Ultra vs 'wing
Hello,
About a month ago I traded in my Ultra Classic for a 2012 'wing.... after riding for 4000 miles, here are my observations, which is sure to cause a rowdy debate...
The Harley is an easier bike to ride. It just seems to go where you point it, stops smoother, and accelerates smoothly without fuss.
The Harley stops MUCH quicker. The Goldwing brakes seem mushy, perhaps dur to the linked system. From 60 MPH, I can stop about 12 quicker CONSISTENTLY on the Harley... Neither had ABS by the way. I know people say just the opposite, but this is my findings.
The driver is more comfortable on the Harley, the passenger on the Goldwing. There is room to move around on the floorboards where the 'wing locks you into the footpeg position. The grips on the Harley are larger, the 'wing grips put my hand to sleep. While the Harley 'throbs", the 'wing buzzes under acceleration. The Honda came with heated grips, heated seats and those nifty little flaps for feet heat. They really do work. The cruise control on the Harley works better than the one on the 'wing. Guys, we're talking out of the box, not after trips to the dealer to adjust it, so keep your comments. The Honda has hydraulic clutch, the Harley uses a cable and it is harder to pull. The Harley uses throttle by wire, the Honda, for all of it's technology uses cable. This might be the reason for cruise problems.
The audio on the Honda sounds better, but it lacks WAY behind the Harley when it comes to the intercomm. The passenger microphone is always on, so, you hear wind noise constantly and this is tiring for the driver. Sure you can spend $129 for an adapter, but we are talking out of the box. For a bit less, the Harley comes with voice actuated intercomm standard. The Harley comes with CB, the Honda is an almost $1000 option. Out of the box..... The Harley controls are easier to use.
The Honda has much better weather protection. It blocks wind and rain much better than the Harley. The windshield is more adjustable, and easier than the Harley. And the vent on the Honda is nice in hot weather. And, the Harley will COOK your leg in moderate heat. It raised welts on mine going to Sturgis in 98' weather. Not to mention the melted pants and boots on the Harley.
Maintenance on the Harley is easier without all the Tupperware of the Honda. And, the "antique" Harley uses modern hydraulic valves while you need to pull the cams to adjust the "modern" valves on the Honda.
The Honda is like driving an Accord with no doors. You can't hear it, feel it, become one with it. It's simply transportation. The Harley is alive.
Why did I get rid of my Harley? When I took it in for the 50K service, it cost $2000 in repairs. SOmething about the the starter chewing up a case, and it was out of warranty. In the summer, it would get so hot oil pressure would drop to zero at idle. Speaking of idle, the Harley would shake like crazy at idle, the Honda is smooth. But, above idle, the Harley was smoother.
The Goldwing Road Riders are a much more friendly club. They ride more than most Harley guys, and don't look down on other makes. The Goldwing should last much longer without major repairs.
I guess if I had to do it all again, I'd still be on the Harley. I like the 'wing for transportation, but, for better or worse, it isn't a Harley and I miss it.....
I know the 'wing guys will rant and rave, but even the motorcycle magazines are finding the Harley more enjoyable than the Goldwings. And, the Harley looks better, especially than my "Made in Japan" styled 2012 Goldwing....
