THE TRUTH...Why Older People Ride Gold Wings? 

It's been a long time since I visited your site. I'll just say, "LIFE" got interesting there for a while. Anyway, I first rode a GL1100 after trading in my Yammy XSL 1100 (or XLS...Full dress '78) in '89. Rode the GL11000 into oblivion and home until she was plum wore out with over 260K. Next found a used GL1200 w 40K and again wore this one out with over 220K...Painted that one with a Stars-N-Strips theme with a "USN" Decal...yeah, I am a VET. Funny thing happened on one ride home on this bike. A Large well known Club started to pass but as the leader passed he backed off, came back to my speed, looked over with a thumbs up and just stayed with side by side me for about 130miles before they turned off before giving me another thumbs up and what I think was a salute... THAT WAS AN EXPERIENCE I will remember forever. So now to my present Pride and smoothest Ride ever, an Illusion Blue '02GL1800ABS. Amazingly found this one with only 45K over on the coast but with NO SALT DEGRIDATION whatsoever. Afterm going thru front to rear and doing everything "RIGHT" ie, updated the Front bearings, Seals, brakes, flushed all fluids and installing the "STS" brake light system. Now at 73yrs old I believe this will be my last bike and able to ride trouble free untill I can't hold it up confidently and safely anymore. I should mention I WAS a Certified HONDA TECH of America, Certified BMW Tech, Certified Yamaha Tech and worked for Kawasaki for 6yrs leaving just shy of that Cert. No Brag, just fact and that along with $6 will buy me a good cup of Coffee...LOL I've had to ride ALL the big Touring Bikes as a final after any work. the Goldwing is just the opitomy of comfort but more importantly SAFETY..... MY FIRST Bike was a Honda Trail 90 and at age 14 moved from the ranch to the roads out of nessesity getting to school due to my very rural setting and without any bus service. I've thoroughly enjoyed a LIFETIME of living on two-wheels and wouldn't change a thing. So to answer your question "WHY do I ride GOLDWINGS" so faithfully? THIS IS ALL SUBJECTIVE AND MY OPINION...OF COURSE. The PRIMARY reason is my Arthritis can't handle the vibrations of the other major Touring Bikes we all have available here in the USA. The GOLDWING has been more than just Dependable, Comfortable and SAFE RIDE but a friend and I assume only a few will get that one. Some compare some of us as the modern Cowboy with his bond with his Horse...I don't know abou that but then I usually ride solo because most can't or won't ride past a bar, gas station to just LOG MILES. I Ride to Ride, not stop every hour or so. I didn't buy a bike play or toy around but to RIDE to RIDE. No disrespect or ding toward anyone else...Each of us have a different definition of that is. I PROUDLY Served to protect the RIGHT that we all have to our opinoin while a lot think they're justified to claim that I'm outta line...whatever floats their boat. "KEEP THE DIRTY SIDE DOWN AND ABOVE ALL, STAY SAFE"

Had a Road King. Nearly gave up riding because my body couldn’t take any more vibrations. After a few years I got a FJR. Guess what. No vibrations. I really enjoyed my FJR. But at 63 I decided it was time for the inevitable and bought a 2005 Goldwing this spring. There’s no going back now. My wife and I both love the Wing. Nothing else compares. I will ride a Wing until I can’t ride no more!

Hello from Canada. I'm 54 and just got my first wing. A decent 84' with 70000 miles...yup just broken in. Love the creature comfort of the air ride,big fairing with wonderful wind protection. In the cooler climate that's a blessing. And last of all...I love having a stereo playing while cruising. Cheers all

I'm 66. About to retire and think about what's next. Never ridden a bike but decided to take a class earlier this year. Learned on a little Suzuki. Got my license and bought a '23 Goldwing a couple of months ago. Big leap but I love it. I'm a big guy, 6-3, 290 so I can handle it. It only took a few rides to get used to the weight and handling at low speeds. Also took a few rides to get up the confidence to get on this crazy hwy that I live near, but I'm good now. And unlike most Harley riders, I like the fact that the bike is quiet. I find myself smiling every time I finish a ride. Always thinking about somewhere new to go. Got the Detecht app but haven't tried it yet. Ride on...right on.

