[Son of Thunder]

What would cycle riders back in the 1930's and 40's say about this cycle we call a Goldwing today?

Maybe they'd say, "Where can I get me one of those?"

 

[Son of Thunder]

Re: technology

The Goldwing is aimed at middle aged men who like gadgets. There are any number of touring and sport touring bikes with less gadgets available from Harley, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Yamaha, Triumph and others (including Honda) that offer full on comfort and reliability with less complexity. But lets face it, thats not who we are. We love the gadgets, we love the accessories, that why we love our Wings.

With all due respect, what's this "we" stuff? I like to ride. Occasionally, I get to ride for long distances. And the Goldwing's a bike I can ride all day, without feeling like roadkill when I'm done. I have a few gadgets (iPod, CB, etc.) but nothin' fancy, and nothin' my friend doesn't have on his Ultra. It ain't about the gadgets; it's about the versatility. Oh, and I've been riding Wings since long before I was middle-aged.

 

[Son of Thunder]

Dear Twistgrip,
I originally wrote:

We love the gadgets, we love the accessories, that why we love our Wings

Although I would imagine that the number of "gadgets" Honda includes with the Wing (yes, an on-board air compressor is a gadget, so is a radio and cassette player, so is a remote trunk release, so is reverse) would indicate that at least some of their customers want and use these features.
However, it is possible that you have never used any of these gadgets and may have even removed them from your bike.

Similarly, a simple scan of the topics on this board should inform even the most casual observer that many Wing riders like to add "accessories" to their bikes. Which is not to say that you haven't left all of your Wings bone stock.

In the interest of clarity and Trans-Atlantic harmony, I have decided to modify my use of the editorial "we" and revise my opening sentence to "We (except for some limey poofs who all think they are the return of Mike the Bike) love our gadgets."

Have you ever ridden an 1800? If so, you should know that it's the ride itself that most people cite as their reason for buying or wanting one. All the other stuff is icing on the cake. In the interest of clarity, you might want to scan your owner's manual. The 1800 doesn't come with an on-board air compressor, or a cassette player, for that matter. At least they didn't in '03!

Like I said, the Ultra comes with most of the stuff you listed as standard equipment, except for trunk release and reverse.

In any case, Mr. Analysttom, please do me a personal favor and speak for yourself. No matter what side of the Pond I happen to be on at the time, I don't like to be mis-represented.

 

[Son of Thunder]

Did you interpret my post to say that the sole or even the primary reason people buy wings is the gadgets? If so, I suggest you re-read the post. Of course its the ride, and the reputation for quality, and brand loyalty, and the built-in community, and the features (perhaps you like that word better than gadget), and the extensive dealer network, etc., etc.

Frankly, re-reading your first post still gives that impression. But no matter, I have no desire to argue, especially with someone who's recovering from surgery. Just get healed up and get back out there and ride! Wish I could put 26,336 on mine in less than a year!