Currently I am riding a 2002 ST1100ABS. Prior to this I had a 1999 standard ST1100. Many a miles have been covered on these bikes but I have the bug to get a new Gold Wing. So I got a few questions for all you wingers.
1. Is there any buffeting behind that really large windshield? I really dislike the buffeting on the ST.
2. How do you see through the tall windshield in fog? The shield on the ST fogs up from time to time. If it was taller I would have to stand up and look over it.
3. Does the windshield adjust?
4. How far can you go on a tank? With the ST I usually go about 300 miles, I think I will have to give a little up with the wing.
5. How is the wing to do regular maintenance? The ST's plastic is a pain in the butt to remove.

I appreciate any information.

Bill

No buffeting to speak of. I use tunnel fillers in the winter to stop air flow coming up around the forks. The windshield is adjustable and can be lowered in rain or fog to look over it. The airflow still goes up and over you when it is lowered. Tank range will vary depending on your "attitude" On long trips pulling my trailer at high speeds, 150 miles is about as close as I want to cut it. With no trailer 180-200 miles is more common. The Wing plastic is a pain also but oil and filter can be changed with no major removal. Top shelter must come off to do the air filter.
Go with the ABS model and enjoy.

 

I agree with Bob, no real buffeting around my helmet (5'11"). I have an '04 with the windshield vent. Music from the front speakers is clear even above 80 mph. With the vent closed I feel some wind at my back but only barely noticeable. With the vent open there is no wind at my back. Also my range is now running between 220 to 250 miles before the reserve light comes on. 220 is running 70-80. Running 55-65 I can get 250 which should take me to 300 if wanted to drain the tank.
Pete
Candy '04

 

bkoehler,
I will have some input for you, but first tell me what kind of riding you do.
Do you ride 2 up?
Mostly twistys or straight roads?
Any marginal roads- gravel etc.
How fast do you normally ride?
How old are you and how is your back?
Do you have the stock shield on your 1100 or an after market?
What type of helmet do you wear?
What extremes of weather do you ride in?

I had an 01 ST 1100 and an 03 ST 1300ABS. I now have a GL 1800ABS so I can give you some comparisons.

RaT Bake

 

Yes!

 

wing or st

Do you ride 2 up? yes about 25% of the time.
Mostly twistys or straight roads? Both
Any marginal roads- gravel etc. No really
How fast do you normally ride? Not the fastest guy around but like to move along.
How old are you and how is your back? 43, back is ok
Do you have the stock shield on your 1100 or an after market? stock
What type of helmet do you wear? full face
What extremes of weather do you ride in? have an electric vest for winter, try and ride as much as possible

thanks for the input

 

The ST does not compare to a GL1800.

Performance is there with the ST. Fuel economy is there with the ST. GL has riding position, comfort and creature comforts.

Best thing to do is rent a GL, Test drive a GL or borrow a GL. After you put the GL through it's paces, the answer will be evident!

BD

 

As a new GL1800 owner, here is my review of it's strength's and weaknesses.
As per your query: 1. Wind buffetting on the 1800 is present but usually not obtrusive. 2. The windshield on my 1800 has not fogged yet. 3. The windshield adjusts up and down but, at least on my bike, it is not as easy of a task as it should be. 4. I have run as far as 260 miles on a tank of fuel but the normal refuel mileage is about 220. My 1800 routinely gets 40 mpg. 4. The side panels on the GL1800 are easy to remove once you have the knack.

Other factors that may interest you are: Seat comfort is better than average but still well below that of a good custom seat. The controls are easy to operate. The bike handles great. The engine is fabulous in every respect. The trunk is so-so. The saddle bags suck. The lighting is great. Passenger comfort and room is very good. The sound system is good but not great. Best of all, it's a Honda and it will last forever!

 

You'll get practically no buffeting (so I hear i haven't gotten mine yet) with the windbender windshield but you also won't be looking through it, you'll be looking over it.

 

I moved over from a 2000 st1100 to a 2003 wing the first of May. The wind is still a problem on the wing..not as bad as the stock shield on the st. I solved that problem on the st with a clearview +5 and a laminar lip...no buffeting for either me or the wife. Windshield on wing adjust..I find the least buffeting in the lowest setting. I am 5'11". Oil changes are about the same on the 2 bikes. Rear Wheel maint on wing is easier...much easier to remove rear tire...haven't had to do the front yet. Standard equipment on wing is great..intercom, radio..plus numerous electrical connections for Farkles. Both bikes are smooth...the st is a little more top heavy.

Both bikes are great...sometimes I miss the ST...wish I had enough money for both.

 

Being a fairly new "wing" rider (turned 1000 miles last week) I can answer some of your questions from my point of view.

Yes, I am experiencing a fair amount of buffeting and am trying to figure out what I can do to eliminate it. Stock windshield did not seem to be doing it's job. I felt a lot of pressure behind my helmet and buffeting of head. Also felt wind on the outside of my arms. Rider said that she feel a lot on her head and does not feel comfortable looking around. BTW, I am 6' 4" and go around 240lbs.

