Rode 2 new Gold Wings today- a short review

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RonH

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I don't know. Like I said, my 2008 is still perfect for me. If I had money and desire to "upgrade" I would still rather have a 2017 vs the new one. Remove the DCT from consideration, the new one is basically a downgrade in 90% of the bike. Of course the DCT is the main item most are so excited about. Looks like the end of the line for the goldwing for me in ever wanting another new one.
Thread at ADVrider on the 700 Honda with DCT trying to figure a way to make the transmission shift out of 1st gear in the event of any form of ABS failure. The ABS light is on= The motorcycle does not have wheel speed data needed to shift, so stays in 1st gear. I find it funny, but not funny for owners most likely. GL1800 may or may not have this "feature", but I don't have any desire to even look at one or ride one.
 

bmac

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Mar 17, 2012
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I had a chance to demo a new DCT Wing during bike week in Daytona. First off, it is a beautiful bike. I think they did a great job on styling and I think it looks far better than the old Wing. For reference, I owned a 2012 Goldwing for about 3 months. The seating position is improved for tall guys but I still think the handlebars come back too far. New electronics and their integration is very good. Front suspension is a nice step up and handling is most definitely improved. In tour mode the DCT shifts very early and often. It is in third or fourth gear by the other end of an intersection, and I could easily feel every one. I can shift a manual smoother than this tranny shifts. I thought I would like the DCT but I found out that I hated it.

Overall, it is a fairly good bike but I admit I was a bit disappointed and expected a bit more. I have been spoiled by the BMW K1600GT I have been riding since I sold the Goldwing in 2013. I think Honda has closed the gap a bit but in my view the BMW is still quite a bit better. The combination of less weight, more power, better fuel mileage, longer range, better handling, and more spacious luggage are just a few of the reasons the K1600 wins in a heads up competition. The Honda does have a clear edge in updated electronics but it is not enough to overcome the other shortcomings.

As always YMMV.

By the way, after test riding over 30 bikes in the last couple of years the most impressive motorcycle I have ever ridden is the 1100 Aprilia Tuono. Nothing else comes close.
 
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RonH

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Good to hear you hated the DCT and can actually post your feelings. I've about been booted off the GL1800 forum. Even comments such as "there are times when a manual transmission can be shifted more smoothly" are not tolerated. Any mention in any way, shape or form against the DCT is "bashing". Don't say you tried it and hated it over there. Against rules.
 

fredz43

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Thanks for sharing your impression of the new Wing, BMAC. As far as the DCT shifting early and often, it will do that in the most conservative D mode. Switching to the sport mode, for instance results in it winding out longer in each gear before it shifts.
 

RCinNC

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Aug 30, 2014
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Somewhere I read that they had reduced the storage volume from something like 150 liters to 110 liters. From the photos I saw on line, it definitely does look sleeker than the previous models. The loss of storage volume could be a pain when you're touring two-up for a couple weeks. Bike looks great, though.
 
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RonH

Guest
Yes, they cut quite a bit off the storage, made the whole motorcycle smaller and lighter. Probably better for many solo riders, but I doubt too many wives are raving about the rear seating vs the older one. Also complexity, such as now a can-bus system, like BMW, and things like ride modes. Ride modes are all well and good, but every time the battery power is lost, all memory is lost and in "ride mode" you get ------------ until go through initialize procedure. Of course all this is discussed over at the GL1800 forum. Thankfully it's not yet against the rules as far as I know to not lust after the smaller luggage or canbus and these can be "bashed", just don't say a word in any way against the DCT even in joking.
 

Xclimation

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Aug 17, 2016
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Ft. Worth, Texas
DCT scares me for 2 reasons: 1 because I am a bit of a control freak. I like to get where I want to be when I want to get there. Sometimes I want to be in a gear for get-up-and-go. Sometimes for gas mileage and/or engine efficiency. Sometimes I just want to be ready for a quick speed up or slow down. The second reason it scares me.......I'm afraid I'll like it!!! Then there's the worry that my muscle memory will tilt towards a DCT and I'll get on a manual shift bike and have an accident. My cars and trucks have always been manual transmission. Not knowing right away what to do on maintenance on motorcycle DCT worries me a little. Just feel a little too old to learn something new. I did bellyache about fuel injection when they first came to cars! (I knew carbs too well)

Someone I know who has a tenere also has the AT DCT and he likes it and it seems he rides his AT DCT more than his Tenere. He has 10 bikes and is experienced. So his opinion/experience does matter to me.

I know what ever I ride; I learn to adapt either way. I am fighting the DCT thing tooth and nail! I've never driven a GW before. I'm impressed with the maneuverability of the GW for such a big heavy bike! I've seen motorcycle police doing drills on GWs and just amazed!
On the Venture/Eluder in my opinion...Yamaha dropped the ball on the weight and no water cooling. I think some of these bike engineers have NO idea what it's like to be stuck in traffic here in DFW, Texas for an hour when the temp. is 95F or above!
 

Cycledude

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I took both the 6 speed manual and the 7 speed DCT for a test ride last week and really liked them both but I would most likely buy the DCT.
For me the biggest issue would be getting used to so many new controls but I don’t think that would really take that long.

For me the biggest surprise was how much easier it is to get on and off the new bike and that 90 pounds less weight is very noticeable.

Because of our upcoming Inuvik trip I don’t plan on buying a new bike this year.
 
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RonH

Guest
From most reviews the DCT is great. That being said, I will never consider one. Some things just strike me as wrong, and not shifting manually is top of the list for me. I read the GL1800 forum and try to filter out any and all reviews by owners of DCT, as their opinions are of no interest, even of other aspects of the motorcycle.
 

Hfjeff

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Sep 28, 2017
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Central WI
I seriously looked at a Goldwing F6B and the big hangup for me was my left foot-shift foot-could barely fit on top of the shift lever and under the engine valve cover. I almost had to wedge my foot in there on top of the shifter to downshift. This was a complete distraction. Other than that the bike is a big bang for the buck and feels much lighter than it actually is. I should still take a test ride as I am sure the torque of that 6-cyl is a blast.
 

Cycledude

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Hfjeff said:
I seriously looked at a Goldwing F6B and the big hangup for me was my left foot-shift foot-could barely fit on top of the shift lever and under the engine valve cover. I almost had to wedge my foot in there on top of the shifter to downshift. This was a complete distraction. Other than that the bike is a big bang for the buck and feels much lighter than it actually is. I should still take a test ride as I am sure the torque of that 6-cyl is a blast.
What size shoe do u wear ? I wear size 13 and have absolutely no trouble shifting. If shifting with your foot is a problem get the DCT then it will shift all by itself or manually with one finger.
 
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RonH

Guest
I would stay manual for long term reliability if nothing else. A couple guys already have 10,000 or more miles on the 2018 with the DCT though on the GL1800 forum. 10,000 miles has already surpassed my expectation for DCT life.
I wear a size 12 boot, and on my 2008 Goldwing never have a problem shifting.
 
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