking for one used reasonably priced and have not found one yet.  A new GIVI, etc. is not happening well over 100 bucks. 

[Serk]

Yah, the dumptruck comment was more on handling than on acceleration... The old girls still got lots of oomph in that department!

Alas, the trunk on the Silverwing was mangled in the wreck, and is currently in the city landfill somewhere.

[hubcapsc]

I love The Logtruck every time I ride it. I don't know what to think except that
maybe a bunch of y'all need upgraded suspension... refurbished handlebar
controls so's your levers aren't floppy... stuff like that? They are old...





Maybe y'all would think The Logtruck was a logtruck too if you rode it, ida know...
I'm thinking of getting a nice new leather Ultimate seat for it while they still make them,
I've got 85 or 90 thousand miles on mine...

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

Until you get the signals sorted out, don't forget hand signals are still legal (and safe most, but not all the time, like when you really need to show your intentions).  Not having to futz with it to keep the running lights on, and distract your attention can be limited by using your arm and not the button.  I still hand signal at least half the time, mostly to just be legal, or let one guy behind me know I'm turning.

If I'm in a line of cars turning, everyone knows I'm turning too.   But if you're the lead guy in the intersection, then use the signals.

I spray my handlebar controls with electronic cleaner spray (using the little nozzle in the cracks) every so often too.  And after rain or washes.  

[msb]

I hesitate to say such a thing on a Valkyrie enthusiast forum, but I took the Interstate out for a quick run to a park by the lake to get some pics, decided it needs a bath first, but..... After a week of riding the 'wing the Interstate felt like I was driving a dump truck.
In the Interstate's defense, that I put the OEM seat back on might be part of the problem, but still.....

Haven't you just had your Interstate for a few years? Unlike your Standard, perhaps not enough time for that emotional attachment that tends to convince our minds and bodies that "there ain't nothin' out there that handles better or that I'd rather ride than my old Valk". I've taken spins on 1800 Wings and F6B's as well as a couple other newer touring bikes over the past several years and sure have been impressed with their power, smoothness, and handling...but after hopping back on the old gal I've ridden for going on 21 years now with all her little clunks, squeaks, and rattles, it's still easy enough to convince myself that she's just as good as those newer ones. In truth, that F6B is technically the "best" bike I've ever ridden in terms of handling for sure, but it was a distant second in terms of how I felt when riding it. If I had that B to ride around for a few weeks or months, I'm sure it might start to chip away at my loyalty a bit though 
Sounds like you're well on your way to making that Wing your own...good luck with it. All the easier to transition for you, what with your original Valk still in the fold 

[f6john]

Sometimes how fast the bike you are riding is in direct correlation to a person’s willingness to twist the throttle to its limits and the engine up again the rev limiter or valve float which ever comes first. Neither the 1500’s or 1800’s could be considered slow.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Absolutely love the smooth power of this machine that being said its no Valkyrie. Goldwing's are like Harley's folks will walk pass ten of them to look and talk about a Valkyrie....  Long Live The Dragon.