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1,864 Posts
First off I would like to say that we are happy with our 2008 Airbag and it will hopefully be our one and only motorcycle for the next several years (we wish we have the money that some of you have, I saw and lusted over some of your man caves I’ve seen in pictures of your posts).
I’m starting this post only to give ideas that may somehow make it to Honda as ideas for any future Goldwing that may come out (2013 or later). I hope that this post will stay upbeat and friendly. I’ve seen and idea of yours here and there but I haven’t seen an entire string devoted to potential options as well as standard equipment (I don’t spend much time on this forum).
As we all know the 2012 Goldwing is only an evolutionary change; not much more than the changes that happed in 2006. This post is only to help Honda when they are truly able to come out with an all-new Goldwing (like they did in 2001, 1988 and in 1980).
I’ve seen this done on other Goldwing Forums (some of you saw the same posts). The difference is that this forum specialized in the GL 1800 so you have a different take on the situation (one theme I noticed on the other forum is that many wanted a smaller Goldwing in the future, essentially a 21st Century GL 1200 whereas I kind of like the power, size and handling of the GL 1800 and anything smaller would probably have many defecting over to BMW). I feel that the best way to go would be to keep the idea of equipment packages and add even more options. Have a baseline Goldwing with a price in the same neighborhood as the average Sport Tour bike and then have package options all the way up to the $30K range. There could even be a return of the Valkyrie for a baseline Goldwing. Here are some ideas I have; I’m starting with some that you have already discussed:
-Electric Windshield
-Electric Center Stand (note, first two options would be nice in the same option package)
-Bluetooth
-2000 cc engine (or so)
-Air filter that can be accessed easier than the current set up
-Hydraulic self-adjusting valves
-Adjustable handlebars (the current set up works for me but maybe not everyone)
-Adjustable seat (passenger seat sliding front to rear, rider seat up or down)
-Different wheel coating (chrome or powder coat although it will be interesting to see if the clear coat on the 2012 will stand the test of time)
-More storage area in the rear trunk (With the Wing Gear pockets and floor mats I’m barely able to get my wife’s helmet in the trunk when I give her a ride to work)
-GPS screen convertible to a radar picture
-Air compressor (wheatear or not they bring back air shocks, I was thinking about a hose for the tires)
-Factory equipped 12 volt socket
-Optional Fuel (maybe diesel, maybe natural gas)
-Automatic Transmission or CVT option (I wouldn’t buy it but someone might)
-Gear indicator (and if you can say you know what gear you are in all the time than you are a better rider than some professional riders I have heard in interviews)
-Factory Trike kit (I know, Honda has a bad taste in their mouths going back to the three wheeled ATV lawsuits but this still works for the made in Milwaukee brand)
-Sixth gear in very relaxed RPM (maybe 2000-2500 RPM at 70 MPH)
Anyway just a start to improve on what is already a great motorcycle. To reiterate, lots of options in lots of price ranges. Dreaming is free and who knows, maybe someone at Honda may read this and be enlightened. What are your ideas?
I’m starting this post only to give ideas that may somehow make it to Honda as ideas for any future Goldwing that may come out (2013 or later). I hope that this post will stay upbeat and friendly. I’ve seen and idea of yours here and there but I haven’t seen an entire string devoted to potential options as well as standard equipment (I don’t spend much time on this forum).
As we all know the 2012 Goldwing is only an evolutionary change; not much more than the changes that happed in 2006. This post is only to help Honda when they are truly able to come out with an all-new Goldwing (like they did in 2001, 1988 and in 1980).
I’ve seen this done on other Goldwing Forums (some of you saw the same posts). The difference is that this forum specialized in the GL 1800 so you have a different take on the situation (one theme I noticed on the other forum is that many wanted a smaller Goldwing in the future, essentially a 21st Century GL 1200 whereas I kind of like the power, size and handling of the GL 1800 and anything smaller would probably have many defecting over to BMW). I feel that the best way to go would be to keep the idea of equipment packages and add even more options. Have a baseline Goldwing with a price in the same neighborhood as the average Sport Tour bike and then have package options all the way up to the $30K range. There could even be a return of the Valkyrie for a baseline Goldwing. Here are some ideas I have; I’m starting with some that you have already discussed:
-Electric Windshield
-Electric Center Stand (note, first two options would be nice in the same option package)
-Bluetooth
-2000 cc engine (or so)
-Air filter that can be accessed easier than the current set up
-Hydraulic self-adjusting valves
-Adjustable handlebars (the current set up works for me but maybe not everyone)
-Adjustable seat (passenger seat sliding front to rear, rider seat up or down)
-Different wheel coating (chrome or powder coat although it will be interesting to see if the clear coat on the 2012 will stand the test of time)
-More storage area in the rear trunk (With the Wing Gear pockets and floor mats I’m barely able to get my wife’s helmet in the trunk when I give her a ride to work)
-GPS screen convertible to a radar picture
-Air compressor (wheatear or not they bring back air shocks, I was thinking about a hose for the tires)
-Factory equipped 12 volt socket
-Optional Fuel (maybe diesel, maybe natural gas)
-Automatic Transmission or CVT option (I wouldn’t buy it but someone might)
-Gear indicator (and if you can say you know what gear you are in all the time than you are a better rider than some professional riders I have heard in interviews)
-Factory Trike kit (I know, Honda has a bad taste in their mouths going back to the three wheeled ATV lawsuits but this still works for the made in Milwaukee brand)
-Sixth gear in very relaxed RPM (maybe 2000-2500 RPM at 70 MPH)
Anyway just a start to improve on what is already a great motorcycle. To reiterate, lots of options in lots of price ranges. Dreaming is free and who knows, maybe someone at Honda may read this and be enlightened. What are your ideas?