Nice video bro I've had a 2002 Goldwing since 2002 I ride with all Harley riders for the most part and the starting of find out I think they get that I have a good bike
I've had my 2003 Jupiter Orange Wing now for twenty years and it runs today as well as the day it left the showroom floor. It has 135,000 kms on it and it's only just broken in. At near 80 yrs old, I can still handle it properly and it gives me a level of real comfort I can't get from any other bike. I can still do an easy 500 kms a day without getting tired. In the last few years I do have to stop every hour and a half for a short rest now, but I wouldn't trade this magnificent machine for any other bike.
Thanks for sharing your story! The Jupiter Orange paint scheme is stunning and I can understand why you haven't parted with yours. It's nice to hear you're still riding it at almost 80; I hope to be doing the same with mine. I wish you many more miles of smiles!
Later this month I turn 74. My wife and I have toyed with the idea of scaling down from our 2005 silver GL1800 to something a bit lighter. Your story, immediately upon reading it, disspelled the idea. Thank God, I am still healthy and strong and your story has inspired me. Long may you and your Goldwing remain inseparable.
Went all over Europe with GWCH and GWEF on my 1st bike at age 22, a GL1000 from 76, had it for 15 years them started a family and had no time to ride. Now 16yrs later I bought my 2nd bike a GL1200 Asp from 86 and am just doing trips like 2 to 4 hours on my own. Feeling ZEN when I return to the kids. Hope to have this one for at least 15 yrs. Maybe join GWCH/GWEF again. Drive safe.
I grew up on Honda CB models and AMF Harley's, been riding Harley the last 40 years its time for my first Goldwing. I like the 2015 models love your video.
Great video... thanks for creating it. I have a 2002 with more than 310,000 km on her. I am the 2nd owner, and 90k km of those are mine in the 6 years I have had it. Other than tires, brake pads, oil and gas, I have had zero issues and will ride it for as long as it will continue to carry me. I am also a Senior Motorcycle instructor here in Ontario (best side gig ever), and students consistently admire my vintage "grocery getter". It happily takes me to work when there is no snow, and has lugged home the purchases from many a winery without fail.
When a machine such as the wing is so reliable you just can't help becoming attached to the bike. It has taken me places i never would have visited via air travel or in my vehicle. My wing is a great bike and has all the features I have needed for cross country rides. Fantastic machine I take great care of it and it takes care of me. Mine is a 2013 and I have no desire to trade up anytime soon. Nice video !
Thanks! I agree on all points. I'm sure the 2018+ Goldwings are wonderful bikes, but I have no desire to upgrade because I'm so happy with my '08. As you say, take care of them and they will give you countless miles of smiles. Ride safe!
My 2012 has 135k .. the most I've done in one year was 34k and have done 800 miles without getting off the seat ( gas and go ) Gotta love these motorbikes
I put 104,000 miles on my 2006 Goldwing I bought in 2012. Now I’m on a 2016 that I’ve put 25,000 miles on in 21 months. The Honda Goldwing is the best motorcycle ever built.
I really enjoyed watching this, the combination of an amazing wife and an amazing bike cannot be better described than you have in this video. Thanks and best wishes to all 3 of you in the future.
I just rode 7 states on my 2012 GW from SoCal… I hit torrential rain… hail… snow flurries… blazing heat… 70 mph winds… massive tar snakes… the bike did not skip a beat for 4000 miles… best touring machine ever built!! 😊
Such insightful prose! 👍🏾 I'm 48, been riding for more than 4 decades. I hope to be pulling the trigger on my first "new to me" Goldwing soon. Thanks for a great and inspiring video!
You will NOT be sorry! I have been riding since 1968, mini trails, Yamahas, Honda, Kawasawki, Harleys, and now in my late 60's...I bought a Goldwing. I purchased a "Barn Find" 2005 with 27042 on the odometer (miles). Other than the odometer, the bike looks brand new. Very well taken care of! I had never even sat on a Goldwing prior to buying this one, and I didn't even ride it until it was mine and at my home. 3 days ago I walked out, and experienced the most amazing motorcycle experience of my life! This machine is very easy to ride, it's smoothness second to none, and has the Honda legacy of extreme reliability! It is NOT a beginner's motorcycle, but someone who has moderate or greater experience on bikes will fall in love with the Goldwing! Best of luck and good hunting!
Another piece of audiovisual motorcycle poetry. My wife just found the courage to ride with me- although on a smaller bike- and I fully understand and share your story.
