Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: jamiemac on August 07, 2018, 06:12:27 PM

Title: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing (decided to get one)
Post by: jamiemac on August 07, 2018, 06:12:27 PM
Sat on a couple, and fiddled with the buttons. Seat seems comfy. Couldn't really get a good idea of foot peg placement and comfort. They offered me a test ride, but I'm not quite up to that yet. It appears smaller than the previous gen model that was parked close by. Also, it's supposed to be 100 pounds lighter. Looking forward to a test ride when My knee and shoulder are a little stronger. They're good looking machines.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: eng943 on August 07, 2018, 09:12:47 PM
I've looked at it myself. Impressive, but not interested. Too much bike, I want less weight not more.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: connie14boy on August 07, 2018, 09:45:03 PM
Sat on a couple, and fiddled with the buttons. Seat seems comfy. Couldn't really get a good idea of foot peg placement and comfort. They offered me a test ride, but I'm not quite up to that yet. It appears smaller than the previous gen model that was parked close by. Also, it's supposed to be 100 pounds lighter. Looking forward to a test ride when My knee and shoulder are a little stronger. They're good looking machines.

I'm not quite ready for a double-butt Old Wing for 30k..
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on August 07, 2018, 11:26:30 PM
I'm not quite ready for a double-butt Old Wing for 30k..
I wouldn't have been. Crashing my Connie and effing up my knee made riding a sport tourer a no-go. Plus, the Wing is available with airbags. No more faceplanting into minivans.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: Rhino on August 08, 2018, 10:26:17 AM
I've looked at it myself. Impressive, but not interested. Too much bike, I want less weight not more.

Me too. That's why I went with a Multistrada. But now having put about 13,000 miles on the Multi, it is too top heavy. Almost 200 lbs lighter that the C14 but feels heavier pulling it off the side stand. Thinking about looking at something lighter but with a lower center of gravity. My son's FJR is only 40 lbs lighter than the C14 but feels smaller and lighter. Way easier pull it off the center stand than the Multi. IDK, maybe I'll take a look at the new Yamaha Tracer 900 GT.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on August 08, 2018, 02:06:26 PM
Me too. That's why I went with a Multistrada. But now having put about 13,000 miles on the Multi, it is too top heavy. Almost 200 lbs lighter that the C14 but feels heavier pulling it off the side stand. Thinking about looking at something lighter but with a lower center of gravity. My son's FJR is only 40 lbs lighter than the C14 but feels smaller and lighter. Way easier pull it off the center stand than the Multi. IDK, maybe I'll take a look at the new Yamaha Tracer 900 GT.
They had that Yamaha at the dealer I was at. Neat looking machine.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on August 08, 2018, 03:10:01 PM
Man, the pearl white Goldwings look good. I really like that one. Unfortunately, no airbag in that color. I'm not finding any clear info on when the 2019 models will hit the dealers. Maybe more colors will be available?

Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: gPink on August 08, 2018, 03:48:50 PM
Man, the pearl white Goldwings look good. I really like that one. Unfortunately, no airbag in that color. I'm not finding any clear info on when the 2019 models will hit the dealers. Maybe more colors will be available?



Looks like the rider has less room than on a c14.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on August 08, 2018, 05:27:30 PM
Looks like the rider has less room than on a c14.
I was sitting about an inch in front of the backrest shelf on the seat, and I go about 6'0" and 220. The stuff I've been reading says the rider has been moved forward about an inch and a 1/4, compared to the old wing. I'd say, without actually going for a ride, it was a little roomier than My Connie. I'll know better when I test ride one. If it feels cramped, that'll be a big turn off.
 There's a lot of negative stuff out there, being written by Wing riders who love the old wing. I understand they like the big ol flying couch, that'll hold Ma and Pa's entire lifetime of stuff. I've said to my friends more than a few times, "If they put the Goldwing on a diet, shave 100 pounds off, give it a little more power, and update the electronics, I'll consider buying one." Well, they did all of that, and upgraded the suspension to boot. Also, that DCT transmission is something of which the time has definitely come.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: eng943 on August 08, 2018, 06:08:02 PM
Me too. That's why I went with a Multistrada. But now having put about 13,000 miles on the Multi, it is too top heavy. Almost 200 lbs lighter that the C14 but feels heavier pulling it off the side stand. Thinking about looking at something lighter but with a lower center of gravity. My son's FJR is only 40 lbs lighter than the C14 but feels smaller and lighter. Way easier pull it off the center stand than the Multi. IDK, maybe I'll take a look at the new Yamaha Tracer 900 GT.

