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

[Serk]

I love my Valk. My '98 will stay with me 'till I shuffle off this mortal coil, but my '99 Interstate had become my primary bike. It runs fine, I'd take it to Inzane without thinking twice, but it needed some serious love, lots of little annoyances that I just didn't want to chase down any more...

I'd tried to get on Attic Rat's list, but it was looking to be a year or more out to even get on the list.

I'd been toying with getting an 1800 Valk then putting all the things on it that I wanted, but when I crunched the numbers, I'd be looking at..... well... a lot of money.... Like.... Double the amount of money I spent this evening.

So..... This follow me home tonight.

Definitely got a good ride in getting her home, from the west side of the D/FW Metromess to east of it in Friday rush hour. Took extra long time because it kept trying to pull into every Dairy Queen we passed for some reason.

Took me 20 years to learn to set up a Valk juuuuuuuuust how I like it. Some of that knowledge will cross over. Much of it won't.

But dang is it fun! The power is like a turbine, quiet, polite, and ZOOOOOOOM.....

Don't rib me TOO hard at Mississippi Madness and Inzane, 'k?





Blake approves.....



And Serk Jr is looking forward to taking trips in his new throne with snack holder compartments... (Kiddos were so excited about all the little nooks and crannies!)



So now the farkling begins. First thing needs a MUCH taller windshield! This one has the wind blasting me straight in my eyes, no fun!

And Mick-O pegs. And a better phone holder with charger. And better Kurakyn foot pegs, and LED lighting conversions and...... things I haven't even thought of yet...

[6adan]

  You will live the wing on trips. Only thing if you get a taller windshield, don't make it so tall that you cannot look over it if need be. I had a bad experience with a very tall windshield on a 1500 wing I had. drizzling rain in slow moving traffic at night I could not see through, around, or over it. If there had not been white lines on the side of the road I would have run off for sure. I ordered a shorter windshield the next day. 

[cookiedough]

whatever floats your boat and if the price was right, why not add to the collection right?

Sorry, sounds like the 99 I/S will be gone from the stable for someone else to enjoy.

Last few years been toying with a 2005-2008 or so Goldwing seen dozens out there in the 8K range but wife says still the 01 I/S VAlk still fits her better as well as me after test riding 2 of them.  I like to not sit so UPRIGHT as on the newer wings.  I think there is more wiggle room on our old VAlks in the seat which for larger people helps to be more comfy.

Oh yah,  Serk,  how in the world does your knees not hit the tupperware in front?  You are at least 6-7 inches taller than me and my knees on a newer wing were about 1 inch from touching the tupperware in front of my knees.  l felt somewhat cramped on it as compared to our old Valks. 

I just wish Honda would wake up and build an 1800 Valk 'old school' cruiser look without all the tupperware in front with gadgets not needed/wanted.    Not likely to happen but wishful thinking.

[Jess from VA]

Nice bike.    Zoom zoom.

Decent stereo?  Miles?

On the shield, is the vent standard OE (I guess so)?  I would experiment with it to see if I wanted or needed a vent on the replacement.  There's a vent in the fairing (like the interstate), but I had to plug mine with foam after eating too many bugs with half helmets (and only take it out for hot days).

Clearview: https://www.clearviewshields.com/motorcycle-windshields/honda/honda-touring/gold-wing-gl1800-shields/

Vent Option: Clearview Shields only uses Honda vents for the highest quality and durability. Already have a vent that is in good condition? Choose the “no vent” option and specify “vent hole only” in the notes section at checkout.

[da prez]

 One of the windshield sellers way to measure height.
 Place a marker on the ground 50 feet in front of said bike.  From the faring , hold a tape measure or rule and sight to marker. Look at the inch mark , and that should be the windshield height.  I am going from memory , so all info could , maybe , might ( it's right?} You should be in the seat in a normal position.

                                                da prez

[Willow]

Honestly a Civic is probably less expensive.   

[Beardo]

Congrats on the new ride. Be prepared for lots of DQ and stuffed animal jokes.

[Rams]

Serk,
Reference that wind screen, Clearview keeps sending me emails about a 40% discount.   I don't need a new one but, they might be able to help you out.

Rams

[Jess from VA]

My way to chose shield height is to get it between nose to eyes high sitting comfortably on a level bike.

You want to just look over sitting up comfortably, but all you need do is slouch or lean in a little to look through (like in driving rain or truck mud spatter or a cloud of migrating yellow jackets).  