Recently got a Cee Bailey +4 hoping to eliminate the buffeting of the head.
Started out with the windshield at lowest but it put the top right at eye level. Started raising it up a notch at a time. Now I am looking through the shield and am still getting the buffeting of the head. Also had a situition last week where I road through some heavy fog and got windshield wet. When I crested a hill, the sun was right at eye level and I was blinded until I could pull over and wipe the windshield dry. Not fun!

I was told by a reputable source that the Tulsa windshield would remove the buffeting and really help the rider keep the wind off their face. Biggest problem that I see with the Tulsa is that it is angled back quite far, enough that you can easily hit your head on it getting on and off the bike. You also have to look through the windshield.

If anyone else knows how to get rid of the head buffeting, I would greatly appreciate the info.

Windshield adjustment is not hard, release both levers and raise or lower. System is on a rachet so you have to raise it all the way up before you can lower it. Believe it has 4 adjustment levels. Gold Wing is not like the ST1300 that has electric adjustment.

At last check, I am getting 33.4 mpg. That is on both twisties and freeway. Freeway is usually around 75 to 80 mph which is supposedly 5 mph slow. I have been told that mileage will go up with more miles on OD.

I had an 03 ST1300 that I put less than 1000 miles on before trading it in on GW. Probably first thing you will notice is the GW has much more power and low end torque. It will easly do normal residential turns in 3rd gear. Much more low speed friendly because of lower center of gravity (6.6 gal tank under seat instead of 7.7 gal tank up high).

I think the saddle bags are better on GW because they open slowly instead of dropping open. Trunk will easly hold 2 full face helmets (saddle bags do not on GW). Seat is not bad for one to two hour rides, handling is great (yes you can easily drag the pegs) and is nice to have tunes even if it is not like the Boise system in my truck. Great to have intercom with passenger and cruise control is really nice when hands start to cramp up or you are just on a steady run.

Hope this helps. IMHO, if you ever ride a GW, you will not even want to get back on your ST.

 

Just re-read my previous post and your initial questions. Sorry, thought you said you had an ST1300 but the comparisons should be about the same for the 1100 (don't really know much about ST1100 other than it was the predessor to the 1300).

One of the other posts had a suggestion about renting a GW for a day or so. Cruise America (at least here in SF bay area) has them for rent for around $175 a day.

 

If anyone else knows how to get rid of the head buffeting, I would greatly appreciate the info.

David - I suggest you consider one of several options:

Windbender Windshield
http://www.firecreekacc.com/install_1800.htm

Cee Baileys Windshield
http://www.ceebaileys.com/honda/gl1800ws.html

or a Laminar Lip
http://www.laminarlip.com/applications.htm

Each of these are real good to move the air flow up above your head. Given your height I would be inclined to call the company(s) that you are interested in to get their input on results with the GL1800 and someone your height. Personally, I would lean towards the Winbender, but we all have our own preferences.

Good Luck,

DaleC

 

Re: wing or st

Do you ride 2 up? yes about 25% of the time.

I would bet that one 'two-up' ride on an 1800 would be all it would take, and the decision would be made for you by the person on the back seat.

 

move to the wing

Thanks to all for the responses. It is pretty much as I expected. I want to take one out for the day but dont know of anyplace in this area that rents. I am going to see my dealer and see what I can get from him.

One more question, How many miles do you typically get on a set of tires. I usually go about 10-12K on the ST.

Thanks again
Bill

 

Wing?

A goblin stole my post, so here goes again.

I have not ridden the 1100 or 1300, but have over 400,000 miles on six cylinder Wings.

The Tulsa windshield and mirror shields give a cockpit totally without buffeting. Even the passenger has nearly no wind.

I do not know how the Wind Bender compares because I do not know anyone that has had both the Tulsa and the Wind bender on the same bike.

The stock windshield is too far forward and too vertical to be very good, but it does lower enough to see over.

The Tulsa clears above 50 mph in the rain which the stock shield does not. However, if the Tulsa fogs, you must wipe it or look around it. I think it is likely the best setup of you ride two up. I know Fred Harmon likes the Wind Bender.

I have been road testing our new trailer for the last several thousand miles and am getting around 40 mpg in everyday riding which would be about 260 miles to dry tank. However, by riding at 55 mph, I pulled the new trailer 300.3 miles on a tank. Aggressive riding pulls the range down to about 220 miles.

Red light usually comes on around 215 to 225 miles. Since it holds 6.6 gallons, it will not go as far as the 1100 with a 7 gallon tank.

I would think you will be more comfortable and cooler riding the Wing, and have more places for cup holders, GPS, phone, etc.

Kind of depends on your style of riding.

 

Can I have your ST1100? (It would be nice to have an ST & a GL)

 

Can I have your ST1100? (It would be nice to have an ST & a GL)

How about a raffle? I could see a ST1100 next to my Wing too.

DaleC

 

Bill, Regarding a test rides there are some dealers that are very liberal with time taken for demo rides. I'd call around and see. Arkport Cycles in New York would be such a place if they had one in stock and the surrounding roads would be a good test!

