Honda or nothing I guess?

[Beardo]

My wife and I just got done a nice road trip out east, did a loop around Lake Superior...fantastic trip. I had no idea there was such beautiful scenery in Ontario, Northern Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota.  Weather was fantastic, didn't realize until day 6 that I had forgotten my rain pants in my garage.

The Valk performed flawlessly. Not a hiccup, fart or burp.

So in the 2 weeks, I did 8800 km...or to put that in American, roughly LA to New York and back again. Was a great vacation. A couple hundred miles with my Valhalla friends, the rest split between solo and with the wife. Every mile was a treat.

Near the end of the trip, my wife and I were discussing the places we want to go. California. Alaska. Colorado. Tennessee/North Carolina. The Maritimes.

We came to the decision that maybe it's time to upgrade the bike. I'd leave with the Valk tomorrow for any one of those places without hesitation, but boy would cruise be nice. And more storage. And fuel injection. And more distance between fuel ups.

Started researching when we got home. Want a Tourer that still has power. The Honda 6 would be hard to give up but I wanted to keep an open mind. We have only a couple dealers in my city, so I figured I'd test what they had. I've had a Harley and I know what they're about already. I figured we'd try the Kawasaki Voyager. The reviews said it was very torquey. We convinced the dealer to let us take it for a ride. What a disappointment. NO power. No fun. Felt like it was running on 1 cyl. I actually asked the salesman if he's ever ridden another one before because I don't think it was running right. He had so he took it for a ride. Said it was running great. Ummmm...no. It isn't. Terribly gutless.

So I fugured a VTwin was going to be out. What about a boxer twin. We saw a couple BMW R1200RTs on our trip. They looked like a nice size. Not too big but big enough. Small enough for my city commute to work and big enough for touring, with the added top case. I talked to one guy, he said they were a great Tourer once he put on the Russel seat. Could we have a winner? I got the nearest Beemer dealer to price one out with the options I wanted. I watched every video on YouTube about them. Maintenance seemed easy. Some final drive issues in the earlier ones but the service advisor said they had resolved that. Then I find the catch. They aren't meant to service yourself. Well, you can but you actually have to take it to the dealer(2.5 hours away for me) to get the service reminder reset with their computer when you change the oil. And check for any error codes.  Or buy an expensive tool to do it yourself. Done. One of my pet peeves is manufacturers that take simple maintenance out of the hands of owners and makes you bring it there, then nickel and dime you. Or in the case of the Beemer, with the frequent valve adjustments thrown in, probably more like a Grand every year in maintenance. Told them I'm out.

I thought about a Rocket III, but they have their own issues and if I'm going to ride a 900lb bike, I might as well be comfortable.

So...it looks like it's time for a Goldwing for us. Didn't want to yet. I'm only 43. 

Nothing else is made like them. Simple as that. I don't like all the gizmos or all the plastic. But once I had a Honda 6, I guess I was done. It will be bigger for my city commute than I'd like, but I can always buy a dirt cheap dual sport bike for a second bike if I find the Wing to be a pain in the city.

So...I think I read somewhere to look for 2009 or up? I can't remember why that is. But we'll start looking, probably won't buy til next spring. Our trips are all done for this summer.  I do love that 40th Anniversary Red and Black one.  If anyone has any advice on Wings, I'd love to hear it.

[Rams]

Here are my suggestions,

1. Get an R & M Belly tank put on that Valkyrie.

2. Get a electronic cruise control (someone told me the Australian version is great).

3. Put a hitch on that Valkyrie and get a tag along trailer, you'll love it I promise.

4. Keep the Valkyrie, save the GW for later in life.

Edited:

5. Put a set of Mick O Pegs on that Valkyrie.   I absolutely love mine.

[Bighead]

You will have no more storage on a wing than the valk. I have both a standard converted to a tourer and an IS I can carry the same amount of luggage and so forth on the standard as the IS. Just some is
On the luggage rack instead of inside the trunk.