I have been riding Gold Wings for a bit over 20 years now. 66yrs old, and now retired and piling the miles on. Currently on a new to me 2003 1800. This is my 4th 'Wing. The most dependable bike I have ever owned, and I have owned a lot, riding since I was about 18 yrs old....

I'm the one you know that went to a Harley from a GL1800, reason was our Honda was getting old and it finally left me stranded one night. We didn't like the smaller less comfortable DCT Goldwing so we went with the Road Glide Limited. We find the comfort comparable to the GL1800 which had an Ultimate Seat installed and we use the stock Harley seat with no discomfort. So far we are very pleased and with 30000 miles on already we are not anticipating any issues for a long time. Looking back we were very pleased with the Goldwing but mechanical issues and dealer availability on the road was weighing on my mind on every trip. We take extremely good care of our bikes and we are looking forward to this riding season and hoping for another meetup with Boots and Jeans Riders ........PEACE !!!

Hello friends 🙏🏾!!! I am 51 and on my 3rd goldwing, I have a 2004 work wing and 2016 traveling wing both with matching trailers .. I have been goldwing man for 9 years now and the answer to why I buy goldwing is LOVE at first sight 🥰... Went to a biker round up 10 years ago and seen nothing but goldwing with matching trailers and I was hooked, people told me I was supposed to buy Harley first and then move just to goldwing, I tell people buy what you like I buy what I love 💕... I bought a used Harley a couple of years ago and paid cash never gave me any problems cause I never messed with the motor with all that's stage crap and just cruised on it around town, and GOLDWING long distance riding...

My first bike was an '83 Interstate. I bought it from my Uncle who bought it in '85 and at 80 years old decided he shouldn't be riding anymore. That was 11 years ago. I'm going to be 67 in a few weeks and that bike is still my daily rider to work. Yeah, we both need work, but we still run.

I wanted a wing for years but couldn't justify the expense but last year at 58, I got a used 1500 and have loved every mile of it. I wanted to step up to a 1800 for the looks but this bike runs and rides like new @ 48K and I doubt I can wear it out even if I try. With age comes wisdom and I wised up enough to know I don't want anything else.

I'm 50 and got a Goldwing, because it rides like a sport bike and is feasible for travel. It is as luxurious as a Lexus and so comfortable. Low maintenance and cheaper to drive. Reliability. (2023 Goldwing Tour)

Bought my first Wing when I was 26! Been riding since I was 16 and i'm 54 now. I am currently riding my 07 Wing and lovin it. Got a HD too....

I must be young! I like how the Gold Wings look modern. I don't think I'd like a DCT, but I've never tried one

I have to agree with all of that..... I got my 1st GoldWing in 2012 I was 42 years old.... every one said it was a old man's motorcycle..... I took it a ran with it..... now I own 2 of them..... if I get another new bike I think it will be another GoldWing...... good content....10-4

I’ve always liked Goldwings. No DCT for me. 👍🏾 Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©

Thank you all for watching and commenting. Whether you agree or not, I really appreciate everyone chiming in and keeping it civil.

3 years ago I was 52 when I purchased my new 6th Gen Goldwing tour. I bought it because it was totally updated. Have only had one warranty issue. (Blown front speaker replaced under warranty at 35,700 miles)

Im 54 years old, I have a 1500 goldwing. I love it.

Ay Rich, I'll just have to quote what's on one of my favorite T-shirts... "The older i get... The faster I WAS"! Corventure Dave

Amen brother 58 years young here!!!!!!!!2018 wing. 44 years riding!!!!!

I'm 26 right now and have tried a few bikes. Going to get an old-school goldwing here soon i think. They just look so comfy and fun

Excellent #1 Answer🤣🤣🤣 I started riding in 1986 and loved my sportbikes just like you, in 2000 I saw my first Goldwing while stationed in Germany. It was big and looked comfortable and I said I will get one when I get old and slow down. 17 years later I purchased a new 2016 Honda Goldwing GL1800 and was immediately surprised with the handling and power. I knew it was comfortable but dang power and handling... it felt like a sportbike so needless to say it didn't slow me down lol. My immediate thought after that first ride was why did I wait so long? I even purchased a new 2021 Goldwing DCT but it didn't fill the void of the sport tourer I was looking for so I traded it in for a BMW. Now my 2016 Wing is here to stay because that bike gives me that feeling... riders know what I mean lol. In short, I got a Goldwing because I always wanted one, and honestly, I wished I had purchased the one I saw in 2000.😎

71, just bought my first ( used ) GW. Wanted to go from cruising to touring, so tried out several models....the 'wing had the best overall attributes by a large margin.