Wow! Great comments/video on your journey with your partner with two wheels. I purchased a 2003 Gl1800 yesterday, 6/16/23 with 34000 miles from original owner purchased out of the crate. I haven't been on one since i sold my 1982 Aspencade in 2000. You have rekindled old memories and future anticipated experiences.
Good story, I couldn’t agree more! My last bike was a 99 Valkyrie interstate. Whenever we stopped it drew a crowd and many questions but two foot surgeries later I was looking for that reverse option. A close friend of mine sold me me a 2006 goldwing and I love it just as much!
Thanks for the comment. Anytime I see a Valkyrie I try to get a closer look. They're just a pleasure to view from any angle. Glad you're enjoying the 2006 Goldwing. Ride safe!
Im looking at an 03 goldwing for 5000 US woth 86k miles im 34 so im kinda starting young on the wing, but hey old fellas got the wisdom, and after 3 combat tours ive learned life is to short to worry about what other people think! Anyways gonna see it this friday and check out the condition. Currently on a NC700x which i really like but its more of a city commuters and id like to cruise the highways of america in comfort. Got this trip i wanna do to calgary from Utah (im from hawaii but work as a pilot in utah) go from here to yellow stone then up into canada, would be hard to pack the wife on the smaller bike
Are there any common issues I should look out for with older goldwings? Sounds electrical and advice it's at a dealer which isn't ideal but im willing to check em out they have a good rep. As far as I can tell.
Thanks! I had to run the concept past my wife before I made the video. I asked her to watch it before I uploaded and told her I'd make any changes she wanted. Thankfully she approved the first cut. Cheers!
My '08 has been a joy, and I'm doing my third trip from Alaska to New England, Florida, Texas and Nevada mostly tent camping. Can't imagine doing that 10,000 mile trip on any other bike.
Thanks for the comment. You're living my dream. I'd love to take some longer tours on mine someday. Ride safe and enjoy that '08 - it was a good year. Cheers!
You are absolutelyon the money. I had a 2007 same level as yours. I decided that I needed to upgrade to the 2018 DCT. even after all those years I still miss old Blue.
Nice video! It's amazing that you never find anyone that dislikes their Goldwing. I ride a '14 Audio Comfort Nav and absolutely love it. Much like you, I added the Utopia backrest and also swapped the OEM passenger backrest for a Hartco, which slightly increases the incline to reduce fatigue. I also replaced all lights with LEDs and added Baker Wings. Other than that, it's stock, but consider if upgrading the suspension to Traxxion Dynamics is worth the money on a nearly 10 year old motorcycle. Enjoy summer and ride safe.
Thanks! I think Honda did the best job possible in making these bikes fit everyone, but a few small tweaks can fine tune them for each of us. I'd like to try a Traxxion Dynamics suspension but it's not worth the cost for me given the miles I usually ride in a year. I'll do plan to install progressive springs in the front and maybe make a few other suspension changes. Cheers!
Hello...I am new subscriber for a month or so...this is the first of your vids that I watched. Like you the last bike I purchased was a 2012 GL1800. I have been riding for over 50 years and only drove Hondas. CB350,550 4, 750 4, VT750, VT1100C3, VTX1800, now the best of all GL1800. Amazing motorcycle. It was a very nice surprise too see the roads you travel to be very familiar. I have lived in the Fall River/Waverley Sackville/Bedford area my entire life. And watching all your great stories , the one Dedicated to your Brother resonates with me. Love your channel and stories. JoeR
Thanks for the comment! It's always nice to hear from a fellow Bluenoser! We live in a fantastic area for motorcycling and I'm betting we've met on the road at least once! Sounds like your experience has been similar to mine. I've had so many bikes over the years, but once I got a GL1800 I realized they're in another league. I'm glad you liked the video about my brother and the 400 Four. It was actually a tough one for me to make because it stirred up a lot of old memories. But I'm happy that so many people have watched my tribute to him 40+ years after his passing. Cheers!
I've been riding Goldwings since I was 19 yrs old, and I've rode most brands out there. However, after owning a goldwing, any other bike is a step down.
I totally agree I have a 2015 F6B and I pull a Minimate camper with it two months at a time great bike no problems did miss a couple gears couple times with the heel of t o e shifter but all seems well thanks for your video
You're a lucky man indeed! I loved the footage of you riding the Goldwing around Atlantic Canada...even though it's making the counting down till I can get back on the saddle myself even harder! Haha! Another excellent video!!