[msb]

Bet you can get a Victory Vision at a good price   

Seriously, IF I ever decide to get an additional bike for long distance touring it would be an F6B. Saw the one in Billings with an HD trunk/backrest attached which looked like it was made for the B. I hear what you're saying, but my IS has never left me stranded in the 15+ years I've owned her, with many long multi day/multi-week rides included over the years. Would be tough to hit the road on another.....
Linda M. just purchased a nice Black B this week to replace her VTX on longer rides

[gordonv]

If you don't want all the goodies from a GW, along with all the plastic, then stay with a Valk, but get an IS.

Owned a GW GL1500 for 3 years, rode it to my 1st InZane in SD, and loved the cruise control. But I like a cruiser better than all the plastic. So I bought an IS again. Bough a CC to add one, I hope by next year.

That and getting an ATT car tire ready for the bike, should give me the legs for longer rides, at either faster speeds or better fuel economy. Then the trailer, to carry all you want.

A lot less expensive than a GL1800.

Go to a GW meeting in your area, I know they are there. Also a Honda Day for a test ride. Loved the ride.

[Novavalker]

Pull the trigger and buy a GW. It's the best option for comfortable 2 up riding long distances.
 If possible keep the Valk too.

[Mr Whiskey]

'06 & up on the Wing. '01-'04 had some frame crack/overheating issues. Resolved by '05 but '06 & up has better audio & a few other refinements. Parts '01-'10 are almost all interchangeable. There is no '11 model, that's when they moved production from US to Japan, '12 is first year new body style & nothing from first gen swaps. I personally don't want any first year model, that's when they've got the most bugs so I don't like the '06 or the '12. I've been keepin' an eye out for an '08-'10 so all my "farkles" will swap from my '05. Really would like to find a '10 with abs & Traxxion Mega Monty suspension. (Side note; all Wing's come horribly undersprung so it really has to have suspension upgrade, & abs is a must, trust me!)
Once you go Wing, you'll stop ridin' the Valk. Power, handling, comfort, ease of maintenance (rear tire change takes me 10 min.) she jus' caint compete

[hubcapsc]

rear tire change takes me 10 min.

How do you jack it up?

-Mike

[Beardo]

If I had an Interstate, it would be fine.

Yes, I strap a tour bag onto the luggage rack and have close to the same storage as a Wing. But I challenge anyone to sit on the back of a Tourer for 3000 miles and tell me it's the same as a GW.

Mike, I thought about the F6B, but by the time I'd spend a couple grand on the seat and top box and probably a bigger windshield trying to turn it into a wing, I might as well just buy the Wing. And from what I've seen, the saddlebags on the F6B are quite a bit smaller.

You you guys that added a belly tank, cruise, hitches and trailers 10 or 15 years ago, that made sense. But I'm not going to spend that much money on a 20 year old bike. A bike that, if we had problems while on the road, most dealers or mechanics won't even work on, or if you blow a final drive on a trip, good luck getting one. Getting a bike made in this century with all parts available is a big deal. With the number of GW's on the road, mechanics will actually work on them and you can find parts.

Not to mention not having to worry about 6 carbs or hydrolock due to my bike being in storage for 6 months a year up here.

Thanks for the advice, Mr Whiskey. That's kinda what I was looking for.

And I haven't decided if I'll keep the Valk yet. Id like to but we pay such insane amounts for insurance here (I pay $160/month), I don't know if it makes sense.

[sandy]

rear tire change takes me 10 min.

How do you jack it up?

-Mike

I use a regular bike lift to work on mine but if you put it on the center stand and remove the rear fender section, the tire rolls out the back. Remember it's a single sided swingarm.  BTW: I have an '05 wing as well as a '97 Valk. Can't forget the '10 Concours.

[Sorcerer]

If you go to a GL1800 and you go with the second gen look for a 2014 or newer. In 2014 they updated they way the gears are made/ cut. Gearing is the same, just different machining. I beleave the Wing and the F6B share the same second gen side bags. Side bags between first and second gen are different.

[Sorcerer]

rear tire change takes me 10 min.

How do you jack it up?

-Mike

I use a regular bike lift to work on mine but if you put it on the center stand and remove the rear fender section, the tire rolls out the back. Remember it's a single sided swingarm.  BTW: I have an '05 wing as well as a '97 Valk. Can't forget the '10 Concours.
You can lay an GL1800 on its right side to change the rear tire also. That's how I do mine.

