Goldwing or ST????

1354 Views 32 Replies 27 Participants Last post by bbach, Sep 20, 2009

jbb303

Discussion Starter · Sep 16, 2009

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First time poster...
This may be a loaded question on a Goldwing forum but I would like to hear your feedback for the following;

I am trying to decide whether to buy a Goldwing or an ST. I have always leaned toward sport-touring side but I'm pushing 50 and comfort is much more of a priority now. And I don't have quite the need for speed that I once had... more or less...

My previous bike was a Yamaha FJ1100. Enjoyed the bike greatly but was looking for a bit more comfort.

I am considering a used 1995 GL1500 SE but I am wondering how it will do for around town riding. The majority of my riding will be short trips, the quick trip to the store, pick-up my daughter from school, etc... I do plan some longer trips but majority will be short.

Do you guys use your Wing as a daily rider around town? If so, do you ever find yourself wishing you had a smaller more nimble bike around town?

I am really taken in by the GW and I am seriously considering the GW plunge but would like to hear some of your feedback and experiences with your short trips and around town riding.

I'm still torn so let me hear your opinions, feedback, experiences, whatever...

Thanks!
JB

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1 - 20 of 33 Posts

aht_six

· #2 · Sep 16, 2009

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I use my 1800 for everything ,short trips, long trips, running errands and commuting to work. I don't find the size to be an issue. I had a Triumph Tiger I thought I would use for commuting and short trips but I sold it because it seldom got ridden.

TXRLGL1500

· #3 · Sep 16, 2009

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from time to time I find myself wishing for a standard gl1100.
its hard to justify a second bike though. I would equip it with a small bolt on clear fairing and leave it a that. I commuted exclusively all summer on my 1500. ALL of it in stop and go traffic with no freeway riding. If I had the freeway to hit on my commute I might feel differently.

bbach

· #4 · Sep 16, 2009

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I use my 1800 all the time, barring really bad weather. It's outside my place of business as we speak. I did find it heavy around town at first but that is something that goes away after you get used to the bike.

I like sport touring bikes as well, but I'd have to think of one as a second bike because the Wing is too nice down the highway. It is especially nice for two up riding.

Your own style will dictate which bike. There is no best bike or one size fits all.

Rudy

· #5 · Sep 16, 2009

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I ride my 1500 around Canton, Woodstock, Marietta, Acworth, Jasper, etc. No problems at all and I have 10 years on ya.

I have a friend in the same boat as you who just got the 1300 because he wanted an affordable NEW Honda. I think he's sorry now because when we take rides, he just about dies from the seat after a while and limited storage. And it comes with nothing but the side boxes.

Welcome neighbor.

pogoism9

· #6 · Sep 16, 2009

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the 1500 is ALOT more numble than it appears.

papabee49

· #7 · Sep 16, 2009

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I ride my 1200 to work daily on a 8 mile trip,some freeway and some city streets. The only bad part is waiting in line at the front gate for security checks when you have to "walk" it because of the congestion. Like it was stated earlier, no "one size fits all" bike out there. Get what suits you, but you will love the GW:waving::waving::waving:

Wingnumberone

· #8 · Sep 16, 2009

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pogoism9 wrote:

the 1500 is ALOT more numble than it appears.

Nimble, too.

I have an 80 mile round trip to work, and use it daily, barring below 35 temps, ar major weather events. Works good for knocking off a couple thou on vacation, too.

Bish

· #9 · Sep 16, 2009

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I put about 100 miles aday on my 1100 Interstate. Between work and running my daughter around, I couldn't imagine doing it on anything smaller! She's 17 and involved in at least 4 organized sports at any given time..........so she easily fills up the trunk and luggage with school work and sports gear.

The "quick trips" to pick her up from school and/or practice and such just wouldn't be feasible on a smaller bike.

Flyone

· #10 · Sep 16, 2009

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Good job Bish.......I run my wing even down to the grocery store!

:action::action::action:

William_86

· #11 · Sep 16, 2009

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i ride my wing around town

garyft

· #12 · Sep 16, 2009

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The only time I'm not on my 1200 is if I need more passenger/cargo space than the Wing provides or if there is ice on the road. I understand the appeal of the ST, though, especially if you are looking at a new bike. You can almost buy 2 ST's for the price of a new Wing. If you are considering something used you can get into a pretty nice bike for a lot less.

Nitrowing

· #13 · Sep 16, 2009

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My 1500 is my main transport - working away from home, I need the luggage space (one of the reasons I didn't buy the 1800).
Around town (shopping etc) it can be a bit unwieldy, the suspension can't cope with the weight and it bobs around too much.
No idea what the ST is like around town

rgbeard

· #14 · Sep 16, 2009

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Why not one of each??????

Tom Tom

· #15 · Sep 16, 2009

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Just been out for a 250 mile run from Durham (UK) to the Lake district (Kendal) via Alston down the A6 through Shap to Devils bridge down to Skipton and back via Ripon. Not an ache anywhere.

Used to have a St1100 nice bike above 5mph layed it down in many a car park

Thats why the wife now rides her own bike, would have done the trip in a lot less time on the Pan but you can't have everthing

Never had any trouble with the wing (1500) much lighter to handle better balance

DrifterTex

· #16 · Sep 17, 2009

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I have a 1500 and a Suzuki Burgman 400. I love both and I ride both around town. For trips of course, it is the 1500, The only way to go.

ScooterTramp

· #17 · Sep 17, 2009

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jbb303 wrote:

First time poster...
This may be a loaded question on a Goldwing forum but I would like to hear your feedback for the following;

......

Do you guys use your Wing as a daily rider around town? If so, do you ever find yourself wishing you had a smaller more nimble bike around town?

I am really taken in by the GW and I am seriously considering the GW plunge but would like to hear some of your feedback and experiences with your short trips and around town riding.

I'm still torn so let me hear your opinions, feedback, experiences, whatever...

Thanks!
JB

1. Yes

2. No

ddrumman2004

· #18 · Sep 17, 2009

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I sold my 1500 because for me...it wasn't an around town bike. I'm 57, 5'8" with a 30" inseam and the weight at times was too much for me in slow driving. Now if I didn't live out in the country, so to speak, had a better place to park one and didn't have to fight that dang hill where I have to pull out onto a highway to even get to town, I would own another...an 1800.
But for now, it's my V Star.

Can't beat a Goldwing on the open road though!

84GrayWing

· #19 · Sep 17, 2009

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rgbeard wrote:

Why not one of each??????

What he said.

See less See more

Rooty Kazooty

· #20 · Sep 17, 2009

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2010 Honda Fury...........around town..............FAST!!!!!

Any year Goldwing........around the world.......fast enough!!!!

1 - 20 of 33 Posts

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