Thanks! I actually shot some of this footage on January 1st. First time I recall having street biking weather in January here. I'm sure we'll pay for that in April! Next year I hope to make videos of some of my rides around this area. We've found a few nice "hidden gem" routes for day trips that others might enjoy.
Thanks for the video. I've been looking at upgrading to a 1st Gen GL1800, and appreciated your take on it. I currently have a '99 Kawi Nomad, which I've been riding since '08, but want to get something that my wife is more comfortable on. Our first date was on a '73 Honda CL350 so she likes to ride, and I know that she'll enjoy being on the back of a Wing.
Thanks for the comment! I still had the V65 Sabre for a while after buying the GL. My wife and I decided to take the Sabre for one more ride before its new owner took delivery. After a few minutes, she said that was enough for her. It was the Goldwing or nothing for her after that. I'm sure a Nomad is more comfy than a Sabre, but the Goldwing is a tough act to follow! Cheers!
I agree with you, the Goldwing is a big part of my life and I have done 3 Iron Butt rides last year, one 1600 and two 2000 km, I should do a 2500 km in a week and all those are under 24 hours. I love so much my Wing, but might change when the 2024 Goldwing comes out, seems to be a 2000cc bike with lots of great thing on it.
Thanks for the comment! You've done much more endurance riding than I have so far. We have the perfect bike for it. I enjoyed the 1600 km Iron Butt run and I hope to do the 2500 someday soon. I too look forward to seeing what Honda does with the next GL, but I'll be happy to continue riding my '08 for many years to come. Cheers!
LOVED your video ... just an easy feeling time on the WING! I have an '07 and can't wait for Spring in Wisconsin! Thanks for the time and effort you put into this - Well Done!!
Glad that you like your bike. Thanks for sharing your story. Love my Kymco AK550 (aka Honda Silver Wing engine copy) maxi scooter with cruise control, electric screen etc standard .
As a rider in my "prime", I'm comfortable sat on my naked Bandit 650, but until recently I thought Goldwings were completely useless... "Why ride a Goldwing when you can just get a car? It's basically a car on 2 wheels". I never understood it until I realised that it *is* a car on 2 wheels. It's designed for comfort and cruising like a car, and still gives the pleasure of riding a motorcycle. I hope to own one of these one day, but the weight of them does put me off a bit.
Thanks for the comment! If you've had a chance to look at my other videos, you'll know that I recently fixed up and sold a 650 Bandit. They are a very well built bike. But if you're considering a Goldwing, don't let the weight be a concern. I also recently made a video about that. 😃 They're all in the "Motorcycle Stuff" playlist. Cheers!
Hi I'm 5' 7" as well wish I had the skill to restore bikes. I had a 1500 golding for five-years in 2020 I was rear ended At a red light. In 2022 I purchased a 1800 golding 01 Love the bike it feels a little bit heavier a few inches Longer still getting used to turning and like my 1500. The Windshield is to tall I have to find a shorter one. One more thing thought of installing a rearview camera.
Thanks for your comment! If you have the time and resources, all it takes to learn how to restore motorcycles is a love for them. It sounds like you have plenty of that! Sorry to hear about your accident. Glad to hear you're still riding! I hadn't thought about a rearview camera before, but now I think I'll look into them. I bought a 12 inch Madstad windshield. I can see over it, but it deflects most of the wind and rain over my head.
Another thing I love is the stealth factor of the stock exhaust. Rode straight pipes on Harleys for years and got stopped a lot. My 2005 GL, cops don't even look when I'm doing twice the speed limit. I have the same backrest as you, but had to get rid of those ISO grips. Went back to stock. I'm 61, but redline it all the time. Splitting lanes is legal here in CA, so I can bypass the traffic.
Good point. A Goldwing can move pretty quickly without being noticed. I'm also thinking about getting rid of the ISO grips. The heated ones are pretty pricey. Did you buy them used or new?
@@MakeFixEngineer I bought them used but they were like new for 10 bucks off eBay. I had the bolts in a box of spare bike parts; those are the pricey aspect of going back to factory grips. The ISO grips were too fat and they moved around a bit, so not a solid handgrip feeling. Don't like ISO grips on Harleys either. I machined up an aluminum set of grips for my Fatboy because I always wear deerskin gloves. Here in Ventura, California, no need for heated grips unless you're going to Big Bear. I just switch to insulated gloves. Also have Baker Hand Wings (and Air Wings) that aid with the factory covering for your hands. Grew up in Canton, Ohio and would definitely have heated gloves if still there.
