[GOV5]

Love to hear current 2018+ GL owners who previously or currently own a HD Road Glide. I've reviewed a few online comparisons but would like to hear from "real" owners about their thoughts, experiences, surprises (good or bad), etc.

Thanks

I know of two riders here from the Harley Forums that switched from Road Glides to the new GW, Mengy and (Ken) EasternSP. I can tell you that they will give you a fair and accurate account of the difference in ownership, i.e., ride, cost, maintenance, accessories, etc.

I'm sure they will answer you shortly.

 

[GOV5]

Love to hear current 2018+ GL owners who previously or currently own a HD Road Glide. I've reviewed a few online comparisons but would like to hear from "real" owners about their thoughts, experiences, surprises (good or bad), etc.

Thanks

I forgot to ask: what type of rider are you? What will you be doing with the bike? Long day touring? Day rides?
Just riding around your local area? Will it be a commuter? 2 up or solo? Do you do your own maintenance, or use a dealer? Do you live where daily traffic is heavy, or live in a very rural area? How many miles do you ride annually? ( This is more directly related to tire costs )

All the above questions have a lot to do with what kind of owner and rider you are, and which bike may suit you better. And those answers will help the folks here guide you better too.

 

[FL_RedWing]

I had a 2010 Wing. I currently own a 2019 Road Glide (and a BMW K1600 Grand America). Both are great bikes (despite what the Harley haters here will preach), but they are somewhat different animals. The Wing was smooth , ultra quiet and very comfortable, especially for your passenger. I've done 800 mile days with the wife on the back. I still think the previous generation Wing is the ultimate 2-up touring machine. I have very little seat time on the new version to render an informed opinion on the newer model. The Road Glide is also a capable 2 up touring machine, although not quite as capable as the Wing, mostly due to somewhat more mechanical (not exhaust) noise and some wind noise. I have done 600 mile days on the HD and have owned every model in the touring line up at one time or another. The RG is by far my favorite, especially the M8 version (I have the 107). While the GW has sewing machine quiet and smoothness, the HD has more "soul" and character. I prefer the HD luggage to the GW luggage. I would not hesitate for one second to take either across the country tomorrow. The dealer network (and independent shops) for the Harley are much better than Honda. I've run into Honda dealerships that have never sold or serviced a GW.

"I've run into Honda dealerships that have never sold or serviced a GW..." That comment pretty well sums up why folks buy Goldwings. No need to hop from dealer to dealer on the road (as I did with my Sportster). Legendary reliability is a small price to price for lacking soul. Great insight, and very fair comparison. Thanks!

 

[ziptie]

Love to hear current 2018+ GL owners who previously or currently own a HD Road Glide. I've reviewed a few online comparisons but would like to hear from "real" owners about their thoughts, experiences, surprises (good or bad), etc.

Thanks

when's the last time you got flashed while riding your wing? Or stopped into the Honda dealer and got a really cool T shirt? Over the years I have collected many t shirts from all over the US and each one of them has a different and unique story to tell.( yes I will ride my wing into a Harley dealership to buy a T-shirt)
I have a 2016 Ultra limited and a 2018 DCT tour. Absolutely love both bikes. I am a tall guy and feel that the Harley definitely gives me more leg room. I take one long solo trip every year and ride the HOG. On my 2 up trips I take the wing
The solo trips will typically be 10 days and 5-7 thousand miles. Never had an issue on the road with the Harley but the wing is funner handles better, has better suspension I am thinking that I will take the wing this year on my solo trip and see what I think after some high mileage days. 2 up days are only 400 - 500 mile days. I agree with what someone else posted the Harley has soul, and the rumble you just can't beat it.

 

[grampi]

I've never owned an HD, but I've been around enough of them over the decades to at least comment on the fit and finish of these bikes. To listen to some, you'd think Harleys were hand built by Rolls Royce. I will admit HDs have more durable paint than the metrics, and their chrome looks nicer, and though they have fewer plastic parts, they still have them (as all bikes do these days), and they have a large number of outsourced parts. Harleys are built on assembly lines just like Goldwings. They are not these far superior fit and finish bikes as some would lead you to believe. Some people like that look of everything being bolted onto the bike as an afterthought, as opposed to having everything tucked nicely away under fairings and covers. I prefer the smooth look of the Wing, but looks are subjective. Performance is not, and in this respect the new Goldwing Trumps anything by HD...

 

[Red]

Harleys are built on assembly lines just like Goldwings.

Harley’s are built by AMERICAN Union Workers. Big difference in my book from a Japanese built product.

Keep it up and your great grandchildren will be working for the Chinese!