I lay a fat tape measure up the center of the one I have on there, sit on the bike, and choose my new height.   How many inches over your current one?

And if you would change the seat, do that before the shield choice.

My five inch wider but stock height Interstate Clearview is perfect for my 5' 9" on a Big Boy seat.  And I got one inch lower on my other Interstate with the Lowboy seat (even though the seats can easily be swapped, I don't).

[Valkorado]

 Green with envy.

Congrats, anyway.   

[Andy Cote]

So..... This follow me home tonight.


So now the farkling begins. First thing needs a MUCH taller windshield! This one has the wind blasting me straight in my eyes, no fun!

And Mick-O pegs. And a better phone holder with charger. And better Kurakyn foot pegs, and LED lighting conversions and...... things I haven't even thought of yet...

You will be happy.  Great addition to the garage.

Mick-O-Pegs  

LED  

Kuryakyn - not so much

windshield - recommend Firecreek or Madstad with perhaps a farkle shelf (you know if goes up and down a couple inches, right?)

Phone holder - many to choose from but I like the dash mount rather than the handlebar mount.  See the Yoda mount at gl1800riders.com  https://www.gl1800riders.com/threads/yoda-gps-camera-mounts-product-review.467681/#post-5817531

[hubcapsc]

98% of the people at Mississippi Madness and InZane will be on Wings...

Nice turbine 

-Mike

[Jack B]

You will love the Wing
Congratulations

[scooperhsd]

I'd like to see a picture of Serk ON his new Gold Wing before making coments on how it fits - but I share the concern about long legs into the plastic....

And I really need a new SHORTER windshield myself. The one that came on the bike is about 5 inches too tall for me (6', with the body length of a 6'2").

[carolinarider09]

When I first got my 2007 ST-1300 I took it up to a gentlemen (Feb 2007) near Knoxville to get all the stuff added I wanted.  

With my 2015 wing its been a couple of years to get it wear I wanted it.  PIAA lights (I don't think they make them any more), Autocom comm system so everything could be interfaced (they have not had a quality product since the pandemic started, maybe later), RAM mounts on the left and right for the GPS (left) and Radar Detector (right).  Yoda's camera mount (see the Goldwing forum mentioned above), Russel Day Long Seat, Firecreek Windbender windscreen (am strongly considering purchasing the electric drive for it, I have/had been spoiled by the one on the ST.), and foot pegs for me and some different foot rests for the wife.  



Stock windscreen in the photo above and below.



Then there is the power outlet for heated gear (and oh yeah you can do the key thing and make a know instead of having to use the key, if applicable)



And the necessary Fuzblock for powering all those other things




Riders view



Just one way of doing things

[Serk]

Only thing if you get a taller windshield, don't make it so tall that you cannot look over it if need be.

Understood... For better or worse though with my height, that's something I've not yet had to deal with...

Oh yah,  Serk,  how in the world does your knees not hit the tupperware in front?  You are at least 6-7 inches taller than me and my knees on a newer wing were about 1 inch from touching the tupperware in front of my knees.  l felt somewhat cramped on it as compared to our old Valks. 

I was concerned about that, so I'd been checking out used 'wings at local dealerships the last few months to make sure, and I don't have a lotta leg room, but my knees don't hit the fairing, so I'm good... Obviously double checked on this specific one too before money changed hands and ink hit paper but I fit.....

Decent stereo?  Miles?

It's got the "audio package" it says, 80 watts per channel. I was able to blare the classic rock station on the ride home at volume levels that made me embarrassed. Ironically I'll likely rarely use it as I hate when other people on the road choose to share their music with me, and I try to avoid consciously being a hypocrite... I will likely get a Bluetooth adapter to the aux input so I can pipe my phone into the stereo at least. Maybe I'll blare Ride of the Valkyries through it on the Joe Boyd memorial ride at Inzane...

Oh, and 56k miles.

Honestly a Civic is probably less expensive.   

True... But a Civic, even if you put the fart-can exhaust on it, doesn't zoom zoom like this!

Congrats on the new ride. Be prepared for lots of DQ and stuffed animal jokes.

Bucee the Beaver (It's a Texas thing) has been on my Interstates the last several years, and my kids have already said he's one of the things that must transfer over from the Interstate, so I'm used to that aspect....  Just gotta figure out how to put him on there since the 'wing has a spoiler with a brake light instead of a luggage rack. I'll figure something out. Also gotta figure out where to put my flags...

Serk,
Reference that wind screen, Clearview keeps sending me emails about a 40% discount.   I don't need a new one but, they might be able to help you out.

