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Del Que
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 06:32 am | 1st Post |
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I am currently riding an Harley-Davidon Electra-Glide Ultra Classic. But since riding one a couple of times I have taken a serious liking to the new Goldwing GL1800. I would like to hear from people who can tell me why I should make the switch or why I should not. I would like to hear both positive and negative reports on the Goldwing. I have ridden the Harley for several years, so I know it well. But I have only ridden the Goldwing a total of maybe 50 miles. I am suitably impressed, but I would like to learn more from experienced people who own them. (Specifically the 1800). If you have owned both bikes and can give me a direct comparison, that's even better, but mainly I want to learn about the Goldwing. What do you love about them? What do you dislike? What problems have you had? Any information will be appreciated. I'm new to this forum. Please help me out.
Thanks...... Rick
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exavid
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 06:51 am | 2nd Post |
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 Welcome to the World's Greatest Goldwing Site Del Que!
I can't help you because I've had all the Goldwings except the 1800. Got stuck on a 1500 and just can't give it up for an 1800. Don't really expect to get an unbiased opinion here we are 'Wing men ya know.
The main thing about the 'Wing is comfortable long distance riding, smooth as silk power, no vibration, no buzzing handlebars and no noise. That might be hard for a Harley man, I can cruise at 75mph and listen to my stereo system on the speakers. The only noise other than the stereo is the wind and sometimes a bit of tire noise. The six cylinder engine has a lot of low speed torque, it doesn't balk at slowing down to 15mph in top gear and will pull right back up when you twist the throttle. I normally run in top gear, which is an overdrive gear, whenever I'm traveling more than 35mph. The 1800 is the same but more so since it has around 15 or so more ponies than my 1500. The other thing about a Honda is reliability and long life. My '93 has 120,000 miles on the odometer. It runs like new, and uses no oil. It won't get quite as much mileage as the HD, 40mpg is pretty normal as long as you don't cruise much more than 70, above that the mileage starts going down.
Having the bike cowled in plastic does have a few advantages too, it only takes 20 minutes or so with a rag and a spray can of Lemon Pledge to make her shine. No little nooks and crannies to buff chrome on. Riding the fully faired bike in the rain is nice, you only get a bit of water on your fingertips and toes when moving. Best bike I ever rode on long runs in the rain.
I expect an 1800 owner or two will extol the benefits of their bikes to you soon but it will be much the same except the 1800 has a bit more performance and will hit the curves a bit harder than my 1500. HD or 'Wing? It depends on what you want a bike for. Keep in mind if you have a Goldwing you can't buy all that much Goldwing clothes.
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If you can't ride, fly or sail it, why bother?
Paul W.
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MDKramer
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 09:11 am | 3rd Post |
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Two very simple words...
Mechanically Sound
The GL1800 is, the HD isn't. That "sound" that Harley is so proud of comes at a major price...the machine tears itself apart from the inside.
Mike
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Mike Kramer
Proudly supporting Viet Nam Vets and Legacy Vets M/C
Red is for the blood shed Black is for the mourning
Been riding that 1980 beauty to the left since 1989
Helpful Hint: Traffic lights timed for 35mph are also timed for 70, 105, and 140!
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Mill Rat
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 09:52 am | 4th Post |
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Rich, The bike first that ever rode was BMW, it ran smooth like Honda Goldwing. Rode harley in 70's , hate that bike, It was kick start. It belong to friend, who would take my car on date, leave his bike. It had long extend forks, which need 25 ft or more to turn around. That I rode a old man bike when Honda came out with drive shaft, love it. This stay in my mind, & also saw GL1500 that was tow truck, that could pull cars.
Pros on a Honda, They last for ever, rides are Quiet, so you can hear Radio. They are faster, & heavy. I ride a 1989 GL1500 Gold wing, they say it Bullet prove. The 1800 are lighter & faster, more like sport/cruiser's bike. You can pick up Honda cheaper than you can a Harley.
Harley newer bikes are better than old ones went they were sold to AMC back in the 70's. You are paying big bucks for the name Harley. They are louder, some have chains or Belts. (Honda is drive shaft) Harley have reparation, most women would ride om harley before Honda . ( Say that I still Love my GL1500) If a women wants a Harley more than honda you can have her in my book. All bike cost money! I would go to a dealer & and tell them what you say here!! Then Tell them You have $200 that you would like to take out used 1800 for 1 day trail run, then said, I like it that will part of my down payment if you go for mew one. If you do not like you out $200, Its cheaper than buying new one, than try to sell it. Good Luck Lee
PS Rick, also this is BEST WEBSITE FOR GOLDWING. One Negative. you have to take off most plastic to work on them.
