2008 Honda Gold Wing Long Term Test - Report #8

iPod + Gold Wing = Infinite Touring Possibilities?

Though I’m usually fairly quick to embrace new technology, I somehow ended up being one of the very last human beings on planet Earth to buy an iPod. So almost immediately after picking up a 16 gig Nano, I loaded it with tunes, plugged it into the ‘Wing’s auxiliary jack, and headed for the hills— the Angeles Crest Highway, to be exact.

The first thing you need to know about the Gold Wing’s 80-watt stereo system is that it’s loud, but not so loud that you won’t find yourself wishing it could produce just a few more decibels. At highway speeds, I’ve found myself tucking my head within the shielding effects of the windscreen in order to more clearly hear the radio. And when there’s a lot of persistent road noise, I’ve even turned off the stereo in futility.

So what’s the Gold Wing like with an iPod attached? For starters, it takes a bit of musical planning since the Gold Wing doesn’t have an iPod interface, just an auxiliary audio cable in the left storage compartment. Aftermarket iPod controllers which attach to the handlebar can be had for nominal money, but I haven’t gone down that route… yet.

What I have done is logged a few miles listening to the iPod attached directly to the ‘Wing, which really does make riding more enjoyable. Based on my initial impressions, here are a few points for would-be long distance music listeners that don’t have a remote controller:

• Think ahead. Before you hit the road, assemble a playlist in iTunes or select a particular artist or album you want to listen to. Shuffle is great in theory, but if your music collection is as eclectic as mine, you may as well call shuffle “Musical Russian Roulette.”
• Remember those tracks with a nasty, neverending skip? Get rid of them. If you’ve ever imported music from a scratched CD, you know the annoyance of hitting a spot where the same split second of music repeats endlessly. Trust me, when you’re cruising along at 50 mph getting in the groove, few things are as annoying as getting caught in an endless loop and being forced to listen to FM or XM radio, when you’re psyched about your iPod music.
• Use your “hold” button, that small slider switch on the top of the iPod. It locks out the iPod’s controls and prevents buttons from being selected unintentionally, which is especially helpful when you’ve got other stuff moving around in that storage compartment.

So does an iPod open up the Gold Wing for the infinite touring possibilities I imagined? Yes and no. The ability to control your auditory destiny can make almost any ride more fun and involving… until you get tired of listening to music and just want to hear the sound of the wind. Though more powerful amplification might make the sounds of the Gold Wing’s audio system a bit more distinct at speed, the real question here revolves around the personal decision to ride and listen at the same time. Some love it, others prefer to enjoy the purity of motorcycling without music, and neither side is wrong. But I did find that having an iPod added something to my ride. Will I bring it along every time I saddle up? Probably not. But when I want a little accompaniment on the open road, I’ve found that an iPod is probably the best way to take control of your musical destiny.

MILEAGE LOG

• Last fillup: 161.3 miles / 4.43 gallons = 36.4 mpg
• Total odometer miles: 5,126

Related:

• Honda Gold Wing Update #7: Hittin’ the Open Road
• Honda Gold Wing Update #6: About that Tire...
• Honda Gold Wing Update #5: My (Feeble) Attempts at Hypermiling the 'Wing
• Honda Gold Wing Update #4: Washing the 'Wing
• Honda Gold Wing Update #3: Riding the 'Wing Like a Sportbike
• Honda Gold Wing Update #2: Jason's First Impressions
• Honda Gold Wing Update #1: Welcome the 'Wing!