Nice Video Rich. 59 turning 60y old in a few months. After touring in Tennessee with my wife on a M109r decided we wanted a little more comfort. She fell in love with the Gen 6. That was going to be her bike the M109r would be mine. She changed her mine about riding and I can’t get off the Goldwing. It stole my heart. The M109r is now lonely.

I started riding motorcycles 5 years ago. I took the motorcycle riding safety class and almost killed the instructor. He told me that riding was not for me. Unfortunately, I put a deposit on a Suzuki Boulevard a few weeks earlier. The problem was there was just too many things to do on a motorcycle for someone 70 years who never rode before. Instead of the Boulevard I got a Honda CTX 700 DCT. I was terrified to go over 30. When on the street I would see a vehicle approaching in my rearview mirror and would go off road into the woods. It took me 3 falls to understand that you don't put on the front brakes making sharp right turn. I was about to sell my bike and give up riding when I saw this beautiful Goldwing at the dealership. They would never let me test ride one of there bikes in the past, but for some reason they let me test this Goldwing DCT 2021. The bike is powerful almost slung my silly ass off the back ( Sport mode-don't do it ). I went about a mile and came back, SIGNED ON THE LINE. 6000 miles and 1 accident later I love my bike ( Jealous that's her name /Put no other gods before me ). Just wish I had someone to ride with.

I’m 40. I own a road glide limited and am saving for a down payment for a goldwing. When I was younger I had no interest in long distance all I wanted to do was hang out with friends and ride fast and hard. As I have gotten older I have gotten super into long distance touring (2-4 weeks at a time on the road). So the goldwing appeals to me.

I have nothing against gold wings. People like what they like. I've definitely seen a few that turned my head. I'm definitely going to test ride one and see what I think. Great video brother

I love my 2002 Wing. It's smooth, quiet and is just a pleasure to ride. There is nothing greater than seeing Yellowstone, the Black Hills or the Grand Canyon from the saddle of one of these fine machines. I had a blowout of a front tire at 70+ mph riding two-up and was able to pull over and stop safely with no drama. I'm in my early 60's if anyone is asking.

I had my first Wing in my 20s, loved it!!! I’m on my third now, and I won’t not have one again. For me, Comfort, Reliability, and the athleticism!! If I get a new bike, it will be another Goldwing. I’ve had several other bikes, but the Wing has always been the standard. I’m 56 now, and can’t wait to get the Wing back in the twistys!!!!

Simple... Goldwing is the Cadillac of motorcycles. Styling, the profile is gorgeous! DCT... I don't miss the stick shift from my 1950 Chevy either! (By the way, I'm 85, almost 86)

Im 52 and going with an 07 stratoliner, not full blown big boy yet, but a nicely dressed already, 1900cc for 5 grand. I want a raider so bad, but also want myself and daughter to be comfy...so stratoliner it is, and daddy still gets 1900cc!

Love the channel, like 2Vintage channel, always a learning moment. From St. Paul (Minnesota), so summertime ride to the wide-open Dakotas is the highlight of our riding season. The 9-hour journey getting there we used to ride, now in my 50s we are more likely to trailer there and back.

Nice to catch your video. GWRRA chap J1 from bakersfield ca. Back then we had a 76 GL 1000 and a 80 GL1100. I been out of the motorcycle scene for over 20 years because the family got older and stopped riding. I have one of our last bikes that i will get back on the road 79 suzuki GS850 which was one our more popular one at the time. I am kinda looking at a 2002 gl1800 but i have a wife who isnt really into it and have a 9 years old daughter. Always wanted to get back to riding again. Take care be safe.

