The New Gold Wing is here!

[98valk]

I guess I have spent too much time with DDT.

While I do understand that some replacement parts can be harder to get and one may have to wait while it's shipped if you're broke down, I have no reservations about riding anywhere, any distance on my Valkyrie.    I feel quite certain, my ass will break down long before my fat lady.   

Ron I feel much as you but when was the last time you were on your valk with no other means of transportation 2k miles from home? That is why I bought a wing and it will only be used on my long summer trips 2k+ miles one way. I would have zero reservations on a cross country trip on my bee but if something did happen then what?

Being honest, I haven't been 2K miles away from home on my Valkyrie.   A thousand plus miles, yes.    Just this past summer, twice.    I'm not knocking any Wing, it's just not the bike I want to ride.   If a Wing turns yer crank, then I'm happy for you.

If something happens, then we go to Plan B.   There's always a Plan B, it varies depending on the circumstances.   I'll probably do the same thing you'd do if and when that Wing breaks.   

It ain't really turining my crank as you say but parts are available in short order whereas the phat girl parts are not. So had to think of the what if factor. Don't get me wrong the Valk is the best machine I have owned and it will not be replaced with my new wing but  the wing will be making the long  2-5k mile trips . I do make long hauls and do so every year. So the wing will do most of those trips but the Valks will do the rest .

what wear item parts do u feel are not available on a road trip for the phat girl?

[Beardo]

I guess I have spent too much time with DDT.

While I do understand that some replacement parts can be harder to get and one may have to wait while it's shipped if you're broke down, I have no reservations about riding anywhere, any distance on my Valkyrie.    I feel quite certain, my ass will break down long before my fat lady.   

Ron I feel much as you but when was the last time you were on your valk with no other means of transportation 2k miles from home? That is why I bought a wing and it will only be used on my long summer trips 2k+ miles one way. I would have zero reservations on a cross country trip on my bee but if something did happen then what?

Being honest, I haven't been 2K miles away from home on my Valkyrie.   A thousand plus miles, yes.    Just this past summer, twice.    I'm not knocking any Wing, it's just not the bike I want to ride.   If a Wing turns yer crank, then I'm happy for you.

If something happens, then we go to Plan B.   There's always a Plan B, it varies depending on the circumstances.   I'll probably do the same thing you'd do if and when that Wing breaks.   

It ain't really turining my crank as you say but parts are available in short order whereas the phat girl parts are not. So had to think of the what if factor. Don't get me wrong the Valk is the best machine I have owned and it will not be replaced with my new wing but  the wing will be making the long  2-5k mile trips . I do make long hauls and do so every year. So the wing will do most of those trips but the Valks will do the rest .

Agree with you completely Bighead. For the same reason, I’m looking for a GW. Don’t really like them. I don’t like plastic. Don’t like the ridiculous number of buttons. Don’t like that the air filter takes hours to replace. I prefer classic styling. I don’t want to feel like I’m riding a Civic or an Accord.

But the truth is, I’ve test ridden every other darn bike that is currently for sale and none compare to the Honda 6. I test rode a new 2017 Ultra Limited today. I figured hey, it’s more classically styled, has only about 6 buttons per side, it has the new Milwaukee 8 that brings it into the 90’s, it’s probably pretty good. What a disappointment though. First through third was ok but was pretty gutless beyond that. Suspension was ok, it ate up the bumps but it dipped badly when braking. Felt terribly cramped. I didn’t have the better half with me but I felt like she’d have been too close. Still vibrates pretty bad, although not as bad as they once were.

For 2-up long distance touring...the GW appears to have no competition...with the exception maybe of the BMW1600, but price, reliability and a far away dealer cancel that out.  I’m past the point of caring what I look like or what other people think. It’s about the practicality, reliability and comfort of the wing. The plastic sucks but so be it.

Will keep my eyes open for a 12+ and ride the hell out of it. I like how the new one is narrower and lighter. But why buy a new one when the older ones are tried and tested. Lots of low mile ones out there, especially here in Canada with such a short riding season.

