[jamnjim]

Hi, I'm Jim. Been riding for 40+ years. I've owned a touring bike (not a Wing) quite a few years ago, had a long break after an accident, and am now riding a sportbike, which I love and will keep. But I am going to start doing more two up distance riding as I'm retiring in a couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a touring machine and am debating between BMW LT, Concours, and a Wing. The Wing has been my 1st choice for a while, but something a buddy of mine told me is starting to weigh on my mind. He told me as they age, many riders downsize in the interest of owing a "nimbler" bike that is easier to handle. I'm 56 and in good health, 5' 7", 180, and my wife is 5'3", 130. Any input?

Also, any input on ABS vs non-ABS. I know I can probably get a really good deal on a new or used non-ABS bike, but absent a lottery win, the next bike I get will probably be the last bike I get and I want to do it right.

 

[Sponge104]

Welcome Jim,
I went from a vulcan 2K and the wife wanted a better 2 up bike so we test drove a lot of bikes...
We both agreed that the Wing was the best by far.
I loved the power the 2000 had and was not disappointed in the Wing.

 

[Chopin]

Ask " joe in calif " about aging and a Wing. He is selling his and it is offered here. I can't tell you what he is replacing it with because we are a Goldwing Forum ( wink, wink ). Talk to joe . P.S. At 56 you still have a good 10 + years left to ride the big one.

 

[trike lady]

Welcome & greetings from Florida.
If you want all the comfort, the bells and whistles; go with the Wing and if you get to the point where you want to continue riding but certain physical problems crop up on you, you'll have a bike that makes a sweet trike. This way you can continue riding and enjoying the thrill.

 

[Ron Robertson]

Hi Jim
I'm 69 and still riding my 93 GL1500 Aspencade I bought in August of 93. This past June the wife and I rode from N.W. Washington State to Allentown Pennsylvania and back. So I'd say you got a few good years to enjoy a Wing.
From the Northwest Corner
Ron

 

[knwe55]

My first Wing had ABS My new one does not I like it better without,
Had no problems just did not care for it.
You can alway go trike if something happens which I hope nothing will happen to you or anyone,My wife and I already said we would go trike if something did,Goldwing is to hard to give up,But down sizing is good too if it keeps you riding

 

[detdrbuzzard]

hello jim and welcome to GWOF

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

First welcome to the forum from Pennsylvania. Your just the right age for a wing... If you want ABS you have to go to the top of the line wing. If ABS is not a priority, then a base wing has a lot to offer for less $$. Whichever wing you buy I'm sure you will enjoy it as we do. Ride safe and enjoy the forum..

 

[budoka]

Welcome to the site Jim. The Concours is fine for one up riding, but a tad skimpy for two in the comfort dept. The LT is a terrific bike as well but maintenance on BMW's can be costly. The Wing is a delight to ride and is tops in the two up comfort zone.

 

[Bingo]

Welcome JamiJim ! You'll find lots of great info and people on this site

Bingo

 

[rigginray6]

welcome from vermont!

 

[Stratman]

Ask " joe in calif " about aging and a Wing. He is selling his and it is offered here. I can't tell you what he is replacing it with because we are a Goldwing Forum ( wink, wink ). Talk to joe . P.S. At 56 you still have a good 10 + years left to ride the big one.

Welcome from Ontario Canada Jim. Joe in California is replacing the Wing with a Kawi C14, I believe. His Wing is posted on the forum and if I had the $, I'd scoop it. It looks immaculate.
Ride safe,
Strat

 

[oldtimer]

Hi Jim, Welcome to the site.............I'm 67 5-7, 180 and just bought a new Wing this past summer. I have no problems handling it, I'm looking to buy a trailer for it soon. For long distance riding, you can't beat it.

 

[Eric]

You are most welcome from Down Under

 

[oldtimer]

Everybodys welcome here,,,,,,,,The new guys buy the coffee, J/K.........welcome to the site. Tell us a little about yourself.....

 

[Sponge104]

Hi, I am Tracy . I am a new member of forum. Would a newcomer be warmly welcome here? Good day you guys!!!

Hi TracyK,
Welcome from NE PA.
What do you ride and where are you from?
Sponge

 

[jamnjim]

New Goldwing

I made the decision to buy a Goldwing. I bought a new 08 Black ABS Wing and on 11/7/10, flew out to TN to make the purchase, and spent 5-days riding it home. The deal went down relatively smooth, but a few issues arose, some of which are still pending. I'll share my experience when everything is resolved as I want to give the dealer an opportunity to make things right and don't want to taint anything. I had beautiful weather for the ride home, had no problems on the road; it was a wonderfully surreal experience. The bike is awesome, I had two long days, 700+ miles, and felt pretty darn good at the end of the day when I got to the motel.

The most important thing, the wife approves of the purchase. I took her for a short ride this past Sunday and she really liked the bike. It's much easier on her than on my CBR 600 F4I. She's already suggesting destinations for multi-day trips.