Great video my friend

Bought mine in my early 30's, sold it and now miss it. Will get another for sure. Got it due to comfort over long distance, protection from the elements and the heat vents to stretch out my season. Reverse and tow hitch for small camper also was a great setup. Cruise control and audio system, blasting punk music and going to town was a hoot. Low maintenance and driveshaft and just different for my age group, I don't conform to the main crowd.

"older" riders appreciate the comfort and reliability but they also can afford the Goldwing. I'm not quite ready for an easychair and will keep my ST1300 on the road for a few more years. They are awesome bikes though, I will admit.

Speaking the truth ! Needs to be heard

I had several goldwings, 1990-1993-2001-2005-2008. I bought them for maintenance, ride a year or so, then sell. I just retired, and part of my retirement bought a 2005 candy black cherry. This is a keeper! I'm 57 and have more time riding our goldwing, especially around Eureka Springs AR. Thank you for the video's enjoy each and every one of them! Peace

I ride the BMW K1200LT......love it

I agree 100%! It's true, no matter the expense of the bike in my lifetime, I always found a way to purchase it, always. They're a solid bike and proven to be the perfect bike with transcontinental capabilities. Another solid video! I always lean something with your content. Eric

I’m 61. My first road motor was a 1978 GL100 full dress with a Veteran fairing & lowers with Maryland bags & trunk. This was in the early 80’s. That bike had a cycle sound AM/FM radio and cassette player. I was in my late 20’s. Thought that bike was like a lazy boy. Sold that bike and got a KZ100 full dress for a couple of years and then got a Suzuki Cavalcade 1400 cc full dress motorcycle. Fantastic bike, had that bike for 20 years. Toured all over the eastern US. Decided to make a change for no other reason than I just wanted the new at that time GL1800. So I purchased a used 2001 GL1800. I always buy used. The Cavalcade was comparable to the GL1500, really more comfortable & roomy than the GL1800 but the 6 cylinder, 1800 cc motor of the GoldWing is really second to none. I’ve since added a Ultimate King seat, lowered foot pegs, Henry final drive & am in the process of putting a set of Helibars on her. A lot of $$ and mods on a bike that’s 22 years old & 114,000 trouble free miles but I’m very diligent with maintaining all my bikes. My bike is just now getting broke in. Currently thinking about taking a trip to ride the Cabot Trail. Not concerned one bit about planning a 6,000 trip on my GoldWing. Fantastic & fun bike to ride!

Hey Rich ! V-twin rider for 20 yrs... now on my first GW (2023) also in my 50's, I love it, the reliability, power, looks (yes even my DCT tour). Ride Safe!

Interesting vid, as always! Riding on Marsh Creek Road and on down to the caves @ The Pinnacles?

I agree with you, however I bought my first GW in 1977, (23 years old)first black model to be offered. I’ve never looked back. Love your channel.

You got it all right my brother! We are smarter I am an "older rider" my first bike is a 2018 Goldwing DCT. When the 2018 DCT came out I was IMMEDIATELY in love (Pearl Stallion Brown) this is the bike for me. I have had my MC license for years but, never really made a decision on a bike. So I got one and I am putting in the work and constantly learning how to be a better rider. (Them chevron, and all the rest thank you Sir) I have been riding for a year now and, ABSOLUTELY NO REGRETS!

I'm an "older person". There's 2 more categories of bikes that are dependable and more affordable for those of us that are still physically capable, ADV bikes and sport touring bikes. Although not as comfortable, at 14K, my 2022 GSX S 1000GT is just as dependable, half the price, hundreds of pounds lighter and in A mode has the ability to Rev like a GSX R with the handling to match in the twisties. The GT+ version comes with hard bags with ample storage. I may be "old", but I'm not ready to slow down... yet. 😜

Talkin truth man!

Whew! I got worried when I read the question introducing your video. I’m pushing 64 and am happy to know I don’t fit the definition of ‘old people’ yet. 😂

funny ..I had 3 wings 78 gl1000 vetter fairing and bags..82 int....83 int.. in my youth [before 30] and ridden a couple of others ,and havent gone back ..just seems there are so many good bikes out there .[ and so little time,lol] thanks for the video .

