I own a 2008 GL1800 that we purchased in February 2022. It only had 11,700 miles on it so we feel like it was a great deal. We put about 7,500 miles on it last year, and very much enjoyed all of it. I have a 2014 Harley Street Glide that I very much enjoy, but after a 1,600 mile trip my wife said no more of that. So we purchased a Goldwing. We have friends that ride them so we knew a lot about the comfort that they offer. Last year on a 21 day trip we rode in the cold and rain, and the experience was much nicer than being on our Harley. I ride year around here in Oklahoma and the Goldwing is nice to have. I have rode from 12 degrees to 118 Fahrenheit . I have the same grips as you do and have considered removing them because they feel too big. I do however think that the foot heaters help some, but you have to move your feet closer to the vents. Great video! Thanks for posting. I subscribed :)
Thanks for the comment! I'll try moving my feet closer to the vents when I next get a chance. I've never ridden any of the big Harley tourers but I'd like to try one someday. Our previous bike was a 1984 V65 Sabre that we kept for about a year after buying the Goldwing. Before selling the Sabre, my wife and I took it for one last ride and within a few minutes she said that was enough for her. The GL is a tough act to follow. Cheers!
Great video. I have a 2008 GL calentie red. Put 93,500 miles on it. CD player only weights about 3 lbs - no problem; great to listen to on long rides. I pull a Bushtec trailer when I go on long trips (my favorite); set the cruise at 90mph once west of the Appalachians and roll. Never noticed any wind buffeting with stock wind screen. Hell, I even cut and light a cigar while on the super slab. Always have rain gear in the right saddlebag for the liquid sunshine. Very comfortable bike. It does not beat you to death with noise or vibrations like the HDs do. Go for the LED headlights they do make a significant difference. Light up your rear end as well; cars have a way of not seeing bikes.... Still looking to get up to northeast Canada. Been west to east on Trans Canada highway. Rode to Alaska and back - great ride! We smokin, we tokin, we rollin. Get out the way, I'm southbound and down, I'm going home.
Thanks for the comment! You've had much more time in a GL saddle than I have! And of course, red is the fastest color :). I've filled that CD player space with tools so I haven't saved much weight, lol. I have ~3000 songs on my phone paired to my bluetooth headset so I'm all set. With the OEM shield we got strong buffeting on the backs of our helmets above ~70 mph. I found my neck got tired after a while and I couldn't dial it out with shield height adjustments. Might just be because we're both vertically challenged. :) Hope you can make it to eastern Canada - lots of great rides in this part of the world when the climate cooperates. I'd like to take mine south - Deals Gap is on my bucket list. I will definitely look at LEDs for the rear. Thanks for the suggestion. Cheers!
Hey, I've been watching your videos about the Gold Wing and I'm hooked! I love how you show the features and performance of this amazing touring bike. Can you please make a video comparing the different Gold Wing models? I'm thinking of buying one, but I'm not sure which one suits me best. Maybe you can explain the evolution of the Gold Wing over the years and how it changed in engine, design, and technology. You're the expert, so I trust your opinion. Thanks for your awesome content!
Thanks for the nice comment! I'm planning to make a series of "motorcycle history" type videos and the GL is at the top of that list, although it could be a while before I get it done. In the meantime, forums like goldwingowners.com and goldwingdocs.com have thousands of helpful GL owners, so they're worth a look while you're doing your research. Cheers!
You might also want to watch this video explaining that, even though a Goldwing is too big for first-time owners, you should buy one anyway: th-cam.com/video/glyCxxeIch8/w-d-xo.html
For instant cruise control, hit set, then hit resume and it should not drop your speed. I got rid of the Iso grips and went back to OEM. Much better. Who needs Iso for such a smooth engine?
I've owned several 1800.s and my favorite was my 2003 however I now own a 2008 navi unit. I don't like the Navi and don't use it. I have heated grips and seat which is a real plus. other than that all gl1800's are the same. In general they are all great.
I put the ISO grips on mine also. The stock ones are under my clam shells. They were hard rubber. Just didn't like them on long rides. One draw back with the clam shells can't really feel the heat from hand grip heaters. I'm just a little dude with little hands, but they work great for me. I see you have the forward flat boards on yours. I have regular ISO pegs up front and running boards. Love the color of yours. Mine is Dark red metallic. Love your videos man.
Thanks for the comment and positive feedback! I didn't look closely before making this video, but after seeing your comment, I decided to take those ISO clamshells off to see what was under them. Sure enough, I found a like-new set of OEM grips. I'm looking forward to trying them out when the weather permits! I think I'd like the ISO pegs better than the highway boards because I'd feel like I have more control in the turns. It is nice however to be able to stretch my short legs, so I think taller folks would definitely want forward pegs or boards. Cheers!