I wonder if the seat height of the multi is contributing to that feeling of being top heavy?

Tracer looks interesting. I'd love to see an MT10 version.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: connie14boy on August 08, 2018, 07:45:33 PM
I wouldn't have been. Crashing my Connie and effing up my knee made riding a sport tourer a no-go. Plus, the Wing is available with airbags. No more faceplanting into minivans.

Sorry Jamie, didn't realize that you were injured-my bad.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on August 08, 2018, 08:23:20 PM
Sorry Jamie, didn't realize that you were injured-my bad.
No need for apologies, My friend. I value all opinions. I pretty much feel the same way. I admit. I'm a little shook up by the crash, and the airbag system gives me a little mental comfort.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: tonedeaf1 on August 08, 2018, 09:46:45 PM
Looks like the rider has less room than on a c14.

We own both bikes and my wife's biggest, most loved item on the Wing is the seat.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: Conniesaki on August 08, 2018, 10:33:34 PM
No need for apologies, My friend. I value all opinions. I pretty much feel the same way. I admit. I'm a little shook up by the crash, and the airbag system gives me a little mental comfort.

Definitely completely understandable.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: gPink on August 09, 2018, 06:04:09 AM
We own both bikes and my wife's biggest, most loved item on the Wing is the seat.

How about you in the pilot seat? I've not sat on the wing so I have no hands on experience.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: just gone on August 09, 2018, 10:28:19 AM
I think the only drawback to the new wing is the lack of Android support. All the other features seem improved over the old wing except
storage. Still it would be rough spending over $25,000-$30,000 and looking at all that useless apple $tuff (https://powersports.honda.com/mkca/phase3/_images/content/carplay/apple.png) on the dash and your android phone on the handlebar holder.

When my warranty expires and the first expensive maintenance bill is at hand, my C14 may be replaced by a new/slightly used wing. It would be nice  to be able to simply walk back out  of a downhill parking spot (with reverse) when I'm in my 70s.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on August 09, 2018, 11:12:03 AM
I think the only drawback to the new wing is the lack of Android support. All the other features seem improved over the old wing except
storage. Still it would be rough spending over $25,000-$30,000 and looking at all that useless apple $tuff (https://powersports.honda.com/mkca/phase3/_images/content/carplay/apple.png) on the dash and your android phone on the handlebar holder.

When my warranty expires and the first expensive maintenance bill is at hand, my C14 may be replaced by a new/slightly used wing. It would be nice  to be able to simply walk back out  of a downhill parking spot (with reverse) when I'm in my 70s.
You just reminded me of something. When I had that crash a while back, my phone was in a RAM X Mount. It was flung across the highway. Luckily, it is an Active model of the Samsung Galaxy S7, and it's fine. The point being, I think I'll be carrying my phone in my jacket pocket from now on. I wasn't really in a situation where my phone would have been any help, but if I'd had a single vehicle crash in a rural area, and needed my phone, it would have been tough to find.

The Apple Car Play thing. I'd consider getting an old Ipad for using with it. Hundreds of them on Ebay.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: just gone on August 09, 2018, 12:15:06 PM
You just reminded me of something. When I had that crash a while back, my phone was in a RAM X Mount. It was flung across the highway. Luckily, it is an Active model of the Samsung Galaxy S7, and it's fine.
Did you have one of those rubber band thingys on it, or just the X-mount?
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41PbtblU73L.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41yLyrMIFEL.jpg)
https://www.amazon.com/Texel-WebGrip-Security-Support-00-90001-00/dp/B014GW7KJ6 (https://www.amazon.com/Texel-WebGrip-Security-Support-00-90001-00/dp/B014GW7KJ6)
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on August 09, 2018, 12:25:35 PM
Did you have one of those rubber band thingys on it, or just the X-mount?
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41PbtblU73L.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41yLyrMIFEL.jpg)
https://www.amazon.com/Texel-WebGrip-Security-Support-00-90001-00/dp/B014GW7KJ6 (https://www.amazon.com/Texel-WebGrip-Security-Support-00-90001-00/dp/B014GW7KJ6)
Just the X mount, but the handlebar was torn off. LOL. Grippy thing wouldn't have helped. The doc thinks, that because of the bruising and soreness in my left palm, that I tore the handlebar off!
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: gPink on August 09, 2018, 05:42:50 PM
Just the X mount, but the handlebar was torn off. LOL. Grippy thing wouldn't have helped. The doc thinks, that because of the bruising and soreness in my left palm, that I tore the handlebar off!