A most delightful and balanced video on the GL 1800. I have owned an 1100, GL 1500SE and now have a 2005 1800 and feel about it similarly to the maker of this video. With 60 years of biking behind me , the 1800 still rates highly but the1500 remains my favourite.
You may know motorcycles, but you don't know much about English Literature. "How do I love thee" was a Sonnet written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a women, to her husband, Robert Browning a man and her husband, and also a famous poet. But thats OK, I once thought the Harley 125 Hummer was the gratest bike ever built, (and it was to a 15 year old ln 1956!) Oh, by the way. GREAT VIDEO!
A great video. I love my 2002 Wing, and living in New Brunswick I enjoy all the river-side rides. How are you getting on with the Madstad shield? Did you notice much difference after you changed from the standard shield?
Thanks for the comment, neighbour! There are so many beautiful roads in New Brunswick. I hope to see more of them in the coming season. For me, the Madstad windshield is an improvement over the OEM. It's low enough that I can look over it, but and it acts as a spoiler to deflect the wind and rain over my head. I still get a subtle breeze in the face at all speeds - comparable to when you have the vent open on the OEM shield, but I don't mind that. So, the Madstad is a slight compromise in overall wind protection compared to the original, but being able to see over it is worth the trade off for me. Cheers!
Nice Video and great information. I'm looking to upgrade from my current Triumph Bonneville T100 to hondagoldwing....but just worried about the weight. I have fairly good experience in riding....just intimidating....pls let me know your thoughtsontheweight. ❤️ from Ontario
Thanks! And hello from Nova Scotia! If I made a list about the things I like less about my Goldwing, its weight would be one of them. It took me some time to get comfortable with it. Maneuvering a big bike at low speeds is a new skill that I had to develop through youtube research and practice in empty parking lots. It's less intimidating now. The Goldwing is such a joy to ride that it's worth it. Another thing not well known is that Goldwings (of this vintage anyway) don't usually lay down when you drop them at low speed. The engine/body guards stop the fall at about 45 degrees, so you can just step off. No legs getting pinned or damage to the bike. It's also very easy to stand them up again.
I agree totally. I am 5'9, 160 lbs. The first ride and first week was kinda crazy. But, I got used to it quickly. The weight is down very low. I tipped my 2012 Goldwing over the first day I had it. The crash bars work great and don't let the bike lay down. It stops way short of crushing your legs at all. This bike is so fun to ride!
I’ve looking at getting the dragon wings that is on your bike. There’s not a lot of reviews on them. Do you like them? Have you used traditional winglets?
I like them, but I've never ridden the bike without them or tried any other winglets. I talk a bit more about them in part 1 of my Goldwing review. Cheers!
Want to ask what is your height ? I am 6’ 2” with boots 🥾 on. Am considering having the lumber pushed back and reupholstered or find an alternative seat.
Lovely review. I will say, the Goldwing should not be able to run in top gear at 40 mph in town. What I've observed on every Japanese bike, is too low of gear ratios. Japanese engineers just don't seem to understand what it's like driving in North America. We routinely drive 79mph on normal roads, on normal trips, for hours at a time. We need motorcycles that are actually engineered to turn low very low RPM's at 75mph, except that none do. Why are their cars geared properly, but their motorcycles are not? When will we actually get a real, true "Overdrive" on a Japanese motorcycle?
I believe they're aftermarket exhaust tips but I don't know the make. I'd guess Kuryakyn but I don't see these on their website now. I'll someday buy an OEM set or other alternative. As you likely noticed, the chrome is peeling off these ones. I really like the blue/silver gen 2 GL1800. They're stunning looking bikes!
I believe those exhaust tips are from Kuryakyn. They were on the bike when I bought it four years ago. I plan to replace them soon because as you can see, the chrome is peeling off. Cheers!
I have a black 06 1800 that my wife has called the mistress since the day I brought her home I think that's because I ride the bike more than the wife 😂 anyway I feel the same as you do so many reasons I love my wing I can't even list them all its a blast to ride for sure
Thanks for the comment! My wife probably feels the same way, although she enjoys our rides on the Wing and she has her own bike so she can always come along. Cheers!
nice video, but popular opinion on heal shifters isnt great. hd actually quit installing them because they just get pulled off and put on the shelf pretty regularly.
