I came real close to buying a 2016 Ultra Classic. After test riding a 2016 Goldwing , there was no way I was buying the Harley. Of course I couldn't afford the 2016 Goldwing. I settled for a 2010 Goldwing with 22,000 miles. ABS, Nav, and all the other great features that come with the Goldwing. No regrets, best bike I ever had.
My 2013 is the best bike I ever had. I have had a Shadow, a Ultra Glide and BMW 1600 GTL, but the WING is the best for me. Except for the GPS … you can't STOP it if you change your mind unless you TOTALLY stop !! … And if you think it's an old man bike, you haven't ridden one. They handle almost like a sport bike, light, nimble and fast.
I went from a sport bike to a cruiser to "The Goldwing", and it was a great investment. Now I can take my son with me on rides but most of all my wife is finally the co-pilot and it's a good feeling having her on rides. But I watched Chris Caliente videos and it really inspired me to get a wing. Keep putting out those videos, you're pushing alot of people to the GOLDWING LIFE!
Chris my man, you are spot on. I currently ride a 12 Ultra Limited it's my 5 Harley. I want to say this, I truly love Harley, however harley continues to sell a machine with a piss poor crankshaft, compensator problems and a host of other problems. I've decided to set my sights on a GW. I hope that it can happen this year, but I won't rest until it happens. Hell I started this journey in 1969 with a Honda CL175 and moved up the ranks to a 750 in 1972. I guess I'll be coming full circle back to a Honda. Keep up the good work. I know my Harley friends will think I'm crazy, but as I get older I'm ready for a lot of comfort before I take the last ride down that Lonesome Highway...
All I can say that if your looking a very powerful touring motorcycle that's comfortable for you and a passenger for an extended amount of hours, with a immaculate track record, very low maintenance, extremely reliable that never breaks down with a well balanced bullet proof engine, ride a Goldwing it will change your life. Thanks for sharing your honesty Freddie Ray.
Harley isn’t even in the same league as this wing! I’ve had two Kings and you can’t even compare them. I wish I would have done the Wing sooner. Truly a masterpiece to ride, effortless and comfort all the way.
After several sport bikes in my youth I bought my first cruiser in 2008 a 2007 Honda VTX 1300 after that I was hooked on cruisers all the guys in my club had Harley's and I fell outside the loop thinking about trading but their bikes kept braking down on rides and my bike never gave me issues, so I set my sight on a GL but it wasn't until 2019 that I took the plunge and finally purchased my canary yellow fully chromed GL and I love it.👍
I kept my 02 Electra Glide and 2016 Road Glide but have always been an admirer of the GoldWing, so I bought my first one ever this past June. An 08 GL1800 with 26k miles in “like new” condition. My poor Harley’s are feeling neglected now
Enjoyed your video. I just purchased a white 2012. I ditched 3 Harleys and a CTX I wished I would have went with the wing sooner. By far best bike I have ever had. 57 year old female that’s never been without a bike! I should have listened to my hubby 10 years ago! Love everything about this bike!
You hit the nail on the head. I owned honda motorcycles since I was 16 years old. Raised 2 sons, since then been into the Goldwings and can't go to any other. Just last week I have bought my first 2006 GL1800. Bought in Rushville , Indiana and drove it to my home in Cincinnati. Enjoy your same enthusiasm.
I bought my first ever GL1800 this past June and rose it home from Midland TX to Albuquerque NM. Besides the 5 mile test ride, that was also the first time riding a GL. I did own a CB750 when I was a kid in the 70’s
Riding a older1988 GL1500 with almost 200k km on it in the Netherlands and tho I do not think they are the best looking bikes out there, I will probably never EVER get another brand or type.... Once you own a Wing sitting on 99% of the other bikes is like... .'mwah'..... 'cool but' ... no thanks... And that sucks because I also like the looks of the classic cruisers like the VN1500. But they cant touch riding a GoldWing :) Thanx for the many entertaining videos Chris, keep making them please!
