GL1800 (The Perfect Touring Machine)

[Motogordo]

Oct. 17, 2012
I was just thinking about all the articles about the Harley motorcycles. They are always talking about modifications to the engine carburetors, forks, oil coolers, mufflers and many other components. However, I never ever see any articles such as those on the Honda sites. It seems as though the Honda almost never sees the service departments at the dealers. How interesting. Besides an article or two on custom seats for the big and tall men there is nothing else talked about except possibly what Kuryakan chrome goodies can be added to the 900 lbs of PERFECTION.
I think one of the things that makes the Harley's popular is the fact that they can do all kinds of service to them. Besides all the chrome that can be added, you can also tweak the carbs and the engine. That is alot of fun for the do it yourselfers. Maybe the Goldwings are too boring for the Harley guys. I can understand that. Variety is the spice of life. I know that first hand since I am ALWAYS trading in my cycles, boats and cars. If I didn't, I would be bored stiff. It's almost as if the Harley's came in kit form for the DIY's. I use to love building kits from scratch. At least the Harley's come completely built, but you can still modify them if you wish to. Kudos to all the Harley riders. Ride and enjoy your machines.
Motogordo

Motogordo:GL1800:

 

[geol]

The main reason for the talk about engine mods on the Harley WAS lack of power. In 2000, I had the money to buy ANY touring bike on the planet and the guy I shared an office with had a brother-in-law who was the sales manager at the Harley dealership in north Austin. He promised me the buy of a lifetime if he went in with me and talked with his bro-in-law. Anyway, I went in and there wasn't a single NEW bike on the floor for sale; all were ordered at that time as there was a waiting list. The good news is that there were a bunch of used touring bikes. The top of the line bike he had available was an FLH Ultra (sorry if I got that wrong) but it was the top of the line model. The guy offered to loan it to use for testing so the missus and I went for a long ride in the country. I said to the missus... "HANG ON"; I am going to crack it open. I was in 5th gear going about 55 mph and cracked it open. NOTHING... so I dropped it down to 4th then 3rd and the bike gently started to speed up. My wife asked me what was wrong with the bike. Hmmmmm Get back and talk with bro-in-law and note the DANGEROUS (as it couldn't pass a bicycle) lack of power. This was an 88 cid engine mind you... he tells me the bike needs "touring cams" and some "screaming eagle" stuff... Add $2K plus to the purchase price. Hot rodding a used bike turned out to be covered under the extended warranty they wanted to sell you. Anyway, I ended up with a Millennium Model Venture (#13 or 2000 made). I understand that Harley has addressed the lack of power issue and the frames certainly are bigger now to accomodate two adults where the bike we rode was very very tight.

Is the Goldwing perfect? Well, I for one think that the engine is WONDERFUL but the layout limits footroom. The Venture was MUCH more comfortable for driver footroom. The seat on the GL1800 kills my tail bone and the area under my legs. Goldwing replacement seats are crazy expensive. Perfect, no, but pretty close. I haven't ridden the new BMW touring bike but would like to try one and may do so in a few years when good, low mileage examples are to be had at a reasonable price. Why do ANY of the touring bikes cost more than my wife's new Maxda 6 and she has a/c doors, bumpers, and a roof?

 

[OlManRivh]

Amen! A new Goldwing Trike costs more than my new 2012 Buick Enclave SUV. . . . .

 

[rmrc51]

Is the Goldwing perfect? Well, I for one think that the engine is WONDERFUL but the layout limits footroom.

The seat on the GL1800 kills my tail bone and the area under my legs. Goldwing replacement seats are crazy expensive.

I couldn't agree more regarding the two quotes above.

I addressed the first one regarding the Goldwing foot room with Roadsmith's new Comfort Controls. They definitely give you a better foot/leg position but still don't come close to the 'foot-forward' position of the Harley's.

As to the stock seat. Mine is also killing me in the exact same way as posted above. To that end, I have a Hartco Pro-Tour ordered and it should be here in the next couple of weeks. And yes, as the OP wrote, "Crazy Expensive"! But what choice do I have if I want to really enjoy my trike.

Now with all that said, do I like my Goldwing-Roadsmith? No, I don't like it,,,, I LOVE it! :10:ThumbUp

 

[Konrad]

I couldn't agree more regarding the two quotes above.

I addressed the first one regarding the Goldwing foot room with Roadsmith's new Comfort Controls. They definitely give you a better foot/leg position but still don't come close to the 'foot-forward' position of the Harley's.

As to the stock seat. Mine is also killing me in the exact same way as posted above. To that end, I have a Hartco Pro-Tour ordered and it should be here in the next couple of weeks. And yes, as the OP wrote, "Crazy Expensive"! But what choice do I have if I want to really enjoy my trike.

Now with all that said, do I like my Goldwing-Roadsmith? No, I don't like it,,,, I LOVE it! :10:ThumbUp

Much like buying a suit off the rack - ya gotta have it altered!

 

[rmrc51]

Much like buying a suit off the rack - ya gotta have it altered!

