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handyrandy
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 01:37 am | 41st Post |
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98Wing-487 wrote: Sandy Eggo wrote: Whichever bike you choose, realize that each has it's own "image". The Harley rider is typecast as a rebel, hence the black tee shirt, all the leather, etc. The Goldwing rider is typecast as an old man that can't ride past a Dairy Queen without stopping.
Like it or not, you'll be typecast either way.
Yep... I am trying to figure out what type of bike an lone adventurer would ride. A BMW? That is what I am and want to be recognized as such. I like to travel 2 or 3 states away from home alone. Often.
Ever since the problem I had traveling alone through a small SC town, when the town was having problems with patch rider groups, (not nice ones) I have tried to distance myself from anything remotely rebellious for my own safety. Ending of the movie (easy rider) comes to mind here. First impressions are everything, And I don't want to ever be mistaken again for something I am not. I don't have the luxury of several other guys running with me.
I am glad Harley is made in the USA. That is really a good thing. It would even be fun riding one. The Black and chrome, loud pipes and vibration have a romantic quality that cant be found on any other motorcycle. I think someone really has to get honest though to what there personal riding needs really are vs pocketbook. If I was just day tripping with a bunch of guys or riding around the area, a harley would be great. If I had the money for more that one bike I might even own one. But if I am going to be on that sucker for 12 hours a day for several days in a row I want a wing. And I can be on a quiet smooth very dependable older goldwing for a fraction of the cost of a harley. And the money I save not having to make a bike payment I can use for travel money like I am doing now.
I think Harley would be doing themselves and there loyal followers a good service if they would break down and make a smooth running water cooled engine as an option. The thought of sitting over a humongous air cooled engine in traffic on a hot day just doesn't seem all that appealing.
And honestly I believe most people buy HD because of the image. They are not the best all around motorcycle to own. They have there strengths, but dollar for dollar, there are better all around motorcycles. Also, if money was no object, I would probably have a BMW.
Last edited on Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 01:53 am by handyrandy
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GLester
Senior Guru
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 02:08 am | 42nd Post |
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handyrandy wrote:
I think Harley would be doing themselves and there loyal followers a good service if they would break down and make a smooth running water cooled engine as an option. The thought of sitting over a humongous air cooled engine in traffic on a hot day just doesn't seem all that appealing.
They do. It's called a V-Rod. Water cooled, pretty smooth, and if the exhaust hasn't been changed out, not all that loud.
Gene
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Gene Lester
Present Bikes: 1993 Goldwing 1500A
1981 GL1100
"Loud pipes don't save lives, they just annoy everyone"
"My Remington shotgun says I don't need an excuse"
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Punty
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 02:11 am | 43rd Post |
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| All Stock Harleys are quiet. They all have to meet EPA standards, problem is try finding one.
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98Wing-487
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 02:17 am | 44th Post |
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There are several "rent-a-Harley" outfits around here and believe it or not...I do feel compelled to go rent one for an hour to see what the fuss is all about. I'd leave my Wing at home...of course...
Stickyfingers is quite correct in the overall numbers of Harleys vs Goldwings I see on the road and I'm sure HD sells twice as many Harleys as Honda sell Wings. But like several posts have said...you're buying the image...along with a motorcycle that happens to be an accessory to that image. With that said...this old, fat man is headed to the next Dairy Queen. I don't care anything about rallies with 500,000 bikers...of any kind. I just wanna ride.
Got to hand it to Del Que for basically coming into the lion's den and asking for honest opinions and being honest himself. I think we have been well behaved and not being regular the HD bashers I know we ( I ) can be.
Anyone been to an HD or HOG site and ask the same question? Wonder how a Winger would fare? 
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rubber side down
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 02:33 am | 45th Post |
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Anyone been to an HD or HOG site and ask the same question? Wonder how a Winger would fare?
As a matter of fact...yes. I keep up with 3 different forums. This one, a Magna/sabre forum, and an HD forum. When I asked my question on here in another post about thoughts for a tour bike, I mentioned I was thinking of a Goldwing as well as a HD among a few others. They were very nice about it. A few even said they would prefer a wing. Others said theres no way they are giving up there HD's. Alot of mentioned there HD's have been reliable and are NOT having all the issues that people accuse them of. But one thing they all agreed on was that if your gonna get one, get a new(er) one because they did tear themselves apart....in the PAST. As for me, Iv ridden both. Iv ridden HD more then I have wings. When it comes to making a choice....I will likely go HD. Wings are just to bulky for my taste although I love the way they ride, its just to bulky. I tryed to get over that but its always nagging at me when Im riding it.