 

[Boe]

Have had two RG's, an 06 and an 11RGU. Loved both bikes but I'm 73 and am having problems with my left hand locking up. Last summer I got 'new bikeitis' - a very expensive condition
Got a hold over 2018DTC. Love the 0-60 acceleration and the lack of a need to shift gears. I live in East Tennessee with the Smokey Mountains in my back yard - also the Dragon which I tend to avoid as there are too many sport bike nuts on it which makes it dangerous at times.

To me, the RG's were more responsive in low speed turns - easier to handle. I think the difference comes from the GW seating the rider higher. Really love not spending a small fortune making the bike more powerful and loud. Really appreciate the quietness of the GW. What I don't like is all the plastic - real pain to perform routine maintenance or add accessories. Harley was more open and easier to work on. I do all my own work.

The DTC really is a different ride - takes some getting used to and the deceleration is really neat but i'll find cars having to brake behind me more than with hd's.

The luggage capacity is marginal and difficult to work with - the biggest drawback. Since I ride solo and when I go on trips, load my stuff in a bag that I store on my back seat so it's not a major problem for me but for a couple - it could be an issue. Have not used the heated seat but the heated grips are nice. I do not like the small handle bar grips - got kuryakyn overlays to make them larger = i have large hands and the stock grips were uncomfortable. This agravated the low speed handling which is very touchy. Love the reverse - great when I get into an area where I have to back up on an incline. The reverse is really an 'assist' as it is not all that powerful.......

Each bike is different - ride both and make your decision. Best to you.

 

[biggersm]

when's the last time you got flashed while riding your wing?

Come to think about it...never. I'm OK with that since when we tour it is both of us on an old man's Wing. Although if it did happen it would give a whole new meaning to the term "funny as a heart attack" (at least for some).

 

[Kfadd1]

when's the last time you got flashed while riding your wing? Or stopped into the Honda dealer and got a really cool T shirt? Over the years I have collected many t shirts from all over the US and each one of them has a different and unique story to tell.( yes I will ride my wing into a Harley dealership to buy a T-shirt)
I have a 2016 Ultra limited and a 2018 DCT tour. Absolutely love both bikes. I am a tall guy and feel that the Harley definitely gives me more leg room. I take one long solo trip every year and ride the HOG. On my 2 up trips I take the wing
The solo trips will typically be 10 days and 5-7 thousand miles. Never had an issue on the road with the Harley but the wing is funner handles better, has better suspension I am thinking that I will take the wing this year on my solo trip and see what I think after some high mileage days. 2 up days are only 400 - 500 mile days. I agree with what someone else posted the Harley has soul, and the rumble you just can't beat it.

You will never “cool” on a wing even if you are.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[b206driver]

"I've run into Honda dealerships that have never sold or serviced a GW..." That comment pretty well sums up why folks buy Goldwings. No need to hop from dealer to dealer on the road (as I did with my Sportster). Legendary reliability is a small price to price for lacking soul. Great insight, and very fair comparison. Thanks!

I like the way you twisted my point around.......the point was there are Honda Dealers who have no idea how to service or repair a Wing. The dealer I bought my wing from could not fix a leaking valve stem. While on the road, I needed a fork seal fixed.....no parts and no model knowledge. I have been into Honda shops that don't even stock street bikes. My Goldwing was in the shop 3 times while I owned it (7 years)....leaky valve stem, leaky fork seal and bad TPMS sensor. In the 20 years or so years I've owned HD's they have been in the shop twice....broken throttle cable (fixed in 2 hours) and bad cam bearings (fixed under warranty overnight including a new cam). Granted, a Wing will not need much in the way of repairs, but when they do, will the dealer be capable?

 

[ziptie]

Harley’s are built by AMERICAN Union Workers. Big difference in my book from a Japanese built product.

Keep it up and your great grandchildren will be working for the Chinese!

See what this has turned into. Don't care what anyone says A Honda is a Honda. I will always have a soft spot for a Harley Davidson. Nothing out there sounds like one. If you have ever been to a large multiple bike run with mostly Hogs there is nothing quite like the feeling you get when they all start up at the same time and head out. You can make each one individually yours in infinite ways. They are uniquely American heritage. When I ride my wing I ride it When I am on my Harley, I am the motorcycle it is like an extension of yourself Not sure I can explain it but there is an old saying If I have to explain it to you, You would not understand. Still like my wing though. Kinda like having a wife and a Mistress They are both fun.😈

 

[FL_RedWing]

I like the way you twisted my point around.......the point was there are Honda Dealers who have no idea how to service or repair a Wing. The dealer I bought my wing from could not fix a leaking valve stem. While on the road, I needed a fork seal fixed.....no parts and no model knowledge. I have been into Honda shops that don't even stock street bikes. My Goldwing was in the shop 3 times while I owned it (7 years)....leaky valve stem, leaky fork seal and bad TPMS sensor. In the 20 years or so years I've owned HD's they have been in the shop twice....broken throttle cable (fixed in 2 hours) and bad cam bearings (fixed under warranty overnight including a new cam). Granted, a Wing will not need much in the way of repairs, but when they do, will the dealer be capable?