That's a very good analogy! ThumbUp

 

[FRR]

I've had 7 Harley Ultras and 7 Goldwings. Have one of each now, although my Wing is now Triked. As far as a great touring machine, I haven't found anything that compares to the Goldwing.

 

[msocko3]

Much like buying a suit off the rack - ya gotta have it altered!

+1 I haven't owned a bike yet which didn't need changes to make it comfortable. I always change grips, add highway pegs, an adjustable riders backrest and work on finding a seat I like. I'm going through these motions with the new Wing I bought, I installed larger grips so my hands don't cramp from the smaller diameter grips, I installed foot boards with heal & toe shifter and highway pegs so I can stretch out.

 

[rmrc51]

+1 I haven't owned a bike yet which didn't need changes to make it comfortable. I always change grips, add highway pegs, an adjustable riders backrest and work on finding a seat I like. I'm going through these motions with the new Wing I bought, I installed larger grips so my hands don't cramp from the smaller diameter grips, I installed foot boards with heal & toe shifter and highway pegs so I can stretch out.

Msocko,

Reading your list made me think of the additions and/or changes I've made for comfort only so far. It's a humbling list that I don't even want to think about, lol. :AGGHH:

 

[msocko3]

Msocko,

Reading your list made me think of the additions and/or changes I've made for comfort only so far. It's a humbling list that I don't even want to think about, lol. :AGGHH:

Owning a bike or trike can sure be an addiction, always thinking about how we can make them better. I think once I get the seat taken care of on the Wing I'll be pretty happy. Right now the stock seat is miserable, after 20 - 30 miles my tail bone is screaming. I'm planing on having Russel tweak it for both the wife and I.

 

[geol]

On my 2006 GL1800, I have the Ergo 2 highway pegs, KuryAkyn floorboards with hear/toe and for the missus, Baker mirror wings & a KuryAkyn airfoil (that piece of plastic behind the passenger backrest) as buffeting was horrible for her. We also have a very expensive sheepskin to make the seat a bit more bearable. I wonder what percentage of riders install highway pegs on their wing to improve comfort? While the wing must be fitted to each owner, it is the best basic platform I think. How do the new Harley touring bikes compare when triked? The last Harley touring bike I drove was a 1340cc little tiny bike (FLH something) and was too small and underpowered to make a good trike. The new ones have much better frames and more power.

 

[rmrc51]

I hear what you're saying about the stock Wing seat.

The seat on my 05 Wing is absolutely terrible! Not only do I feel like its trying to dump me forward, but I can honestly say that at present, I couldn't take a long ride without having some serious pain afterwards. Even on short rides in my local area, I can feel the discomfort building within 20 minutes of riding.

I was going to go with a Russell Day Long seat, but the thought of building a new seat on my old seat pan just didn't make any sense to me. Kinda like building a new house on an old foundation. I really think that my seat pan is also shot as well. I then chose Hartco's Pro-Tour seat. It's also custom made to your physical measurements, but on a brand new seat pan of its own. At least in this fashion, I can store the original seat and use it if I ever decide to sell the trike and get a newer Wing. (I highly doubt that will ever happen). My second choice was the Ultimate seats. I had them on my Valkyrie and they were very comfortable, but I thought this time around, I'd try a custom fit. I should have the Hartco within the next couple of weeks. Time will tell.

 

[msocko3]

I was going to go with a Russell Day Long seat, but the thought of building a new seat on my old seat pan just didn't make any sense to me. Kinda like building a new house on an old foundation. I really think that my seat pan is also shot as well. I then chose Hartco's Pro-Tour seat. It's also custom made to your physical measurements, but on a brand new seat pan of its own. At least in this fashion, I can store the original seat and use it if I ever decide to sell the trike and get a newer Wing. (I highly doubt that will ever happen). My second choice was the Ultimate seats. I had them on my Valkyrie and they were very comfortable, but I thought this time around, I'd try a custom fit. I should have the Hartco within the next couple of weeks. Time will tell.

You'll have to post your opinions on the Hartco when you get it, they are one of the seats on my short list.

 

[rmrc51]

You'll have to post your opinions on the Hartco when you get it, they are one of the seats on my short list.

Will do! ThumbUp

 

[Hoghead]

On my 2006 GL1800, I have the Ergo 2 highway pegs, KuryAkyn floorboards with hear/toe and for the missus, Baker mirror wings & a KuryAkyn airfoil (that piece of plastic behind the passenger backrest) as buffeting was horrible for her. We also have a very expensive sheepskin to make the seat a bit more bearable. I wonder what percentage of riders install highway pegs on their wing to improve comfort? While the wing must be fitted to each owner, it is the best basic platform I think. How do the new Harley touring bikes compare when triked? The last Harley touring bike I drove was a 1340cc little tiny bike (FLH something) and was too small and underpowered to make a good trike. The new ones have much better frames and more power.

I traded a 2012 Harley Tri-Glide for a 2012 GL1800 with Roadsmith kit. My Harley had 2400 miles and put out enough heat to heat a five room house. My Dealer told me about 2K or better to cool it down and it still may be too hot. I put the 2K toward something that has twice the power and don't run hot and rides a lot better. I now pull hills that I had to go to 4th gear on the Harley and now I pull them in the Honda and never shift from OD. Harley's are extremely underpowered. There is no comparision between the two bikes. Only complaint I have is while riding solo wind beats at my back and with passenger she complains about the wind buffeting and blowing in the upward direction. I am wondering if the airfoil helps any?......