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1983 Honda GL1100 Interstate
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98Wing-487
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 02:42 am | 46th Post |
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Thanks rubber side down.
Interesting and refreshing to know that.
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confish86
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 03:18 am | 47th Post |
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dingdong wrote: Check out this comparison on Youtube, might surprise you. Tom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB1gtpKS2Wc
Very nice , but they forgot to look at storage space . I was at my dealer that also sells the Vision & to tell you the truth , the Vision fit & finish was terrible , Honda & HD blows it away. I was going to start looking at 09 to be the year i bought a new bike , but now i realy should wait until they start to build the wing in Japan & i`m sure there going to do alot of changes , since they have only benn updating the same bike from 2001. I`m also surprised that HD hasn`t made a big touring bike with the V-rod engine ?? Unless they are in a year or 2, since they just don`t spend millions on an engine program to use it in one model. (i know there are different versions of the V-rod but need a liquid cooled tourer) Last edited on Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 03:26 am by confish86
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DeDubya
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 03:48 am | 48th Post |
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What you have, Del Que, is a want, not a need. Of course, some of those wants can prove to be mighty powerful urges, especially once you've been bitten by the Goldwing bug. The mistake you made was riding one...I feel sorry for you. It will be a tough decision now.
I found myself with much the same delima until I bought my 08 Goldwing a year ago. I have never owned an HD, but I have ridden a Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500 for many, many miles and loved it (I know, I know, I shouldn't compare a Vulcan to a Harley, but it's the best I can do for this discussion). At the time, I couldn't really justify spending so much money on either a Goldwing or an HD for a toy, especially since there was nothing wrong with my 50,000 mile Vulcan. I had always wanted to do long-distance touring, and the Vulcan certainly was not suited for that particularly since my wife rides with me. After looking around and considering my options, I bought the wing. There simply were more positives than negatives regarding the Goldwing in comparison to the Harley to me FOR THE TYPE OF RIDING I WANT TO DO. The Goldwing has a long history of being reliable, comfortable, high mileage, touring machines...with that, you cannot argue. Most modern motorcycles these days are reliable as long as you take care of them, and while the Harley is certainly more than capable of long-distance touring, I thought the cost per mile in the long run would be greater. Maybe I'm wrong, but that was my thinking. Time will tell as the miles add up. It's a bit like we're trying to compare Goldwings to Ultra Glides...woops, I mean comparing apples to oranges. It ain't really fair (to either bike)...or possible in my view. The only things they share in common are 2 wheels, 2 saddle bags and a trunk. Everything, I mean everything, else is different.
I have the answer to your delima, my friend. If I had a Harley a nice as yours and it was paid for, there's no way I'd give it up especially since it's a great bike. Keep the HD and buy a Goldwing if you can swing it. I don't think I will ever regret buying my Goldwing, but make no mistake, I kept my Kawasaki so I can still get my V-Twin fix regularly. I use these bikes for two distinctly different things, however, and I don't mix the two. I tour on the Goldwing, and I cruise on the Vulcan (and am very cool doing it too, by the way). That's what you have to decide. Why are you considering the Goldwing and what are you gonna use it for? You won't like wrestling it around town in traffic or at a rally...or at least I don't. The Goldwing is at home on the open road or in the twisties. I will however, some day own a Harley. They're just too kool!! I like the Road Glide...I think that's the model. It's the one with the fairing and hard saddle bags (sorry, I don't know that much about Harley model names).
Putting all needs aside though, it's really all about what you want anyway. 
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Broke Winger
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 03:49 am | 49th Post |
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What a I think a lot of people don't realize is that even though harley has maintained the old v twin design, they have every year striven to make their motors...better.
And quite frankly, they have done just that. Todays Harley is not the self loathing self battering pig they used to be. For looks, for comfort of ride position, and for shear beauty, there is absolutely nothing on the road that can compare to a Harley.
Another thing a lot of folks are missing is the fact that todays harleys are powerful machines. They aren't the lumbering "stump pullers" they one were.
A couple of years ago a friend of mine tossed me the keys to his Ultra ad told me to take it for a ride. I did. And I must admit I was quite surprised at the power the bike had available. In fact I pulled away from a stop light and was completle astounded, and a litle frightened when I realized the front wheel was in the air. Yeah I full dressed Ultra did a wheelie...and it wasn't un purpose. i didn't rev the hell out of i, I didn't gun it for all ti was worth. I simply twisted on the throttle the same way i do my Wing. And up she stood.