Last edited on Tue Aug 5th, 2008 09:59 am by Mill Rat
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nobbie
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 11:55 am | 5th Post |
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You haven't given your location and that is a factor. Here in Canada Honda has a pathetic reputation for gouging their customers.
A new all-in-one dealer system has reduced the number of places you can get your Honda fixed or get parts.
While I feel the Honda is a better bike, HD probably walks all over them for service.
Forget the lounge lizard image of the HD's. On a recent trip across the midwest the most common bike I saw on the interstates and Trans Canada highway was HD.
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We the unwilling, led by the unknowing are doing the impossible for the ungrateful
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Kit Carson
GL1800 Guru
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 12:34 pm | 6th Post |
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There is not an answer to that question. I have had both bikes.......and many others.
It is more what you like than what is mechanically sound this day in age. During the AMF days and before the Harley was a maintenance nightmare. but the new evolution motors and especially that new 110 are quite the deal. My buddy Cayce works at the Summerton Harley shop.........(rides a Wing) A lot of the bikes are pushing 70 to 100 thousand and have had no major problems.
The thing with a Harley.......is the owners tax.......you buy one and it needs this or that to improve it........but even at that......the last couple year models have just about been all ironed out.
If you like the slow easy gait of the iron horse Harley.....and that sound of the Thumper engine.........and the bubble of the pipes........you will never be happy on a Wing.
If you like a very smooth quiet ride........with a lot of gadgets and GPS and just really a trouble free bike......for the most part......they all have problems......I do not care what the Brand........they all have a problem or two........anyone who says different is full of it.
It will be up to you........you will just have to go ride one.........and for a couple hours not just a parking lot tour...........then you will have to decide........Kit
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GPS GURU (NOT)
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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bugsquawsher
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 01:06 pm | 7th Post |
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I traded My 04 Ultra Classic for an O5 Wing back in Feb.
I don't regret the trade at all.
Don't get me wrong , I loved my Harley, but after riding a Wing I made the switch.
The Harley in MY Opinion, had a more comfy sitting position. Feet further forward. I have since put Highway Pegs on the Wing to help with that. You cant use them wearing shorts though because the heat coming from the radiators will ROAST your shins.
As for some of the post I skimmed through, I didn't really read them all.
Harley's falling apart or tearing themselves apart??? I call BS. Its a good bike that will run many miles trouble free if taken care off.
I do believe the Wing might last a little longer though.
The biggest reason I did the swap was MPG's My Ultra got 31 MPG on Premium fuel. My Wing get 40 on Regular. I ride over 100 miles a day , Five days a week jut to get to work. I also ride year around.
Harley tax..... Yea there is a Honda or Wing tax too.
I have added heated Grips, A power outlet for my heated vest,reworked the stock seat, Same with the exhaust and Highway Pegs. I will probably replace the seat one day. I also switched over to a Car tire on the rear.
The wing will out handle that Electra glide hands down.
The power of the Wing is much better than the glide.
100+ hp vs 75 hp???? something like that. Bigger gas tank. I can easily ride 250 miles on a tank. HD might get around 150. This was on mine though.
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Present 2005 Goldwing
Past
1969 Kawasaki 90 Bushmaster
1978 Yamaha DT100
1981 Honda Twinstar
1985 Honda Sabre 700
1987 Honda Magna 700
1987 Honda Magna 700 yes twice
1992 Goldwing
2002 HD Sportster
2004 BMW R1150RT
2004 HD Ultra Classic
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MDKramer
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 04:04 pm | 8th Post |
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bugsquawsher wrote: Harley's falling apart or tearing themselves apart??? I call BS.
No machine, no matter what label is on it, can shake constantly like that and not start to vibrate itself apart.
Yes, the EVO motor was an improvement, and the current use of rubber mounts means less vibration transferred to the frame/rider, but the fact is, they still shake and shake and shake and shake and shake.
People find that vibration, and the sound that it causes, to be cool. But the fact remains, you violently shake any machine long enough, it'll start to disassemble itself.
Mike
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Mike Kramer
Proudly supporting Viet Nam Vets and Legacy Vets M/C
Red is for the blood shed Black is for the mourning
Been riding that 1980 beauty to the left since 1989
Helpful Hint: Traffic lights timed for 35mph are also timed for 70, 105, and 140!
