New 2018 Goldwing Survey

[WingAdmin]

Just a few options to choose from - choose as few or as many as you think apply to you regarding the new 2018 Goldwing. Add your comments if you have any you'd like to add that aren't reflected in the poll questions.

[DenverWinger]

Let's see what a PITA these things are to troubleshoot when these bikes with all those expensive whiz-bang modules start reaching 15+ years old. Will they ever last long enough to be considered an "Oldwing"?

-From a current Oldwing owner....

[dingdong]

First impression is (not impressed and disappointed) but I would never spend that much for a bike anyway.

I can't see the options list on my tablet.???

[WingVetteGSXR]

Second to last question should have been phrased: "That could have had exceptional performance."

[landisr]

I knew Honda had to do SOMETHING. And I applaud them for the amount of engineering they put into the new models. I also understand that a revision of this magnitude involves compromises. However, some of their 'logic' escapes me.

As an example, with all the features, bells and whistles involved, significant weight reduction had to be a real challenge. But to eliminate the center stand? Died in the wool tourer or aggressive sport rider, most all buyers would want that for washing, maintenance or ? As for the smaller fuel tank, real world fuel mileage will ultimately determine whether the trade off is reasonable.

Electrically adjustable windshield? It seems to me to be a me, too issue compared to the competion. It's probably nice, but for on the road function, shouldn't that time and money be better spent on adaptive corner lighting like BMW?

Four valve heads? Is the miniscule power gain worth the added complexity and expense at maintenance time?

I must confess that this all is a moot point, as my fixed income situation does not have any new tourer in my budget, and nothing I or we feel or say will change things. But I just wanted to share my thoughts.

Ron

[newday777]

I do like some of the innovative ideas and designs that have been put in to this bike, some, much overdue.
The smaller gas tank was a big fubar on their part as there are many of us that are long distance riders and would appreciate more miles per tank than what we are getting on our present 1800s at this point as there are places in this country that are indeed far between gas stations. I would more appreciate another 75-150 miles per tank of gas to stop less times per day to refuel and take that pucker factor of 'do I have enough gas to get to the next station?' Or Not!??
Less storage space? Again, another fubar.

[LloydB]

Without winning the lottery I will never be able to afford a new bike, but if I should, the new wing would include a sidecar because of my two bad knees, and the DCT without a clutch lever would solve my hand and wrist problems. The sidecar would have a large trunk that would solve the storage space problem, and a extra fuel tank could be installed on the frame between the bike and sidecar. So far sounds great, but then we come to the new front suspension, normally sidecar rigs get modified triple trees to reduce steering effort, I don't know what can be done with the new wing front end, maybe a leading link front end will be developed by the trike converters or sidecar guys, very expensive. With the I-phone pairing, I never use a cell phone when driving or riding, my last 4 Fords have had the phone sync thing, and I have yet to pair a phone, I always carry my phone in my jacket pocket incase I should become separated from the bike and need to call 911, and do stop to check Weather Bug radar if it looks like I may be heading into bad weather, but that is the extent of my phone use on the bike. I see that the new Can Am Spyder also has cell phone pairing, it looks like it needs the cell phone for the navigation screen to work, and for blue tooth, I guess it is a coming thing that will be a problem for those of us that don't like smart phones. If I were younger, and healthy the new Wing looks like what I would love to ride, I can remember a bunch of years ago I toyed with trading my 1500 for a PC-800, but decided it was a little too small, but I have always thought I would enjoy a down sized Gold Wing.

[C-dub]

I do like some of the innovative ideas and designs that have been put in to this bike, some, much overdue.
The smaller gas tank was a big fubar on their part as there are many of us that are long distance riders and would appreciate more miles per tank than what we are getting on our present 1800s at this point as there are places in this country that are indeed far between gas stations. I would more appreciate another 75-150 miles per tank of gas to stop less times per day to refuel and take that pucker factor of 'do I have enough gas to get to the next station?' Or Not!??
Less storage space? Again, another fubar.

Isn't 75-150 more miles per tank a bit much to ask for 1 gallon when the new average mpg is only expected to be about 42? Seems like they'd have to increase the tank size to be at least 7.5 gallons. And closer to somewhere between 9-10 to get that additional 150.

[newday777]

I said what I would like. Yes more gallons would be required than the 6.6 presently on the 1800s. 5.5 gallon is too small a tank on a touring bike even with their saying that with the better mileage you get the same miles that the present wing gets out of a tank of gas. I was giving my views and desires. Been in too many areas of our land of the USA that I've been sucking fumes.

I do like some of the innovative ideas and designs that have been put in to this bike, some, much overdue.
The smaller gas tank was a big fubar on their part as there are many of us that are long distance riders and would appreciate more miles per tank than what we are getting on our present 1800s at this point as there are places in this country that are indeed far between gas stations. I would more appreciate another 75-150 miles per tank of gas to stop less times per day to refuel and take that pucker factor of 'do I have enough gas to get to the next station?' Or Not!??
Less storage space? Again, another fubar.

