Response To Maikeli7 Ultra v Goldwing! Just Different 

Respect to anyone who rides anything.

I used to be a diehard Road Glide Ultra rider, I loved that bike. Then I test rode a 2018 Goldwing DCT. The Wing just rode so much better, I couldn't believe how bad the Harley rode by comparison. it was so undeniable that I had to trade my RGU in for it, best decision I ever made. Sorry Harley. 🙁

I have older models of both brands. Both are beautiful! I have a Harley Davidson Electra Glide Stage 1 & 2 and an Honda GoldWing GL1800. I liken the Harley to the classic muscle car that turns heads and roars down the street. The Wing is like a Ferrari on two-wheels with luggage space. I love them both and will never let either one go.

Both are great bikes...But unfortunately in order to have more power on the Harley's you must spend money having them upgraded with the stages. Not so for the Gold Wings. We ride 2015 Wings and they are very powerful...stocked. I (Rich) raced bikes (Not professionally) and I am very familiar with speed shifting. But the DCT is a game changer for big bikes. We will always be Gold Wing riders because of its reliability and comfort.

I’ve had two or three gold wings, mostly always Harley baggers with the exception of a couple dynas . Just purchased the 21 Goldwing tour. I only have about 100 miles on it. Cannot imagine getting back on a Harley Davidson.

What a great video. Thanks. I still have a passion for Harley mentally. When I get tired back to a goldwing I will go.

It's the same conversation I had with a friend when I introduced him to Linux (from Windows). His reaction was, "It's the same, only different."

I recently wrecked my ‘15 Ultra Limited but before I did, I was plenty pleased with the power of it’s 103 with Stage 1. I replaced it with a 2017 RoadGlide Ultra with the 107 and was really impressed with the power increase. Those must of been some steep grades and heavy luggage when you were in Wyoming with your M8 Ultra. Wow Ride safe

I agree with most everything you said, I also have a Harley and my Goldwing, I love them both. Depending on the mood I am in is the one I ride. They both have their pros and cons in my humble opinion. I was forced into buying metric when you couldn't buy a new Harley 25 years ago, they were not available, so I bought a new Honda VTX 1800, that bike was bigger than any Harley and it was drop dead gorgeous, my Harley friends could not keep theirs eyes off it. In 2006 I bought my Harley Heritage, later I sold the VTX for my Goldwing. I am older now retired and happy.

That was an excellent point. The two are very different. I have an ultra which I very much enjoy. Just like any other Harley owner I’ve put my personal touches on it and it’s a keeper. I took a GW DCT Out last week and loved the heck outta that too and plan on putting it right next to my HD. Best of both worlds! Great video!

Moose you started to mention your seat upgrade. I think I’m a similar size to you. What one did you go with? I have 2018 duct tour I’m 6’ 2” 215 lbs. Thanks.

love em all.... each bike serves its purpose

Funny how the algorithm works. I own a '23 Road King Special, and am trading my '21 Street Bob for a '24 Gold Wing next week. In keeping with your (and other commenters') view, I'll be doing the "Best of Both Worlds" thing lol. I watched this video and immediately subscribed - great content - thank you! ✌🤘

I like both bikes. Agree, it’s all personal preference. The GW power is hard to compare. It makes such a difference in some aspects of riding styles.

