2018 Gold Wing v. VFR

No one who's seen any of Yellow Wolf's vids would be surprised

 

Yep, I've seen a few videos of Gold Wings at the track, pretty impressive! Then there this guy, Yellow Wolf, he's known for ripping up The Dragon!

 

These new ones are really nice. I think they will sell very well.

 

I'd like to see that Guy Yellow Wolf flogging the Wing on more open sweepers where it could stretch its legs. Anyone see performance numbers yet? Wonder what its doing in the 1/4 mile. They are deceptively fast. The 6 in them are fantastic engines.

 

The outgoing Wing could do the 1/4 in low 12's at about 110 mph. The new bike has about 30 hp and 35 more torque and is 90 lbs lighter. The bike is really a new everything. The front forks are now a double wishbone front end that makes for super easy turning.

 

I would prefer the ST1300 or equivalent VFR1200. But of course they don't have these anymore. Mainly because lane splitting in CA is legal and the GW will have issues doing that due to its size. And I can't split lanes on it then I may as well be in a small sports car.

 

Yup once they are moving the weight disappears. Wide bars help tremendously. Could do feet up fig of 8 no problem at all, in fact way easier to do on Pan and gold wing compared to vfr.

 

It is a lot easier to do on the Wing than a VFR, the center of gravity is very low on the Wing. The new one is substantially thinner than the old ones.

 

Is that not what I said. But differently

 

Yeah, I was just agreeing with you. lol

Everyone thinks they are just big couches until they ride one. And the new one is supposed to be a LOT better!

 

Yup. Quite like the look of the new beast. Not too keen on the price though. Looking forward to giving it a go if I get a chance.

 

There is a photo in this article with it leaned way over 2 up without any hard part scraping.
Not sure if I like the Blue or black and white one better.

https://www.cycleworld.com/hondas-2...202655971&spReportId=MTIwMjY1NTk3MQS2#page-13

 

Prefer the blue.

 

I'm getting wet just looking at it. Love its looks ans specs.

 

I have a 09 GL1800 (Pearl Hot Rod Yellow) and it handles very well and once rolling it is true the weight factor just disappears . I had the opportunity to sit and chat with Yellow Wolf while at the GAP a few years back. His GL1800 has a full Traxxion suspension front and rear which really makes his handle even better. He also knows the GAP like the back of his hand which helps him too. I went up to my dealer all set to buy a 2018 but the more I thought about it I have a hard time justifying the cost ($27,000) at my age (63) as how many more years will I be comfortable riding a bike of ir's weight. Personally I'd like to find a middle heavy weight touring bike but alas, no one seems to make one. For now I'll just keep riding the Winger until my confidence level while on the bike goes away more than it is now. I will of course go take one out for a test ride though

 

I love the white.

I think I'll have to buy one in a year or two.. max. This will be my comfort machine.

 

That's not entirely true. There are several options in that department:
BMW R1200RT - 604 lbs wet.
Triumph Trophy SE - 650 lbs DRY (at over 700 wet, not super light and the last US version was 2016)
Kawasaki Concourse 14 - 690 lbs wet
Yamaha FJR - 635 lbs wet

Some might argue that these are all sport-touring bikes and not comparable to the wing (especially the Kawi and Yamaha), but that's about as close as you'll ever get to a middle weight touring bike.

I would say the BMW is the closest to your description and would be perfect for what you seem to wish for...way more touring than sport, and super light for a touring bike.

 

How about a Tuono?!! I so want one.

 

Got to see one at a local dealer today and took some pics - looked really nice - still huge but not quite as gargantuan as the last gen.

 

Based on recent experience, I would never own a naked bike as a full on touring machine. The aeros will have you wishing you never got out from behind a full fairing.