[hubcapsc]

rear tire change takes me 10 min.

How do you jack it up?

-Mike

I use a regular bike lift to work on mine but if you put it on the center stand and remove the rear fender section, the tire rolls out the back. Remember it's a single sided swingarm.  BTW: I have an '05 wing as well as a '97 Valk. Can't forget the '10 Concours.
You can lay an GL1800 on its right side to change the rear tire also. That's how I do mine.

I remove the rear fender section and roll my 1500 tire out the back... I can't
imagine doing that on a full blown Goldwing. And not on mine, either, I had
to take the rear fender section off to install the bags. It wasn't really "hard",
but there were a lot of little bits and pieces...



I'm real suspect of the "push it over" method too 

-Mike

[Dave Ritsema]

If I had an Interstate, it would be fine.

Yes, I strap a tour bag onto the luggage rack and have close to the same storage as a Wing. But I challenge anyone to sit on the back of a Tourer for 3000 miles and tell me it's the same as a GW.

Mike, I thought about the F6B, but by the time I'd spend a couple grand on the seat and top box and probably a bigger windshield trying to turn it into a wing, I might as well just buy the Wing. And from what I've seen, the saddlebags on the F6B are quite a bit smaller.

You you guys that added a belly tank, cruise, hitches and trailers 10 or 15 years ago, that made sense. But I'm not going to spend that much money on a 20 year old bike. A bike that, if we had problems while on the road, most dealers or mechanics won't even work on, or if you blow a final drive on a trip, good luck getting one. Getting a bike made in this century with all parts available is a big deal. With the number of GW's on the road, mechanics will actually work on them and you can find parts.

Not to mention not having to worry about 6 carbs or hydrolock due to my bike being in storage for 6 months a year up here.

Thanks for the advice, Mr Whiskey. That's kinda what I was looking for.

And I haven't decided if I'll keep the Valk yet. Id like to but we pay such insane amounts for insurance here (I pay $160/month), I don't know if it makes sense.

I have owned 2 Valkyries, an F6B and now a 2015 Anniversary Wing. The F6B and GoldWing bags are identical. Even with the top box I could carry more on the F6B with a TBag on the rear passenger backrest. If you dont want all the gadgets a 2015 and newer F6B deluxe will have cruise, heated grips, a centerstand and self cancelling turn signals not to mention a much improved suspension over the Valkyrie. I found the stock seat on an F6B to be much more comfortable than the stock GoldWing seat.

The biggest reason I went to a full Wing is my wife was used to being tucked into the tour pack on our Interstate and that is what she preferred. Other than that the F6B is a darn fine motorcycle and there are deals to be had on them out there.

[robin]

rear tire change takes me 10 min.

How do you jack it up?

-Mike

You don't Mike you just lay it on it's side and take the tire off done
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJo288XYvT0

[Danny McMillin]

On the Wing...Place on center stand, take the rear center panel off, and roll tire/wheel straight out back!!

Comments slay me about waiting for Gold Wing until later age! Been riding Wings for 42 years!

 Was thinking about getting a recliner; I've heard they are comfy while watching TV, but guess I should wait until I'm old and wore out before I buy one! It would be a shame to be  comfy while I'm young! Never seen the law about not owning both; I pick and choose!!

[Mr Whiskey]

rear tire change takes me 10 min.

How do you jack it up?

-Mike

Easy-peasy... I don't



& with trailer hitch "out the back" aint an option.

[Robert]

I laugh because the same thoughts that went through your mind went through mine about what to choose. Each the Goldwing, F6B, F6C all have different seating positions so I would sit on each. I didn't like the weight size or command console of the wing or the B. With the Wing and the B you are pretty much a small car, yet the C doesn't give you this feeling and you can get in tighter spots and its easier maneuvering in parking or backing. The brakes are easier to apply on the wing and the B and the suspension is much softer also in comparison to the C. None of the bikes is a slouch but the C moves easier. The Wing and the B are the same bikes really and when I drove my friends B I was glad I chose the C since the B was to soft and it was more point and go. Price is also a thought Wings 22, B 16, C 11. Wing has all options B has less and C none. I am on my bike pretty much everyday and go to dinner on it and park it in spots that a bigger bike would have issues with. So use would be a consideration also. Good luck

[bagelboy]

I have my '97 Valk Tourer and my '05 Goldwing. I know you said insurance is high, and that' really sucks. In New York, my combined insurance on both is $350/ year.  I can't tell you how nice it is to have two completely differant bikes. The Goldwing is a different ride altogether. Both are awesome, so I think trading to a Goldwing will not be a disappointment. By the way, when my wife rides with me, she insists I take the Goldwing. Best of luck!