I think they are a great bike, comfortable powerful and fun, I haven’t ridden one i must admit, I must try one day. The Honda is certainly reliable. Your audio is fantastic mate. Take care 😎

I have had 2 Wings, 2007 I got when I was in my mod 30’s. I like to tour and with my wife it was a great choice. She did not like the compared HD model. I bought a 2018 when it came out, non DCT. The first motorcycle I was ever on was my brothers 1983 Goldwing he has had since new and still has it. Very true it just goes and goes with regular maintenance. Think about it the GW motor on the 1800’s are basically bulletproof. I have multiple friends that have 200K miles plus on the bike. No rebuilds. Name V-twin that can do that.

I also agree 100% with all of your comments. I am 62 and have been riding since I was 15. I bought my 1st wing at 22 and have been riding nothing else since. My current Wing, a 2008, is my 4th and it rolled over 100k this past May while riding the PCH. Just recently retired and planning on putting more miles on it than ever. Hope to meet you out on the road.

Had goldwings starting from the 1980s and I was in my early 20s . Now here’s the deal , I like to fire up my rock n roll .i got thin lizzy , lead zepp, def Lep, scorpions , u2, REM ,Benetar and I’m rocking out entertaining the traffic rolling down the road . That’s what I’m talkin about …

I sure do love my Harley. You are absolutely correct on Honda’s reliability. They have reverse too which would cost me extra if I wanted it. My neighbor has an older Valkyrie. He never breaks down. 😊

It's not an old peoples bike it's just that when you are young most of us did not have the money to buy one so older you get the more money you make and at some point you can afford to buy one. We are not all born with a golden spoon.

Reliable, comfort, smoothness. It’s simple.

We sold the Harley and bought an 84 Goldwing best bike ever 💓 we love it.

I am an Honorary Member of the Gold Wing Club in the county south of my home. I'm in my fifties, but most of the members are now in their late 60's and early 70's. I considered a Gold Wing but I missed the rumble of my V-Twin.

I dont think anyone who really rides and knows motorcycles would ever criticize the Gold Wing. I have never owned one. That being said though I have much respect for Honda. Its my personal opinion that Honda engineering is the best in the motorcycle industry. I have owned several Hondas thru the years. The Gold Wing was specifically designed for American Highway and Interstate Highway touring. It is the best most comfortable touring bike there is. I hear that from every Winger I meet and I believe it. I respect everyones choice of ride and I always compliment their bike no matter what it is. I know how we all feel about our rides and we all appreciate a kind comment now and again. I am a new subscriber Rich and look forward to more of your broadcasts. Maybe see you on the road someday. Ride on!!!!

I'm on my 2nd Gold Wing, 1st one was an 06 it had about 58K miles on it when I bought it and 62K when I sold it. Gold Wing # 1was in the shop when I bought Gold Wing # 2. Gold Wing# 2 is an 08 which had about 15K miles on it. I decided to go with a Gold Wing because of reputation, all the of things you mentioned but so far I would say the reliability is overstated, I do not have piece of mind with mine so far, not like I had with my Kawasaki's, even the one Harley Davidson, a 69 Sportster, I had never left me sitting on the side of the road. My next bike will probably not be a Honda. I ridden for about 40 years, mostly Kawasaki's and yes I've had some issues with them over the years but they never left me stranded. I have an 82 KZ1100 that I wouldn't have any qualms about going cross country on other than riding comfort, I can not say the same about either one of my Gold Wings. 😒

👍👍💯 I have a cousin. He will not ride anything--but a Goldwing. He said the others couldn't take his punishment. LOL take care catch you later.

Old people ride Goldwings because....................................... I forget😢

Right on Rich... old people are smarter 😳🤣🤣 ... love it !!! Honda has pretty much been the king of the hill for reliability for years, followed closely by most other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. HD has a much longer history, and we all know an avid and strong loyal customer base, but their customers have been shrinking for 8 of the last 10 years. HD does make awesome powerful bikes, but at a premium price, some at a ridiculously high premium. Their annual unit sales declined almost in half from 2013 to 2020. These last couple of years are showing some growth again for HD. But the Goldwing is a comfort touring king, and with its long history and Honda's reliability, it is iconic. Honda has always been my favorite brand, and the Goldwing has always been a lifelong dream bike for me. And finally when I was ready to buy one, something else caught my eye that ended up being a better choice to suit my retirement plans, and I couldn't be happier. Who knows, I may still own a Goldwing for the fun of it one day... it is a magnificent bike 👊😎👍

I am 68. I wanted to ditch my 86 Rebel for a torquey 'standard' street bike. That I would NOT have to work on all the time. I found a very clean (nary a scratch) naked 78 Wing & it was love at first ride. Paid too much tho.... $4500...... love it.