[Rams]

For 2-up long distance touring...the GW appears to have no competition...with the exception maybe of the BMW1600, but price, reliability and a far away dealer cancel that out.  I’m past the point of caring what I look like or what other people think. It’s about the practicality, reliability and comfort of the wing. The plastic sucks but so be it.

This, I can fully understand and just like every other decision we make, it's a personal choice.
I am not knocking Wings and I also think the new Wing is something to behold, it's just not for me.    But then, neither are the other Wings.    Ride what ever you ride and enjoy it.   

[cookiedough]

For 2-up long distance touring...the GW appears to have no competition...with the exception maybe of the BMW1600, but price, reliability and a far away dealer cancel that out.  I’m past the point of caring what I look like or what other people think. It’s about the practicality, reliability and comfort of the wing. The plastic sucks but so be it.

This, I can fully understand and just like every other decision we make, it's a personal choice.
I am not knocking Wings and I also think the new Wing is something to behold, it's just not for me.    But then, neither are the other Wings.    Ride what ever you ride and enjoy it.   

well said,  I ride my 250cc scooter about 1500 miles per year and dont give a rats hoo-eee what others think of me while on it.  Not my long distance tourer of course but makes me feel good putting in 1.9 gallons of gas over 110 miles to the tank easily still able to get a speeding ticket doing 70 mph.

[RDKLL]

Cornering ABS...have not heard or read it being mentioned. It probably does not have it or they would be touting it...deal breaker on any new bike if not available...Cornering ABS and MSC Motorcycle Stability Control
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHRWg91hv-M

[Hook#3287]

what wear item parts do u feel are not available on a road trip for the phat girl?

I was thinking the same, plus if a gold wing broke down on the road, you're most likely going to need a dealer to fix it.  How many stories here of Valks being fixed on the road by Vrcc members?

I feel the simplicity of a Valk is what makes it the perfect long haul machine.

Not to mention, their just really cool bikes

I test road a new style wing back in 01.  It felt like a 2 wheeled civic.

I'm sure the newest one handles and goes excellent, but the plastic covering and  4 thousand buttons, is to much for my taste.

[Michvalk]

As for all the buttons, you can get the basic bike, and add a trunk.....JS

[Hook#3287]

Looking at the new wing, I wonder what it looks like under the bottom front plastic thingy?

If you could lose it, it would increase the looks of a great looking ride.

I'm sure it would change the aerodynamics, but might be worth it and there might be a place to mount pegs.

[dinosnake]

The review by Rider Mag stated that with the new engine configuration they hope to get 42 mpg which offsets the 1.1 gallon reduction in fuel to a hefty 230 miles per tank of fuel.  Even on a good day my 2006 never got close to 38 mpgs.

My 2014 Valk constantly gets 42MPG, with a high of 49.  Yet another reason to get with the 2000's and upgrade, folks!! 

And I pretty much use the most of the tank, not considering a fillup until 220 miles, with the most I've ever put in as 5.5 gallons. 

Therefore, if they expect the new Wing to get 42, with 1.1 gallons less fuel, I'm sorry, but you're gonna feel it, regardless of what they're saying.

[mrtlc]

Lets just RIDE

[art]

Love the looks of my (new) 75 Wing. No plastic covering everything and a total price of $750.  now if I can just get the carbs synced.

[jimmytee]

 

I swear, reading some of the comments , something like this comes to mind.

[Carpet]

unlike the 2015 you can get parts for wings for ever. I'D be more interested in a left over 2015 2016  new wing myself

[RDKLL]

I swear, reading some of the comments , something like this comes to mind.

Funny and true!

[Raider]

I guess I have spent too much time with DDT.

While I do understand that some replacement parts can be harder to get and one may have to wait while it's shipped if you're broke down, I have no reservations about riding anywhere, any distance on my Valkyrie.    I feel quite certain, my ass will break down long before my fat lady.   

Ron I feel much as you but when was the last time you were on your valk with no other means of transportation 2k miles from home? That is why I bought a wing and it will only be used on my long summer trips 2k+ miles one way. I would have zero reservations on a cross country trip on my bee but if something did happen then what?