[Beardo]

Thanks Robert and bagelboy.

I think the deciding factor comes down to "Happy wife, happy life".

I showed her the seat on the GW, she got a little excited. 

I have the full Ultimate set on my Valk, and it's way better than stock but you can't compare them to a GW.

She's only chosen to ride with me the last couple years and we are really enjoying putting on the miles together.  We were married at 21 and had kids at 23, didn't ever have the money or the time to travel together when we were younger. We're enjoying the hell out of it now.

My first post was as much a statement to the sad state of the other touring bikes available out there. I was shocked at how terrible the Voyager was. So many reviews I saw said it had a powerful 1700cc engine. If that's power, they'd never ridden a 20 year old Valkyrie.

I was tempted to wait and try the new Yamaha Venture, but I think I'm done with twins altogether. And $30K+ is approaching Harley stupidity.

[gordonv]

In BC we have Collector insurance. You have to match your principle vehicle. For me, I paid less than $200 a year for my GW GL1500. Mine was an 88'. You have to be 25 or more years old.

I could afford to have insurance and ride year round. Nice living by the coast sometimes.

[Bighead]

Beardo the challenge has been met I am now 6 days into a 16 day ride and have logged well
Over 2000 miles so far. I took ny wife a few years back and rode a wing all day and when we returned I asked Her what she thought and she said she preffered the Valk over the wing guess. What Instill own the '97 valk and No Wing. So it is ALL w matter of preference.
Oh and BTW it seems your mind is set on a GW not
 Your wifes mind so if that is what you want Go for it.

[Pappy!]

Beardo....correct me if I am wrong. You both just rode the equiv. of cross country and back on the Valk with Ultimates on it. She loved it and is ready to do more of it. Sounds like you have the right bike for the moment at the moment.  That is big bux just to get a bit more comfortable seat when she is already happy and at this point it is big bux for that option not knowing if the seat is really that much better. That is a bunch of travel money saved if you can do with what you have. Spend it on more trips until you NEED more comfort! My .02 !

[Beardo]

Beardo....correct me if I am wrong. You both just rode the equiv. of cross country and back on the Valk with Ultimates on it. She loved it and is ready to do more of it. Sounds like you have the right bike for the moment at the moment.  That is big bux just to get a bit more comfortable seat when she is already happy and at this point it is big bux for that option not knowing if the seat is really that much better. That is a bunch of travel money saved if you can do with what you have. Spend it on more trips until you NEED more comfort! My .02 !

I see your point and appreciate the advice. But it's not just the seat. As I said earlier, its cruise control. It's not having to stop as often for fuel if we don't want to. It's parts availability. It's fuel injection. It's a matter of upgrading to a 10 or 15 year newer bike. 

Some people have cabins at the lake, some have 30' campers, some have boats. We chose to spend our recreation $$ on a bike because we enjoy it.  A used GW isn't going to break us.

[msb]

Beardo....correct me if I am wrong. You both just rode the equiv. of cross country and back on the Valk with Ultimates on it. She loved it and is ready to do more of it. Sounds like you have the right bike for the moment at the moment.  That is big bux just to get a bit more comfortable seat when she is already happy and at this point it is big bux for that option not knowing if the seat is really that much better. That is a bunch of travel money saved if you can do with what you have. Spend it on more trips until you NEED more comfort! My .02 !

.  A used GW isn't going to break us.

.....and I'll still let you ride with us...though I won't stand for any snickering and comparing top up amounts at the gas pump

[The emperor has no clothes]

We rented a GoldWing for Oss's ride last October. I was very pleased with it. I still like my Interstate better, but the GW handles well and was very comfortable . I think you guys will be happy with one. 

[Robert]

Thanks Robert and bagelboy.

