Fire Sale on New Goldwings?

[F6Dave]

Not quite, but I've suspected for a while that the 2018 Wings aren't selling very well. I saw a handful on the ride to our rally in Cortez, but other than that I've hardly seen any. In fact, I see more F6Bs and old Valkyries than new Wings.

This morning I got an email that confirms my suspicions. Honda Direct Line, an online dealer I've often ordered parts from, is selling 2018 Tour models with DCT at a 4K discount, for $23,700. The non-Tour model (they call it a Bagger) with the 6 speed sells for $19,999. Those are pretty steep discounts for a bike that was introduced less than a year ago.

If I were in the market those prices would sure be attractive. But like others here, I think Honda made a few mistakes on their new Wing. The biggest blunder IMO was shrinking the luggage to sport-touring capacities. They also could have bumped up the power a bit, to be more competitive with the K1600. It's a great bike, but I suspect those issues are making many riders shop elsewhere.

But no manufacturer seems to have figured out the demographic problem and attract younger riders. Who needs a motorcycle when you have a phone and the Uber app?

[Ghost Rider]

I saw a post from Cruiserman on another forum, he was talking how bad it is removing the plastic on them. and tabs break off very easy. Said it takes twice as long to replace an air filter. I have never like the looks of them and the down size is not what I think a Goldwing is all about.

[opas ride]

I saw a post from Cruiserman on another forum, he was talking how bad it is removing the plastic on them. and tabs break off very easy. Said it takes twice as long to replace an air filter. I have never like the looks of them and the down size is not what I think a Goldwing is all about.

At my ripe old age of almost 79, I am not in the market for a new GW of any kind...The 2018's are a big disappointment to many including me...Way to much money, still have seat that is to high, look funny from the front like a Japanese space ship of sorts, and no way are they going to get anymore of my money.....If I buy another bike it will most likely be an Indian Scout....Regards

[Zteve]

The 2018 is in a new class called, the "Short Tourer" :)

[RuneRider66]

I sold my first F6B in order to buy a new Goldwing. But I had not ridden the new Goldwing before I sold the first F6B. When I did ride the new Goldwing, I was not that impressed. Yes, I liked it per say, but not for 21 or 22k. So I bought another F6B. A 2016 with 2900 miles for 13k. I am happy with my decision.

[F6Dave]

I saw a post from Cruiserman on another forum, he was talking how bad it is removing the plastic on them. and tabs break off very easy. Said it takes twice as long to replace an air filter. I have never like the looks of them and the down size is not what I think a Goldwing is all about.

I realize plastic saves both weight and money, so more and more is being used in all kinds of vehicles. The Ford 2.7 twin turbo (Ecoboost) actually has a plastic oil pan and drain plug! But I'm disappointed to hear that Honda made the tabs that flimsy on the new Wing. And you'd think they would have tried to make the air cleaner easier to change.

One of the many things I love about the F6B is how simple most maintenance is. Tire changes aren't bad, and oil changes are a breeze. After those two things there isn't much else you need to do in the first 30 or 40,000 miles. Except ride, that is.

[Mudflap]

They are getting cheaper, and they are not selling. I have YET to see one on the road. As you said, price, luggage space and what I have not seen mentioned is the fact you have to run premium gas. Call me a cheapskate but thats about $3 a tank on a B. One of the reasons I bought the B.

[jm21ddd15]

Seen plenty of the new Wings on the road. Not impressed enough to even take a demo ride. I do like some of the new colors, haha. Smaller luggage doesn't bother me. The majority of all bikers, pack way too much stuff, when they go on trips. I mean, if your gonna ride for two weeks, then what is 2 hours at a laundro mat? But, like any new model, the manufacturers have some issues to work out.

[2wheelsforme]

It is my understand that 86 is all that is required for the new wing.

[opas ride]

Seen plenty of the new Wings on the road. Not impressed enough to even take a demo ride. I do like some of the new colors, haha. Smaller luggage doesn't bother me. The majority of all bikers, pack way too much stuff, when they go on trips. I mean, if your gonna ride for two weeks, then what is 2 hours at a laundro mat? But, like any new model, the manufacturers have some issues to work out.