A Chris, hope that you are in good health. I been riding since 1975, I had Suzuki 550, Kawasaki 650, Kawasaki 1400.. In 2016 Aug or Sept I bought a Honda Gold Wing, I been to Florida, California, and New York, in 2017. I Love the ride !!!! Stay in good health! !!! In 2018, 19, 20 I didn't ride because personal reasons.. But in 2021 plan on going West for about 2 or 3 weeks.. keep riding Chris !!!! GOD BLESS !!!!!!
I really appreciate your video Chris. Thank you for not cursing as well. You got your point across and very concise. Loved the memory lane pictures too.
I really enjoyed watching this video. I noticed that there are a lot of interesting questions being asked that have gone unanswered. I would offer that there are probably Goldwing online forums that some of you might consider checking out for that purpose.
Well said. When I decided that I was getting too old to cruise around on a sportbike, I traded my Ducati for a Honda VTX (2007 1300r). I have a friend with a 2002 VTX and there is no denying the Honda reliability factor. Ride safe.
It's hard to imagine anyone could go far wrong with the most reliable motorcycle manufacturer in the world. The goldwing is a beautiful looking machine. And as you rightly say has true timeless pedigree. Enjoy yourself ma man.
Well Chris since you have always been on the up and up I blame you. I narrowed my choices to the Victory Magnum and the Goldwing as well. Victory did not budge so I got the Goldwing, tho i was not ready for the touring bike so I got the F6B and I LOVE IT! Watching you and Memphis Mike makes me love it even more. Having a Shadow that Never let me down I know I made the right choice. The dealer gave me a good deal and Mama said get it so I jumped on it. Thank you Chris and Mike for all the wonderful ride you let me tag along on.
Congratulations on buying the Honda F6B, I ride with a few guys that have them, they love the way it handles and sheer power. I'm glad that I was able to help you make a decision, so don't hesitate to ask questions, and ride safe my friend.
Hey Chris, bought my goldwing because I was torn between victory and a wing. You're vid made my decision and I have no regrets. !!! Thank you, stay safe
Definitely agree...stick with a for-sure thing. Never heard of anyone who does not like a GW. Fantastic video; excellent vlog...enjoyed it immensely!!!
Thanks for all the nice words and compliments, I've never met a Goldwing owner that doesn't like his bike, owners will usually sell them to upgrade for a newer model, getting told to ride, or have a life changing health issues.
First off Chris I love your videos. I started watching your videos about eight months ago and I've been wanting a gold wing for a couple of years now I just purchased one about three weeks ago because of watching your videos I was riding a 2009 Yamaha Rd. star that are still home but since the purchase of the goal line I have no desire to ride Yamaha anymore. Your rack to go Lane is the best motorcycle on the road by far. Thank you and ride safe Chris God bless.
Here, here! I bought my Goldwing for all the same reasons. I also knew I was at a time (60+) where I wanted to get out and see some of the country and long distance comfort was key. It almost rides itself. Reliability was also important because of the distances along with a good network of dealers/service if needed. I think Victory made a couple of mistakes. First, they went overboard with the styling. The big flying V everywhere was just too much and made the bike look cumbersome and "plastic". I also looked at Victory and noticed that some of the machining looked cheap. Lots of play in the brake and shift, to name a couple, where they were mounted. Just didn't have that solid feel I found on the other V-Twins. I had the Valkyrie before this for 11 years and I just liked the feel of having a tried and true bike under me. Stay safe!
Very good observations, sometime it just takes many years to work out bugs, but Victory is not sticking around. This is one of the reasons why I bought a Honda because of the many years of reliable service, and the longevity of the Goldwing.
Im 22 and looking to get a 2010 holdwing since i always travel to mexico from los angeles. The goldwing shouldnt be considered an “old mans bike” it should be a “travelers bike”
Great video Chris. I thought I recognized some of the highways you were driving on, right before you mentioned Memphis TN. Probably the worst part of driving a motorcycle in Memphis is navigating the endless potholes that seem to breed and multiply at night.
Bought one 2 months ago , 1992 , aspencade 65 kmiles , and I love its comfort , agility , flexibility ,performac etc etc , I also own a Cbr 1100 Blackird 01 ... best of both worlds ..love Your Y Tube .....keep going Ken Ireland
I'm on the Voyager, excellent bike, but that being said I have to say you've made a better choice and you are now ridin' the best bike ever, bar none...