The difference really some in at the budget line. I paid 1300 for my Wing, I've ridden it now for three and a half years I've put about 20k on it. A thirteen hundred dollar Harley probably wouldn't even have a motor.
If I could afford to buy a brand new Harley, in other words a harley that would be dependable, I would. Why? Beacuse it's a beautiful machine. Because it's made here in the US always has been always will be.
But I can afford a 1300 dollar bike that runs. And for that, it has to be a metric.
Don't get me wrong I love my Wing. The smooth ride, the even power range. I have no complaints...other than ride position.
If you are happy with your Harley, stick with it. if you aren't happy with it get some ride time on something else before you commit to a big purchase. I'll tell you, no matter what you decide to replace it with...you will still miss it.
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dhrith
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 04:14 am | 50th Post |
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"The Goldwing rider is typecast as an old man that can't ride past a Dairy Queen without stopping."
DAMMIT! Have me to a "T",...and I'm only 40. ;p
Seriously though, I've owned both. The harley was Ok, but I just can't afford one right now so bought an older (83 1110) to restore. As some have mentioned since you have your harley now and enjoy it, but are curious as to the other side why not follow the same course. Pick up an older one on the cheap and see how much your riding favors one over the other. I've seen many that with some fixing at $1000-1500 or ride as is $2500-3500. For me back in the day it was mostly for show and the chicks, now a days I just want to hop on and ride off into the sunset and end up wherever that takes me, OH...and still be able to ride back when I'm done seeing what's over the next hill.....;p Just teasing though, I never had any problems with my harley, but when I contemplate a trip in my future be it the next state, or the next coast, I don't want to have to modify the trip plans around the bikes limitations, either mechanical or physical upon me.
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SC
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 04:38 am | 51st Post |
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I have a suggestion
Find a used 1100 Aspencade
And keep the HD
The best of both worlds, a Goldwing dose not have to be brand new to be reliable 
My 1100 is pretty tuff to have over 200,000 + miles on it and take my punishment 
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Del Que
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 07:03 am | 52nd Post |
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Sandy Eggo wrote: Whichever bike you choose, realize that each has it's own "image". The Harley rider is typecast as a rebel, hence the black tee shirt, all the leather, etc. The Goldwing rider is typecast as an old man that can't ride past a Dairy Queen without stopping.
Like it or not, you'll be typecast either way.
Well, if you go by those stereotypes, then maybe I belong on a Goldwing. I would definitely come closer to fitting into that second "Old Man" category. Even though I ride a Harley, I am not impressed by the so-called "image." I do not wear leathers, I hate black t-shirts because they're too hot, I wear a helmet with a microphone on it--just like an old man. I hate anything with a skull on it. I don't bar-hop, and my bike does not have loud pipes. I do not carry a knife or gun and I have no tattoos. I do not have any trouble with the police. However, I am fat and ugly, so I guess I can't shake the stereotype completely.
I guess I am semi-brand loyal. I like this Electra-Glide way better than any bike I ever had, but it may be more because of the type of bike it is (large, comfortable touring bike) rather than the brand. In my life, since I was 16, I have had four Harleys, two Suzukis, two Kawasakis and one Honda (not in that order). I like this one the best, but it is a different type of bike than all the others, and I am an old man now and my tastes have changed. I had a Sportster and loved it when I was 21 years old, but I wouldn't have one now. They are the roughest riding, most uncomfortable bike that Harley makes. Back then I wanted a different thing. Now I want comfort. It's all about the riding and not the image. Everybody loves power, but I would not give up comfort to get it. So that leads me to the Goldwing. It has both. If I was to get a Goldwing I think I could make the transition without any fear of deterioration of my image. If any of my Harley-riding friends don't like it, they can just kiss my big old white butt!
So, that's how I feel.
Rick
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Wing-Rider
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 07:40 am | 53rd Post |
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Del Que wrote: Sandy Eggo wrote: Whichever bike you choose, realize that each has it's own "image". The Harley rider is typecast as a rebel, hence the black tee shirt, all the leather, etc. The Goldwing rider is typecast as an old man that can't ride past a Dairy Queen without stopping.
Like it or not, you'll be typecast either way.