Exactly how many new Wings is plenty???...One of my sons lives in California,my son-in-law in Oklahoma, both riders, and together they have seen 1 new Wing in the last year.....Just curious...Regards

[olegoat345]

2018 not selling, folks like the older GW's / F6B's better. Sounds like the price old older GW's & F6B's might go up or hold steady.

[ths61]

The ST1833 should be priced in line with the ST1300, just with a larger engine. Their prices are out of line for a sport bike.

[ths61]

I sold my first F6B in order to buy a new Goldwing. But I had not ridden the new Goldwing before I sold the first F6B. When I did ride the new Goldwing, I was not that impressed. Yes, I liked it per say, but not for 21 or 22k. So I bought another F6B. A 2016 with 2900 miles for 13k. I am happy with my decision.

OUCH, that sounded like an expensive set of transactions.

[RuneRider66]

LOL....actually not an expensive transaction at all. Bought first 2013 F6B with 119 miles on it. Guy paid 22k for it new in 2015 with extended warranty. Yes he paid too much. Rode it for those few miles then had a health crisis and would never ride again. I paid 13k for the bike with yes...less then 200 miles on it. I rode it for 15k miles and sold it for 12.5k. purchased a 2016 from an older gentleman. Bike had like 2900 miles on it. 3 windshields and some other small add ons. I also paid 13k for that bike. Yes, I did have to pay some taxes and stuff. But all and all sort of an even trade off plus I get a 3 year newer bike. When the 2018 honda goldwing (F6B version) comes down to 15k I will probably buy one. But for now very happy with the B

[jm21ddd15]

Exactly how many new Wings is plenty???...One of my sons lives in California,my son-in-law in Oklahoma, both riders, and together they have seen 1 new Wing in the last year.....Just curious...Regards

I've seen at least 30 on the roads. I'm retired, and I spend lots of time riding, and have spent time in over 30 states this summer. However, I've seen thousands of the previous model Wings. People do like the past models better than the new. Me too! However, I don't want either of the "full" Wings. I am hanging on to my fantastic F6B! I stop in several Honda Dealers on my travels, and I see many more of the new Wings on the showroom floor, than on the roads.

[F6Dave]

I've seen at least 30 on the roads. I'm retired, and I spend lots of time riding, and have spent time in over 30 states this summer. However, I've seen thousands of the previous model Wings. People do like the past models better than the new. Me too! However, I don't want either of the "full" Wings. I am hanging on to my fantastic F6B! I stop in several Honda Dealers on my travels, and I see many more of the new Wings on the showroom floor, than on the roads.

This is quite different from late 2000, when the GL1800 first hit showrooms. By the next summer dealers were full of used GL1500s that had been traded for 1800s, as the new Wing was improved in so many ways. That sure hasn't happened this time.

[DarkKnt]

It would have tempted me, if the power had been increased substantially. Or if the styling had remained more "Bagger", less "BMW". Or if the maintenance schedule hadn't been increased. Or if the pillion seat had remained super comfy - as opposed to being less so, for the sake of esthetics. Or, lastly, if it was priced better. As it is, I have a very special "1 model year only" bike (black/chrome exhaust) and also the luxury of almost 20 years of production and parts/accessory development. Can't beat that...

[DarkKnt]

I should mention though, we saw a few in Europe this summer. And Gold Wings, in general, are not exactly common place over there.

[opas ride]

Maybe it will just take more time for the "newer" generation models to take hold...Many of us on this site are spoiled by the great bike the F6B is and, at this point, cannot justify the extreme expense and other issues that seem to plaque this new model..Only time will tell, but Honda has been known for a couple of "mis-fires" in recent years, i.e., Valkyries, VTX's and Interstate tours...None sold well in the market and are now pretty much gone....I had a 99 Valk Tour, a 05 VTX1800F, both were great bikes, but soon disappeared from the line-up due to slow sales...Only time will tell!!!!....Regards and ride safe

[Blk6bgg6]

This all sounds familiar doesn't it.Our f6bs are great motorcycles but they just didn't sell well.I would say goldwing sells pale in comparison against 10 year ago.We are a shrinking breed,liking a big smooth motorcycle. It just isn't cool to ride a honda motorcycle anymore. I like the new wing but one thing for sure those prices must come down,just like the f6b did.