This older people ride the ZX 14-R and at 62 I'm not quite ready to ride a slug.

I am 60 and I ride a Harley and my Bike has more horse power that a gold wing and I have never broke down because that is all about taking care of you ride the proper way. I live in Houston Texas and I have rode to California, Canada, Maine, Key West, and Sturgis.. I am rolling strong so all bikes have to be serviced and maintained regularly your bike last a long time. Most old guys get gold wings because they don't care about customizing their bike that will make it stand out from the others besides adding lights so the way they it is the way it stays they just want to get on and ride without all the fuss. Most gold wing rides take about body pain like back, knee, neck, risk, and elbows.

Comfort, comfort, comfort! As far as new bike sales older people are the only ones that can afford them. These whipper snappers spend money on electronics and think little of motorcycle travel. Now I purchased my 1st Goldwing back in 2018 and bought it because i like large comfortable touring machines. Now the only reason i purchased the Honda was they finally changed the old style and updated features. Understand I enjoyed electronic windshield, heated seat, grips, auto center stand, etc on my touring K1200LT BMW motorcycles in 2002, That bike was so nice i purchased another in 2008 that had even more features. Yes thats 21 years ago BMW was outfitting touring motorcycles with creature comforts and other amenities. Honda was putting out the same big body barge back then and their customers were just as intimidated by the BMW technology as they were when the 6th generation came out. Back then the Goldwingers would lament over the reported final drive failures or dry clutch failures etc. Face forward and Honda finally caught up and even provided a suspension that didn't require immediate attention. Not to mention the styling, motorcyclist will buy the 6th generation because looks matter and if one can justify then purchase of any other brand they maybe rewarded with a quality that Honda can't replicate. My BMW's fit, finish, quality of materials were superior to my Goldwing and MUCH SUPERIOR to the 5th generation. Don't kid yourself. That said, I. like to say and truly believe the best bike is the one your riding. Ride forever.

My neighbor bought the DCt Goldwing because he has arthritis in his hands and he didn’t have to deal with a clutch.

Yeah! They should have called you and Kake to ride!

Us old folks know the best bike on the road and we ride it.

At 67 I have been looking at downsizing on bikes and sold my HD Ultra Ltd a year ago, which I loved but found was getting heavy. I still have an old Honda CBF1000 which runs really well, and the weight is fine, but i get uncomfortable after just 1 hour of riding. I keep thinking though that the Honda GW could be the way to go on the basis it has a reverse gear which helps moving it around, and i could still be comfortable. Cruisers are good for my long legs, but come out surprisingly heavy still. I am just not interested in adventure style bikes so keep coming back to the GW. Any thoughts?

We run on a manual Goldwing…and we r of a certain age…hence our name lol … Old folks may have gathered money and time and want comfort…yer right on that!

Got my first Goldwing at 35. It ruined me from other motorcycles.

...because they can.

Simple, they ain’t stupid and have money! (This is before watching)

I do have one question. Why when I ride I meet more Harley-Davidsons than all the other brands put together. Ride safe.

I think young people still want touring bikes but the ADV bikes check all the luggage and touring requirements while still being sporty dirt bike feeling machines

2:46 You just mentioned long distance riding, that is something a lot of younger people don’t/can’t do….

Because they have the money to afford them.

Are you filming this in California?

Old people are smarter😂😂😂

Yes, older not old 😂

Cause I can't afford an Escalade.

Or, you know, hydraulic clutch issues LOL

A lot smarter 😂

😳 *Promo sm*

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For me the way a Goldwing looking,technically and reliability.

My nephew is 26 and rides a 2015 goldwing.