Well, if you go by those stereotypes, then maybe I belong on a Goldwing. I would definitely come closer to fitting into that second "Old Man" category. Even though I ride a Harley, I am not impressed by the so-called "image." I do not wear leathers, I hate black t-shirts because they're too hot, I wear a helmet with a microphone on it--just like an old man. I hate anything with a skull on it. I don't bar-hop, and my bike does not have loud pipes. I do not carry a knife or gun and I have no tattoos. I do not have any trouble with the police. However, I am fat and ugly, so I guess I can't shake the stereotype completely.
I guess I am semi-brand loyal. I like this Electra-Glide way better than any bike I ever had, but it may be more because of the type of bike it is (large, comfortable touring bike) rather than the brand. In my life, since I was 16, I have had four Harleys, two Suzukis, two Kawasakis and one Honda (not in that order). I like this one the best, but it is a different type of bike than all the others, and I am an old man now and my tastes have changed. I had a Sportster and loved it when I was 21 years old, but I wouldn't have one now. They are the roughest riding, most uncomfortable bike that Harley makes. Back then I wanted a different thing. Now I want comfort. It's all about the riding and not the image. Everybody loves power, but I would not give up comfort to get it. So that leads me to the Goldwing. It has both. If I was to get a Goldwing I think I could make the transition without any fear of deterioration of my image. If any of my Harley-riding friends don't like it, they can just kiss my big old white butt!
So, that's how I feel.
Rick
If you lived any closer, we'd go riding together and that would allow you to really test the 1800 out. I really haven't owned any big bikes but GW (except a Venture 83 model) but I can say the engines on the GW's are bulletproof. They take ALOT of abuse and they don't care.
It does sound like you made up your mind that the GW is the bike of choice but do this just to make sure. Really test it out carefully in all aspects to make sure it's right for you.
Sorry, could,'t find a HD icon on the GW forum.  
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All I wanna do is ride, ride, ride!....And enjoy every minute of it too!
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Silverfox
Forum Diplomat
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 08:30 am | 54th Post |
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Over here, the Harley riders actually breakdown into more stereotypical groups than Wing riders. Wingers tend to be a fairly easy going group, who enjoy the company of other Wingers and other bikers, some go in for the big tours and some are weekend riders only.
Harley riders though, have the two sides shown hilariously in "Wild Hogs", plus there are the ones who could be riding either a Harley or a Wing, save for the fact that they are wearing matching Harley leather,rather than matching textile suits!!!
I ride with a bunch of ex forces guys and gals and the ribbing both ways is fantastic. The Harley guys are always taking the mickey out of us Wingers for our sat navs, cappuchino machines, car on two wheels etc.and we rib them about their John Deere tractors, loud pipes, falling off bits, etc. It is all in good fun and done only as ex servicemen can. 
I have experienced the less good natured variety of Harley riders, but it is rare, only once or twice have I been totally blanked by these folks. Once surprisingly when I was riding with another Harley rider,who was equally surprised by the rebuff. No doubt my friend wasn't wearing the right badges on his leather waist coat. 
No matter what we ride, I am sure we will all experience some brand loyalty from others and fair enough,we are all somewhat proud of what we ride I guess. It sounds like you, Del Que, rise above that image thing and just enjoy the ride for what it is, so you would feel equally at home with a Wing as a Harley, if you choose to buy one.
Of course,if you are old, fat and wealth, then keep both in the stable , but if like me, you are old, fat and poor , then change to a Wing if you like and if you find in time that you made a mistake and should have stuck with Harley, then change back.
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handyrandy
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 01:10 pm | 55th Post |
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One thing for sure, is the goldwing style has not changed much for a long time. Honda has not tried to make it look like a "Crusier" which is based on the harley davidson. (well maybe the valkerie) If it moves style wise, it is toward the airplane look that is all its own. ( I would like to see a 4 cyl version with a little less shrouding) The lack of Honda motorcycle style choices of today sadden me. I walk into the honda showroom. I see a row of harley look a likes on one side, on the other a row of racing bikes. I want nothing to do with either.
You know what I like? being my own individual. I am self employed, ( I would make more dollar per hour at mcdonalds, but I get to be a free man) my parents, wife, and clients are my only responsibilitys. I dont want to look like the crowd. the main reason I dont have a harley is everybody else has one. I would not own a racing bike crotch rocket, because in (my) mind I identify them with a suicidal punk kid. Thats just me though.
In reality I am probably even more truely rebelious that most of the tatooed leather wearing harley rideing people out there. I ride what I do because it looks different, hauls all my camping equipment and ocasionally my wife also, and is incredably dependable. I have a standard 27 yr old goldwing with a vintage vetter 5 fairing with extensions, and 3 hondaline suitcase bags all painted deep teal. I have never seen another one. Except in pictures.
