Next Gen Goldwing Speculation

[Rigger]

Since the goldthing is leaving I thought what better way to spend the winter than speculating about the next gen goldthing.  Any ideas or wishlists? Less weight would be nice......

[Mr.Black]

Automatic transmission?

[atadaskew]

Automatic transmission?

The last CW group test of the ST bikes mentioned that the VFR freewheeled in neutral at parking lot speeds.  Something that could result in a drop.  Add the weight of a Wing..

A CVT type auto transmission would make more sense.

The way I would have improved my 1800 Wing would be to:

1/ Add an electric adjust shield - amazing it does NOT have this after all these years.
2/ More powah - an 1800cc 6 cylinder liquid cooled FI overhead cam motor should make a hell of a lot more than 110hp/120lbft.  My 1988 4 cylinder 1800cc car made much more than that!  Yeah I know, not the same butt still..
3/ Needs much better suspension.  The fork on mine was waaay harsh. Especially given the price tag of this bike.
4/ Improve the looks
5/ Actually, that's all I got.  I had no issues (apart from reliability) than that w/ my Wing.  Guess they could load up the electro trickery butt is that necessarily a good thing?

[sammyseaman]

It will have more power, some sort of CVT or automatic tranny, heavier, side air bags and maintenance will be near impossible with their "new one-piece fairing" that the shop will have to get off by tipping the bike (2 wheeled car?) upside down and shaking it until it lightly falls off.

[Giaka]

More efficient, from what I hear they get very crappy gas mileage and only 110hp? That's a major WTF in my head.

[Rincewind]

I had started a thread like this previously - http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,55763.0.html

One rumor is that the new 2012 (?) Japanese-made models might be basically the same model as before.  

For the next-generation model, I would expect higher HP and traction-control.  And maybe a DCT option like the VFR.  

[DosEquis00]

For the next-generation model, I would expect higher HP and traction-control.  And maybe a DCT option like the VFR.  

I think you are 100% correct about the DCT option.

[Rigger]

I had started a thread like this previously - http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,55763.0.html

One rumor is that the new 2012 (?) Japanese-made models might be basically the same model as before.  

For the next-generation model, I would expect higher HP and traction-control.  And maybe a DCT option like the VFR.  

You are correct sir and I apologise for not looking harder.  Any way these 2 threads can be merged?

[Oilhed]

Sport option - Lighter with no trunk, just a backrest and big luggage rack.

[Rincewind]

Article suggesting that Honda just might release something this coming Monday (?) maybe (?)?

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/new-goldwing-next-week-maybe/17311.html

[scottzilla]

I say good riddance.  The 'Wing has been a disappointment for a long time now.  This is what happens when you have no competition.  The bike could be so much more than it is but there really wasn't any reason for Honda to spend the money.

[atadaskew]

I say good riddance.  The 'Wing has been a disappointment for a long time now.  This is what happens when you have no competition.  

Not true.  Harley eglide is competition (not getting into the argument if you like it or not) - full loaded luxo boat - and it sells waaaay more than the Gwing.

Gwing has no Japanese competition.

[spd2918]

Not true.  Harley eglide is competition (not getting into the argument if you like it or not) - full loaded luxo boat - and it sells waaaay more than the Gwing.

Gwing has no Japanese competition.

The HD cost is a common misperception.  I paid $18.1 for a full boat Peace Officer Special Edition Ultra (preABS) in 2006.  That's quite a bit less than a similar GWing.



I think Honda will make one a little lighter with a little more horsepower, a little more torque, and a little more clearance.  Don't forget it will cost a little bit more.


Beyond price the big drawback for me was having to put my feet behind that wide engine.  There is no way around this unless they use a different mill.

[Rincewind]

See the 2012 GW changes @ http://powersports.honda.com/2012/gold-wing/performance.aspx

Also:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2011/February/feb2111-honda-announce-2012-goldwing-updates/
http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/blimey-its-the-2012-goldwing/17332.html

[spd2918]

It's nice to see they finally increased the width of the rear bags.

[Rincewind]

I'm pretty interested in the GPS with internet-connectivity.  But looking again, the "internet connectivity" means you take a SD card from your computer to the unit and upload it (just like you would with a normal GPS, it seems)

Plus a foot-warmer!?

[rgbeard]

Foot warmer has been around since the GL-1500 SE in the early 90s.   (92?).  

It's just a set of small triangle-ish vents just in front of your toes.  Blows warm air out that direction.  Slightly more effective than not having them.  But I haven't ridden them in serious cold, so I guess I can't be a judge of that.

In this photo the foot warmer vents are just in front of the brake lever, underneath the cylinder head

[Rincewind]

Ah, thanks, I didn't realize that, rgbeard.  

After reviewing the release of the new GW my dad, he is ready to place his order.  I did a poor job at convincing him to think about the new K1600LT.  Or maybe it's that GW riders are really stuck in a rut - they know what they like!  

The dealer says he can't start placing orders until next month.  And yet the one article says they will begin shipping to the US in May.  Seems like a tight schedule if that article is correct.