When I first got my 1800 I put flat highway boards up front. Didn't feel I could move my feet as needed. So I changed to the ISO pegs which I feel are great. Thanks again for the videos.
Thanks - for the comment and for subbing! I have likewise subbed to your channel. I had watched some of your videos before but I hadn't subscribed. I have some bingeing to do now. 😀 Keep up the great work!
I prefer the convex stick-on mirrors to be installed on the inboard side of the mirror. On the outboard side, you are covering the widest view of a perfectly good stock mirror. The convex view will not be truncated much by moving it inboard.
Thanks for the comment. My convex mirrors were installed on the outside when I got the bike. I see quite a few others have theirs on the outside. I guess it comes down to personal preference and where the blind spots are on your bike. Cheers!
Another great video, really enjoying this channel. The only downside side is, it could get expensive 😮Thanks for your efforts, looking forward to part 2😅
Thanks for the comment and for the nice feedback! Buying bikes can be expensive but as I covered in another video, it's cheaper than golf and you can make a bit of money doing it. So you might as well go for it! 😀Cheers!
@@donnieperry9559 You can make money by buying motorcycles in need of repair, fixing them up and selling them. In 2021-22, I invested about $2000 in two old bikes and sold them for $5000. I have videos about both of those projects in this playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLOgtHOpg90jCOZVRon5cfhLazQpTiLSf4.html Cheers!
Thanks for sharing and video. Would like to know if you suggestions on for Goldwing seat to keep vinyl soft. Seat on my 05 has hard stiff areas. I saw online some recommendations to use mineral oil. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment. I haven't yet tried any products for treating the vinyl seat but I was researching it for a project bike recently and I came across this product which might do the trick: fortnine.ca/en/star-brite-vinyl-cleaner-polish Cheers!
Thanks for the review, very interesting video. I wanted to ask you: do the shims you applied to the handlebar risers bring the accelerator cables too close to the side plastics? Do the cables touch the plastics when you turn the handlebar to the end of the stroke when maneuvering from a standstill? Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the comment! The throttle cables do slightly touch the side plastic, only when the handlebar is turned full left. Per the instructions that came with the risers, the zip tie I installed to hold the throttle cables is somewhat loose and it allows the cables to pull slightly away from the handlebar when needed. I have had no problems with steering or the operation of the throttle, and there's no visible wear on the cable casings or side plastic. Cheers!
You do it through the menu for the GPS. Choose "Setup/Info" from the first menu, then "Setup/Ceremony", then "Detail" under the "Special" option. Then you can enter a short custom message that will be displayed under "Hello" when the system boots up. Hope this helps. Cheers!
Am thinking of upgrading from st1300 to 1800 goldwing, do All 1800’s have an airbag as this would make it impossible for me to service it myself ,… yes o
@@MakeFixEngineerWould you happen to know if the top shelter lid comes off the airbag model the same way as the other to get to the air filter or is that a big electrical nightmare
@@seatime674 I don't know. But I doubt the airbag makes it much worse. The service manual should show how to deal with the airbag. If you don't have a manual, I believe you can find an electronic copy on the goldwingdocs or glowners forums. Good luck!
Love my 08. Same color. The MadStad windshield is fantastic!
I own a 2008 GL1800 that we purchased in February 2022. It only had 11,700 miles on it so we feel like it was a great deal. We put about 7,500 miles on it last year, and very much enjoyed all of it.
I have a 2014 Harley Street Glide that I very much enjoy, but after a 1,600 mile trip my wife said no more of that. So we purchased a Goldwing. We have friends that ride them so we knew a lot about the comfort that they offer.
Last year on a 21 day trip we rode in the cold and rain, and the experience was much nicer than being on our Harley.
I ride year around here in Oklahoma and the Goldwing is nice to have. I have rode from 12 degrees to 118 Fahrenheit . I have the same grips as you do and have considered removing them because they feel too big. I do however think that the foot heaters help some, but you have to move your feet closer to the vents.
Great video! Thanks for posting. I subscribed :)
Thanks for the comment! I'll try moving my feet closer to the vents when I next get a chance. I've never ridden any of the big Harley tourers but I'd like to try one someday. Our previous bike was a 1984 V65 Sabre that we kept for about a year after buying the Goldwing. Before selling the Sabre, my wife and I took it for one last ride and within a few minutes she said that was enough for her. The GL is a tough act to follow. Cheers!