Being honest, I haven't been 2K miles away from home on my Valkyrie.   A thousand plus miles, yes.    Just this past summer, twice.    I'm not knocking any Wing, it's just not the bike I want to ride.   If a Wing turns yer crank, then I'm happy for you.

If something happens, then we go to Plan B.   There's always a Plan B, it varies depending on the circumstances.   I'll probably do the same thing you'd do if and when that Wing breaks.   

It ain't really turining my crank as you say but parts are available in short order whereas the phat girl parts are not. So had to think of the what if factor. Don't get me wrong the Valk is the best machine I have owned and it will not be replaced with my new wing but  the wing will be making the long  2-5k mile trips . I do make long hauls and do so every year. So the wing will do most of those trips but the Valks will do the rest .

Agree with you completely Bighead. For the same reason, I’m looking for a GW. Don’t really like them. I don’t like plastic. Don’t like the ridiculous number of buttons. Don’t like that the air filter takes hours to replace. I prefer classic styling. I don’t want to feel like I’m riding a Civic or an Accord.

But the truth is, I’ve test ridden every other darn bike that is currently for sale and none compare to the Honda 6. I test rode a new 2017 Ultra Limited today. I figured hey, it’s more classically styled, has only about 6 buttons per side, it has the new Milwaukee 8 that brings it into the 90’s, it’s probably pretty good. What a disappointment though. First through third was ok but was pretty gutless beyond that. Suspension was ok, it ate up the bumps but it dipped badly when braking. Felt terribly cramped. I didn’t have the better half with me but I felt like she’d have been too close. Still vibrates pretty bad, although not as bad as they once were.

For 2-up long distance touring...the GW appears to have no competition...with the exception maybe of the BMW1600, but price, reliability and a far away dealer cancel that out.  I’m past the point of caring what I look like or what other people think. It’s about the practicality, reliability and comfort of the wing. The plastic sucks but so be it.

Will keep my eyes open for a 12+ and ride the hell out of it. I like how the new one is narrower and lighter. But why buy a new one when the older ones are tried and tested. Lots of low mile ones out there, especially here in Canada with such a short riding season.

I'm with you on this, Beardo.  I bet there will be some great sales coming up on some 17s!

[Bighead]

 How many stories here of Valks being fixed on the road by Vrcc members?

I have in the last year and a half been on the road and had to make repairs all were able to be done but none were really major alternator,wheel bearings and an electrical problem.
Had to go to three places to find 2 bearings and by luck a dealer had an alternator for a 1500 wing.
Don't get me wrong I love my Valkyries both of them and as stated they are not going anywhere.
(The wing got 45 mpg on my first ride.)
It was a left over 2016 and I got a smokin deal on it.

[Beardo]

My local dealer has a leftover 2016, it’s their demo model, has 2000 miles on it. The manager has been riding it like his personal bike. It’s listed on their website for the original MSRP. I went in several times over the last couple months to look at it, it was never there, the boss had it somewhere. Seemed like they weren’t too interested in selling it. I went in last week and it was finally there.

I was the only customer in the place. Walked in the door past 2 salesmen who were chatting about their weekend. Walked over to the GW, looked it over...obviously interested. 2 other salesmen sitting at their desks in their office with a clear line of sight to me, neither asked me if I need a hand. I finally had to go to one of the offices and ask for help. He didn’t shake my hand, introduce himself or ask my name.  I saw that it has miles on it, I asked what the price was, being that it wasn’t new anymore and a 2016, has flat spots on the tires already. He said $27800. Original new price was $28 something. They took a whole $1000 off because they used it and is almost 2 years old now. Wouldn’t budge $1. I said I’ve done my research, there are 0 mile ‘16’s online in Canada for $26,500, I’d give him that. Oh, but this is an airbag model, that adds $1000, he said.      He didn’t budge, didn’t get my number to call me back, nothing.

I said I’ll maybe see you in the spring. Maybe the 2018’s will show up, the manager will get his new demo toy to play with and they’ll actually want to sell the ‘16. I got the impression they weren’t supposed to sell it. They sure didn’t seem interested in selling.