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marvo75
Very Active Member
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 06:46 pm | 9th Post |
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MDKramer wrote: bugsquawsher wrote: Harley's falling apart or tearing themselves apart??? I call BS.
No machine, no matter what label is on it, can shake constantly like that and not start to vibrate itself apart.
Yes, the EVO motor was an improvement, and the current use of rubber mounts means less vibration transferred to the frame/rider, but the fact is, they still shake and shake and shake and shake and shake.
People find that vibration, and the sound that it causes, to be cool. But the fact remains, you violently shake any machine long enough, it'll start to disassemble itself.
Mike
ABSOLUTELY TRUE! Anyone that has owned a harley knows that they are junk. I had a 1000 back when i was 18, i worked on that damn thing almost daily. Nothing better than carying around locktite everywhere you go....hahahaha 
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MDKramer
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 07:06 pm | 10th Post |
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marvo75 wrote: ABSOLUTELY TRUE! Anyone that has owned a harley knows that they are junk. I had a 1000 back when i was 18, i worked on that damn thing almost daily. Nothing better than carying around locktite everywhere you go....hahahaha
I honestly knew a guy that was a mechanic in the Air National Guard back home who completely disassembled his Harley, then reassembled it using bolts drilled for safety wire...and you guessed it, he safety wired every last one of them. 
Mike
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Mike Kramer
Proudly supporting Viet Nam Vets and Legacy Vets M/C
Red is for the blood shed Black is for the mourning
Been riding that 1980 beauty to the left since 1989
Helpful Hint: Traffic lights timed for 35mph are also timed for 70, 105, and 140!
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AZgl1500
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 08:33 pm | 11th Post |
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Never rode a Harley, just listening to the noise they make was enough to keep me off of them.
I cannot put up with exhaust noise, it hurts my ears. Maybe having tubes in my ear drums makes that worse?, dunno. But I am very happy that I cannot tell if the wing is running unless you look at the tachometer, or hear a grinding noise if you try to "restart" it while it is still running. 
Also, anyone that has to go around blipping the throttle on their bike just to let me know they are around, is a few screws short of having enough to be sane.
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John
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MDKramer
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 08:41 pm | 12th Post |
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AZgl1500 wrote: Also, anyone that has to go around blipping the throttle on their bike just to let me know they are around, is a few screws short of having enough to be sane.
That blipping isn't for letting you know they're there, it's for keeping the thing from dying at idle.
Mike
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Mike Kramer
Proudly supporting Viet Nam Vets and Legacy Vets M/C
Red is for the blood shed Black is for the mourning
Been riding that 1980 beauty to the left since 1989
Helpful Hint: Traffic lights timed for 35mph are also timed for 70, 105, and 140!
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Punty
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 08:56 pm | 13th Post |
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Oh boy
you are comapring Apples to Oranges, you cant compare a 70's era XL 1000 sportster to a 2008 Ultra Classic
fact: Harley hasnt made The EVO engine in 10 years
The new engines are indeed rubber mounted and do vibrate but they balance out while riding. these machines are Very reliable out of the crate.
Bottom line is Buy what you like, in the end its your money and you are the Only one who needs to be happy with it
Best wishes and Luck in whichever you decide
Punty
Yes I have and do own both bikes so I do and can speak from Experience
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“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls” - Joseph Campbell
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John Davis Jr.
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 09:03 pm | 14th Post |
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I have never owned a Harley, however I have owned two Gold Wings. My first wing was a 1985 Interstate and I rode it 121,000 miles. I did not maintain it very well, however I never was left beside the road. Rode 70,000 miles before I changed the plugs. I did have to replace the fork seals once. I now ride a 1989 Gold Wing and it is my baby, I change the oil and do all the preventive maintenance. I believe it will out last me.
Now the rest of the story. I do ride with a lot of Harley owners and I see Harley's up close. I have seen leaking master cylinders on a Harley still under warranty. I have also had Harley guys ask me if my mileage was correct at 82,000 miles. I have seen rusty bolts on two year old Harleys. I ride behind my best friend who owns a 2007 Harley and the noise is very irritating. However my friend likes his Harley as much as I like my GW.
Well that is my two cents worth. I love my old 89 and would not even consider trading it for a new Gold Wing much less a Harley.
Your Friend,
John D.
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John D.