 

[rmrc51]

Only complaint I have is while riding solo wind beats at my back and with passenger she complains about the wind buffeting and blowing in the upward direction. I am wondering if the airfoil helps any?......

If you don't mind looking through a windshield, try the F4+4. I love mine! Wind buffeting is greatly reduced for myself and my passenger. ThumbUp

 

[geol]

I hear what you're saying about the stock Wing seat.

The seat on my 05 Wing is absolutely terrible! Not only do I feel like its trying to dump me forward, but I can honestly say that at present, I couldn't take a long ride without having some serious pain afterwards. Even on short rides in my local area, I can feel the discomfort building within 20 minutes of riding.

I was going to go with a Russell Day Long seat, but the thought of building a new seat on my old seat pan just didn't make any sense to me. Kinda like building a new house on an old foundation. I really think that my seat pan is also shot as well. I then chose Hartco's Pro-Tour seat. It's also custom made to your physical measurements, but on a brand new seat pan of its own. At least in this fashion, I can store the original seat and use it if I ever decide to sell the trike and get a newer Wing. (I highly doubt that will ever happen). My second choice was the Ultimate seats. I had them on my Valkyrie and they were very comfortable, but I thought this time around, I'd try a custom fit. I should have the Hartco within the next couple of weeks. Time will tell.

Rich, Would appreciate a write up on the new seat when you have had a chance to break it in some. THanks -wg

 

[rmrc51]

Rich, Would appreciate a write up on the new seat when you have had a chance to break it in some. THanks -wg

Will do! ThumbUp

 

[geol]

I traded a 2012 Harley Tri-Glide for a 2012 GL1800 with Roadsmith kit. My Harley had 2400 miles and put out enough heat to heat a five room house. My Dealer told me about 2K or better to cool it down and it still may be too hot. I put the 2K toward something that has twice the power and don't run hot and rides a lot better. I now pull hills that I had to go to 4th gear on the Harley and now I pull them in the Honda and never shift from OD. Harley's are extremely underpowered. There is no comparision between the two bikes. Only complaint I have is while riding solo wind beats at my back and with passenger she complains about the wind buffeting and blowing in the upward direction. I am wondering if the airfoil helps any?......

In 2008 I sold my 1988 Kaw Voyager (really liked the bike) for a 2006 GL1800. Got a good deal I think but the first time my wife and I went on a ride, I looked in the mirror and her helmet was pushed back over the top of her forehead (we both like open face helmets). She owned the helmet for about 10 years and it was obviously worn and loose but when we stopped she admitted the buffeting was HORRIBLE. I bought some Baker MIRROR WINGS and a KuryAkyn Airfoil and the combo totally cured the problem. The loose helmet also reminded me that it isn't safe to hang onto a helmet for a decade so we got new helmets that matched the color of the bike (more or less). The bike is cabernet red... just bought a green trike so will have to do something about the helmets; mine is all nicked up anyway.... lucky I have a couple of spare John Deere green cans of Krylon!

 

[Rosy]

You are correct, each person has their own critiria on what comfort is and how to go about making chances. As for Janice and I, we have spent over 12 hours in our stock 02 seat with a Mal-Mart gel seat (they don't carry it any more) and we are fine, but we have made changes to the trike. Legs positions, pressure points, and wind flow are just a few. For us, (we are short people 5'6") a very tall sweptback windshield which carries the wind over both of us, rain showers never touch us, as the rain goes over both of us at highway speeds.
Legs: I have highway pegs which extent my legs so I feel like I am relaxed and comfy. Janice has the Kury boards so she can adjust her legs up or down, so no cramping can happen.
Pressure points on your you know where: The gel seat is great because you can shift your weight on the gel seat as you ride and get different pressure points on your bottom. We also have 1/2 foam pads that we can add to the seats to give us other pressure points as we ride (made them, but haven't had to us them).
Sheep skin cover: Our seats and my back rest are completely covered with thick sheep skin to give us breathing on hot summer days and warmth during the fall riding.
What works for us, may not work for you, but you and your partner have to make changes to your "rig" if you are to enjoy riding for long distances without getting off and feeling like a truck has run over you or you bottom is ready to fall off.
Get ideas from all your friends and fellow riders and try the changes that won't cost you an arm and a leg. If it doesn't work then you won't feel bad about throwing $20 away instead of $400+.
Good luck!

Regards,

Rosy
From NH

 

[msocko3]

The loose helmet also reminded me that it isn't safe to hang onto a helmet for a decade so we got new helmets

I always replace helmets every 5 years, if you spend a great deal riding in the elements it takes its toll on the nylon straps and even the shell.

 

[Chazzman]

For my height and weight as well as my wife the Goldwing is the perfect bike for us. If fits like a glove, The windshield and the seat are the only issues we have to alter to make it the perfect touring machine for us.