Isn't 75-150 more miles per tank a bit much to ask for 1 gallon when the new average mpg is only expected to be about 42? Seems like they'd have to increase the tank size to be at least 7.5 gallons. And closer to somewhere between 9-10 to get that additional 150.

[minimac]

You can't have your cake and eat it too. Does Honda want the Goldwing to be a sport bike or the turnpike tourer it's always been? It can't be both. As the tourer it was without equal and was the gold standard. As a sport bike, IMHO, it falls short of the STs, BMWs, or Concours. Heck, my 2006 650 Burgman Executive has an electrically adjustable windshield, automatic or shift manually transmission, and, even with the added 55 liter trunk and Corbin seat, cost far less than half of what the new 'Wing will cost.
As far as saving weight, is there really that big of difference whether it's 800 or 900 lbs once you're moving? I honestly don't know, but it wouldn't seem so. With the new engine design, I would have hoped for much better fuel economy, although finally offering the DCT is a nice option. Why not use the saved weight to increase the storage capacity of the trunk and give the sidebags more usable space without everything falling out of them when they're opened?
I waited along time before I finally bought my Goldwing. It's served me well for close to twenty five years so far. That's a good thing, because I'll most likely never have another.

[Eboness]

The old adage applies here, "You can please all the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all of the Gold Wingers all of the time". IMHO Honda has finally given the Gold Wing the much needed upgrades it has lacked for years. Is it everything I wanted, no, could Honda have done more, maybe, but how much does one expect from a company that sells a full tour bike that is less than 1% of it's overall sales. BTW I could be wrong on that number! None of us have even ridden the bloody thing and already some, not all, of us have said Honda has failed. Don't get me wrong all your opinions have value and I would never dismiss them as otherwise, but you might be surprised when you ride one, or not. I for one will not pass judgement on this new wing till after I see one in person and ridden it. Then all bets are off. I will say, for me, I will not be buying one here in Canada because I can't afford it. I just bought a 2013 level 4 used wing and have finally bought all the add ons that make this bike my own. Will see in a few years, and if the the Mrs. will let me.

[landisr]

I forgot to mention my concern with final gear ratio. With a clean sheet the choices were many. That motor no doubt has tons of torque. It seems their focus on performance is shining through. Gotta be able to whack the throttle and jump forward without wiggling the toe. But even sportier riders don't mind stirring the tranny while doing their thing. Those that set it and forget it until the next stop understand that a taller gear means significantly reduced power in those situations. The DCT option takes care of that for you. I find it hard to believe that there are very many Wingers that truly lug their motor to the point of damage. Running a sidecar or trailer or both? Use a lower gear with still 'highway' gearing. If Honda wanted to improve mileage to compensate for the smaller tank, a taller overdrive would seem to be a cheap and easy solution. A 6 or 7 speed transmission is the best of both worlds (performance and economy). The automakers discovered this years ago. My brother's new Acadia has a NINE speed tranny..

Just sayin'..

I still love the looks, though.

Ron

[FM-USA]

Whiz-Bang, hoopla, color-fantastical, this is the SCHNIZZLES!...
I almost don't care about all that, I NEED to be able to work on it in an efficient manor. After 10 years THEY give up on you being a good customer. THAT'S PATHETIC!

OK, my mini-rant is over. . . . for now.

Is the frame strong enough to tow a trailer, or will the aluminum crack & break?

[FM-USA]

Gear ratio
1st 2.166
2nd 1.695
3rd 1.304
4th 1.038
5th 0.820
6th 0.666
7th 0.521

6 front brake pistons? SIX!!!?
Higher rebuild cost? OH MAN!

More electronics, to me it's even less of a "Motorcycle".
I highly doubt I'll get this Wing. SO MUCH and MANY MORE parts. Makes HD look attractive. GOOD GOD, I DON'T BELIEVE I EVEN THOUGHT THAT!

[wncryder]

A whopping 90# weight reduction! What a joke and insult to Goldwing riders! The redesign did little to actually lose the weight, Honda achieved the weight reduction by simply leaving off items Goldwing riders have come to expect as well as making everything else smaller.

No centerstand
No tip-over bars (Where are owners supposed to mount highway pegs/boards?)
Smaller gas tank
Smaller mirrors (To honda I guess safety doesn't matter)
Smaller windscreen (I have an oversize/tall windscreen on my 2012)
Smaller Fairing/less wind protection (This is why I didn't buy a 2001-2010 GL1800, waited for the 2012 with better wind protection)
Smaller side cases
Smaller trunk
No place to mount adequate passenger arm rests

I can make my 2012 lighter by removing and doing most of the things Mother Honda did to the 2018. NO THANKS!!! My 2012 handles great in the corners for a big bike, if I wanted better handling I would get a sportbike and put bags on it like I did when I owned a 2002 CBRXX Blackbird. And, I already took a storage reduction when I went from the 1998 GL1500 to my current 2012 GL1800, no way am I willing to do that again. And now, Honda wants more $$$ for less bike (although it does have a lot of "whizz-bang" technology, which I would never figure out anyway) NO THANKS!!!

