New to the 'Wing and a few questions

[MAXGOUGH]

I have only run 1 tank of gas through my bike since I got it and it got ~33 mpg. Is that about normal?

Has anyone posted a chart or list of rpms at miles per hour? At 70 mph, I read 3k on the tach. I am used to V-twins and I know this bike will turn more rpms but wonder if this is normal engine speed for the highway speed.

On the lower cowl there are places that look like there should be lights there. Are there lights for that locations? If so, what about wiring? Is there factory wiring in the cowling?

Still getting used to the bike; the driver position is a lot different that the bikes I have been riding.

Thanx

Oh, 2008 1800

[C-dub]

I have only run 1 tank of gas through my bike since I got it and it got ~33 mpg. Is that about normal?

Has anyone posted a chart or list of rpms at miles per hour? At 70 mph, I read 3k on the tach. I am used to V-twins and I know this bike will turn more rpms but wonder if this is normal engine speed for the highway speed.

On the lower cowl there are places that look like there should be lights there. Are there lights for that locations? If so, what about wiring? Is there factory wiring in the cowling?

Still getting used to the bike; the driver position is a lot different that the bikes I have been riding.

Thanx

Oh, 2008 1800

I can get 33 mpg if doing mostly city riding and being a little hard on the throttle. My highway/city ration is about 70/30 to maybe 80/20 and I average around 38-39 mpg. When I'm on a trip and it is more like 95/5 or greater I'll average 41-42+ mpg.

3k at 70 mph is what I see on my 2016. Over 3k rpm and you'll see a noticeable drop in the mpg of around 2-3 mpg. At least that's what I've noticed on mine. Where the rpms are on this bike are a little different than others. For instance, my Hayabusa was also around 3k at 70 mph, but it was in 6th gear and had much different gearing with a LOT more top end to go after 70 mph. The Wing is not for speed and doesn't really need that top end, so 3k @ 70 mph seems okay since it red lines at 6k.

Those holes in the lower cowl are for lights. I installed some in my 2016 and the connections are there just waiting. For a 2008, I'm not sure.

[MAXGOUGH]

Thanks, good info.

Are there OEM lights for the cowling? If not, any recommendation on after market lights?

[C-dub]

Thanks, good info.

Are there OEM lights for the cowling? If not, any recommendation on after market lights?

I don't think there are any OEM cowl lights.

These are the ones I got. I installed them myself about 18 months ago and they are still working great. I'm sure there are others, but I've been happy with these.
http://www.socalmotogear.com/GL1800-F6B ... l18rfl.htm

[AZgl1800]

33 mpg is my average when I am riding hard....

if I slow down to 45ish, it goes up to about 40

[MAXGOUGH]

Second tank: 42.9 mpg

It seems the difference is a new rear tire and probably increasing familiarity with the bike's characteristics.

Funny there is only a little over an inch difference in seat height between the GW and my Vic but at slow speeds it seems to make a lot of difference.

[MAXGOUGH]

another question:

When I look for OEM parts I find there is more than one 2008 Goldwing, 1800 3A, 1800 5A, 1800 7A, and 1800 8A. As if that weren't confusing enough I also find, when looking for a seat, there seems to be a Type 1 and Type 2. I am sure there is some way to determine which of these I have, but at the same time, I wonder what the differences are and how it might affect parts like seats. A source that explains the differences would be appreciated.

[C-dub]

I was thinking about this thread on my way home from work tonight.

For the OP, just FYI, 3k rpm seems to be the tipping point for the 1800. Go above it and you will probably notice a 2-3 mpg dip. Stay at or below and you should be okay. My sweet spot seems to be about 65 mph even when two up. Not often, but sometimes I'll park myself in the far right lane and set the cruise on 65 even when the limit is higher if I'm not in a hurry to get there. I only do this in light traffic situations. I don't want to hold anyone one up and cause any other issues.

[ron203]

I've had my '08 since Feb of last year. I get 38 when riding two up at 70-75 and 42 at 55-65 riding solo. The bike is so quiet and revs so effortlessly, I have to be sure I'm not riding at highway speeds in 4th.