I think the deciding factor comes down to "Happy wife, happy life".

I showed her the seat on the GW, she got a little excited. 

YUP understood 

[Ken Tarver]

Beardo,
Don't like the power of Voyager? Won't on the Venture either.
A side note about trailer hitch on the 1800 wing and removing the wheel; most of the hitches are made so that the rear center of the hitch can be removed so the wheel can still be rolled out the back. No need to lay bike over on its side.
First wing I bought was a new '97 GL1500 Aspencade, I was 46, I sure didn't think I was old. Enjoyed that bike for 100,000 miles, since then an '05 & '08 GL1800 (42k & 91k miles); enjoying my Valkyries too!!! Get what YOU like.

Ken

[Alpha Dog]

Beardo....correct me if I am wrong. You both just rode the equiv. of cross country and back on the Valk with Ultimates on it. She loved it and is ready to do more of it. Sounds like you have the right bike for the moment at the moment.  That is big bux just to get a bit more comfortable seat when she is already happy and at this point it is big bux for that option not knowing if the seat is really that much better. That is a bunch of travel money saved if you can do with what you have. Spend it on more trips until you NEED more comfort! My .02 !

I see your point and appreciate the advice. But it's not just the seat. As I said earlier, its cruise control. It's not having to stop as often for fuel if we don't want to. It's parts availability. It's fuel injection. It's a matter of upgrading to a 10 or 15 year newer bike. 

Some people have cabins at the lake, some have 30' campers, some have boats. We chose to spend our recreation $$ on a bike because we enjoy it.  A used GW isn't going to break us.

For what your parameters are it sounds like the wing would be a perfect choice.  Since you are not in a hurry the new 18 wing with all sorts of tech and gizmo upgrades should be out maybe this year, or early next.  I am sure it will fetch a price similar to the Venture though.  Usually not a good idea to buy the first model year, however with Honda, they are darn near always ready to go out of the box with little failure.  Anyway it is a nice dilemma you folks have finding the right bike for the next few months.

[Beardo]

Beardo....correct me if I am wrong. You both just rode the equiv. of cross country and back on the Valk with Ultimates on it. She loved it and is ready to do more of it. Sounds like you have the right bike for the moment at the moment.  That is big bux just to get a bit more comfortable seat when she is already happy and at this point it is big bux for that option not knowing if the seat is really that much better. That is a bunch of travel money saved if you can do with what you have. Spend it on more trips until you NEED more comfort! My .02 !

I see your point and appreciate the advice. But it's not just the seat. As I said earlier, its cruise control. It's not having to stop as often for fuel if we don't want to. It's parts availability. It's fuel injection. It's a matter of upgrading to a 10 or 15 year newer bike.  

Some people have cabins at the lake, some have 30' campers, some have boats. We chose to spend our recreation $$ on a bike because we enjoy it.  A used GW isn't going to break us.

For what your parameters are it sounds like the wing would be a perfect choice.  Since you are not in a hurry the new 18 wing with all sorts of tech and gizmo upgrades should be out maybe this year, or early next.  I am sure it will fetch a price similar to the Venture though.  Usually not a good idea to buy the first model year, however with Honda, they are darn near always ready to go out of the box with little failure.  Anyway it is a nice dilemma you folks have finding the right bike for the next few months.

I'm sorta hoping with the new model coming out, that it'll be amazing, resulting in a flood of used ones coming on the market driving down prices.  

[cookiedough]

Just throwing it out there, but what about a honda ST1300 or yamaha FJR1300?  Fuel injected,  most have easy removeable side and top bags,  aftermarket seat can be comfy (or so I have heard?),  some have cruise control added (I think, not sure?),  adjustable windshield, and larger gas tank able to go longer distances and still pack what you need, plus is faster than our Valkyrie and Goldwings.

Go test drive one, cannot hurt?  I have seen one locally with 30K miles for 3 grand in silver color peaked my interest. 

Most used ones are in that 3-6K range to buy good bang for your buck I think?

[Beardo]

Just throwing it out there, but what about a honda ST1300 or yamaha FJR1300?  Fuel injected,  most have easy removeable side and top bags,  aftermarket seat can be comfy (or so I have heard?),  some have cruise control added (I think, not sure?),  adjustable windshield, and larger gas tank able to go longer distances and still pack what you need, plus is faster than our Valkyrie and Goldwings.