Contrast that to the visit to the Harley dealer I went to a couple days ago to look at a new Ultra Limited. Salesman met me at the door, took me right to the bikes, almost forced me to take one for a test ride. Unfortunately for him, the test ride was a mistake on his part, it didn’t impress me at all. But the experience was so much better there.

[hubcapsc]

2 salesmen who were chatting about their weekend. Walked over to the GW, looked it over...obviously interested. 2 other salesmen sitting at their desks in their office with a clear line of sight to me, neither asked me if I need a hand.

A few years ago I went to the Honda (Kawasaki/Yamaha/whatever) shop to
look at a Kawasaki Versys... I'd seen a couple of them while out on a ride
and thought they were pretty cool looking little bikes... after I sat on one in
the showroom for a while clicking through the gears and maybe making
vroom-vroom sounds while getting ignored by numerous salesmen, I
left...

You're right about the Harley shop...

-Mike "until they find out you're looking to see if their lights will fit on your Honda's lightbar  "

[northernvalk]

I have had similar experience....I think the heart of it all is pay. Let face it, here in Canada, HDs are VERY over priced and I would highly suspect that the sales commission is much higher also. Plus, as you stated, the bikes are altogether Underwhelming so the "lifestyle" is promoted much harder...My family friend was a honda/polaris/HD dealer for a LONG time.  Had the highest Polaris sales in North America  for a couple years! He got out of everything EXCEPT HD.  they didn't want thier bikes sold along side Hondas so he was given an ultimatum. He said the choice was easy (that's saying something from a guy who used to factory race for Polaris sleds).  HDs make him WAY more money! More $80 tee shirts, WAY more parts and repairs, WAY more margin on machine sales!!! I know it sucks, but I would much rather have a reliable, powerfully and less expensive bike than a club house atmosphere when I go to my dealer......

[98valk]

My local dealer has a leftover 2016, it’s their demo model, has 2000 miles on it. The manager has been riding it like his personal bike. It’s listed on their website for the original MSRP. I went in several times over the last couple months to look at it, it was never there, the boss had it somewhere. Seemed like they weren’t too interested in selling it. I went in last week and it was finally there.

I was the only customer in the place. Walked in the door past 2 salesmen who were chatting about their weekend. Walked over to the GW, looked it over...obviously interested. 2 other salesmen sitting at their desks in their office with a clear line of sight to me, neither asked me if I need a hand. I finally had to go to one of the offices and ask for help. He didn’t shake my hand, introduce himself or ask my name.  I saw that it has miles on it, I asked what the price was, being that it wasn’t new anymore and a 2016, has flat spots on the tires already. He said $27800. Original new price was $28 something. They took a whole $1000 off because they used it and is almost 2 years old now. Wouldn’t budge $1. I said I’ve done my research, there are 0 mile ‘16’s online in Canada for $26,500, I’d give him that. Oh, but this is an airbag model, that adds $1000, he said.      He didn’t budge, didn’t get my number to call me back, nothing.

I said I’ll maybe see you in the spring. Maybe the 2018’s will show up, the manager will get his new demo toy to play with and they’ll actually want to sell the ‘16. I got the impression they weren’t supposed to sell it. They sure didn’t seem interested in selling.

Contrast that to the visit to the Harley dealer I went to a couple days ago to look at a new Ultra Limited. Salesman met me at the door, took me right to the bikes, almost forced me to take one for a test ride. Unfortunately for him, the test ride was a mistake on his part, it didn’t impress me at all. But the experience was so much better there.

and a very good chance they rolled the mileage back.  I've seen it done, there are people on the side and that is all they do for demo vehicles.

[Beardo]

My local dealer has a leftover 2016, it’s their demo model, has 2000 miles on it. The manager has been riding it like his personal bike. It’s listed on their website for the original MSRP. I went in several times over the last couple months to look at it, it was never there, the boss had it somewhere. Seemed like they weren’t too interested in selling it. I went in last week and it was finally there.