[atadaskew]

As a past owner of a Wing 1800, this 'new' model is anything but.
The new bags with new lower tailights look like they came off a completely different bike.  Does not match anything else on the bike.
  The 'new' layered bodywork on the front looks like it was jsut stuck on top of the old stuff.
Revised suspension settings?  What, after 11 years in production they realised the set up sucked?  I wonder if they really gave it decent suspension or just turned it into a wallowing barge like the old 1500.
New seat cover? New gps? New surround sound?  Aren't these the kind of changes that Harley touts?.....

All this stuff should have appeared at least 5 years ago, while the all new Wing should have come out by now.

[rgbeard]

As a past owner of a Wing 1800, this 'new' model is anything but.
................................

.....................................

All this stuff should have appeared at least 5 years ago, while the all new Wing should have come out by now.

Agreed - we are at the same point where the GL-1500 was in 1998.

[Oilhed]

make the Wing look like the VFR1200's big brother.  stupid idea, they are both ugly!

[gritsngravy]

As a past owner of a Wing 1800, this 'new' model is anything but.
The new bags with new lower tailights look like they came off a completely different bike.  Does not match anything else on the bike.
  The 'new' layered bodywork on the front looks like it was jsut stuck on top of the old stuff.
Revised suspension settings?  What, after 11 years in production they realised the set up sucked?  I wonder if they really gave it decent suspension or just turned it into a wallowing barge like the old 1500.
New seat cover? New gps? New surround sound?  Aren't these the kind of changes that Harley touts?.....

All this stuff should have appeared at least 5 years ago, while the all new Wing should have come out by now.

It's every bike makers dream to have something like the gold wing in their line up.    It's a platform that is popular,sells well, and is always in demand despite the competition.   Honda has created a market where many of their customers 'aspire' to owning a wing.     No sense in revising the thing beyond recognition.    

[atadaskew]

It's every bike makers dream to have something like the gold wing in their line up.    It's a platform that is popular,sells well, and is always in demand despite the competition.   Honda has created a market where many of their customers 'aspire' to owning a wing.     No sense in revising the thing beyond recognition.    

Honda didn't seem to have a problem when they made the huge (and fantastic) change from the 1500 to the 1800.  Along with the stronger motor came the excellent new perimeter chassis, single sided swing arm etc.
But this?  This is not a change.  This is stuck in a rut.

[Justin]

 This is not a change.  This is stuck in a rut.

That is the new Honda

[gritsngravy]

Honda didn't seem to have a problem when they made the huge (and fantastic) change from the 1500 to the 1800.  Along with the stronger motor came the excellent new perimeter chassis, single sided swing arm etc.
But this?  This is not a change.  This is stuck in a rut.

The bike has been selling well as is.  As you've pointed out the perimeter chassis, SSSA, stronger motor still work just fine for touring.   The Gold Wing is still selling because good handling,  comfort, reliability, and longevity never go out of style.   It's a cash cow, it ain't broke don't fix it.    

[spd2918]

It's a cash cow, it ain't broke don't fix it.    

True dat.  They will change it when they feel they have to.

[cb919er]

I don't see the goldwing ever getting an automatic tranny. What is the target audience for the goldwing? Yes you down in front... ... ... That's right, older guys that want to relive the thrill of riding. They grew up on bike with clutches, and i'm willing to bet, they wouldn't bike an auto-bike... I wouldn't... Screw a bunch of VFR1200... I don't care how fast it shifts... I like doing it myself...

[1KPerDay]

I don't see the goldwing ever getting an automatic tranny. What is the target audience for the goldwing? Yes you down in front... ... ... That's right, older guys that want to relive the thrill of riding.

I disagree. Many GWers are lazy and would love an auto. Did your old bikes have reverse? Or a stereo? Or heated grip/seats? Or GPS? Luxobarges are not retro bikes, and their riders are not retro bikers. I guarantee you'll see a Goldwing with a DCT at least as an option in the next gen.

[BamaBiker]

 I guarantee you'll see a Goldwing with a DCT at least as an option in the next gen.

I agree, I just hope it is an option that is in limited numbers.

[1KPerDay]

Word. The best things for the next Goldwing would be: IMO

1. quality front suspension
2. 5-10 degrees more lean angle
3. 200 lbs of weight loss

That's about it. Great bikes.

[atadaskew]

Word. The best things for the next Goldwing would be: IMO

1. quality front suspension

Just so you know how bad the suspension was on my Valk Interstate, the Wing's fork seemed fantastic in comparison..

[1KPerDay]

Oi. 


My bro's Valk standard seems fine... other than the HORRIBLE seat. Cool bikes. Fun as heck.

[BamaBiker]

The interstat is abut 170 lbs heaver than the standard. Same suspension and breaks. You can tell they were designed for a lighter bike. Still not bad though. Better than most cruisers.

[cb919er]

I disagree. Many GWers are lazy and would love an auto.

you bring up a fantastic point... Well, I'll never buy an auto G'Wing...

[1KPerDay]

Me neither, unless I lose the use of my left hand or foot.