I guess I am suffering from a nasty dose of Hesitantly Indecisive Disorder (H.I.D.), while trying to choose between two legendary touring motorcycles made by Honda. I am at least happy that bikes from other brands have been ruled out in a very early stage of this dreaded decision making process. I think I am suffering like Monk, my favorite obsessive compulsive character on the popular tv show.
It is difficult to trust my own thinking when I can swing back from an almost 99% surity to the other side within a few hours, affected by comments/ experiences/ reviews by a couple members of the online bike forums I frequent.
A goldwing has been my dream touring bike for a long time. When the new GL1800 was introduced in 2001, I loved the yellow color just like love at first sight, but affordability was non-existent at that time. I can afford an used one now, and not one but two such opportunities are in front of me at the moment. Life can be so ironic that my requirements of the next bike has changed enough to keep a wing in doubts.
I want the following in a good touring machine:
1. Large tank with range at least 300 mile
2. Electric windshield
3. ABS
4. Ability to pack lots of camping gear in a two-up long trip
5. Pillion comfort
Now my concours is the perfect bike despite lacking electric windshield and ABS. The only grudge is that the buzz at 80mph cruising speed is very tiring for me. I could do some major mods to make it more comfortable, but for a little more money I can get the ST1300, a far more refined motorcycle.
A goldwing is the king of touring motorcycles, the ultimate mile muncher designed for the open road. It is a couch on wheels. Finding an ABS model in the used market is a little tough, and in the later models, a lot of extras come with ABS at a lot of expense. Yeah, it is a bit overpriced, considering its pesky 200 mile range and lack of an electric windshield. Not that I will ride 200 miles non-stop, but longer range gives some peace of mind not having to plan the refuel stops as often. A Wing has integrated saddle bags and a non-removable trunk. While accessing them is very easy, packing for a long two up trip can be a little daunting, unless towing a trailer, like an uni-go.
An ST1300 ABS is easy to find used, and has everything I ask for, except the wing-like all-day comfort. But Priti is comfortable enough on my concours with a GIVI trunk, so I guess she will be fine on the ST1300 too. If I need to pack a lot, I can remove the trunk and mount a large duffel bag which can be a nice backrest for her. The ST can even tow a small trailer like the uni-go.
The fight between rational and emotional thinking is a tough one. I am sure if the 2002 pearl yellow goldwing I am lusting after shows up near me, I will just run and grab it.
Lets see how the next few days do to my sanity.
#1 by Jeff on September 29, 2007 - 1:44 am
Ok, name allllllll the bikes that have a 300 mile range……..still thinking…….still thinking? After all, we have to have a list in order to narrow the field.
#2 by Dave McCallister on October 16, 2007 - 11:30 am
What is an “electric windshield”?
#3 by albert on November 26, 2007 - 9:54 pm
I am actually wanting to remove my 1800′s trunk and mount a backrest like you find on a cruiser and have a luggage rack for a t-bag, I think it looks cool. The San Antonio, Tx. PD has gone to the Goldwing and have removed the trunk and are really cool looking. I want mine to look like this. HELP!!!!!!
#4 by Laura Brigance on March 16, 2008 - 4:34 pm
Albert,
I just found your comments about wanting the trunk removed from your 1800…I am wanting the same thing done to lighten it up just a little…I have rode 27,000 miles with the bike in stock condition but suddenly I am just feeling the bike would be better suited to me a few pounds lighter…I
have never had a wreck but the jitters have just suddenly overtaken me. I am with you on the looks of the bike without the trunk…I saw one in a magazine a couple years back…sharp….very sharp…
Do you have info. on the San Antonio, TX police bike conversions? I need to know how and where to get started on this project. Good to know the trunk can be removed without adversly affecting the ride. The police certainly would not ride an unstable bike.
#5 by JB on April 25, 2008 - 7:27 am
I am an officer in the San Antonio area, and am very familiar with the San Antonio Pd Golding Conversion. They use a place called Southwest Public Safety. When you call, ask for Marco. He does all the bike conversions. He comes highly recommended. If you look up San Antonio Police motorcycle on google, the first selection will show you a few of Southwest’s SAPD conversions. Be safe out there.
#6 by Allan Quam on May 28, 2008 - 9:44 pm
I quit riding 30 years ago – ’75 Goldwing with Vetter Windjammer fairing, slider backrest, and hard bags. Now I have a new ST1300. Rationale was that we are mostly going to run errands and take day trips. In that respect it is working out very well. We desired a medium sized bike, fairing, shaft drive, bags, and Honda name tag (because that’s my experience). Some thoughts:
* The V4 is more powerful but not as smooth as the Wing flat 4 or
the new 6.
* The V4 makes a lot of mechanical noise.
* The gearing could be taller (3500 RPM at 65 MPH)
* There is a lack of accessories for the ST1300, e.g. Honda backrest.
* The ST handles very well – read “fun.”
* The electric windshield is suprisingly useful!
* First bike I ever had with a three year warranty.
If I’d had my druthers I would have bought an updated old Wing with the flat 4 and faring but without the size, built in easy chair, and trunk.
#7 by tim maddox on February 4, 2009 - 6:48 pm
i am try to remove the wire harness for the heated seat so i can take the back rest off is there a speical way to get pin connector apart
#8 by JREIL on February 8, 2009 - 9:13 am
I’ve got a 2008 Goldwing, I removed the trunk immediately upon buying it and sold it on eBay to a Valkyrie rider in Arkansas who was building a trike. The bike looks and rides much better with the trunk off. Where the trunk was a plate was mounted. I recently saw a picture of a custom 1800cc Goldwing on the net where the trunk was removed and the yellow bike then had everything that was not yellow painted or coated in black. Very cool! I wish Honda would sell a model with the trunk off. I’d upload a picture here if there was a link to do so, but I haven’t found it (yet).
#9 by dale on June 30, 2010 - 9:03 am
I own a 2001 yellow wing ABS purchased in March, that is sweeeet! I am thinking of taking off the rear trunk for riding solo. how hard is it? goldwings rule, fast, sleek, dependable and the ride is unbelievable!!!!!!
#10 by Jean on September 15, 2010 - 10:37 am
I get amazed with the Honda bikes. Apparently I am only limited to that. I got phobia on bikes and never ride on it since I was 15 when my friend died with an accident.
#11 by toniABS22 on August 27, 2011 - 12:05 am
I am one of those zillions of fans, who wants to meet the most famous Honda Big Bikes in the world!
)
the machine and the parts of Honda are very friendly, I mean Its really awesome and the coolest Honda bikes ever!
#12 by bert on September 16, 2011 - 11:57 am
My 04 st1300 will do 300 miles on a tank if I don’t go crazy