[opas ride]

This all sounds familiar doesn't it.Our f6bs are great motorcycles but they just didn't sell well.I would say goldwing sells pale in comparison against 10 year ago.We are a shrinking breed,liking a big smooth motorcycle. It just isn't cool to ride a honda motorcycle anymore. I like the new wing but one thing for sure those prices must come down,just like the f6b did.

Your right on my friend....Back in 2001/2 I was retired from Ford and selling motorcycles part-time at one of the largest Honda dealers around here...Sold 14 Goldwings in my first two months of the riding season....Talked to the Sales Mgr. at this same dealership a couple months ago and he told me that they had sold 5 2018 GW's total since they came out last winter.....Still has the same 6 on the floor they had several months ago....Regards

[OlyF6B]

I have YET to see one on the road...

July '18, I was in Northeast Oregon - riding in the area for a day or so... and saw a new GW at an intersection. Rider and passenger (M & F) of "rider proportions" one often sees out there on the highways... riding GWs or other large displacement touring scoots. Gotta say, it was almost comical viewing the two on the new GW... the overall proportions were way out of wack... ("too little bike..." IMHO). I too think Honda made an error in the styling area. For the kind of $$ they're asking, there are other viable options that are "sized" appropriately for 2-up riding.

[F6Dave]

Something just occurred to me. For decades the Goldwing has been designed and built in the USA. This is the first new Wing since Honda shut down the Ohio plant and moved back to Japan. Is it possible they were better able to focus on the American touring rider when their motorcycle operations were based in America?

[ff73148]

We have all purchased Goldwings because we knew that it was a long term bike we could put miles on. Honda is looking for a new Goldwing rider. They are not relying on the current Goldwing owners to buy new model Goldwings. Look at BMW and how they market their bikes. BMW riders start with sportier bikes and move up to larger touring bikes. Honda is looking for that rider.

[Frye]

Problem is, how can you sell it as "sportier" when it has a 112 mph top speed and roughly the same HP as the old ones? I see them as a step down in performance from our F6Bs. On top end, they are a step down from all previous GL 1800s I think and also a step down from the 1520 Valks. And they don't even offer a performance upgrade for them?

So, you have a slower bike with less room for passenger, rider and luggage. With an untested engine and drivetrain. What's the point?

[opas ride]

In reality....If I had the desire for another bike at this point in my life it would most likely be the F6B version of the GW....But the BMW does make a great couple of bikes for touring types...But at my age, I will most likely just give up the sport and stick to cars in the future.....Regards

[unsub]

I should mention though, we saw a few in Europe this summer. And Gold Wings, in general, are not exactly common place over there.

I believe Germany and Poland are huge fans and have large meetups over the summer.

[jmdaniel]

This all sounds familiar doesn't it.Our f6bs are great motorcycles but they just didn't sell well.I would say goldwing sells pale in comparison against 10 year ago.We are a shrinking breed,liking a big smooth motorcycle. It just isn't cool to ride a honda motorcycle anymore. I like the new wing but one thing for sure those prices must come down,just like the f6b did.

+1

Anyone here pay MSRP for their new B? After mine sat on the dealership floor for over a year, I sure as hell didn't. Not even remotely close to MSRP.

While I personally think the new Wing, (base model) looks like a love child my B and FJR had after canoodling in the garage, I wouldn't be so fast to crow about potential price drops signifying Honda made a mistake with the new model.

[Verismo]

Problem is, how can you sell it as "sportier" when it has a 112 mph top speed and roughly the same HP as the old ones? I see them as a step down in performance from our F6Bs. On top end, they are a step down from all previous GL 1800s I think and also a step down from the 1520 Valks. And they don't even offer a performance upgrade for them?

So, you have a slower bike with less room for passenger, rider and luggage. With an untested engine and drivetrain. What's the point?

Have you ridden one, Frye? On my test ride with a new DCT, the dealership had a young man on the previous wing as my escort, and I easily walked away from him at will, no matter how hard he tried to keep up. Between the weight loss, and the non-existent drop in torque as it grabs the next gear, it is most definitely sportier. It's not as sporty as the new BMW, but hasn't that been the general case with previous K1600's?

