A Sign of Getting Older?

[fireman]

I've been around motorcycles for 31 years. I'm 38, and have had some form of motorized two wheeler since I was 7.  I'm married, three kids ages 12, 11, and 5. My current stable is a 2013 WR250R,  2015 Yamaha FJ-09, and the kiddos dirt bikes. I've owned everything from full blown sport bikes, sport tourers, to big adventure bikes.  My wife has always enjoyed riding with me, but the most comfortable two up bike we had was a 2007 FJR 1300 that I never warmed up to. I have been seriously thinking about a Gold Wing. The bike I've always thought of as the "Retirement" bike. Every time I sit on one at the dealer, I can't get over how incredibly comfortable it feels. I could seriously see myself using a Gold Wing like a car, and commuting most of the year on one. I just can't get past the stigma that it's an "old man" bike. My wife even says it's an AARP machine. My thought is to rent one next summer, and ride from Atlanta, up the Blue Ridge Parkway, and back to see if I  could live with it. What say you? There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum, and I'd like to hear others opinions. I'm not at all vain just in case. I have no problem doing my own thing, and riding my own ride. I guess I just have an old soul.

[Sport-Touring]

[cyjo]

I have two words for you: yellow wolf

Seriously though I am 41 and I say go with what you feel. If you want to go miles and miles I don't think you can beat a gold wing. When i was 22 I totaled a bike and the father of my then current girlfriend had a gold wing and insisted i get back on the horse that kicked me. He loaned me that bike for a night to take for a spin and I have to say that 1500 is miles behind what they are today but what a nice bike. Honestly if I could afford one, I would probably have one in the stable. Shaft drive, plenty of power and all day comfort. The rental idea sounds great actually. It would be a great way to get a feel for the bike and I might just have to do that myself. Stigma be damned, you can do anything you want on that bike.

[Sport]

http://ridermagazine.com/road-tests/2012-bmw-k-1600-gtl-vs-honda-gold-wing-gl1800-abs-comparison.htm/

For starters, Yellow Wolf's Wing had some serious suspension mods and he probably rode the Dragon a hundred times before anyone filmed him.  As for a two up mount, read the info in the link.  BTW, there's no fooling yourself, the pillion always chooses the bike.  Good luck!  Oh, there are several good touring rigs that weigh less and cost less than either the big BMW or the near half ton Wing.

[Bounce]

He was grinding pegs on a Wing when they were 1500s. I picked up his VHS (from the Crossroads of Time(?) shop) the first time I went through the dragon in '99.

[cruisin]

A bike of that quality and capability is a big decision and big investment.  If I ever get to the point of wanting a dedicated two-up touring bike and have the means, I would rent each of the big touring bikes for a weekend and put them through the paces then make your decision based on your first hand knowledge and experience not what you might see/read/hear from someone else.  You stated you never warmed up to the FJR while 1000s of others swear it is the best ST bike ever made.  The decision is for you and your wife to make; no one else's opinion or vision really matters.

I am always partial to the BMW but if I ever rode a wing, I might change my mind.  There are a lot of things to consider when buying a big touring bike, fuel mileage, weight, nimbleness, smoothness, torque, wind/rain protection, bling.  Then there is that most important element; your personal preferences from a test ride.

Good luck with your decision.

[Flyer]

Who the heck cares about what anyone else thinks about your ride?
 
The first time I ever got on a 'Wing, (one of the first 1800s), I was a bit overwhelmed.
I took it out (a rental), fully loaded with two weeks gear for two, for a test prior to loading up the wife.
Approaching the end of the block, I turned it 180' within the side street, with room to spare, feet on the boards; no drama, no reverse.
We toured for two weeks straight, and enjoyed each minute.
It was such a great ride, that we opted to take a third week!
Yes, it's comfortable, but it's also fast, smooth, quiet, and supremely well put together.
If I could afford two bikes, the 'Wing would be one of 'em.

[kyzrex]

 If you are having 2nd thoughts about the wing, consider also trying the FGB or the CTX.  The F6B is a stripped down version of the GW, doesn't have the rear trunk and missing some of the bodywork, etc.  I think its about 150-200 lighter than the GW (kinda like throwing a deck chair off the Titanic, but every little bit helps).  The CTX1300 has the V4 engine out of the ST1300, but a different chassis.  I know people with either of these bikes and they really love them for 2-up or individual travel/touring.  Weight is down low in both, they handle well, smooth, gobs of power from both, and all day comfortable.

[PatM]

Having ridden both the GL1800 and the BMW K16GTL, 2-up, for extended trips, I can say that you will prefer the big BMW but your pillion will want the Honda. Both are fine bikes, nimble once moving. I rented an R1200RT last year for 2-up and my SO preferred it over the GTL but still one notch below the Honda.