Just saw your video, and from watch M7’s videos in the past heard your name several times. I am just like both of you, and have owned Harley touring bikes in the past and still do. Had a 2012 Ultra Classic Electra Glide CVO that I traded for a 2016 Road Glide Ultra CVO, that I still have. Then I purchased the 2018 Goldwing Tour DCT. From a motorcycle perspective, there are only really 3 huge differences that cannot really be compared. The first is the rider seating geometry. With the Harley touring line the rider has “forward” foot controls vs the Goldwing’s “center” controls. The second is the type of engine. Harley run a V-Twin mainly air cooled engine vs the Goldwing 6 cylinder water cooled boxer engine. And the third is the suspension setup. The Harley has the traditional twin tube front forks and dual rear shocks vs the Goldwing with the electronic adjustable suspension with front double wishbone front suspension and single sided swing arm with mono shock on the rear. And that’s where the comparisons cannot be made because of the difference in major component design. Now where the comparisons can start to be made. Engine displacement/HP/Torque. Harley engines: 107ci = 1753cc 110ci = 1802cc 114ci = 1868cc 117ci = 1917cc The Goldwing engine 1833cc = 111ci The Goldwing produces more HP and Torque STOCK, than what most stage 4 Harley engines can produce even after spending thousands of dollars more on the Harley engines. Suspension: Here is where the Goldwing really shines is is far superior to any Harley. There is not a Harley out there that can compare to the smoothness of the Goldwing ‘s suspension. Even if a person gets the best aftermarket suspension for a Harley, the smooth ride of the Goldwing can’t be beat. And there is an aftermarket suspension upgrade for the Goldwing that makes the already superior suspension even better. Fit and finish: This is an area that Harley Davidson has perfected. Harley’s quality of paint and and plastics are superior to that of the Goldwing. No denying that. Both Harley Touring bikes and the Goldwing are “sexy” in their own ways and a personal preference when appearance comes into play. Sound System: Harley Davidson beats out the Goldwing when it comes to the sound system in the clean, crisp, and loud department of speakers. However the Goldwing doesn’t really need as loud of a sound system because the engine and wind noise is soo much less. But the Goldwing’s speakers are less than desirable. Infotainment System: This is a difficult one because both Harley and the Goldwing’s infotainment systems are very comparable. They both have navigation, satellite radio, am/fm, Bluetooth, auxiliary, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and optional CB radio. I think Harley’s navigation program is better and more user friendly than the Goldwing, however this is where the comparisons end and the Goldwing begins to straight up out perform the Harley infotainment system. The Goldwing doesn’t need anything extra to connect Bluetooth headsets. Harley requires a WHIM and harness to connect with a Bluetooth headset. In addition to that, to get full stereo sound out of the headset, Harley requires you purchase the Harley branded Sena headsets to have full stereo, sound out both left and right headset speakers. Also requires those headsets in order to have full compatibility with the Harley infotainment system, voice commands, CB radio push to talk, etc. because the infotainment system doesn’t have the Bluetooth headset protocol, this is who the WHIM is required. On the Goldwing, the infotainment system has the Bluetooth headset protocol already programmed into the system and is compatible with any Bluetooth headset. Suspension adjustment: Harley touring bikes have manual suspension adjustments, whereas the Goldwing’s have electronic suspension adjustments on their tour models. The bagger models have a manual rear suspension system and electronic front suspension. Locks/Security Harley’s have manual locks, or a button that is pressed on the key fob to lock and unlock the bike. The Goldwing has all electronic locks. The key fob is the key. When you close the saddle bags or top case, they are already locked. There is a push button that you press to open the bags. But once the key fob is out of range, the bags will not open and bike cannot start. Also the steering lock is electronic. Full lock handlebars left or right, and turn ignition switch counter clockwise when bike is off to lock the handlebars with key fob in range. Turn switch clockwise to unlock handlebars with key fob present. Heated seats and grips come standard on the Goldwing tour models, but only heated grips on the bagger. Only the CVOs come standard with heated grips, seats, and electronic locks. The Goldwing comes standard with TPMS, where only available on the CVOs and some specials. However the Harley TPMS is a bit better as it displays the tire pressure once the bikes electrical system is on. The Goldwing has to travel at least 16 mph for 30 seconds before the TPMS displays tire pressure. Wind protection: There are multiple brands and styles if windscreens for both brands. However, Harleys only have a fixed screen whereas the Goldwing has an electronic adjustable windscreen to either block wind or allow the rider to get more wind as the rider pleases. Maintenance: Harley motorcycles require a lot more maintenance vs the Goldwing. However, to change the air filter on a Goldwing is going to take about 2 - 3 hours by someone who is skilled at removing and replacing the plastics. But all the Goldwing really needs for maintenance is regular oil changes. Handling: Harley’s are kinda heavy and clunky. A skilled rider can throw it around and maneuver quite well but doesn’t have the lean angle due to the low sitting floor boards. The Goldwing however has a much lower center of gravity and with its center controls, allowing for greater lean angles, the Goldwing is a breeze to maneuver and throw around. Transmission options: Harley only has a manual 6 speed transmission. Goldwing has the option for a manual 6 speed or 7 speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The DCT doesn’t have a clutch lever and shifts automatically or can shift manually via paddle shifters on the left handlebar. No more clutch hand cramps in traffic. Overall, the Goldwing Tour DCT is a far superior motorcycle over any Harley Davidson motorcycle, to include their CVO line on a motorcycle perspective. As for personal taste and preferences, that will be debated till the end of time. My preference is if I had sell either my Harley Road Glide Ultra CVO or my Goldwing Tour DCT, I would sell the Harley in a heartbeat.