I wish they had fattened the bags up. And I REALLY wish they would make more of a cruiser/tourer based on that platform, something along the lines of the original valk. More dropped in seat, more pullback and wider on the bars. Same engine and transmission. That would be right up my alley. But as it stands, I thought it was amazing to ride. I also think the B is amazing, and I love mine. But I think the new one is beautiful and impressive. We'll see concerning longevity, but if it holds up, it seems like an amazing next step in motorcycling.

Jason

[53driver]

The DCT in "Sport" mode was quite the hoot - the other modes, not so much.
0-90 was freaking quick in Sport Mode.
Handling was very intuitive with a bit more ground clearance than the B.

But I am in concurrence with most of what's printed here:
- Bags could EASILY be as large as they used to be and still retain the "cosmic stealth" look
- "New engine" - it could be that the good ol' 1822 was so close to perfect that adding 1 cc was the only way to improve it. Besides the aesthetics (which I'm not fond of) I hope that someone figures out a way to unleash this engine so that it could hang with the K1600.
- Less fuel: NEVER a good idea. Period.
- Gizmos & infotainment: if I want to look at a screen, I'll stop and get out my iPad. If I want to figure out a new "game controller", I'll do so with an Xbox.
I'm a pilot, I live for flight & performance data. Focusing & emphasizing on other things detracts from my Disney Experience.
Cheers,
Steve

[opas ride]

The DCT in "Sport" mode was quite the hoot - the other modes, not so much.
0-90 was freaking quick in Sport Mode.
Handling was very intuitive with a bit more ground clearance than the B.

But I am in concurrence with most of what's printed here:
- Bags could EASILY be as large as they used to be and still retain the "cosmic stealth" look
- "New engine" - it could be that the good ol' 1822 was so close to perfect that adding 1 cc was the only way to improve it. Besides the aesthetics (which I'm not fond of) I hope that someone figures out a way to unleash this engine so that it could hang with the K1600.
- Less fuel: NEVER a good idea. Period.
- Gizmos & infotainment: if I want to look at a screen, I'll stop and get out my iPad. If I want to figure out a new "game controller", I'll do so with an Xbox.
I'm a pilot, I live for flight & performance data. Focusing & emphasizing on other things detracts from my Disney Experience.
Cheers,
Steve

The biggest issue for me on the "new" GW's is all the whistles and bells that are mostly useless to my style of riding...I don't give a "rats ass" about GPS, Bluetooth, Greentooth, headphones, and all the other crap on these 2018 models...Fine for some, but not for me...I want to enjoy the ride and scenery not a bunch of electronic stuff that costs too much and distracts the rider.....Otherwise the next gen bikes are really okay and I am sure they will find riders to buy them, eventually.....Regards

[VStarRider]

It would have tempted me, if the power had been increased substantially. Or if the styling had remained more "Bagger", less "BMW". Or if the maintenance schedule hadn't been increased. Or if the pillion seat had remained super comfy - as opposed to being less so, for the sake of esthetics. Or, lastly, if it was priced better. As it is, I have a very special "1 model year only" bike (black/chrome exhaust) and also the luxury of almost 20 years of production and parts/accessory development. Can't beat that...

I have that too. Did not realize that was a one year only model! Another reason to just keep on truckin' with mine. That, and the accessories I have added have basically made it a bike just for me!

[Frye]

I haven't ridden the 2018s. I wouldn't buy a full size bike with a 112 mph top speed unless there was an affordable fix to remove the training wheels so there isn't any reason for me to test drive one. I waited years to buy my f6b hoping Honda would finally hot rod that 1800 motor like they did the 1520s they put in the Valks. When they brought out the 2018s with the reduced top speed and same HP it was obvious they were going further away from building a bike I was interested in so I started looking for a dealer new 2016.

When I found the best price I could on a new 2016 I bought it without even test riding it and rode it home from the dealer this past January. I consider my B to be a touring oriented sport touring bike and that's how i ride it. Same with the Valk it replaced. No matter how fast the new ones get to 112 mph I still couldn't live with a bike a sportster could outrun on top end. I don't blame anyone who could, motorcycles are as individual as it gets but that built in governor on the 18s is a show stopper for me.