Pete

 

I'll make this easy. Get the Wing.

 

Bill, Listen to me! They are setting you up! If you go for a test ride on a GL1800, you will have to have one! The addiction will never go away! You will have this monkey on your back all the time your not riding it! :shock:

Upon more serious consideration....... Go ahead! You deserve it! The more the merrier. :yes:

Bill
:yw1:

 

Sorry, I forgot about the tires. I have 8,500 miles on the original Dunlops and they look I should get at least another 1500 to 2000 miles on them.
Bill :yw1:

 

Hi bkoehler,

I currently own a '95 ST1100 and an '03 GL1800ABS. I did a lot of research before buying the ST about five years ago from the original owner. It only had about 2400 miles on it and looked brand new even though it was already four years old. I thought it was the perfect bike for me although I'd never had the chance to ride one. I liked the looks of the bike, the power, and the handling I'd read about. But that bike kills my back, wrists, and knees. It just doesn't have the ergonomics I need. For a while I thought maybe I was just getting too old (at 46? Yeah, right!) or losing interest in riding. But I got a chance to rent an 1800 while visiting Las Vegas in early April of this year. By the last week in April I was riding my new '03 Wing. After three months I've got 8,900 miles on it and I love it more all the time. Absolutely no regrets. The ST just turned over 5,000 miles as I rode it into the dealer to get the carbs rebuilt. (I'll be sure to put gas stabilizer in my bikes in the future during storage.) And when I get the ST back it's going up for sale. It really is a great bike, but not for me. So I'd also advise you to rent an 1800 or get the longest test ride possible. For me eight hours was more than enough. As soon as I got it out on the open road my mind was made up.
1. Buffeting - Depends on rider height. My ST is better than the Wing. I'm 5'9". If I duck my head down on the ST it's perfectly still. In normal riding position my head is up in the air stream and little or no buffeting. On the Wing I keep the WS to lowest position because I like to look over it instead of through it. I get buffeting in that position.
2. I look over it at all times so fogging isn't a problem for me.
3. Yes, WS is adjustable.
4. I average about 39-40mpg and around 250 miles per tank max.
5. I'd rate the Wing slightly better than the ST because the most frequent maintenance, oil changing, can be done without removing any plastic. Haven't done the Wing air filter yet but it takes more time than the ST.

Ralph Wenzl

 

I went from a GL1200 to a 94 Concours to a GL1800. To this day I still believe the ST1100 is the best all around touring bike on the market from early 90's until today. The ST1300 is a better sport bike but can't hold a candle to a ST1100 in day after day high milage riding. The ST1100 has longer lasting tires than the ST1300 that work well enough and it has the perfect combination of comfort, power, and handling for the long haul. The GL1800 is too much of a boat for most people. I am still trying to determine if I will admit that I made a mistake in buying the 1800 instead of an 02 ST1100. I hate to admit I made a mistake. I now have 37,000 miles since June 02 and I never forget that this boat is just way bigger than I need. I have no idea how anyone could have lived with a GL1500 since heavier and more sluggish than the 1800.
I sure agree with the rec'm to get a long test ride before jumping from a sure thing with the ST1100 to something that you may not like as well.
I am quite sure that I would have been happier with either a ST1100 or else buying another Concours and swapping out all my high milage comfort items from the 94 to the new bike.
Any interest in considering some type of swap, Black 02 1800 for 02 ST1100.

 

I also had an ST 1100 before my 02 GW. The Gold wing is the best bike I have owned. Love the low center of gravity and the power. It seems like the next progression in the chain of great bikes. I've owned a PC 800, ST 1100, Valk. Interstate and the GW. The Gw is the one I'm planning on keeping for a long time - it is a joy to ride.

 

Wing a mistake?

Old Turtle,
I am sorry to hear anyone has a bike that is not their favorite. We have a rider in our oatmeal gang that has had a Concours and has an 1800 and a Suzucki dual purpose bike. He constantly vascillates back and forth about whether he should sell his Wing. We have another in the oatmeal gang that often says the same thing. Mostly these fellows like to always ride something else, what ever it is.

I dropped my bike the other day in a situation of turning around on a narrow road with eroded gutters and a rain swollen water crossing with water tracked out both sides. If the bike weighed 300 pounds, I might not have dropped it, but the 1000 pound machine was too far over from a deep rut to bring back up and I had to step off of it and right it.

That happens about every year or two, or about once per 75,000 miles.

However, for the other 74,999.998 miles, I have sheer enjoyment of the very best kind. Part of it is the joy of riding in high luxury. Part of it is the marvel, even awe, of the thousands of well designed parts. Yes if it was silent, it would be better, but I do not know of anything that is more technically excellent.

I wished that you and everyone could enjoy their bike as much as I do mine, and I wish for you to have such a bike, what ever it is.

In less than two years, I will be 70 and another decade will be 80 after that, and know that there will come a time when I won't be able to pick the Wing up if it falls down and goes boom. Until then, like the guys in Second Hand Lion with their airplane, I plan to do my best to do my 1,000 miles per week until I get some time to go do some serious riding.