Honda Goldwing GL1800 vs ST1300
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.
September 29th, 2007 at 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.
October 16th, 2007 at 11:30 am
What is an “electric windshield”?
November 26th, 2007 at 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!!!!!!
March 16th, 2008 at 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.
April 25th, 2008 at 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.
May 28th, 2008 at 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.