Hi all,
I've only had my GL for a few days but it's already gotten more complements then any other bike I've owned in the past 34 years...and I had some nice ones. Since the day I brought it home, everyone in my neighborhood, wives and kids included, has ether stopped in front of the house to gawk at it from the street or come right up to the house to take a look at it up close, only to find that it does indeed look as good up close as it does from afar. But the best so far happened in Dubuque Iowa.
It was the first ride that my wife and I took when we picked the bike up from the dealer. We decided to travel southwest, and on the way stop off in Dubuque for lunch. Long story short, while travleing I hit some bee's and the clutch lever was as sticky as if you poured maple syrup on it. So on the way out of town we stopped at a store to get a bottle of water and a cloth to clean it off. We pulled into the parking lot and there was an elderly lady, (late 70's early 80's) riding an electric scooter heading for her car along with her daughter. The elderly lady stopped and exclaimed, “I couldn't even hear your motorcycle running”. The next thing we know she riding her scooter around the bike commenting on how beautiful it is and wanting to know what every button and switch does. As I explained and demonstrated everything on the bike, she was just in awe, and kept commenting how wonderful it all was and how beautiful it is.
Her daughter then explained that her mom started riding solo back in the 1940's and she rode Harley's until the late 70's. The daughter who I guessing is in her late 30's early 40's also rides. She has a Virago. She then said “Mom, this has everything but a toilet!” I jokingly told her perhaps I should check the owners manual; maybe I missed that feature.
I never realized until now, how alluring a Gold Wing is to people of all ages, whether they ride, had ridden in the past, or never rode before. This bike just turns peoples heads where ever I go. This is a totally new and unexpected experience for me. It's almost like having a custom show bike but better, as this is a machine not only to admire, but to ride...and to do so often and long. And it seems to invite you to do just that.
99% of my experience so far has been positive, although there is always one in every crowed. To date the only sour puss I've seen is, of all people, my next door neighbor. Since the first day I parked my new beauty in front of the house, he scowls at me and no longer talks to me. The funny thing is he never had any problem with my GS850 Suzuki or my XS1100 Yamaha chopper, but the GL is giving him heartburn. Sad to say but all I can attribute this to is jalousie. Maybe I'm wrong...maybe I'm not...bottom line is it doesn't really matter. The wife and I love this bike more then any other I've ever had in the past; and that it what truly matters.
Yep! There's just something about a Gold Wing! They just appeal to a wide verity of folks across the board. But you probably already know this, don't you. After all, why else would you be here. True?
Now if you all will excuse me...I'm going out for a nice long ride!
Dane
I've only had my GL for a few days but it's already gotten more complements then any other bike I've owned in the past 34 years...and I had some nice ones. Since the day I brought it home, everyone in my neighborhood, wives and kids included, has ether stopped in front of the house to gawk at it from the street or come right up to the house to take a look at it up close, only to find that it does indeed look as good up close as it does from afar. But the best so far happened in Dubuque Iowa.
It was the first ride that my wife and I took when we picked the bike up from the dealer. We decided to travel southwest, and on the way stop off in Dubuque for lunch. Long story short, while travleing I hit some bee's and the clutch lever was as sticky as if you poured maple syrup on it. So on the way out of town we stopped at a store to get a bottle of water and a cloth to clean it off. We pulled into the parking lot and there was an elderly lady, (late 70's early 80's) riding an electric scooter heading for her car along with her daughter. The elderly lady stopped and exclaimed, “I couldn't even hear your motorcycle running”. The next thing we know she riding her scooter around the bike commenting on how beautiful it is and wanting to know what every button and switch does. As I explained and demonstrated everything on the bike, she was just in awe, and kept commenting how wonderful it all was and how beautiful it is.
Her daughter then explained that her mom started riding solo back in the 1940's and she rode Harley's until the late 70's. The daughter who I guessing is in her late 30's early 40's also rides. She has a Virago. She then said “Mom, this has everything but a toilet!” I jokingly told her perhaps I should check the owners manual; maybe I missed that feature.
I never realized until now, how alluring a Gold Wing is to people of all ages, whether they ride, had ridden in the past, or never rode before. This bike just turns peoples heads where ever I go. This is a totally new and unexpected experience for me. It's almost like having a custom show bike but better, as this is a machine not only to admire, but to ride...and to do so often and long. And it seems to invite you to do just that.
99% of my experience so far has been positive, although there is always one in every crowed. To date the only sour puss I've seen is, of all people, my next door neighbor. Since the first day I parked my new beauty in front of the house, he scowls at me and no longer talks to me. The funny thing is he never had any problem with my GS850 Suzuki or my XS1100 Yamaha chopper, but the GL is giving him heartburn. Sad to say but all I can attribute this to is jalousie. Maybe I'm wrong...maybe I'm not...bottom line is it doesn't really matter. The wife and I love this bike more then any other I've ever had in the past; and that it what truly matters.
Yep! There's just something about a Gold Wing! They just appeal to a wide verity of folks across the board. But you probably already know this, don't you. After all, why else would you be here. True?
Now if you all will excuse me...I'm going out for a nice long ride!
Dane