I had a first generation Goldwing, I went through beamers, Harley-Davidsons and I came back to the gl1800, I still own my beamer and Harleys and the wing is my go to bike.
One of my friends that owns a Ultra Classic that rides daily told me that if he has to ride over 300 miles, he rather do it on a Goldwing, that a true story. Thanks for sharing with us your honesty, and ride safe my friend.
Hey chris! Was torn between a Victory XCT and a goldwing. There were too many pros over cons with the goldwing. Parts, drivetrain (never have to worry about a belt with a driveshaft), heritage, community, aftermarket support, engine, and most importantly, the wife was way more comfortable on a wing. Do not regret my decision 100%.....200% after victory shut their doors. Thanks for the great video.
Nice CC. Good job. Honda has more than proven their products in every category over the years. They surround us. Just look. The GW is a "1 stop shop" for most of us. Features & performance are the best overall. You can tell a lot about a person by what they drive. I'm looking to upgrade from Sport Touring to Touring. Hands down GW is my focus. Cheers.
Hi Chris, enjoy your videos. A long time mid-weight street bike rider looking to upgrade. I test rode a 2007 GL 1800 Gold Wing..... That's all it took, and my sweetie loves it too! Peace from Nor Minnesota. DB
Goldwing is a Super Nice Ride! I am sure you will get many trouble free miles. I am Victory Vision owner and I am in Love with my machine. I am 6'7" and the Goldwing is not Suitable for my frame. If a comparable machine doesn't come along in a few years I don't know what I'll do for a ride. Until then Til the Wheels Fall off.
Chris thanks for the video. I was reading reviews over reviews and ended up even more confused.... So I decided to rent one tomorrow and if all goes well will purchase one. Your video was simple to the point and very helpful. Thanks for sharing....
Loved the ride and comfort. Definitely a bike I can ride once a month from Orlando to Jackson MS. They worked out a good deal on level 3. Do you think abs is a must?
I've got a 2013, and the only warranty work i had done so far was the rear drive seal weeping a bit... gotta love the honda warranty..and I purchased the extra 4 year warranty. I financed for 5 years, and have a 7 year total coverage warranty, can't beat it!
Hey, maybe you can tell me if the Honda dealer I purchased from was blowing smoke up my rear.. I recall when he was selling the extended warranty, he told me If I was riding, and ran into really bad weather, lightening storms, hail etc. that I could make a call and they would send a tow company out to me if I were to say park it under say an overpass, and take me and my bike to a motel, free of charge?
Great Vids. Right know I am riding through you and other Goldwingers who share yall vids. Man I got the itch bad. I tore down my 94 to repaint but got busy with work. Now I have to get it back together, its killing me to see yall ride by yall self. Keep the vids coming man.
Absolutely awesome video Chris! I'm literally two days away from closing on an '06 GW ABS in Gloss Black with only 53k miles on the odo. Paying under $10k. I was also looking at the Victory Vision until the recent announcement. Too bad, so sad.
Chris Caliente Well, I haven't gotten it yet. Fingers crossed. Should close on Mon/Tues. My buddy ShadowDPS Motovlogs said I'm going to be the Texas Chris Caliente lol. Yea Victory blows lol
Love it, Chris you were instrumental in my decision to buy my 2008 GL1800, which I love riding!! Sweet ride indeed. If I could change it I would like the following: Make the transmission to have a 6th gear, and a CD player on the dash like my Harley Ultra Classic had. Down here in SE Texas it is basically riding time all year. Anytime I can get out on it, I do. Thanks again for all your videos I learn something new every-time. CYA
you can't beat Honda my 97 Honda Valkyrie runs like it just came off the assembly line yesterday! it's smooth powerful reliable comfortable just like the goldwing it takes its motor from.
