New 2018 GOLDWING

[Hornblower]

So did I miss or just forget your right up and in depth perceptions of your new ride?

I bet it's a blast from what I have read. I have not seen one close up in person yet. Like I mentioned, the GTL was on my shopping list before I decided on the F6B I love.

Well, Jimmy, it's like this...I didn't think it would be good "form" to start posting about my new KB on the F6B forum. I will say this though...one of the main reasons I went to the Beemer was to hopefully get more cornering clearance. And, I chose the new KB over the GT or GTL due to seat height. If I was taller with longer legs I would have gone another route. Cornering clearance with the KB is significantly better BUT I have already managed to find it's limit as well. This is what happens when you ride with Big Dawg and friends. They're all riding S1000XR's now so the "keeping up" game has escalated considerably. If I was buying today, and seeing what Honda has now introduced, I would have to ride both the KB and the new GW and compare them very carefully. I see that the new GW is more narrow so that may mean the cornering clearance has been improved. Frankly, you probably can't go wrong either way. It sure is great to have choices like this (as long as you can afford it ). --Ken

[Jimmytee]

Well, Jimmy, it's like this...I didn't think it would be good "form" to start posting about my new KB on the F6B forum. I will say this though...one of the main reasons I went to the Beemer was to hopefully get more cornering clearance. And, I chose the new KB over the GT or GTL due to seat height. If I was taller with longer legs I would have gone another route. Cornering clearance with the KB is significantly better BUT I have already managed to find it's limit as well. This is what happens when you ride with Big Dawg and friends. They're all riding S1000XR's now so the "keeping up" game has escalated considerably. If I was buying today, and seeing what Honda has now introduced, I would have to ride both the KB and the new GW and compare them very carefully. I see that the new GW is more narrow so that may mean the cornering clearance has been improved. Frankly, you probably can't go wrong either way. It sure is great to have choices like this (as long as you can afford it ). --Ken

I wonder how the new Wings compare with cornering clearance. Just from pictures, it looks like they may have more clearance. For me , I think one of the great limiting factors on cornering clearance has been the compression of the suspension coming into corners hard. What ground clearance you do have is quickly lessened by this compression. With the new front end and a whole lot less dive , I'd hope that alone will make a huge difference.

I upgraded my suspension including the Air ride in the rear. I now just add more air pressure when riding hard. It has made a difference, but I still find the limits pretty easily.

[Hornblower]

I wonder how the new Wings compare with cornering clearance. Just from pictures, it looks like they may have more clearance. For me , I think one of the great limiting factors on cornering clearance has been the compression of the suspension coming into corners hard. What ground clearance you do have is quickly lessened by this compression. With the new front end and a whole lot less dive , I'd hope that alone will make a huge difference.

I upgraded my suspension including the Air ride in the rear. I now just add more air pressure when riding hard. It has made a difference, but I still find the limits pretty easily.

All good points and we'll find out soon enough. Most of the faster GW riders I've met have done something to raise the rear. You chose the Air Ride and I've seen others simply add a link to raise the ride height 1/2" or so. When you're trying to keep the seat height at a minimum for shorter legs it becomes a balancing act between height and cornering clearance. Trade offs, that's what life is all about.

[willtill]

...stand the test of time and wear

If there is a weak link in the new design, this would probably be it.

[F6Dave]

...stand the test of time and wear

If there is a weak link in the new design, this would probably be it.

But they look like they'd be easier to replace than steering head bearings.

[ths61]

...stand the test of time and wear

If there is a weak link in the new design, this would probably be it.

Good thing there will be a lot of beta-test riders and miles on them before I am ready for a new bike.

[LA Weld]

Good thing there will be a lot of beta-test riders and miles on them before I am ready for a new bike.

Yep, lots of test miles... +1 on your line if thinking!

[Audiochris90]

What id like to know is if they tested the damm windshield on a rider thats taller than your average north korean. The shield on the B was the first thing I replaced and tried several to get one i could live with.