If I was to get a GL1800, I would seriously consider upgrading the suspension.  

[Cobalt]

I'm 49. I couldn't give two *#^!@s what anyone else thinks about my choices, and I ride exactly what I want, within my budget, wants and needs.

Go buy what you want. No one else's opinion will, or should, sway your decision.

[Volfy]

I'd say renting a GL for a nice long ride is a mighty good idea.  I wish there is a way to do this with more machines.  I've done too many "6-month test rides" and they can get expensive.  

I agree that you should go your own way and forget what others think, but... you are here asking for opinions, so that's kind of a moot point.  What was it about the FJR that you don't like?  Not asking like there is something wrong with you for not liking the mighty FJR (I myself never warmed up to it either), but maybe there is something there that will point to a better choice.

For a big touring bike, I would take a K1600 over a GL any day of the week.  The Wing's "old man's bike" reputation is well earned.  The devout fan base is both a blessing and a curse.  It hasn't changed much over the yrs because the owners love 'em.  To me, the BMW is much more inline with the 21st Century sport tourer that I have come to appreciate and expect of my ride.  Take just one example: the windscreen.  I'm so used to the convenience and flexibility of motorized screens, I don't see how I could live with a barn door.

[Cobalt]

 The Wing's "old man's bike" reputation is well earned.  The devout fan base is both a blessing and a curse.  It hasn't changed much over the yrs because the owners love 'em.

True; that cult is almost as whacky as the Harley Faithful in their desire, nay - need - to hang onto what once was, and to demands change only after their carcasses are cold and dust upon the wind. Freaks.

OP,

If the FJR doesn't sway you, the K1600, C14, etc., which are even more refined and soul-smoothed, might be even more boring.

What are you looking for in a bike, really? Not what type, or what brand... what are those esoteric things that make you grin? Start there. Then we can help.

[Volfy]

True; that cult is almost as whacky as the Harley Faithful in their desire, nay - need - to hang onto what once was, and to demands change only after their carcasses are cold and dust upon the wind. Freaks.

Most eloquently put.  

[Bounce]

The caveat about choosing between the GL and any BMW is the dealer network and MTBF.

[SLK50]

The caveat about choosing between the GL and any BMW is the dealer network and MTBF.

Seeing as nearly every GL made this century has
been recalled at least once that gap may be
narrower than you think.
Plus Honda could learn a thing or two about
customer service from BMW.
For the record, I owned several GLs from 83 to 03
before discovering S-Ts and realizing I was too
young for a GL.
Even now, at 58, I'm not ready to go back.

[Volfy]

The caveat about choosing between the GL and any BMW is the dealer network and MTBF.

Honda is no less susceptible to problems than BMW.  Shaft failures?!  Honda's got them too.  Just ask any VFR1200 owner about the recent recall announcement.  And yes, I have a VFR1200, and I still love it.  These things don't much scare me off an otherwise excellent bike.  When you are on the road, larger dealer network don't help.  These days, few dealers stock too many parts other than filters and spark plugs.  Something breaks from a crash, you'll probably get it quicker ordering online and have it overnighted to you motel, than the nearest dealer can get it in.

[DosEquis00]

Over the last 5 years we have one trip a year 2-up across the country. We meet a lot of goldwing riders and those bikes do look like the way to go for 2-up long distance riding. Bottom line if that is what you want to try and then go for it!

[Cobalt]

Honda is no less susceptible to problems than BMW.  Shaft failures?!  Honda's got them too.  Just ask any VFR1200 owner about the recent recall announcement.

All 3 of them?

(not meant to start an argument - I just have never seen them out in the wild except for one, and the ones available at my local dealers are still there, years on)

[viffergyrl]

As mentioned in another thread, I have ridden a Goldwing 1800, aka the Queen Mother.   You could do far worse than a Gold Wing.

Being a middle-aged woman (57), I have stopped dyeing my hair so that I can buy motorcycle tires.   I am pretty much invisible as for as society is concerned (not to mention riding a motorcycle which DOES make you invisible)... therefore I CAN do whatever I want.    

And so I will say to you, the OP: "I don't care what you ride; I care what I ride."

Go out and buy what you want.

[Volfy]

All 3 of them?

(not meant to start an argument - I just have never seen them out in the wild except for one, and the ones available at my local dealers are still there, years on)

All 3 of us on this forum.    I think that's why it took Honda a while to uncover the problem.

[NotDeadYet]

I have owned many different bikes over the years. I bought my first Gold Wing in my late twenties and bought my second one in my early thirties. I bought my first ZX14 in my late fifties and bought my second one in my early sixties. I'm getting younger the older I get. Ride whatever floats your boat. Who cares what other people say or think.