Saddlebags and Trunk
Bill,
My wife and I have been riding Goldwings for a long time. The two of us do two or three trips each year that approach three weeks, in addition to several 4 to 7 day numbers.
We use the two saddlebags and trunk for all our stuff. We have a luggage rack, but only use it to put on extra stuff we buy on the trip.
I just don't understand the extra storage space some people seem to need, but that is their business. But, since you are a new guy, you may be able to start out without all the extra space, most of which just slows you down and in some cases gives you the limitations that cars have.
Eventhough I have a GPS gizmo on my boat, I can't see a reason for one on the bike (call me basic).
However, on HondaDirect site (yep, our sponsor) they have a map pocket that is made for the 1800 and connects over the radio for $11.50. With a little velcro engineering, you can lift it for any changes you may want to make to the audio system. Here is a site that has some same gadget bags for the front fairing pockets of the wing, but you shouldn't need any of them:
www.vpaccessories.com/1800.htm High quality stuff, but you don't really need any of it (well, there might be something you need, but see below).
Otherwise, I just have this advice. Don't buy all the stuff that everyone else tells you that you need, during the first year (except for Baker Wings for your mirrors). You will figure out what, if any special stuff that you need to make your bike more functional or better serve your particular needs.
Ride it like you stole it and the last things you will need are a backrest and a cup holder.