Rams

Good to know, might look into that! As was referenced elsewhere, I found out last night the OEM (I'm assuming it has OEM) windshield is height adjustable, and was in the lowest position when I rode it home. Judging by the dust on the newly exposed lower portion after I raised it I don't think it'd ever been put in the taller position. I'll see if it works any better in the taller position before buying a replacement...  It didn't come with an owner's manual, luckily I found a PDF for a 2009, close enough, and have been reading that to see what else I miseed...

Mick-O-Pegs  

LED  

Kuryakyn - not so much

windshield - recommend Firecreek or Madstad with perhaps a farkle shelf (you know if goes up and down a couple inches, right?)

Phone holder - many to choose from but I like the dash mount rather than the handlebar mount.  See the Yoda mount at gl1800riders.com  https://www.gl1800riders.com/threads/yoda-gps-camera-mounts-product-review.467681/#post-5817531

I've already got a nice set of Kurakyns on my Interstate that will likely come over, and this 'wing came with some Kurakyns but I can tell they were never used, they weren't tightened at all. (The seller was a tiny little short dude, that's why he sold it after less than 800 miles, he just wasn't comfortable handling it in stop and go situations.)

NOW I know the windshield is adjustable! It was indeed in the lowest position, I'll see if the higher position helps, thanks!

I've got a nice waterproof wireless charging handlebar mount RAM Mount phone holder on my Interstate that will likely be coming over, but I'll look into the dash mount options as well, thanks!

With my 2015 wing its been a couple of years to get it wear I wanted it.

Thanks for the insight and pics! Other than a few things I KNOW will need to be done, trying to slow down and do some research before just ordering everything I want... Too easy to get into "Well X worked on my Valks, so it'll be the best thing on the 'wing" mode....

[Jersey mike]

Serk,
Reference that wind screen, Clearview keeps sending me emails about a 40% discount.   I don't need a new one but, they might be able to help you out.

Rams

Nice looking bike. Hope it brings years of miles and miles of fun, carefree and safe enjoyment 

Love my Clearview. A few years ago I picked up very clean, unmolested low mileage ‘95 Aspencade since the my ‘98 Tourer is not a good fit for Barbara. I went with the 2” shorter height with vent and I can see just right. I didn’t like the look of going taller and I do like the wind on my face. I wear a 1/2 helmet with built in drop down visor and sunglasses.

[f6gal]

98% of the people at Mississippi Madness and InZane will be on Wings...

Nice turbine 

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

It's got the "audio package" it says, 80 watts per channel. I was able to blare the classic rock station on the ride home at volume levels that made me embarrassed.

My interstates (which are never blaring) has that built in volume reducer when the bike is slowed down at stops.  It worked good for me until it somehow got switched off and I have no idea how to switch it back on; but the volume is never that loud, and if I am stopped with other's windows down, I just turn it down manually.  I bet the Wing has the auto reducer too.  

Rap music with thumper woofers at stops tend to bring on my violent psyscho episodes, so I don't do unto others either.  

And my Beethoven and Tchaikovsky at stops bring on more amusement than irritation (except for the rap people, and screw them).  

[Serk]

And my Beethoven and Tchaikovsky at stops bring on more amusement than irritation (except for the rap people, and screw them).  

I keep a few choice bagpipe tunes on tap for those occasions.... The pipes cut right through that thump thump crap and gets their attention very well...

Back when I had Rumble Road speakers on my Standard and commuted to work I had some funny interactions... Had one guy pull up at a light next to me laughing his head off and thanking me for the laugh, I couldn't figure out why, 'till I remembered seeing this pickup behind me at the prior light...

I had the following song blaring loudly, I was standing up, and casually tossing the Valk left and right between my legs to the beat of the song and loudly singing along...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMJ0L86fuYA

[Avanti]

98% of the people at Mississippi Madness and InZane will be on Wings...

Nice turbine 

-Mike

Wing Ding?

[Serk]

I'd like to see a picture of Serk ON his new Gold Wing before making coments on how it fits - but I share the concern about long legs into the plastic....

It's cozy, but there's air between my legs and the fairing... So far liking the stock seat, might consider another later after some serious miles have been ridden...

[Beardo]

 

…when you’re so big, you make a Goldwing look like a Grom.

[Serk]

…when you’re so big, you make a Goldwing look like a Grom.

Heh, I'd been riding my Valk to work for a year or so when a co-worker that'd seen me riding it into and out of the parking lot, but hadn't gone up to the bike to look at it in person said "I didn't realize just how huge that bike is until I saw it without you on it!"