Sorry I did not understand your demonstrably erudite exposition, and intellectual acuity. My bad, of course. Who knew? I can only read the sentence for what is says. Impossible to imply meaning, or read minds. With that, no more twisting. Enjoy your H-D.

 

[TN Wing Novice]

My last Road Glide was a 2001 Screaming Eagle. Since then I sold that bike. Currently own an 09 Vision, an 06 Police Road King and an 18 Wing 6 speed.

 

[grampi]

Harley’s are built by AMERICAN Union Workers. Big difference in my book from a Japanese built product.

Keep it up and your great grandchildren will be working for the Chinese!

Yep, buying a Honda instead of a Harley means my grandkids will be working for the Chinese! Not hardly. Since when is Honda built by the Chinese? Harleys have more China made parts than Honda does...

 

[grampi]

See what this has turned into. Don't care what anyone says A Honda is a Honda. I will always have a soft spot for a Harley Davidson. Nothing out there sounds like one. If you have ever been to a large multiple bike run with mostly Hogs there is nothing quite like the feeling you get when they all start up at the same time and head out. You can make each one individually yours in infinite ways. They are uniquely American heritage. When I ride my wing I ride it When I am on my Harley, I am the motorcycle it is like an extension of yourself Not sure I can explain it but there is an old saying If I have to explain it to you, You would not understand. Still like my wing though. Kinda like having a wife and a Mistress They are both fun.😈

Every motorcycle you ride should feel like an extension of your body...if it doesn't, then you're riding the wrong bike...also, the sound of a Harley is overrated and is not worth everything that has to be given up to get it...

 

[ShanghaiDan]

Every motorcycle you ride should feel like an extension of your body...if it doesn't, then you're riding the wrong bike...also, the sound of a Harley is overrated and is not worth everything that has to be given up to get it...

For me, the sound of the Harley has always been a turn-off. I don't want a loud or rumbly bike - I want something quiet, restrained. I value my hearing, and thus it's almost always been Hondas (with an occasional Piaggio scooter mixed in).

Of course, I also ride with ATGATT, too - and that just seems to work better on Hondas than Harleys.

 

[grampi]

For me, the sound of the Harley has always been a turn-off. I don't want a loud or rumbly bike - I want something quiet, restrained. I value my hearing, and thus it's almost always been Hondas (with an occasional Piaggio scooter mixed in).

Of course, I also ride with ATGATT, too - and that just seems to work better on Hondas than Harleys.

I actually think Harleys sound nice with stock pipes, but who leaves those on?

 

[Wingmaster12]

Growing up with a farm I was used to the sound of a tractor. I always had 2 stroke dirt bikes and knew I loved performance. When I got to street riding age Kawasaki 900 was the performance for me. The HD was slow and sounded like our tractors. I’ve owned some very fast motorcycles with turbos and nitrous. Now I enjoy riding twisties even with the wing. The HD doesn’t handle near the wing. Making a decision for 2020 I decided to ride the HD, Indian and new wing. The Indian was a much better handling bike than the HD and they were close in performance. I was leaning Indian, but then the DTC entered my life and I was hooked. The new wing has some faults but none that I couldn’t remedy easily. My next bike may not be a wing if the others up their game. I wish the wing was still built in U.S.A. but the economy and union work ethics played a big roll in their move along with model consolidation in one place.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[FL_RedWing]

Growing up with a farm I was used to the sound of a tractor. I always had 2 stroke dirt bikes and knew I loved performance. When I got to street riding age Kawasaki 900 was the performance for me. The HD was slow and sounded like our tractors. I’ve owned some very fast motorcycles with turbos and nitrous. Now I enjoy riding twisties even with the wing. The HD doesn’t handle near the wing. Making a decision for 2020 I decided to ride the HD, Indian and new wing. The Indian was a much better handling bike than the HD and they were close in performance. I was leaning Indian, but then the DTC entered my life and I was hooked. The new wing has some faults but none that I couldn’t remedy easily. My next bike may not be a wing if the others up their game. I wish the wing was still built in U.S.A. but the economy and union work ethics played a big roll in their move along with model consolidation in one place.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Perhaps one of the most intelligent and viscerally perceptive observations I have read here. Well done, sir. And please forgive my past association with BMW, and passion for high tech performance. Nothing more impressive than driving 200kmh on the Autobahn, and getting passed by a K1600 like you were standing still.

 

[Flatsixbasic]

lmao.... Were you riding your Harley in shorts and sandals or naked.

Well, I've heard the saying, "Ride Naked" - now I know the downside...