 :o .....And people wonder why we don't recommend tying the c14 down with the handle bars.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: tonedeaf1 on August 10, 2018, 09:58:13 PM
How about you in the pilot seat? I've not sat on the wing so I have no hands on experience.

This is somewhat of a rider height issue, the seat it self is a good design. The engine allows a lower seat, but if you are too tall your knees will be higher than your butt and this puts all your weight on your "sitz bones". I am 5' 11" and I found I needed a rest about every 2 hours. I bought a foam/gel pad that both puts me up a little higher and takes of most of the "sitz bones" soreness away and makes the bike comfortable for about as many hours as I care to ride at one time. I have been looking for peg lowering options but I think that just turns the problem into a peg dragging issue (since I haven't found any acceptable ones). After about 6' 0" to 6' 1" you probably will not have the issue.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: gPink on August 11, 2018, 06:56:22 AM
Thanks. That's what I was seeing in the picture.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: blue14 on August 11, 2018, 07:51:28 AM
I took the plunge and bought a new Wing Tour.  My wife is very happy, loves the seat and she has more room.  The Wing is a sportish-Tourbike.  Compared to the C-14 it is much slower but faster than machines from Milwaukee and all other V twins.  It handles sweeping turns well, it doesn't do well on twisty left rights.  The suspension is plush at speed limit and is fine until you get to about 10 MPH over then you find out its much worse than the stock C14.  Cruise control on the Wing is perfect and I didn't have to spend hours and hours gaffing one on the bike.  The electronics are interesting some will like them, some (mainly gadget geeks) will find them lacking.  Basically a pleasant machine suitable for purposes that most C-14 owners find unimportant.  I will either keep my C-14 or get a Super Duke for solo riding.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on August 11, 2018, 09:32:08 AM
I took the plunge and bought a new Wing Tour.  My wife is very happy, loves the seat and she has more room.  The Wing is a sportish-Tourbike.  Compared to the C-14 it is much slower but faster than machines from Milwaukee and all other V twins.  It handles sweeping turns well, it doesn't do well on twisty left rights.  The suspension is plush at speed limit and is fine until you get to about 10 MPH over then you find out its much worse than the stock C14.  Cruise control on the Wing is perfect and I didn't have to spend hours and hours gaffing one on the bike.  The electronics are interesting some will like them, some (mainly gadget geeks) will find them lacking.  Basically a pleasant machine suitable for purposes that most C-14 owners find unimportant.  I will either keep my C-14 or get a Super Duke for solo riding.
Cool! Thanks so much for Your input!
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: katata1100 on November 07, 2018, 03:26:28 PM
I can only say what I read, that the new GW has the same motor with a slight hp increase, but it has lost weight so is a bit quicker. I'd like to have one but for the price of one, I can get a new awd Subaru or... TWO new C14's!
I can sit behind my keyboard and sneer that it is overpriced and slow but I bet if I test rode one, I'd fixate on buying one.
When you think about it, this might be the last gasoline powered GW ever. They seem to get a complete redesign every 20 years. Come 2038, I bet most everything by then will be electric.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on November 10, 2018, 08:02:47 PM
 Doing a little lurking on the GW forums, and a couple things that concern me are the lack of replacement painted panels in case of accident damage, and the number of people having to wait on back ordered accessories. The new wing has been in dealerships a year now, and they're still not making replacement panels for it? Has me leaning heavily towards the other choice I'm looking at as a replacement scoot.
 Hell, it seems dealers don't even know what the maintenance intervals are, as they're telling people to come back in 600 miles for the first oil change, when the owners manuals say first service is 4K miles.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: Conniesaki on November 10, 2018, 09:09:53 PM
...