a few years ago i got fedup with my 2018 ultra classic always over heating and dying after a 300- 400 mile trip. had it towed home more than once by tripple a. one day i was reading craigs list saw a 2000 honda shadow 1100 for sale i figured id buy it to ride while the ultra classic was in the shop for the 9th time. lil sucker impressed me big time smooth plenty of power handled great. it needed tires so i took it to a honda shop 2 hours away to get new tirres. i had already sold the harley. on the sale floor last month was a brand new gold wing in red dct. waas looking at it. saw the price which was way better than harley/ so took thier demo for a ride while iw aited for tires.. i bought it had to go back a few days later to pickup the 1100 rode that goldwing 110 miles home.. was not bounced to death my back didnt hurt, this last weekendi took it on a 800 mile trip for fun. i will never buy another harley again, i am 69 been riding harley since iu was 16. my 1st one was a fx. now the gold wing is 1000% better than any harley for comfort. love the color. no more wrenching. and having to carry spare ign modules. just gas and go.in 2 weeks a buddy of mine in calif is bringing his 2019 wing up here top washington state we are going to go for a ride to maine. now i will say this. i prefer to ride my1100 around town. and save that beautiful wing for trips over 100 miles
Chris Caliente I agree with you that Polaris is making a mistake by discontinuing the Victory line. I just bought my first Goldwing about 3 weeks ago. It's a 2002 with ABS and I love it. However, I too had a hard time trying to decide on whether to get a Goldwing or a Victory. One of the guys I work with has a beautiful Victory. It is very comfortable and it rides well. I hope Polaris reconsider their decision because if I decide on getting a second bike, it would probably be a Victory.
Hey Chris, I had 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour and when I was ready to trade it I test rode the Gold Wing (like pulling teeth to get the dealer to let me ride). I liked it and was ready to buy it when my wife suggested I try the BMW K1600GTL. I had a 2009 BMW K1200LT so I was familiar with the bikes and I don't know why people complain about parts and cost for BMWs because I never had a problem getting parts and the cost was in line with what others were paying for their service. I have buddies with Gold Wings and the pricing is about the same here in Indy. After I rode the K1600GTL I was sold. I have all of the creature comforts and technology of a touring bike but I have the performance of a sport bike. there's never a dull moment when I'm on it and when I rode The Dragon it handled great. Having said that, if I were buying a bike today, it would be the Gold Wing F6B. I really like that look. Well, be safe out there and maybe our paths will cross one day.
hi john here the bmw gtl is a awsome machine saving now for a honda goldwing not a new one or a bmw gtl watched video on gtl and gotta say it looks as its got the same confort as the goldwing
I've owned goldwings before and love them.i know own a 1975 flh Harley and a 2016 indian scout. I'll be trading the scout in for a goldwing this year.love the wing specially when riding 2 up and cross country touring. hands down goldwing has it.
I have left my 84 GW 1200 behind my house covered it with a tarp and went to Japan for 4 years in the new England weather , came back put the keys in there juggled it a little bit started it , it started right away , in 2006 i got a 2001 GW 1800 i still got i put 239k babied miles on it, and it still ride brand new
I have and will own other bikes but there will never be a time that there isn't a Goldwing in my garage. Love the channel, Chris. But I think you need some more cameras on your rig! :D
I wholeheartedly agree with your choice of the GOLDWING as your preferred Motorcycle. The difference in my selection process was that I never considered the Harley Davidson, nor the Victory when I bought my first GOLDWING in 2004. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe the Victory was available in 2004. On a separate issue, I enjoy your Video Blog opening, however, I would love to see an update that shows your new accessories such as your CB antenna, driver's backrest, and passenger armrest. Would be difficult to update? Just a preference of mine. I still enjoy viewing your RU-vid channel. Ride safely.
Victory started in 1997, it's been a good 20 year run. I have made installation videos that shows each the accessories that you listed in my video library. For example here is one of my CB installation links. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8_RMjsSDad4.html
Chris, you have great videos and have solidified my decision to trade my 2017 Indian RoadMaster towards a 2012 used GL1800. I will have to do some upgrades to it to get some bluetooth compatibility etc, but I think I will be very happy because I need a lot of the things the GW has. I agree about them making it for over 40 years, they know what they're doing. Polaris does not know yet. As much as I love my RoadMaster, it has flaws from being such a new bike, and its beginning to show its ugly face to me. I doubt I will be disappointed in my decision to trade in for a older bike.