...and then there was that time my buddy let me ride his brand new CBR600RR.....

[scooperhsd]

I'd like to see a picture of Serk ON his new Gold Wing before making coments on how it fits - but I share the concern about long legs into the plastic....

It's cozy, but there's air between my legs and the fairing... So far liking the stock seat, might consider another later after some serious miles have been ridden...

Lookin good !! Enjoy in good health.

That bagpipe tunes idea is a good one also....

…when you’re so big, you make a Goldwing look like a Grom.

That says it all....

[Avanti]

Nice bike for sure. I see you did not go ABS any reason?

[Sorcerer]

And my Beethoven and Tchaikovsky at stops bring on more amusement than irritation (except for the rap people, and screw them).  

I keep a few choice bagpipe tunes on tap for those occasions.... The pipes cut right through that thump thump crap and gets their attention very well...

Back when I had Rumble Road speakers on my Standard and commuted to work I had some funny interactions... Had one guy pull up at a light next to me laughing his head off and thanking me for the laugh, I couldn't figure out why, 'till I remembered seeing this pickup behind me at the prior light...

I had the following song blaring loudly, I was standing up, and casually tossing the Valk left and right between my legs to the beat of the song and loudly singing along...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMJ0L86fuYA

The Wing has a 3 setting auto volume control, AVC that is accessible from the radio control panel. On my F6B I run on #2 setting.

[carolinarider09]

Oh and don't forget the updated suspension system offered by Traxxion Dynamics in GA.  

I only did the front suspension but it made a difference in how the bike handled.  I rode the bike there stayed over night to the work done the next day.  I could then easily compare the ride there and the ride home (same roads just 24 hours apart). The handling difference was noticeable.  

https://traxxion.com/goldwing/

https://traxxion.com/product/honda-gl1800-goldwing-services/

Edited because spell check would not let me enter "Traxxion" without additional work.

[cookiedough]

that stock shield all the way up now in pics appears to be just about the right height, maybe a tad bit still too low but not horrible, I think?    My stock I/S shield on Valk is about right for me being shorter but the wind hits the top of my helmet sorta annoying but do-able.  Would be nice 1 inch higher but much more than that could NOT see OVER the shield which a few times was a MUST at night in fog, etc.

Also,  you can get a chrome luggage rack added on to around that luggage spoiler have seen them on other goldwings would be a good idea to carry the Texan furry friend and other luggage as well.

[Jess from VA]

Looking at you on the seat, it looks to me like you could use a seat that puts/allows you back at least 2-3 inches, both for your legs/knees and your arms (and make you fit the bike better).  How that works with the passenger space I have no clue (but kids are small).  I know nothing about wing seats.   If you do this don't touch the shield (yet), back will make it taller. 

[Avanti]

By the time he does all these suggestions he will not be able to afford gas.

[old2soon]

     Least ways it weren't a v-twinky!  Good lookin new too you Ride!  RIDE SAFE.

[f6gal]

Actually, Joe Boyd was big into Goldwings... his nickname was GL Joe.  It was his love of the Goldwing that led him to develop and push for the hotter, stripped down version... the Valkyrie! 

If not for Joe's persistence, the Valkyrie may never have seen the light of day.

[Beardo]

Looking at you on the seat, it looks to me like you could use a seat that puts/allows you back at least 2-3 inches, both for your legs/knees and your arms (and make you fit the bike better).  How that works with the passenger space I have no clue (but kids are small).  I know nothing about wing seats.   If you do this don't touch the shield (yet), back will make it taller. 

…or he could probably save some money and just sit on the passenger seat.

[Savago]

Congrats on the new ride (also it is the fastest color)!
 

IIRC, the 1800cc fuel injected flat six should use less gas than the carbureted 1500cc in our aging valks.

[Serk]

Nice bike for sure. I see you did not go ABS any reason?

90% this purchase was very value driven, and this was the best condition bike in the age range I was willing to go for with the high criticality farkles I wanted at a price I was willing to jump at.

10% Intellectually I know ABS on a motorcycle is a wonderful, potentially life saving feature. Emotionally, I still resist the idea of a bike overriding my input and acting on its' own. I even resent the linked brake systems they're going to now, on a purely emotional level.

The Wing has a 3 setting auto volume control, AVC that is accessible from the radio control panel. On my F6B I run on #2 setting.

Still going through the owner's manual, appreciate the heads up, I'll look into that!