I was the only customer in the place. Walked in the door past 2 salesmen who were chatting about their weekend. Walked over to the GW, looked it over...obviously interested. 2 other salesmen sitting at their desks in their office with a clear line of sight to me, neither asked me if I need a hand. I finally had to go to one of the offices and ask for help. He didn’t shake my hand, introduce himself or ask my name.  I saw that it has miles on it, I asked what the price was, being that it wasn’t new anymore and a 2016, has flat spots on the tires already. He said $27800. Original new price was $28 something. They took a whole $1000 off because they used it and is almost 2 years old now. Wouldn’t budge $1. I said I’ve done my research, there are 0 mile ‘16’s online in Canada for $26,500, I’d give him that. Oh, but this is an airbag model, that adds $1000, he said.      He didn’t budge, didn’t get my number to call me back, nothing.

I said I’ll maybe see you in the spring. Maybe the 2018’s will show up, the manager will get his new demo toy to play with and they’ll actually want to sell the ‘16. I got the impression they weren’t supposed to sell it. They sure didn’t seem interested in selling.

Contrast that to the visit to the Harley dealer I went to a couple days ago to look at a new Ultra Limited. Salesman met me at the door, took me right to the bikes, almost forced me to take one for a test ride. Unfortunately for him, the test ride was a mistake on his part, it didn’t impress me at all. But the experience was so much better there.

and a very good chance they rolled the mileage back.  I've seen it done, there are people on the side and that is all they do for demo vehicles.

Wouldn’t surprise me one bit. It’s been out all summer...and probably last summer too. The flat spot on the rear tire appeared to show more than what should have been gone after 2000 miles. Although I know GW’s do go through tires quickly, so I dunno.

I asked the salesman if the often-expensive first service had been done on it yet, he said it’s had 2. Seemed strange for a bike with 2000 miles??  That could have just been an oil change last fall and then the full first service this year, who knows.

[Reb]

Folks on the GL1800riders site are already knocking on dealers doors trying to put money down.

Doesn't sound like they are hitting the US until February.

[jimmytee]

2 salesmen who were chatting about their weekend. Walked over to the GW, looked it over...obviously interested. 2 other salesmen sitting at their desks in their office with a clear line of sight to me, neither asked me if I need a hand.

A few years ago I went to the Honda (Kawasaki/Yamaha/whatever) shop to
look at a Kawasaki Versys... I'd seen a couple of them while out on a ride
and thought they were pretty cool looking little bikes... after I sat on one in
the showroom for a while clicking through the gears and maybe making
vroom-vroom sounds while getting ignored by numerous salesmen, I
left...

You're right about the Harley shop...

-Mike "until they find out you're looking to see if their lights will fit on your Honda's lightbar  "

Heck I don't know about other shops and I guessing I could get a better deal, but I have been getting an ad on Facebook from a dealer in Bloomington, IN selling a brand new 2017 Goldwing Navi whatever that MSRPd at nearly $28k on sale for $22 k  . So I would definitely look elsewhere.  

[Bighead]

Gave $18k for a new 2016 with zero miles just two months ago

[jimmytee]

Gave $18k for a new 2016 with zero miles just two months ago

This is the 17 I was referring to. I'd bet a better deal could be haggled and even better deals yet to come on 17s or older.
http://www.bloomingtonpowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=4078602&p=1&make=honda&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&model=gold%20wing%C2%AE%20audio%20comfort%20navi%20xm&fr=xAllInventory

[Mr Whiskey]

Gave $18k for a new 2016 with zero miles just two months ago

This is the 17 I was referring to. I'd bet a better deal could be haggled and even better deals yet to come on 17s or older.
http://www.bloomingtonpowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=4078602&p=1&make=honda&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&model=gold%20wing%C2%AE%20audio%20comfort%20navi%20xm&fr=xAllInventory

Yeah, they're gonna have a hard time gettin' 20K for those now.
I 'spect the new model is the reason show room inventories had been slim.

[specialdose]

     Do not know how much faith you can put in this article as to where they got their numbers, but if it is true, this thing should be a rocket.   126 HP.............

   https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/bikes/new-honda-grazia-scooter-bookings-open-official-teaser-released/articleshow/61218575.cms this link is not coming up right, it is from The Times of India