Sadly, the much anticipated 2018 Goldwing proves my friend right, the new touring bike to buy in 2018 is the new Yamaha.

[Ralf_CT]

No center stand ... even my PCX150 scooter has a center stand! It's a great looking bike but everything has been scaled down. There's now enough space to take the wife and an overnight bag to the nearest motel to get a break from the kids.

[brettchallenger]

I suspect this version of the Goldwing might be the last one powered solely by a conventional petrol engine. Manufacturers are under immense pressure now to product electric or hybrid vehicles. The new T Zone in London (T stands for toxicity) is going to be expanded and will spread to other cities - it is a cash cow. At the moment, motorcycles are exempt but that won't be for long.

[someone548]

Less storage, smaller front fairing, smaller windshield.

I truly feel like Honda is getting away from the things that made the Goldwing great in the first place.

I fear the 2018 is doomed to be lost in the large list of forgettable and uninteresting sport touring bikes.

Dark days my friends.

[Ravyn]

Well, I think Honda took a giant step backwards with the new Wing. First off it's the ugliest wing ever. It's starting to take on the look of the Victory Vision the ugliest motorcycle ever produced !!! I wont go into all the negative things about the bike, that's already been covered here. But as far as all the new wiz-bang bullcrap they have added,well, my 2002 1800 already has to much bullcrap to deal with and it's not needed and far to little storage. I have owned 6 wings over the years and I just bought a 1994 SE with a sidecar and only 42,000 miles. The 1800 will be sold. After seeing what Honda has done with the new Wing I can "I am done with Honda" The rig I have now will be my last Honda and should I buy a new touring bike it will for sure not be a Wing. Good bye Honda, you really screwed up this time.

[highliter13]

Speaking as the original owner of a 2002 GL1800 with well over 1000k of mostly trouble-free miles on it, I heartily concur with the observation regarding the unmet expectations one would reasonably have, especially considering both the time AND cost factors involved with this long overdue upgrade.

What's up with DECREASING both fuel and cargo capacity on the "flagship touring bike"? Seriously?

Isn't there already a enough "haul-ass" fast sport tourer along the lines of the venerable ST1300 for those adventurous "Iron Butt" types?

What happened to the time-honored "built for comfort, not for speed" philosophy that so many of us old Wingers have embraced lo these many years (and miles)? Less is NOT always more.

The technological improvements all seem wonderful, but since when is Honda in bed with Apple? Speaking as a fairly satisfied PC/Android user, I find my self riding up to the nearest mountaintop on my 02 Wing to scream "WTF Honda?"

FOCUS people, FOCUS!!!

[89 1500]

I love all of the new tech well maybe not the 7 speed I'll shift my own thanks. Weight savings is a big meh starter alternator in one wth were the engineers drinking their bath water? I want a comfortable roomy tourer with space for my gear and must haves. That bike will not be able to carry my load period so for that reason I'm out. Also looks like I'd need wind wings out the door. I enjoy being able to hide behind my big faring and windshield when it's cold. I still ride a 1500 for the storage and leg room. I've been looking at 18's and see where I can gain more room for my legs but would make me rethink some of the things I carry. Although there's a lot of trick new toys on the 2018 there's no improvements for me as a daily and distance rider. Swing and a miss for me Honda if I want a sport tourer I'll ride a Kawasaki Concourse 1400 at least there's room in the bags and I can add whatever size trunk that I need. Maybe next time.

[Duq_]

Couldn't answer the survey: none of the options apply...
This wing is not for me: I love my naked GL1000.
It looks like this bike is meant to replace both the GL1800 and the ST1300 that was retired a few years ago. Risky strategy as it might send fans of both models shopping elsewhere. I kinda like the looks but then I was never a big fan of the GL1800... This one shows a bit more of its engine again, something I like on a motorbike.

[jeff1]

For me it doesn't really matter what Honda with the new Goldwing, I'm not looking for a new machine. I have a 1994 1500 I bought about a year ago. Who knows if the 2018 Goldwing will ever be at a price I can justify paying for a motorcycle.
That said less luggage capacity and fuel capacity seem to be errors considering who buys these machines. Still, I have to think Honda did some market analysis and used the results to decide what direction the Goldwing was going to go. It might be possible that many of the people that want a heavy weight touring bike are going to a V twin instead of a Goldwing so maybe the Goldwing needed to go the direction it did. Time will tell if the new machine sells or not. I'll continue riding my 1500. I'm happy with it, my wife likes it, and last but not least IT'S PAID FOR.

[Greenwinger]

Wow, I haven't heard such discontentment over a new Goldwing since 2001

[zteve]

Size Matters. Less storage, less wind protection, less room for two up. All not good. Technologically advanced? Then where's the cornering ABS. Think we'll get the same motor longevity out of the new aluminum cylinder sleeves? I went from a Concours 14 to the Goldwing for the bigger touring aspect of it. The new bike doesn't seem much bigger than my old Concours 14. I'm thinking I'll keep my F6B for a while.