I'm damn disappointed the Bs don't make 25 more HP than they do. No doubt Honda could have done so and probably would have done so if Joe Boyd was still alive and designing GLs for the American public, but he's not, sadly. So the 2016s appeared to be the best effort Honda was going to make. If I rode solo all the time I would have bought a new FJR or perhaps a Rocket, but the B seemed to offer the best mix of two-up all day comfort, cornering ability, power and dependability out there.

I literally waited over a decade with money in my pocket for Honda to make a 130-170 rear wheel HP, naked, no-governor, 6 speed two-up touring Valk that would pass everything except a gas pump and still be good for 900 mile days, 20 years and 300,000 miles. Sadly, today's Honda, like HD seems more interested in appearing fast than being fast. Of course I considered the Beamers but I needed a bike that would last the rest of my life, had local dealer support and wouldn't break down. That dropped the Beamer out of the running and made the Rocket seem a bit sketchy too.

Concerning sales of the 2018s.
If Honda removed the speed governor, bumped up the HP and made all the power available in any gear, at any speed and started a "No Limits" advertising campaign I think they'd sell better than any GL ever built.

[VStarRider]

I haven't ridden the 2018s. I wouldn't buy a full size bike with a 112 mph top speed unless there was an affordable fix to remove the training wheels so there isn't any reason for me to test drive one. I waited years to buy my f6b hoping Honda would finally hot rod that 1800 motor like they did the 1520s they put in the Valks. When they brought out the 2018s with the reduced top speed and same HP it was obvious they were going further away from building a bike I was interested in so I started looking for a dealer new 2016.

When I found the best price I could on a new 2016 I bought it without even test riding it and rode it home from the dealer this past January. I consider my B to be a touring oriented sport touring bike and that's how i ride it. Same with the Valk it replaced. No matter how fast the new ones get to 112 mph I still couldn't live with a bike a sportster could outrun on top end. I don't blame anyone who could, motorcycles are as individual as it gets but that built in governor on the 18s is a show stopper for me.

I'm damn disappointed the Bs don't make 25 more HP than they do. No doubt Honda could have done so and probably would have done so if Joe Boyd was still alive and designing GLs for the American public, but he's not, sadly. So the 2016s appeared to be the best effort Honda was going to make. If I rode solo all the time I would have bought a new FJR or perhaps a Rocket, but the B seemed to offer the best mix of two-up all day comfort, cornering ability, power and dependability out there.

I literally waited over a decade with money in my pocket for Honda to make a 130-170 rear wheel HP, naked, no-governor, 6 speed two-up touring Valk that would pass everything except a gas pump and still be good for 900 mile days, 20 years and 300,000 miles. Sadly, today's Honda, like HD seems more interested in appearing fast than being fast. Of course I considered the Beamers but I needed a bike that would last the rest of my life, had local dealer support and wouldn't break down. That dropped the Beamer out of the running and made the Rocket seem a bit sketchy too.

Concerning sales of the 2018s.
If Honda removed the speed governor, bumped up the HP and made all the power available in any gear, at any speed and started a "No Limits" advertising campaign I think they'd sell better than any GL ever built.

We lost our one BMW motorcycle dealer in the area. I think the next closest dealer is in Troy, NY, near Albany ... a 200 mile drive from Rochester.

[F6Dave]

As it is, I have a very special "1 model year only" bike (black/chrome exhaust)...

I sure miss the quieter pipes on my 2013. I had no idea how enjoyable a long trip could be on a nearly silent motorcycle.

[F6Dave]

We lost our one BMW motorcycle dealer in the area. I think the next closest dealer is in Troy, NY, near Albany ... a 200 mile drive from Rochester.

In my personal experience, a BMW needs to have a dealer nearby. But an F6B can go for years without seeing a dealer as long as UPS or FedEx can find your house.

[opas ride]

As this site is primarily an F6B board and most of us ride them, just curious as to whether some have checked the GoldWing club site for the opinions from GW riders as to what they think of the 2018's???...I suppose I should visit the web-site myself, but perhaps a few have done so and could offer their concerns and feelings about the next "generation" of GoldWings....Regards

[Ghost Rider]

I own a F6B and a 1800 Goldwing. as far as the new 2018. No Thanks. Would not trade my old model for a new one.