 Hell, it seems dealers don't even know what the maintenance intervals are, as they're telling people to come back in 600 miles for the first oil change, when the owners manuals say first service is 4K miles.

Money grab. Preying on people who don't read their manuals.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: katata1100 on November 11, 2018, 03:11:23 PM
How does the luggage capacity compare to a c14?
I read an article that said Honda research showed that current riders take
shorter trips (2-3 days average) than in past (5-6 days average) so that is
the rational behind this generation’s smaller bag.
I have a Shad 50 with a rack on top and I still don’t think that’s enough; got a duffle bag I’ll
strap to back off seat when I go cross country. If the new GW has less, it’s totally off my list
of future bikes to buy.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: B.D.F. on November 11, 2018, 03:30:05 PM
I ran into the same thing when I bought my C-14 in July 2007- no spare parts. My bike had a scratched front fender that the dealer was going to fix but had no idea when the fender might come in. ?? So I took the bike as- is and maybe 2 mos. later the fender came in. But there was a serious lack of spare parts as well as farkles back in the first days of that new model. In fact I bought a CalSci XL not because I wanted it (though I did and still do like it) but because it was THE aftermarket windshield that was available.

It is always risky buying a new model of anything because the 'world' is just not geared up for it and you never know the model may crash and burn regarding reception and sales and just disappear from the market (thnk Edsel, Kawasaki KZ 1300, etc.).

Brian

Doing a little lurking on the GW forums, and a couple things that concern me are the lack of replacement painted panels in case of accident damage, and the number of people having to wait on back ordered accessories. The new wing has been in dealerships a year now, and they're still not making replacement panels for it? Has me leaning heavily towards the other choice I'm looking at as a replacement scoot.
 Hell, it seems dealers don't even know what the maintenance intervals are, as they're telling people to come back in 600 miles for the first oil change, when the owners manuals say first service is 4K miles.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: Poseidon on November 11, 2018, 03:30:41 PM
Have full face helmets gotten smaller? I always thought that was the benchmark, not how long the trip is planned for!
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on November 11, 2018, 03:36:25 PM
How does the luggage capacity compare to a c14?
I read an article that said Honda research showed that current riders take
shorter trips (2-3 days average) than in past (5-6 days average) so that is
the rational behind this generation’s smaller bag.
I have a Shad 50 with a rack on top and I still don’t think that’s enough; got a duffle bag I’ll
strap to back off seat when I go cross country. If the new GW has less, it’s totally off my list
of future bikes to buy.
Definitely less than a Connie with a 50 liter top box. The top box on the wing is supposed to be 50, but the side bags are a little smaller and kinda irregularly shaped. I think the main reason behind the smaller bags is aerodynamics. They're (Honda) is claiming much more fuel efficiency, and there's guy's on the GW boards turning in over 50 MPG on trips.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on November 11, 2018, 05:46:47 PM
I ran into the same thing when I bought my C-14 in July 2007- no spare parts. My bike had a scratched front fender that the dealer was going to fix but had no idea when the fender might come in. ?? So I took the bike as- is and maybe 2 mos. later the fender came in. But there was a serious lack of spare parts as well as farkles back in the first days of that new model. In fact I bought a CalSci XL not because I wanted it (though I did and still do like it) but because it was THE aftermarket windshield that was available.

It is always risky buying a new model of anything because the 'world' is just not geared up for it and you never know the model may crash and burn regarding reception and sales and just disappear from the market (thnk Edsel, Kawasaki KZ 1300, etc.).

