My GL1800 Goldwing is now six years old and is a low mileage machine for its age. In the main I have to agree with MCN’s verdict on this machine while it is new, it is definitely a big reassuringly comfortable finger magnet, if you like that sort of thing. I bought mine to go places and explore the many off the beaten track places that are all too often missed by the masses, both here and abroad. Having such a big mile muncher has enabled me to travel huge distances with only the mildest of discomfort, probably no more than one would get while driving a car. I also tool around on it occasionally surprising many other riders that dare to keep up with me. Ok, its not fast with a top speed somewhere around 115 - 125 mph, but who can get up to top speed between speed cameras now days anyway? Its also very good at filtering in slow traffic especially on motorways, it is better than having blues and two’s when traffic parts like the proverbial wave as I approach. If you do enjoy a nice bit of country lane and give it the beans, 25 mpg or less is a likely outcome. Stick to a French toll road or motorway with the cruse control switched on and you will get in excess of 55 – 60 mpg giving you the ability to get places. You will also get to see some sports bike riders pass you time and time again as they regularly stop for fuel and a stretch.
The Goldwing is not all good, the brakes could still use a power servo to give the ABS something to think about occasionally. The rear suspension could do with a few lessons from the BMW 1200LT and the front end, despite having five and a half inches of travel is mostly consumed by the bikes weight. The anti dive system was, at best, an uncontrollable pain in the neck. I have altered my anti dive and beefed up the front suspension to allow me a bit more freedom in the corners and over the ever increasing speed humps and pot holes. The build quality could also do with a bit of looking at, hit too many speed humps with the anti dive refusing to yield and you will soon find that the pannier and top box will grind themselves to white dust. I have ridden many bikes in many places around the world but I still find myself grinning from ear to ear when I climb back aboard my tarnished wing.