[JGF6B]

I have that too. Did not realize that was a one year only model! Another reason to just keep on truckin' with mine. That, and the accessories I have added have basically made it a bike just for me!

Hmmm, I thought black with chrome exhaust was available for 2013 and 2014. I thought there were 6 different F6B color combos, 4 of which were single year versions. Black and matte silver were the only ones available for more than one model year.

2013: Black/chrome, Red/chrome
2014: Black/chrome, Yellow/chrome
2015: Matte silver/black, Blue/black
2016: Matte silver/black, matte white/black

In the wild I think I've seen more black/chrome than any other color. Black/chrome was my first choice but I got impatient and settled for a fast red.

[Mudflap]

July '18, I was in Northeast Oregon - riding in the area for a day or so... and saw a new GW at an intersection. Rider and passenger (M & F) of "rider proportions" one often sees out there on the highways... riding GWs or other large displacement touring scoots. Gotta say, it was almost comical viewing the two on the new GW... the overall proportions were way out of wack... ("too little bike..." IMHO). I too think Honda made an error in the styling area. For the kind of $$ they're asking, there are other viable options that are "sized" appropriately for 2-up riding.

Like two bears on a bicycle at the circus.

[broncsrule21]

Hmmm, I thought black with chrome exhaust was available for 2013 and 2014. I thought there were 6 different F6B color combos, 4 of which were single year versions. Black and matte silver were the only ones available for more than one model year.

2013: Black/chrome, Red/chrome
2014: Black/chrome, Yellow/chrome
2015: Matte silver/black, Blue/black
2016: Matte silver/black, matte white/black

In the wild I think I've seen more black/chrome than any other color. Black/chrome was my first choice but I got impatient and settled for a fast red.

I have the black/chrome 2013...The OG. I have all but eliminated the chrome though:cool:

[F6Joe]

I own a F6B and a 1800 Goldwing. as far as the new 2018. No Thanks. Would not trade my old model for a new one.

Same here, both are 2015s. Wing is pushing 63,000 miles, new (to me) B 9,400 miles. Once I wear them out, guess I'll be at or past my "use by" date, so no need for the new wing.

[53driver]

Same here, both are 2015s. Wing is pushing 63,000 miles, new (to me) B 9,400 miles. Once I wear them out, guess I'll be at or past my "use by" date, so no need for the new wing.

I turn 56 in a month...I know that's not old compared to some on this board, but in my case there's a lot of "city mileage" without timely fluid exchanges.
Started doing some 'backwards' planning and came to the same conclusion: if I should wear out Isleen, I'll probably not have need for another.
So? Now the task is to wear out Isleen and see if I'm right! About 300 short of 90k......
Cheers,
Steve

[unsub]

I realize plastic saves both weight and money

The above and I also believe plastic (or ABS) gives the motorcycle a better defense against the elements. I'm all for lighter non-metal where it counts.

[Big TP]

Not quite, but I've suspected for a while that the 2018 Wings aren't selling very well. I saw a handful on the ride to our rally in Cortez, but other than that I've hardly seen any. In fact, I see more F6Bs and old Valkyries than new Wings.

This morning I got an email that confirms my suspicions. Honda Direct Line, an online dealer I've often ordered parts from, is selling 2018 Tour models with DCT at a 4K discount, for $23,700. The non-Tour model (they call it a Bagger) with the 6 speed sells for $19,999. Those are pretty steep discounts for a bike that was introduced less than a year ago.

If I were in the market those prices would sure be attractive. But like others here, I think Honda made a few mistakes on their new Wing. The biggest blunder IMO was shrinking the luggage to sport-touring capacities. They also could have bumped up the power a bit, to be more competitive with the K1600. It's a great bike, but I suspect those issues are making many riders shop elsewhere.

But no manufacturer seems to have figured out the demographic problem and attract younger riders. Who needs a motorcycle when you have a phone and the Uber app?



Now that's a deal!! Almost tempting....



https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-Honda-Gold-Wing-Automatic-DCT-Matte-Majestic-Silver/352523730065?hash=item52140d3c91:g:Gw4AAOSwiqBb8RF J:rk:12:pf:0&vxp=mtr