Go test drive one, cannot hurt?  I have seen one locally with 30K miles for 3 grand in silver color peaked my interest. 

Most used ones are in that 3-6K range to buy good bang for your buck I think?

Funny you should mention those. We ran into a couple guys at the border on their way to the Yukon. One had an ST, the other had a BMW1200RT. We talked quite a bit, the Beemer looked to be a little bigger and had more storage I think. He loved talking about his bike (who doesn't) and he gave me his email address. We've exchanged a few emails back and forth since (aren't bikers awesome?!). The maintenance costs and up front costs ruled it out in the end. They are $25,000ish. I have an issue with taking a loan out for a recreation item and a good used GW can be had for $12-15,000, so with some good hard serious saving for the next 10 months or so, it's doable.

The FJ seems to be a little more on the sport side of the sport tourers. I had to stop riding sport bikes a few years ago on account of a bad disk in my lower back. Does seem to be a fun bike though, for sure.

The ST, was a serious consideration but I figured while it checked off most of the boxes, the check marks for the GW were all a little bigger.

[Jack B]

Just throwing it out there, but what about a honda ST1300 or yamaha FJR1300?  Fuel injected,  most have easy removeable side and top bags,  aftermarket seat can be comfy (or so I have heard?),  some have cruise control added (I think, not sure?),  adjustable windshield, and larger gas tank able to go longer distances and still pack what you need, plus is faster than our Valkyrie and Goldwings.

Go test drive one, cannot hurt?  I have seen one locally with 30K miles for 3 grand in silver color peaked my interest. 

Most used ones are in that 3-6K range to buy good bang for your buck I think?

I had a ST1300 it is a fast fun bike but the Goldwing is the way to go your wife will be happy sitting back there. I have a F6B for me it marks all the boxes - power, comfort, handling, looks, etc. with the ST I felt like I was hanging on with the Wing it feels like I am in the bike.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Just throwing it out there, but what about a honda ST1300 or yamaha FJR1300?  Fuel injected,  most have easy removeable side and top bags,  aftermarket seat can be comfy (or so I have heard?),  some have cruise control added (I think, not sure?),  adjustable windshield, and larger gas tank able to go longer distances and still pack what you need, plus is faster than our Valkyrie and Goldwings.

Go test drive one, cannot hurt?  I have seen one locally with 30K miles for 3 grand in silver color peaked my interest. 

Most used ones are in that 3-6K range to buy good bang for your buck I think?

Funny you should mention those. We ran into a couple guys at the border on their way to the Yukon. One had an ST, the other had a BMW1200RT. We talked quite a bit, the Beemer looked to be a little bigger and had more storage I think. He loved talking about his bike (who doesn't) and he gave me his email address. We've exchanged a few emails back and forth since (aren't bikers awesome?!). The maintenance costs and up front costs ruled it out in the end. They are $25,000ish. I have an issue with taking a loan out for a recreation item and a good used GW can be had for $12-15,000, so with some good hard serious saving for the next 10 months or so, it's doable.

The FJ seems to be a little more on the sport side of the sport tourers. I had to stop riding sport bikes a few years ago on account of a bad disk in my lower back. Does seem to be a fun bike though, for sure.

The ST, was a serious consideration but I figured while it checked off most of the boxes, the check marks for the GW were all a little bigger.

My wife HATED the position on the BMW.

[Dave Ritsema]

[/quote]My wife HATED the position on the BMW.
[/quote]

We looked at the Honda ST for maybe 30 seconds and my wife said...uhh. NO. I don't even have to get on it to tell you I hate it. LOL

With either the full wing or the F6B, Momma should be plenty happy.

[bagelboy]

I have the Ultimate seats on my Valkyrie, but my wife still likes the GL1800 better. If she comes, she won't even get on the Valkyrie. Just saying....

[hubcapsc]

I have the Ultimate seats on my Valkyrie, but my wife still likes the GL1800 better. If she comes, she won't even get on the Valkyrie. Just saying....

My wife's just the opposite  ...



-Mike "GL1800's OK for me, though..."