[mntbiker2008]

hello all, im new here. i dont have a motorcycle yet but am looking at getting one this winter. i have been contemplating getting an 81-83 goldwing or an older shadow. Both are really nice bikes. I want to be comfortable on the bike when im riding and will also be carrying y girlfriend on the back (she is about 5'9" and about 160 lb) im 5'7" and about 155 lbs. im a little concerned the goldwing will be a little too heavy. I do have quite a bit of muscle on me but seeing the weight with gas and everything in it (almost 700 lbs) then adding my weight and my girlfriends weight, im not too sure. i guess what im asking is, What do you all recommend? I probably will be going on decently long trips with the bike, so again, im looking for comfort, but also want to have some fun (safely obviously). Look forward to hearing some answers


Thanks everyone.

Aaron

 

[Johnny R]

You should not be concerned about the weight of 2 people + load of fuel + Honda approved weight of luggage (luggage weight limits are posted on yellow stickers) as far as the Gold Wing is concerned. It can handle it, and will carry you ever so well at highway or slower speeds. You do have to be careful when approaching a stop - make sure the bike stays as upright as possible because when it begins to lean at a stop, you have to work to keep it up. A little bit of practice helps, you'll manage. We all do. And look around and see all the bikes with 2 riders and some luggage. The 1100's are good to go with that. Happy riding.

 

[mntbiker2008]

thank you Johnny R. I love going to the bike night at the local bar and grill. the spots here are very small.... how bad is it to get this big bike into a parking spot when you have to back it up? (most parking lots around my area are inclined).... my friend just bought a H.D. Heritage Softail and had a H.D. Dyna the weight of the Heritage and the Wings are about the same and she says she has trouble moving the bike backwards into a parking spot. this is also saying that she doesnt have as much muscle as me so i think it would be a little easier. Im leaning more towards the wing since i think it would be a little more sable with the added weight of 2 people. but im also wondering about the maintenance on these...... ive heard you have to replace the timing belts and things of that sort? what kind of maintenance do you have to do with these?


sorry for such a long post...
Thank you very much


Aaron

 

[Flyone]

IMHO once you have a Wing..........you'll never go back!! My first Wing was a 1985 GL-1200 Aspy and I loved it and after 93,000 miles, I went back for another one, which is my current 1800. I don't think the 1200 was broke in good yet, but I love taking the Wing across the country. I have been riding all kinds of bikes since 1978 and I haven't found one more reliable or more comfortable than a Goldwing!!

 

[detdrbuzzard]

she will be much more comfortable on the wing than a shadow. i have been dating my gf for a long time and my wings are recent purchases so back when all i had was my '75 and '79 750k my gf hated being on the back of either one of them so she rode one and i the other. i told her that she could ride me but she didn't find that humorious either-)

 

[Canuck623]

The 83 GL will not have reverse but it shouldn't be that hard to back up. The reverse gear was added on the 1500 and carried to the 1800. I had an 83 and my wife and I had a very good time on it and our combined weight was more than what you are telling us so not to worry. As for the maintenance it is wise to follow any guidelines for belts and tires. It just adds to the enjoyment when you have peace of mind. As for that I have owned 4 wings and have not had one minutes trouble with any of them.

 

[Oldude]

Why even bother us? Your not going to get a wing anyway!