Brian

I agree, getting 'parts' here was hindered, but consider anything short of Godzilla, they had some hard times for a few years, earthquakes, tsunami, nuclear meltdowns... wash, rinse, repeat...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_disasters_in_Japan

I do remember having issues simply getting valve shims, common, but from Kaw, it was not easy...

all in all, I had very few complaints from my "first year intro-Bike"... :chugbeer: :rotflmao: :banana :banana :banana :salute:
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: katata1100 on November 12, 2018, 08:18:13 PM
I can get over 50mpg on my C14 when I tour and that’s when I am doing 70-75mph. Credit the cruise control for part of that.
I have seen the inside of the bags on the GW on the net and they do have wasteful little nooks. It’s hard to believe that GW
has less luggage space than a C14.
Honda thinks the majority of owners will only travel for a couple of days so they don’t need a lot of space.
Really? I think Honda is as out of touch with its market as Kawasaki is with that H2.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: bob h on November 12, 2018, 09:11:56 PM
I purchased a 2018 GW specifically because of its differences from the past models.  Much less a bloated old mans bike!  Still riding my C10, as there really isn't much overlap in what the two bikes each do best!
 
I suspect that although all the owners of older wings were happy with their bikes, not very many were spending the money on new ones!  Honda had to make a change to sell new bikes.  Time and sales will tell if they made the right moves, but for me they did! 

I really hope Kawasaki does something to stay in the C14 market, as i't's a fantastic bike, espeially for the money.  They've got the same problem as Honda though, with sales numbers too low to not make some sort of significant change. I personally hope it isn't the H2!
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: katata1100 on November 13, 2018, 08:34:53 AM
Maybe people don’t but new GW because their existing GW last real long. If they want to make the GW into a weekend only tourer, fine but up the performance! I see the H2 as a week end bike. Most sport bikes can do weekend duty , just throw some soft luggage on them , strap a $20 roll on duffle bag from Walmart and off you go.
That’s where my ‘91 katana1100 is headed, its narrow width makes it ideal for lane splitting.
I have had my ‘14 for 7.5 years, with the mindset that at 10 years (I’ll be 57), I replace it with a GW .
I’ll have to rethink that. My original thinking was c14-GW-Buick!

Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on November 13, 2018, 06:18:07 PM
The last big trip I took on my C14 lasted 26 days, and a lot of the dry bag I had on top was filled with camping gear. As it turned out, I only camped for 4 nights the entire trip. So the part of my side cases that had changes of clothes, cold weather gear, air compressor and tire plugs could easily be distributed through the side cases & top box on the wing. I don't think I'll do much camping off the bike anymore. I just don't get enough sleep in a tent. Therefore, the increased comfort, the new front suspension, and the airbag option are the main selling points for me towards getting a Wing. That is, if I can wrangle the cost. They've really shot up in price. All the electronic wizardry is cool too, but not really a selling point to me. I have plenty of music and audiobooks on my phone.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing (decided to get one)
Post by: jamiemac on February 05, 2019, 02:29:51 PM
I've decided to spring for a new Wing Airbag model with the DCT tranny. Looking forward to being back on two wheels.
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: Conniesaki on February 08, 2019, 03:45:04 PM
The last big trip I took on my C14 lasted 26 days, and a lot of the dry bag I had on top was filled with camping gear. As it turned out, I only camped for 4 nights the entire trip. So the part of my side cases that had changes of clothes, cold weather gear, air compressor and tire plugs could easily be distributed through the side cases & top box on the wing. I don't think I'll do much camping off the bike anymore. I just don't get enough sleep in a tent. Therefore, the increased comfort, the new front suspension, and the airbag option are the main selling points for me towards getting a Wing. That is, if I can wrangle the cost. They've really shot up in price. All the electronic wizardry is cool too, but not really a selling point to me. I have plenty of music and audiobooks on my phone.

Another option is to book a room at Deal's Gap ... simple, small rooms but nice n clean and affordable ... lock your crap and side cases in your room and go ride: Dragon, Cherohala, BRP, etc etc etc

... until you're ready to leave the area altogether.

That is a lotta stuff man.

(http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23626.0;attach=30455;image)
Title: Re: Checked out the redesigned Goldwing at the dealer, today
Post by: jamiemac on February 08, 2019, 04:54:23 PM
Another option is to book a room at Deal's Gap ... simple, small rooms but nice n clean and affordable ... lock your crap and side cases in your room and go ride: Dragon, Cherohala, BRP, etc etc etc

... until you're ready to leave the area altogether.

That is a lotta stuff man.

(http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23626.0;attach=30455;image)
Oh, that was shot on the way out and heading back home. I did just leave the stuff in my tent for a few runs. I like that picture though. LOL