Last year I was getting some gas. On the next island there was a group of riders on misc motocycles of today. I was watching and listening to them. One pointed over at me, and I heard him comment, "now theres a nice motorcycle". Now that is really priceless!
Last edited on Sat Aug 23rd, 2008 12:07 pm by handyrandy
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wrongway
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 03:30 pm | 56th Post |
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Del Que wrote:
Well, if you go by those stereotypes, then maybe I belong on a Goldwing. I would definitely come closer to fitting into that second "Old Man" category. Even though I ride a Harley, I am not impressed by the so-called "image." I do not wear leathers, I hate black t-shirts because they're too hot, I wear a helmet with a microphone on it--just like an old man. I hate anything with a skull on it. I don't bar-hop, and my bike does not have loud pipes. I do not carry a knife or gun and I have no tattoos. I do not have any trouble with the police. However, I am fat and ugly, so I guess I can't shake the stereotype completely.
I guess I am semi-brand loyal. I like this Electra-Glide way better than any bike I ever had, but it may be more because of the type of bike it is (large, comfortable touring bike) rather than the brand. In my life, since I was 16, I have had four Harleys, two Suzukis, two Kawasakis and one Honda (not in that order). I like this one the best, but it is a different type of bike than all the others, and I am an old man now and my tastes have changed. I had a Sportster and loved it when I was 21 years old, but I wouldn't have one now. They are the roughest riding, most uncomfortable bike that Harley makes. Back then I wanted a different thing. Now I want comfort. It's all about the riding and not the image. Everybody loves power, but I would not give up comfort to get it. So that leads me to the Goldwing. It has both. If I was to get a Goldwing I think I could make the transition without any fear of deterioration of my image. If any of my Harley-riding friends don't like it, they can just kiss my big old white butt!
So, that's how I feel.
Rick
Well said Rick...................It sound like you're headed for a Goldwing doesn't it??
Always remember that whether you get a goldwing or a harley, they both hold their value better than any other bike so if a change is required after a few years then all is not lost.
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Greg (wrongway)& wife Bonnie
Previous bikes from recent are:1998 Goldwing SE,
2001 Valkyrie Standard, 2005 Vulcan 1500, 2000 750 Shadow....30 year absence....350 Honda, 175 Bridgstone, 305 Honda, 125 Kawasaki
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Tookie
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 07:35 pm | 57th Post |
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OT, but does..... anyone else.......have......trouble.......reading.......
Kits..... posts....... ?
Informative, insightful, and helpful, but I tend to stutter for a few
minutes after reading one
Reminds me of......William......Shatner.
(No offense, Kit)
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Tookie - $1200.00 SE-i found in a barn (actually
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Will be Winging soon!!
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Kit Carson
GL1800 Guru
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 09:09 pm | 58th Post |
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William Shatner? That is the space guy......Star Trek or something ain't it? Yep I am from outer space.....that explains it. Kit
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The Goldwing GL1800 is by far the best motorcycle ever designed in the world. Just to take a test ride on one is a dangerous thing, as you will just have to have one.
Returned to the Darkside, Khumo Run Flat 195/55/16
Test pilot days are over. The Khumo is the real deal.
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rollen dean montoya
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Posted: Sat Aug 23rd, 2008 03:50 am | 59th Post |
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each one of us owns a wing for different reasons. mine is very simple. i have not been left on the side of the road with a mechanical breakdown yet(2 flats but thats it) and as long as i keep up with the mantenence i expect to get at least 300,000 miles + out of this wing(an 85 LTD). i do know harley owners who do have over 100,000 miles on there machines and are quite happy but even they admit it just
does not compare to the wing. smooth, reliable ,and comfy. i ride 50 to 80,000 miles
a year and my LTD is my daily driver and as required shines up real nice and HD riders pay us compliments on it. it does take almost 2.5 hours to detail out the LTD cause of way too many shiny pieces. i was talked out of dropping 30grand for a new UC by a harley dealer based on the fact i ride way too many miles a year. i cannot see me paying for a bike i had killed cause it could not put up with my silly riding habits(168miles round trip from apple valley to long beach for work and 500 to 800
miles on the weekends).
just my take on this.