I was crushed about Polaris putting the Victory in the can. I wish Honda would make their 1300's upgrade to 1800's like the old VTX 1800 & Fury as a 1800... from what I've heard it's just bigger pistons inside. Gold Wing would be on my list if I ever came into a oil well... LOL a bit pricy but all you get... it's not. I bet ... maintenance is a lot cheaper and easier then the Harley's too. It's on my list for sure... but I'm so old now.. I doubt it'll ever happen. Good Video
Hey cris I'm from okla I have had my goldwing for 7 years it's a 1988 but runs like a 2019 am I just lov your bike maybe one of these day I can be like u so ride on an u be safe...
My only problem with Goldwing is that my left leg doesn't bend enough to work the shift comfortably. I put over 16,000 miles a year on my 2004 VT1100C and love the stretched out foot position. Very comfy for me. If I hadn't had a leg injury (college football), I'd be on a Valkyrie for ever. Ride safe and watch out for those 4-wheelers. Great Video and enjoy.
By far the best cruiser there is in my humble opinion. Smooth quiet & totally reliable.....love my 2010. My brother has a 2006 and has the same opinion. No way would I own a Harley. Over priced and way over hyped.
I agree completely about it being better to evolve a design than to try to start from scratch, over and over. A fresh start is, in many ways, just another opportunity to make a lot of new mistakes. Once you're pretty far up the learning curve with a design, it gets to be issue-free. The other thing is the engineering costs get amortized over decades. The profitability of the Gold Wing for Honda must be pretty good. I know it has undergone major changes since the original GL-1000 but, by not re-inventing everything every year, the engineering costs are minimized.
I've own two GW GL1800 and had to sell them for varies reasons. I plan on buying my third GW 40th Nav, because it is the best bike to own. You can ride a Goldwing for hours or days and still want to ride father. Not All Who Wander Are Lost.
I had a 02 wing in 2010 and liked everything about it but the front end (long story). It was equipped with a Corbin heated seat and that seat was one that created more room for the rider, in other words it was longer front to back for the driver. I sat on a new 2016 two days ago and it is too short for me, I'm too close to the bars and would have to have another Corbin seat to even fit on it, I'm 6'1". Of course could still ride it but I'm siting straight up with my arms bent too much. I also sat on an F6B and that bike has plenty of room and I really liked it...
You tend to ride and like what motor you start on. I have rode all the touring motors and they are all great motors, however I love my 2017 Road Glide Ultra Milwaukee 8.
I own a Harley 1200 cruiser before my Goldwing, which is why I was considering buying a Touring bike, I came home many of days with full body aches thinking that I was getting to old to ride. Once I test rode a Goldwing, I was totally sold. BTW Harley make some fine motorcycles which is why I understand your love for the Road Glide.
Sounds like Honda is setting a pretty high standard! Boots and Jeans say they have had NO serious mechanical issues. Have you? Also, what is the fuel capacity, and what is your mpg? Safe riding!
As a relatively new Victory Cross Country Tour owner I was disappointed with Victory's business decision. In the end Indian cannibalized Victory sales after 2012 and the writing was on the wall. My previous two bikes were Harley's. A Road Glide and then an Ultra Classic. Before those a Yamaha Royal Star Venture. I actually considered the Honda F6B and the GoldWing. I don't htink I was quite ready for the quiet ride of either of those yet. Didn't look at Kawasaki or BMW. No local dealers for BMW. I am very pleased with my Victory. IMHO It's superior in handling and comfort to any touring bike I've had before. I'll be keeping it for a while. I suspect when I'm ready to move on it'll be Honda GoldWing for me too. Ride safe.
I am a relatively small woman so the bike is too big for me. I like its looks but I'll way another 10 years before considering it. (smile). I must say I'm not a fan of the seating position. However, I agree wth everything you've said about its reliability and that if it isn't fix, leave it alone. Nice review. Oh, my preferred ride is the BMW F800GT (current bike). Previously owned the BMW F800ST and before that, the Suzuki SV650. And, in the late 70s, the Honda CB360.