(Also, I stumbled upon the trunk inside the trunk, turns out I do have the owner's manual afterall. Don't have the toolset, but the owner's manual is there at least.)

Oh and don't forget the updated suspension system offered by Traxxion Dynamics in GA.  

Appreciate the tip, the purchase of the bike (All cash) has taken a pretty big hit from my fun budget though, doubt I'll be able to swing something like that any time soon, but nice to know such options are out there!

that stock shield all the way up now in pics appears to be just about the right height, maybe a tad bit still too low but not horrible, I think?    My stock I/S shield on Valk is about right for me being shorter but the wind hits the top of my helmet sorta annoying but do-able.  Would be nice 1 inch higher but much more than that could NOT see OVER the shield which a few times was a MUST at night in fog, etc.

Also,  you can get a chrome luggage rack added on to around that luggage spoiler have seen them on other goldwings would be a good idea to carry the Texan furry friend and other luggage as well.

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!

Looking at you on the seat, it looks to me like you could use a seat that puts/allows you back at least 2-3 inches, both for your legs/knees and your arms (and make you fit the bike better).  How that works with the passenger space I have no clue (but kids are small).  I know nothing about wing seats.   If you do this don't touch the shield (yet), back will make it taller. 

Gonna make a go of it using the stock seat for a while, but understand how the seat can change the windshield height requirement. I went a little over board on a custom seat for my Interstate and had it built for _ME_. My 6'2" friend can no longer flat foot the Interstate now. But we'll see how the OEM+ Utopia back rest seat goes first.

Also the spousal unit has made a few quiet murmurings about maybe possibly thinking about considering the possibility of perhaps taking some 2-up trips, so I can't just limit the back seat to little people...

By the time he does all these suggestions he will not be able to afford gas.

Spousal unit this morning notified me now it's her turn to look for a new car, oh and she's got another parachute rig she's got her eyes on, and a spare canopy is on the way. She started to kvetch to a skydiving friend of hers that there are 3 motorcycles in our garage. He just said "And how many skydiving rigs do you currently own?"  (A full skydiving rig is about on par with what I paid for this bike, just to give an idea. I think she has 3 currently with a 4th in negotiations.)

     Least ways it weren't a v-twinky!  Good lookin new too you Ride!  RIDE SAFE.

I'll never say never, but I'll come RIGHT UP to the edge of "Never" in regards to a V-Twinkie.... I just don't have any interest in one of those...

Actually, Joe Boyd was big into Goldwings... his nickname was GL Joe.  It was his love of the Goldwing that led him to develop and push for the hotter, stripped down version... the Valkyrie! 

If not for Joe's persistence, the Valkyrie may never have seen the light of day.

Glad we had Joe at the right place at the right time! Wish we still had him, no telling what he woulda conjured up next!

…or he could probably save some money and just sit on the passenger seat.

Before I put the Utopia on the Standard I did indeed do that a few times. Before it met its untimely end I regularly rode the Silverwing from the passenger seat. Was very comfortable actually...

Congrats on the new ride (also it is the fastest color)!
 

IIRC, the 1800cc fuel injected flat six should use less gas than the carbureted 1500cc in our aging valks.

I regularly got in the 18-22MPG range on my Valkyries. I know they're capable of more, but my wrist activity has a lot to do with it I'm sure. I'm seeing reports of real world MPG in the 38-42 range for the 1800 Wings.... Remains to be seen what I'll get on one, but expecting it'll be a lot better than I got on my Valks!


While the boys were fighting and bickering over which one of them would get to be the first to get to ride on the new bike, I quietly told Kaelynn to go get ready for a ride...  Nice ride around, little on the nippy side, but with so much wind management does quite well... She said it's SO comfortable and SO quiet/smooth and FAAAAAAAST and love it. She REALLY loves the little storage compartments on either side off the passenger seat. She was able to get some fresh from the oven chocolate chip cookies from Grandma's house and store them there to munch on later...

[LTD]

Will be interesting to see if your really comfortable on this for long trips lets be honest your pretty cramped but you just might make it work.  The Victory Vision might have made a great choice with your size that bike fits overly tall people like you and me like a glove. good luck.

[Rams]

98% of the people at Mississippi Madness Spring Fling and InZane will be on Wings...

Nice turbine 

-Mike

Small correction, no intent to change the point of your post.

Rams

[ptgb]

On my 2012 it took me two weeks to find the coffee maker. I'll save you the challenge of finding it...... it's in the basement of the left saddlebag.     

[Robert]

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