It would be great if they came debadged as an option so you don't have to risk the paint job removing the branding logos all around.Originally Posted by opas ride
It would be great if they came debadged as an option so you don't have to risk the paint job removing the branding logos all around.
According to the Honda motorcycle techs, these two GoldWings are not even complete – they were just recently cobbled together for presentations. That's all they've got. The engines will start (to demo the new, rumbly exhaust note), but won't get you anywhere. They won't let you sit on them. If you want to test ride a pre-production model today, you have to go to Japan. I assume these two incomplete props were assembled by hand in California, without the help of jigs, special tooling and so forth. The ones on display at the Long Beach Motorcycle Show next month should be closer to the real thing. But I will look for the off-center trunk badge to see if they're the same ones!
Great pics. Thanks for posting those. I don't care what the crybaby naysayers say that is one beautiful motorcycle.
2013 F6B in black of course
You're welcome and I agree with you. I walked in there with the intention of not liking the aesthetics of the 2018, based on the photos I'd seen. I had a solid list of misgivings and many good reasons to reject the new angular design, including my appreciation for the rounded, organic shapes of the current model. I knew that seeing the 2018s would just reinforce all my preconceptions. But it took about 30 seconds to change all that. Photos don't do it justice. It's hard to explain, but every line and every detail just flows together as you walk around the bike. There is no bad angle, just a tight, well-designed package that owes as much to CAD/CAM as it does to its designers.Great pics. Thanks for posting those. I don't care what the crybaby naysayers say that is one beautiful motorcycle.
There are some technical choices that could be questioned, like the smaller fuel tank, the absence of hydraulic valve adjustments (even Harley has them) and the aluminum sleeves, which may or may not be as durable. Time will tell. But the looks of the bike are impeccable, especially if you like the "form follows function" philosophy.
That's just my opinion, of course. For the record, I don't work for Honda, or for a Honda dealer. I just spend some of my money on their toys.
Thank you again for the pics. They are great. I am very impressed with what I see. I am ready to get my fully loaded up DCT GWT in Spring 2020. Already laying the groundwork for that move with the Mrs.
Former Ride:
2013 F6B Standard, black; sold 7/2019
Latest Addition:
2016 Gold Wing Level 3, red; SCT transmission stuck in manual mode
2019 Miles:
7,900 as of 10/6
On 11/30 I will be in Japan and I'm going to try to fine a Honda dealer. I kind of doubt they will have one on the floor if they do and I can buy one I will there and have shipped back to me by the end of the year =)
Hook
Anybody have a breakdown on MSRP?
If anybody finds a "real deal" let us all know. Riding one of those beauties home from anywhere in the US would be a fun thing.
I just noticed this: The 2018 GoldWing Tour's electric windscreen has almost an inch more travel range (and corresponding angle change) than the GoldWing bagger –– 4.9 in. vs. 4.1 in. See scan below, from a Honda brochure. Why the difference, since both variants are identical in that area, with the same selection of interchangeable windscreens? Enquiring minds want to know ...
My hope is that it's not just another marketing idea by American Honda, to hobble the entry-level model by removing features that would have cost nothing to keep ...
Victory Visions were like that. Some body panels did not line up/space correctly. Pointed it out to one the the local Vision dealers here.. they were like "meh..."
21 years Army (retired)
...been everywhere, seen everything, done almost everything.
IBA 80537
By looking at the photos, it may be challenging to find "places to attach tie downs" if you plan to haul the bike on a trailer. Gone are the front engine guards and rear ones, being replaced with "solid" pieces, unable to put straps around or thru. Also, with the new type front suspension, I used to strap under the triple- tree, not sure what to hook onto, now. And we all know better than to strap the bike by the handle bars. JMO, without actually seeing the bike in person.
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