Does your Gold Wing get hot on warm days. When I ask if it gets hot I mean, does it get uncomfortable for you if the temperature goes above 85°? I agree with you about the price of parts and service on BMWs. I had a K 1200 LT, many flaws. Not nearly as good as Japanese bikes. I just bought a used 18-year-old Gold Wing 1800. A 2002 with 9000 miles on it from the original owner. Never been in an accident, garage kept on the center stand, it’s the basic model, I will be replacing every filter, spark plug, all fluids, IV coil, steering head bearings, I understand the air cleaner change is quite a job. I rode the 1800 for the very first time today. It was just a test ride. I was considering buying another Yamaha venture, I have had two of them and I understand them and I do all my own work, so I felt comfortable buying another venture. But one ride on that Gold Wing, I ruled out the Venture immediately. They’re not even in the same class..I’m talking about the V-four venture. The new twin Venture, I don’t want to spend that much money, and they haven’t been around long enough to get cheap yet. I will be getting my 18-year-old, 9000 mile Gold Wing tomorrow. And I will probably be working on it just doing general maintenance for a few days. If you or anyone that may read this owns an 1800 wing, and would have some advice on tires, which air filter to buy, the standard on the one or a K and N, premium or regular gas,? But my main question is, does the driver get hot enough on hot days from blowback heat from the radiators to bake a turkey on hot days? The reason I ask is. I have a 1994 Honda pacific coast that I have used for commuting for the past 24 years. That machine looks very much like a Gold Wing. If the same design team that designed the Pacific coast, also designed the Gold Wing, I hope they designed the airflow through the radiator, and away from the rider the same as they did on the Pacific coast. Because my Pacific Coast puts zero heat on the rider no matter how hot it is that day... i I am not a new rider. I have over 700,000 miles behind bars just on the street since 1968, but I am new to the Gold Wing.. I heard that the Gold Wing was smooth and that was not going to be a surprise to me, I thought. What did surprise me was how powerful and nimble and unintimidating Gold Wing is.We will see. Let me know about that heat from the engine/radiator getting on the rider issue. Is it a problem on warm days on the 1800 Gold Wing?
Excellent review! I currently own a 2011 Harley Ultra Lmtd. I love the bike but i have grown tired of the noise, smelling like exhaust fumes after riding and my teeth rattling out of my head lol. At some point whether sooner or later we are going to make a trade. I noticed you own the Goldwing but you have reviewed the Can Am touring as well. Those are our two options. I am curious which one you think would be the best for long distance touring. And when I say long distance I mean riding 6-8 hours a day for multiple days. Thanks.
Thanks Dan, that's a good question. For along distance ride I choose the Goldwing everytime. The Can Am would be good for a person that wants three wheels, but it rides very good, it almost like a three wheeler. At the end of the day the Goldwing is the most comfortable riding machine.
Chris Caliente Yeah I was leaning towards the goldwing. looking at a leftover new 15 anniversary ed tomorrow. If they will meet me on price I might leave on it! Thanks for the help!
I am reminded of the time many years ago when Coca Cola made the dramatic decision to discontinue the brand TAB. At the time, the diet soft drink was popular! Many consumers were saddened and upset that Coca Cola would make such a decision. Coca Cola pulled the plug on TAB to make way for the product called Diet Coke. I think it worked. I strongly believe, Indian will soon start coming out with new lines of motorcycles with splashes of Victory DNA in them. It's just my opinion, but I can only hope that Victory lives on if not re-branded into another motorcycle altogether. Rest in peace.
I LOVE the Goldwing! When I was shopping for a touring bike, I wanted the GW but I'm vertically challenged. I ended up with the Victory Vision because it out performed the Ultra Classic on my first test ride, but falls short of the GW. Long distance touring is in my blood, so the bike that I'm looking at in the future is the F6B. Hook up a trailer and you're good to go!! Let's see what Indian comes up with. :)
I think the Gold Wing or the Can Am Spyder RT-S has plenty of storage space as well. Unless you're married with a wife who likes to ride. Then she'll tell you that neither the GW or the Spyder has enough storage for two up riding on an extended road trip.
Out of the blue, I thought of this topic while I was riding along, I had no previous plan or script, it just popped in my head. I guess this video wasn't too bad for an unplanned free style video, thanks for the compliments.
