[Marco V]

I presently own a 2009 HD Roadglide. I would appreciate any input from prior HD owners. Basically if they were happy in their decision and if they have any regets. I am really on the fence and would like to hear from the forum.
TKS!
Marco V

 

[chrisgl1800]

Hello Marco V,
I came over from the HD family. My last two bikes were Harley Davidsons.
It all depends on what you are look9ng for in a bike. If the Roadglide doesn't meet those desires...then you should get a bike that does.
I can only answer for myself. I bought a Softail, wanted a touring bike, changed over to a Streetglide, had to put $3000 worth of touring parts on it to even come close, and was not happy with the shaking engine, vibration, hard seat, heat coming off the engine at idle in the summer, I must have changed exhaust 4 or 5 times trying to find a sound that I liked....I just was not happy with my choice. I thought about the HD again, but was ready for something different.
I now have a smooth ride, no vibration at all [you could stand a nickle on end and it would stay there while the engine starts and runs!], you can ride 100 miles and your hands and butt do not go to sleep, a seat that cushions my big behind, a back rest that is like a lounge chair, the sound is like a Porsche high performance car, built in GPS, XM radio, weather radar, heated grips, heated seat, heat on your legs and feet, a fairing that keeps the wind at a minimum, good storage......I am sorry, I seem to have kind of run on and on....
I am very happy with my choice...I got what I wanted this time. (Sorry for running on all you GW owners}
If that is what you are ready for...come on over...we welcome you with open arms.....

 

[rigginray6]

I am a reformed Harley Rider !! I would not even consider riding a Honda due to the peer pressure at the time to never buy a non- American made bike!!I grew up in a Harley Family so you can probably understand!! Well I could go on and on with reasons to continue with H-D but they do not matter! Gold wing is the smoothest ride I have ever had. Good for all touring I can handle! I have been riding since 16 and Motor Cross prior to that. Comfort and dependability are my reasons. I only wish I could afford to buy a newer one but not in my Budget right now!! Just my humble opinion!!

 

[Chopin]

You'll miss the V-twin torque feel for the first day or two. You'll miss the poise and noise for the first day or two. You'll feel like a lone rider for the first day or two. If you get an 1800 you'll feel like your sitting on top of the bike ( and not into the bike ) for the first thousand miles or so. But after you get it set up to fit your posture as best you can and end your 450 mile day ride, you can walk upright into your house and say, " I could have done another hundred miles " .

 

[dirtdobber]

Marco V the best advice I can give ya is to rent 1 for a weekend. Don't do a short ride. Ride like it's yours and put some serious miles on it. Both solo and 2 up if there is a better half.
The Goldwing is different from the roadglide, completely different.
The 09 RG has the new frame so it should handle very good.
The biggest difference from my 07 Ultra Classic and my 2010 GW that I had a problem getting use to was the height of the bike and sitting on it instead of in it.
I have been riding for a lot of years with a lot of different bikes so I can adjust rather easy. Being 5'7" I almost always have to set a new bike up for me. I have way too much $$ in my Ultra but it is (probably) the most comfortable bike I have ever rode/owned. when I sit on it it is a natural sitting position for me. I can ride for days all day and still be comfortable on my Ultra. Some complain about the vibrations of the HD. With a proper tune the only vibrations you should have is at idle. The GW is the smoothest bike I have ever been on though.
I have had my GW for 4 or 5 months now and have put close to 10,000 miles on it. 1 long trip and several short ones. The seat wasn't bad at all for a stock seat. The factory tires suck but you will not know that until you change your tires to something else. As far as in town riding with the GW I have no problem with it. Once you get to know the characteristics of it slow speed handling is not a problem. The 1 thing that sticks out as a positive is the GW in twisties/curves and the power. It is flat out awesome.
I kept my Ultra, I just couldn't give it up. I am finding that I now ride the GW more than the Ultra. The GW is great in cooler/cold weather. The newer premium sound system is good. My GW has everything except navi/XM which I did not want. I have a zumo 660 and a jmmp3 and find it much better for me.

Remember you need to ride 1 for a while to see all the positive/negative of the GW

just a thought

dd

 

[oldtimer]

I traded my 2007 HD Heritage for my 2010 GW this past summer. I liked my Harley alright but I love my Goldwing....They are just two different bikes, nothing wrong with either one of them........I just like the GW better.....I've had three Harleys and three Goldwings. I may have another HD someday, but I doubt it.

 

[bossdog]

I still have my Heritage, but to tell you the truth I just like the wing better. I find that I do most of my riding on it and if someone was to offer me the right price I would sell the Heritage. Because I'm now old enough to get over the cool factor of owning a Harley.