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Oregonwinger
Senior Guru
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 10:08 pm | 15th Post |
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A Wing that shows what they'll do over the long haul, just sold on Ebay with 514,xxx miles. I have the link, but it's a mile long, and I don't want to widen the page. I need to learn how to use Tinyurl, I guess. A member of our club has 400,xxx, and another local rider has 340,xxx, so they do run quite a few miles. All these with oem engine, and nothing but belts, alternator, and clutch work. I've heard of one 1500 that has over 600,000, and Honda apparently bought that one back. Supposedly it's in their museum. How true?? I don't know of a Harley that'll come close to that. Run into a guy that was passing thru with a 04 UC, and he had 40,xxx, and was on his third engine. He's wasn't a happy camper. He left Ohio, and somewhere down south, it let go again, and that ordeal cost him $4.000. It was heat related. But, in all fairness, part of that problem may have been him. Who knows. But, I do think the later Harleys have improved a lot, but it took a lot of Japanese parts to accomplish that, it appears.
I get a kick out of perspective Wing buyers worrying about the odometer approaching 100k. That's just broke in. If it looks good, go for it.
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Bob Anderson
http://webpages.charter.net/catmek/andysjoint.html
2006 Nav, Cabernet Red
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For Sale 90 SE engine; perfect at 41k 600.00
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marvo75
Very Active Member
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Posted: Tue Aug 5th, 2008 11:02 pm | 16th Post |
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| I rode a friends dresser last summer, bike was nice. Bike was not goldwing nice,and WAS NOT WORTH what he bought it for. Harley davidson=high priced not even close to being what they think there worth. You put 20k miles on a wing and do the same on a harley and at the end of that 20k miles see what trouble both bikes have had. i could almost guarantee the wing is gonna win every time folks. Plus compare the comfort.
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Just doin what i can with what i got.
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Sandy Eggo
Very Active Member
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Posted: Wed Aug 6th, 2008 12:04 am | 17th Post |
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| I'd stick to the Harley. From the number of posts that show up on this forum where people try to justify their purchase of a Goldwing by comparing it to a Harley, it's obvious many people suffer from "Buyer's Remorse."
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'88 GL1500
¡Viva Los Cargadores!
IBA #33900
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marvo75
Very Active Member
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Posted: Wed Aug 6th, 2008 12:32 am | 18th Post |
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Buyers remorse,whats that? hahaha, i never have ever had a regret on any toy i have bought,from boats to bikes to atv's. I like having toys
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Just doin what i can with what i got.
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34Mike
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Posted: Wed Aug 6th, 2008 12:45 am | 19th Post |
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Del Que wrote: I am currently riding an Harley-Davidon Electra-Glide Ultra Classic. I have ridden the Harley for several years, so I know it well.
Thanks...... Rick
Hi Rick, A properly maintained air cooled engine is just not going to last much more than 100,000 miles if that long. A properly maintained Liquid cooled engine will last three times that much easily. Judging from your statement you either don't ride very much or you ride a lot and you are financially able to replace the air cooled engine in the Harley every one to two years. Since longevity is not a issue for you and both bikes have close to the same amount of storage and "Bells & Whistles", I would suggest the bike you are most comfy on. Personally, I like the looks of the Harley and the Harley is MUCH more comfy for me but I'm a poor boy who loves to ride well over 1000 miles a week every week of the year. The Harley is not a option for me.Last edited on Wed Aug 6th, 2008 01:01 am by 34Mike
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Ride like you want to ride tomorrow. Mike
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confish86
Active Member
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Posted: Wed Aug 6th, 2008 01:53 pm | 20th Post |
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Theres an article in Motor Cyclist magazine titled Battle of the Baggers & include the HD ultra , the Honda Goldwing 1800 , the futuristic Victory Vision , & for some reason the stupid mag includded the Triumph Rocket tourer (yea right) so i`m guessing if i throw a set of saddle bags on a Vespa & make the windshield taller that stupid guy on that mag would include that as a tourer also.
You know if i went to the Electraglide forum & asked why i should sell my wing to buy an ultra i would get the same responce these guys gave about the wing. Now try & get a responce on the same sudject on the BMW K1200LT forum A buddy of mine sold his HD (which surprised me) & bought a BMW , & yes he tradded in his black t-shirts for a lime green vest (now just got to get rid of them tatoos 
Last edited on Wed Aug 6th, 2008 02:00 pm by confish86
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76 Goldwing (naked)
81 Interstate F/S
83 Standard frame with 82 parts F/S
04 Yamaha Roadstar
MBS OH yea!!
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