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past wing and other bikes
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Blackdog
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Posted: Sat Aug 23rd, 2008 06:21 pm | 60th Post |
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Hi Del Que, I am somewhat of a newbie on this forum although I've lurked for a couple of years. It is hard for an American V-twin guy to make the jump to the Goldwing - it is a way different machine. In yur case the Harley Electra Glide Classic would be less of a jump than I made. I spent about 170,000 miles on my 2002 rigid framed Indian Chief including a long 3 month coast to coast ride when it was new and I had a dealer support network in 2002. Then, after I lived in CA for a couple years and the gas pinch hit - I bought a used 1997 Suzuki Bandit for $2,500 a couple of years back for gas economy, reliability and fun. Man has it been fun. 2 years later I have had my share of twisting the throttle and going 160 - don't need it any more. But I have a hard time selling it - it is more than $2000 worth of twist the key and go to me. Then I won an e-bay auction last August. Man, that was fun. I really wanted to start some comfortable 2-up touring with my wife - we were already doing the touring - just not so comfortable (mostly for her). Picked up my 2003 Aspencade on e-Bay for $5k. From August to this 4th of July I took its mileage from 84k to 102k - before I was attacked on the road and had it totalled on me - another story for another time. My mileage included 2 - 3000mile vacations with my wife 2-up, weekend rides 2 up and communting 70 miles a day along the California Coast and through Central Cal Coastal Wine Country.
Here are my impressions. Space wise you can't beat it. It can carry gear for any weather, a medium sized backpack - full - for gym clothes and whatnot, and a briefcase, files, books and lunch in another on my commute. Takes a little doing but 2 up touring with the side bags, trunk and a bag atop the trunk luggage rack - 2 large people can vacation for weeks - blowdryers, curlers shaving kits and all. My wife prefers it of any motorcycle for passenger comfort. She has been a trooper and put in some serious miles to the tune of about 15 to 20k per year on a combination of my Bandit/Chief/Wing. this included Sierras mountain pass running on more than one occasion as she wore a full sized backpack to take her gear along on the Bandit!!! LOL When the Wing got totalled - there was consideration of BMW's, Triumph's, Victory, HD and the rest but Wing is where it is at for 2-up touring comfort - hands down.
One advantage of the new Wings I test rode over the older GL1500 - aside from the bigger engine - is that the Cowling is narrower. This is important if, like me, you like to ride the highway with cruiseboards. On the 1500 I felt like I was a woman delivering a baby, on the 1800 the position is less ... compromising.
Smoothness, throttle response, well placed controls (for me), durability, reliability (turn the key and go) are all positives for the wing. I am taking delivery on a brand new GL1800ABS next Tuesday and cannot wait. I am out riding the Bandit through the farm fields trying to get "my legs back" since I was hospitalized and then home recovering for six weeks after the attack.
We tend to go "off the beaten path" quite a bit. The only time I have had any problem was last vacation in the Alabama Hills (in case you don't know, it is a huge series of dirt/sand roads that are the "old Eastern Sierras" with the "New Snow Covered Sierras" are the backdrop where they have filmed over 350 "westerns" and other movies and one gateway to Death Valley [you can see it in my Avatar]) my wife insisted on going up too many sand roads for pictures. I had one tip over in about 8 inches of sand I didn't see as the road was hardpack right up to it - good thing I was only doing 1-2mph!!! The Goldwing tip points saved the day - engine guard and bag protector bars saved the bike from any scratch and dent. That trip we saw temperature swings to 100F in death valley to 32F in Mammoth Lakes and Later along General's Highway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks where there was 5 feet of snow all around. We saw highway, high winds, calm and canyons - and absolutely gorgeous scenery the whole way.
My wife and I tend to be on the tall side I go 6'4" 300 my wife is 6'1" 165 - I was concerned about "fit". I was a little cramped on long runs in the legs - until I added cruise boards and then I was fine.
My 1993SE was a bit poor in the "turning radius category" slow speed tight u-turn type turns were not geat - yet it was very nimble in canyon running - s-curves and all. The 1800 seemed way better in this area from my test ride and I have heard so from many others as well.
Since I have started riding again later in life I have really learned about appreciating each bike for its purpose. I love my Indin for cruising - my Bandit for sporting (although less these days) and my Wing for touring - 2-up or otherwise. Now I'm thining about a KTM950 in my future to handle more of the "off the beaten path" stuff. LOL
Best of luck in your choice.Last edited on Sat Aug 23rd, 2008 06:27 pm by Blackdog
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"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson, (attributed); US essayist & poet (1803 - 1882)
WHAT I RIDE: 2008 Honda GL1800, 2002 Indian Chief, 1997 Suzuki Bandit
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