 

[blk93wing]

It's a personal choice, I rented an 06 Electra Glide in Daytona in 06, put 500 miles on in two days. My co-rider didn't like the crash bars in front of the bags hitting her in the back of her legs and her seat wasn't as comfy as her's on the wing. I was somewhat impressed with the Electra and wouldn't mind having one at some point, but it won't take place of my wing. As far as a 2012 wing, since the change over back to Japan from Marysville,Oh, I would think to treat it as a new model for all it's worth. From all that I've been hearing, there were no new changes slated for the 1800 in 2012 and there should be a few deals on old 2008 and 2009's in dealers stock.

 

[trike lady]

I owned Harley Dressers for many years and one day I wanted to build a trike for myself as most trikes were Wings and so I have owned it for 4 years and like it very much. The quiet, lack of vibration, the comfort and the increased power.

 

[Chopin]

My annual week trip to Arizona puts me on a Harley rental for a few days riding. A two hundred mile day ride is enough for me at one stretch. Now these rentals are stock, no backrest or other additions. The problem lies both with me as with the bike. But heck, it's Arizona. Sedona would look just as good on a moped.

 

[nudels2u75]

Yes I own both

Just purchased a 2010 GW and now have 13,000 miles in 3 months---I have a 2009 CVO Ultra classic screaming eagle and a couple of other HD as well---

New hd has had over 30 major breakdowns after 40,000 miles ---she has 65,000 miles on her and stays broke down---3 months ago I got pissed and went a bought a fully loaded GW except it does not have Air bags----spent anothe 10,000 on extras and it is awesome---I am able to get out and ride everyday and not have to worry about being on the side of the road again...I do still ride the HD but just try to keep it close to home until they can get mechanicle issues resolved...good luck

Rent a GW but a weekend is not long enough---you will also get a better rental price by the week---I am currently in Lakeland florida if you would like to ride mine---be back in Houston Texas soon===Good Luck

 

[budoka]

I'm a former HD owner (RK and a Dyna) so neither one is a comparative model to a Wing. But, aside from the time I've spent on friends' Ultras, other than the extreme low speed ease of the Ultra, I wouldn't trade any of my 3 Wings for the comparative model year HD's E-glides. I got into the HD thing because I thought I wanted to be like my buddies. Turns out first and foremost I'm a Honda guy (and yes part of that is loyalty to my work, but I was bleeding Honda red 35 years ago, long before I became a dealer) and within the brand I'm a Wing rider at heart. Doesn't make it right, better, or everyone else's ride of choice, just those that are like me feel pretty much the same way.

 

[trourke]

I sold my 01 E-Glide this past Oct. because I want a Goldwing. I rented one for a day (24 hrs) and put 600 miles on it. It was smooth and quiet and handled very well. I put 106,000 miles on my Harley and loved it but it does not compare to the Wing. Plus I tired of the Harley image. I just love to ride and comfort is what I want. This will be my first Wing and I know I won't look back.

 

[Stratman]

Well said jerryclark!
Strat

 

[Caveman]

I've owned 7 bikes and still riding at 68yrs.old. I love the looks, the remarkable smoothness, accelleration and most of all, the peace and quite when riding. What more do I have to say. What do I own ????

 

[RKP000]

I think we are all biased here, but it's based mainly on facts. There is nothing, NOTHING that beats a late model Wing if you seriously like to ride. Wings are super smooth, quick for such a big bike and they put a smile on your face everytime you ride. No worries about breakdowns either. If you want to be seen on something cool, make noise (HD's do sound the best), and take 150 mile rides (or less) then there is nothing better than a HD.
For me, after all the bikes I've owned - cruisers, crotch rockets and everything in between, plus I've ridden some Glides, my latest Wing (2010, 2nd Wing for me) is a keeper for sure. Like others have said here, rent one for a weekend, ride the snot out of it and I bet you are in a dealer's showroom shortly after the weekend is over.
One of my buddies just bought a new HD after a bunch of other bikes. He took my Wing for a ride and now is pondering selling the HD and getting a Wing.

 

[DonaldLL]

C'mon man...... Just do it.

 

[budoka]

One of my buds has a CVO Ultra and is really turned off by the service (well lack of) he gets at the dealerships he's been to. He now takes it to a different brand dealer that has a certified HD wrench on staff. I offered him a test ride on my Wing and he refused saying he wasn't comfortable riding a Honda. Personally, I think he was afraid he'd like it too much.

 

[xhdrider]

Lots of good, and true, observations stated above, so not to be redundant, take this xharley guy's word for it, just get your wing and get on down the road--the clock ticks, you will never look back.

 

[redwing53]

Congrats Marco V
You will love the new wing. Being a LONG term Harley rider I also took the plunge in June and purchased a 10 wing. Like the salesman said when I got mine "it's not a motorcycle it's a Goldwing". Still have the RG but it does not see alot of road time
since the wing. Both are nice machines but the wing is a true touring bike. Enjoy and ride safe!