Honda has a few different models with dct. I have an nc750xd abs dct traction control. Entry level adventure/commuter

What state are you in. The scenery is very nice

I love both motorcycles

I had a 2017 ultra limited. I had it at stage 2 full exhaust with auto tuner.it finally made decent power. It was a torque monster. Over 5k invested. I loved it. Wrecked it 2 months ago, it is a total loss. Looking for my next bike, I am a v twin guy, so I'm looking at indian and HD. My car is a honda, I'll keep it at that.

I wonder how you feel about lane splitting with the gw. A lot of traffic in california.

I ride a 2019 Harley Road Glide Special and lately been interested in a Gen 6 Gold Wing but had never rode one. Last week I test rode a 2018 GW DCT Tour, after about a 10 mile test ride I came to the conclusion I will still with my Harley. I did not like the riding position on the GW, felt I was perched on top of it rather than in it on my Harley, also didn't like how the GW felt when stopping, never felt in proper control. The DCT was fun but would need an extended ride before deciding if it was for me. But the storage and nav sucks compared to the Harley so thats a big pill to swallow

Hey buddy, Tks for the video.

Funny you talking about having owned a Triumph Trophy. I own a Honda st1300 that I’ve put 75,000 miles on in the last 4 years. So far the bike has been completely reliable. I’m researching the Triumph like crazy so you’re a great person to ask. Did you have any issues with that bike?

You said it best at the end of this video.

The new 2020 Harley Ultra Limited has android auto. The 114 also rocks.

Good review a GW has plenty of torque all the way threw the power band with out shifting even the 5 generation GW, I have three GW and a 2021 Revival but the truth is the truth, and both of these bikes are made for two totally different styles of riding, if you want to look cool and you need the attention from other telling how great your bike looks get a HD but if your going to ride heavy hard miles and you want less maintenance the GW may fit the bill, and all those charging problems HD has from compensators.

The difference is the same .... I love my own.... leave me alone .... each to his own .... apples to oranges ... beauty is in the eyes of the beholder ....the proverbial never ending story.... lol

Great video! New subscriber here.

I find that just about any bike can get boring. Jumping on something different can be rejuvenating. But in the end, even more boring: too much power, too smooth, put me to sleep. And then back to the evo I go. Rigid mount, unbalanced. Tingle my feet right off the highway pegs.

Your hard earned money. What you enjoy.

why harley cant have a good suspension like goldwing ...i dont understand.

lol I own both Harley and my 2018 Goldwing..I recently posted on FB Group ' I love my Harley" a photo of my 2010 Streetglide that also had the Wing Stting beside it.. The photo disappeared..Thinking I did something wrong post wise I re posted it and 5 min.s later was banned from the group. I can't believe a Harley Group could be so Shallow....

I love goldwing.....👍👍👍👍

I believe it is called an Ultra not Altra.

Classic/relics versus Formula One/Lexus.

You "traded up"?

As long as you on 2 wheels it shouldn't matter what you ride. This tribalism crap is annoying and only pushes to new riders away from motorcycles. My friends got Harley Softtail, Indian Challenger Darkhorse, Harley 48, and I got a Honda Shadow vlx600. This is my first bike but I'm looking at that GW bagger DCT for 2nd bike. Yeah the lack of power is annoying on long trips, especially with front wind gust. Hows the wind protection on your legs with the Goldwing, does it have cruise control? My right hand goes numb on long rides.

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You feel like flying, buy a plane. Not fair to try and compare a 6 cylinder to a V twin. Ya, unfair. I don't think cruising happens at 85 mph. 60 to 70 is more comfy. When the telephone poles look like a picket fence your just racing. Harley helps attitude with the feel and sound of riding. Honda has no feel or sound. Considering what the V twin does, it's really out performing the 6. Just imagine 3 twins powering a Harley. Then compare.

Honda= reliable HD= unreliable, if you want to ride 15K+ miles per year. if your a 5K miles or less person? Then it doesn't matter. HD survives on loyalty and culture, HD lovers will actually find humor in all the little gremlins, SMH

Do not bother with a Goldwing. They are severely flawed. I bought a low mileage...16000 kms.... F6b 4 months ago. Worst bike in 50 years of biking. The turbulence.. the flexi bars.. the seat. Unrideable overweight scooter with half a car glued to the front. 200 miles to get repaired...head bearings shock springs new oil....air filter takes3 hours to fit....Thats it in 4 months. The turbulenceis like being hit with a rubber hammer 60 times aminute. Awful pos.

I get it HD is iconic 🫡 The GW out the box is most street and reliable from power to comfort