40 mpg is the norm for me running 70-80 mph. 38 mpg if ripping it hard. Keep in mind that's using the 5% optimistic (approximated) OEM speedometer to gauge the mpg estimates. If I was using an accurate gps, it would be less for sure. Somewhere around 36/38 mpg.
The goldwing is geared way too low IMHO. It's turning half red line at 70 mph for Christ sake! I wish we had a choice of rear end gears. The goldwing has more than enough power to carry a higher numerical final gear ratio, even when riding two up and pulling a trailer. Have you ever heard of a winger complaining about a lack of power when towing? I can't remember ever hearing a single complaint from someone that tows about a lack of pulling power. Is it just me that thinks it's under geared? Jap manufactures have a tendency to under gear their bikes from my experience owning them over the years. The Germans and Italians get it right on thier bikes.
Honda listens to thier owners about as much as our government listens to our citizens. The new 2012 wing is proof of that. Honda needs to concentrate R&D money on fixing the major problems with the wing, like lousy wobbly suspensions, faulty trannys and rear ends and not to mention, the lack of a sixth gear. Not on gimickry new electronics that are pointless or slight styling cues that are barely noticable. I think the 2012 version is a huge disappointment. Why do we have to spend an additional $700.00 to get a real GPS unit to surplate the lousy OEM unit on a $26K bike?
Just me??????????????
Sorry.........Kind of strayed off topic. Ever since I saw the 2012 released, I've been wanting to bitch about it. :lol: