Long Beach, CA - IMS Show - Nov. 17th-19th 2017

[ths61]

... Did you like the new Goldwings better than the Grand America? I have a K1600B and love it, but expect to love the new wing even more.

The leg/foot position is a bit cramped for me on the K1600B and Grand America. So is the F6B for that matter, thus the reason I bought lowered boards before I got it home. It seems both the Goldwings and Grand America have limited storage, but I like the idea of 7 gallon fuel tank and 160HP on the BMWs. The BMW's also have some vertical adjustment on the handlebars if you don't get the forged ones.

It is a tough question to answer, I would have to ride both two-up, but am not compelled to buy either at the movement because neither fit my wish list. Will have to wait and see what the aftermarket brings to both to address some issues.

The gal at the show said she gets @ 39MPG on her K1600B. What do you get on yours ?

[bigdawg]

I'm getting similar, 37-40 mpg.

[Hook]

I made it to the show today and the first place I went was to the GW and I liked it. But I didn't fall in love with it like in 2012 when I fell in love with the F6B. It was kind of funny that I knew more about the new bike then the sales guy... I knew more then he did
He was asking me questions... (I have all the specks on the bike) I'm going to buy the Base GW with a couple of upgrades and I'm getting the DCT model. Also found out that the DCT model can come with a FOOT shifter for the Sports model (at an extra cost $600+) But for me this with work out great for me because I ride it like I stole . I want to say that the taller rides have more leg room the bike does feel lighter a more easer to ride. I'm still short and already knowing that I have to lower the bike some how.....
I still love and will miss my 2013 F6B =(
Hook

[Circle-5]

Went there today (Sunday). Good show – all the brands were there except Triumph. Honda had some nice printed brochures for the 2018 GW, with some good feature comparison tables and paint color swatches. There are six colors including one two-tone. The 2018 GW attracted much attention, and yes, the Tour windscreen is unbelievably tall in its raised position – higher than the top of my helmet (I'm 6-ft.) I'm sure there's an explanation for that feature ...

I also took a test ride on the BMW K1600B. Coming off the F6B, it takes some getting used to. The CG is much higher and I could not get enough torque below 3000rpm. There is also a noticeable lag in the electronic throttle. I know it's just a matter of putting some miles on it to get used to these issues, like any other bike. I did enjoy the ability to switch gears without squeezing the clutch lever, in addition to the large gear indicator (which is essential). Overall, I'd say the K16 engine is amazing, except it always begs you to ride faster. This is a sports bike disguised as a tourer. Aesthetics are subjective, but I like the 2018 GW much better. For that matter, I like my "old" F6B even more.

[Cobraguy]

Hook don't waste your money on the foot shifter. As a DCT owner, CTX700, I'm telling you, you won't miss it after a couple of rides. You'll reach for the clutch lever then go, "oh never mind".
I was at the show Sat and Sun and stopped by the wings to drool many times. I noticed that some of the reps were better clued in then others. Found out some were factory reps and others were local dealer reps but all were wearing the same uniform. Non of the reps I talked to had ridden a DCT so I was answering their questions.
They are using the same combination type alternator/starter that GM and Ford use for their idle shut off vehicles. They say this engine does not have the characteristic Goldwing whine. The tour goes up on the center stand much easier than the current gen. The handle bars are a one piece forged unit that are not adjustable in any way. There are 4 windshields available that are interchangeable. The LED headlights leave a ton of room between the nose and suspension. The Honda CB will interface with the Bluetooth and will be available for both. Rear tire is a 200/50/16. The one question I didn't get answered is if it multiport or throttle body fuel injection. I think its multiport but not sure. Reverse will not come on the manual 6spd Goldwing, but will be on the Goldwing Tour with manual 6spd and both with DCT. Pricing 26k for the basic Goldwing to 31k for the fully optioned Goldwing Tour w/airbag. There are other accessories that add on from there, CB being one of them.

One interesting note. I was asked by the factory rep and also heard him asking others, "if we made a tadpole style bike would you buy one?"
Honda will never produce a factory trike because of the ATC lawsuits. But they are losing Goldwing faithful to CanAm spiders and Slingshots as they age out of two wheels like crazy.

[Cobraguy]

Hook my apologies. I just looked closer at your avatar. I'm guessing you won't be reaching for the clutch lever. I still think you won't miss the foot shifter. All the DCT mode controls are on the right grip. The shifting is really intuitive.

[unsub]

It appears the rear view mirror surfaces in the new design have been reduced and I wondered if the horn tone and volume was also changed?

Small things I know, but two of my favorite features on the [original] O-B.

[Hook]

Hook my apologies. I just looked closer at your avatar. I'm guessing you won't be reaching for the clutch lever. I still think you won't miss the foot shifter. All the DCT mode controls are on the right grip. The shifting is really intuitive.

Not a problem I thought all the controls for the sport shift mode where on the left side?
P.S. I'm coming off my 2013 F6B for this bike. So the Clutch is and was not the Problem.

[Jimmytee]

The leg/foot position is a bit cramped for me on the K1600B and Grand America. So is the F6B for that matter, thus the reason I bought lowered boards before I got it home. It seems both the Goldwings and Grand America have limited storage, but I like the idea of 7 gallon fuel tank and 160HP on the BMWs. The BMW's also have some vertical adjustment on the handlebars if you don't get the forged ones.

It is a tough question to answer, I would have to ride both two-up, but am not compelled to buy either at the movement because neither fit my wish list. Will have to wait and see what the aftermarket brings to both to address some issues.

The gal at the show said she gets @ 39MPG on her K1600B. What do you get on yours ?

You know that is something that has perplexed me about the MPG claims of the new GL1800 and the reasoning that they could reduce the fuel capacity. They were claiming 42 mpg as reason they could do this. I am not in the habit of checking my fuel mileage. I have, however done it out of curiosity. The last time was while riding mostly interstate at speeds of 80 - 90 mph. I was getting approximately 42 mpg then. So would the new Wing do substantially better? They're claiming 42mpg, I'm like I already get that mpg but now would have 1.1 less gallons. We shall see.

[ths61]

You know that is something that has perplexed me about the MPG claims of the new GL1800 and the reasoning that they could reduce the fuel capacity. They were claiming 42 mpg as reason they could do this. I am not in the habit of checking my fuel mileage. I have, however done it out of curiosity. The last time was while riding mostly interstate at speeds of 80 - 90 mph. I was getting approximately 42 mpg then. So would the new Wing do substantially better? They're claiming 42mpg, I'm like I already get that mpg but now would have 1.1 less gallons. We shall see.

I had to look up my fuel mileage from my cross country trip. Average was @ 36-37 MPG. I seem to get less when I ride in the mountains.

Min: 29.5 MPG - Strong sustained headwinds
Ave: 36.2 MPG
Med: 37.6 MPG
Max: 45.4 MPG - mostly downhill

Max theoretical range for 6.6 gallons varied between [194 and 299] miles