Welcome the 2008 Honda Gold Wing to the Long Term Test Garage!
Wednesday May 7, 2008
It was a narrow victory, but thanks to your votes the 2008 Honda Gold Wing edged out the Honda VTX1300T as About.com's Long Term Test Motorcycle.
I recently picked up the bike from Honda's headquarters in Torrance, California (where, incidentally, I also spotted a not - for - U.S. - consumption Transalp!), and have logged Long Term Test #1.
Check out my first report and stay tuned for regular updates on life with Honda's $23,099 übertourer.
Photo © Basem Wasef
Click photo for Long Term Test #1
Comments
I’ve always appreciated the Wing for its power, storage and electronics, but I just don’t like the foot position dictated by the engine. I think it’s the reason that the Valkerie was never really accepted as a cruiser.
The Goldwing is a great motorcycle but it is not for everyone! I also find the riding position uncomfortable. I like the power and handling but cannot overlook the unright sitting position and all of that tupperware! LOL!!! I think most of us that have been riding for a long time already know how the Goldwing performs and how reliable it is. I don’t think you will come up with any surprises! Thanks for all of the test and articles!
BTW how about testing a Victory bike? I have a 2003 Vegas with 70,000 miles on her without a major problem. Victory may not be well known but their bikes are top-notch!!!
Zoom,
Great to hear about your Victory. Am I wrong that most V-twins require rebuilds at 40k?
I think that was probably the case years ago but not now. I use no oil between changes and the engine is as sound as ever. Victory is also oil and air cooled so I have never overheated even in 100 degree weather. I have a friend that rides an Ultra Classic with 60,000 plus miles and have never had a problem. My wife has two bikes. A 2004 1100 V-Star Classic with 40,000 miles and a 2007 Harley Deluxe with 20,000 and neither have had a problem. I am anal about maintenance and that is probably what keeps everything running without problems.
Hi Zoom,
I think Victories have improved greatly from the early years. Check out my Victory Vision review and photo gallery.
I’ve ridden the Hammer S (fun bike!) and Kingpin, but the Vision is by far their most innovative bike.
Basem
I’m sorry, but the Goldwing is a two-wheeled car. Any bike where one has to open vents for fresh air is not “Two-wheeled Freedom”. I would rather have a two-seater sports car than a Wing. I find a large percentage of their riders as old smug people with their old smug chubby queen sitting up in the throne chair along with a stuffed animal. But that’s just me.
Hey Basem, can’t wait to see how the long term test of the Gold Wing turns out. How long is the test?? How many miles are you planning to put on it??
Hi Joe,
There isn’t a set time for the loan, so we’ll see when Honda pries it out of my hands
I’m hoping to ride it as much as I can… mileage will depend on what else I’m testing, and how many road trips I can schedule.
Cheers,
Basem
PS: Peter, I always thought my wife was rather pretty.
Greetings. I remember when Honda introduced the Gold Wing to replace the CB750 as “top bike”. I respected it then and do now. Much success with the long term test…Enjoy! I am waiting to see if Honda will develop the EV06, using the same technology, but on a Sport Cruiser theme. Basem, Ride Safe; Be Well! GODSPEED!
Peter … the GL is as single purpose a motorcycle as an RC212 or Trials Bike…it’s only good for one thing, but there is none better. It is NOT an in traffic, back & forth to work bike.
Spend some time on one and you will come to appreciate it.
Basem, I’m sure she is very pretty, but I suspect you are not your typical Goldwing rider. You are on a mission.
I still think they are a big plastic two-wheeled car, and I’d rather have a converible sports car. I have ridden a Rune. Even though that is a bulky machine with a Goldwing engine, it has a good motorcycle feel.
Funny thing just happened. As I’m writing this I hear my townhouse next door neighbor arrive on his Wing. It sounds like a sports car and not a bike anyway.
Peter,
Can’t argue with ya about my wife
Basem: I test rode the Victory Vision and loved the riding position and handling. I am just have a hard time with the styling! The bike if sorta futuristic and has a lot of neat options! But the looks! My buddies told me if I buy one I have to ride in the back of the group! They just don’t want to look at it!!! LOL!!!
Basem, good luck with your Gold Wing test! How do I apply for a job as your assistant ha!ha!
I wrote you a while back asking about when you think Honda will update the Goldwing since competition from Victory and now Triumph is knocking at the door. Maybe Honda has something in store for the 2010 model Goldwing, since the 2009 will be the last ones produced in the USA. Heading down to Myrtle Beach, SC Bike Week tomorrow from New York. And yes, 11 volunteer firemen from the local Red Knights chapter are riding our bikes. We’ll count the trailors and the white lines along the way. Ride safe, bro!
Fatdad
Peter you would be correct about the goldwing rider stereotype, if you were refering to the older 1500 wing. The new generation of wing riders, (At least the ones I ride with) are nothing like that. I am younger (Under 45 and riding for 30 years), and have owned many bikes. (Sport, Dual Sport, and Harley). I would have never considered a Goldwing until a bike show at a local dealer. The dealer offered a test ride to get my opinion on the 1800. The bike was given to me with a full tank of gas. I was told to take my time and they would be there until 7:00pm. (This was at 1:00pm!!) Several hours later after being impressed with the handeling, comfort, and power I returned to the dealership. I think you can figure out the rest. I have been enjoying the bike everyday since. By the way it is used for commuting to work, crusing on weekends, and short and long trips. The idea of the 1800 only having one purpose is just not true. Just one man’s opinion. P.S.: I do feel sorry for those who can not look past the quote-unquote definition of what a motorcycle is susposed to look and sound like. (I have owned several Harleys as I mentioned earlier) Two wheels and a engine = Motorcycle. I guess some of us have a broader understanding of two wheeled freedom. Anyway, good riding to all!