Great video. I have a 2008 GL calentie red. Put 93,500 miles on it. CD player only weights about 3 lbs - no problem; great to listen to on long rides. I pull a Bushtec trailer when I go on long trips (my favorite); set the cruise at 90mph once west of the Appalachians and roll. Never noticed any wind buffeting with stock wind screen. Hell, I even cut and light a cigar while on the super slab. Always have rain gear in the right saddlebag for the liquid sunshine. Very comfortable bike. It does not beat you to death with noise or vibrations like the HDs do. Go for the LED headlights they do make a significant difference. Light up your rear end as well; cars have a way of not seeing bikes....
Still looking to get up to northeast Canada. Been west to east on Trans Canada highway. Rode to Alaska and back - great ride!
We smokin, we tokin, we rollin. Get out the way, I'm southbound and down, I'm going home.
Thanks for the comment! You've had much more time in a GL saddle than I have! And of course, red is the fastest color :).
I've filled that CD player space with tools so I haven't saved much weight, lol. I have ~3000 songs on my phone paired to my bluetooth headset so I'm all set.
With the OEM shield we got strong buffeting on the backs of our helmets above ~70 mph. I found my neck got tired after a while and I couldn't dial it out with shield height adjustments. Might just be because we're both vertically challenged. :)
Hope you can make it to eastern Canada - lots of great rides in this part of the world when the climate cooperates. I'd like to take mine south - Deals Gap is on my bucket list.
I will definitely look at LEDs for the rear. Thanks for the suggestion.
Cheers!
Hey, I've been watching your videos about the Gold Wing and I'm hooked! I love how you show the features and performance of this amazing touring bike. Can you please make a video comparing the different Gold Wing models? I'm thinking of buying one, but I'm not sure which one suits me best. Maybe you can explain the evolution of the Gold Wing over the years and how it changed in engine, design, and technology. You're the expert, so I trust your opinion. Thanks for your awesome content!
Thanks for the nice comment! I'm planning to make a series of "motorcycle history" type videos and the GL is at the top of that list, although it could be a while before I get it done. In the meantime, forums like goldwingowners.com and goldwingdocs.com have thousands of helpful GL owners, so they're worth a look while you're doing your research. Cheers!
😮
You might also want to watch this video explaining that, even though a Goldwing is too big for first-time owners, you should buy one anyway: th-cam.com/video/glyCxxeIch8/w-d-xo.html
Great video about the Wing.
Looking forward to Part 2
Thanks for the feedback! Part 2 is well underway but I'm not as productive these days as I'd like to be, so it could be a week or two. Cheers!
@@MakeFixEngineer You're welcome.
I enjoy your videos about the goldwing.
For instant cruise control, hit set, then hit resume and it should not drop your speed. I got rid of the Iso grips and went back to OEM. Much better. Who needs Iso for such a smooth engine?
Thanks for your comment and advice! I'll definitely give that resume button a try next time I get a chance. Cheers!
I've owned several 1800.s and my favorite was my 2003 however I now own a 2008 navi unit. I don't like the Navi and don't use it. I have heated grips and seat which is a real plus. other than that all gl1800's are the same. In general they are all great.
Thanks for the comment! I agree about the navigation system. It seems ancient compared to what we can get on smartphones now. Cheers!
I put the ISO grips on mine also. The stock ones are under my clam shells. They were hard rubber. Just didn't like them on long rides. One draw back with the clam shells can't really feel the heat from hand grip heaters. I'm just a little dude with little hands, but they work great for me. I see you have the forward flat boards on yours. I have regular ISO pegs up front and running boards. Love the color of yours. Mine is Dark red metallic. Love your videos man.
Thanks for the comment and positive feedback! I didn't look closely before making this video, but after seeing your comment, I decided to take those ISO clamshells off to see what was under them. Sure enough, I found a like-new set of OEM grips. I'm looking forward to trying them out when the weather permits!
I think I'd like the ISO pegs better than the highway boards because I'd feel like I have more control in the turns. It is nice however to be able to stretch my short legs, so I think taller folks would definitely want forward pegs or boards.
Cheers!
When I first got my 1800 I put flat highway boards up front. Didn't feel I could move my feet as needed. So I changed to the ISO pegs which I feel are great. Thanks again for the videos.
Just stumbled across your channel. Great review. 👍 I just subbed. Ride safe.
Thanks - for the comment and for subbing! I have likewise subbed to your channel. I had watched some of your videos before but I hadn't subscribed. I have some bingeing to do now. 😀 Keep up the great work!
I prefer the convex stick-on mirrors to be installed on the inboard side of the mirror. On the outboard side, you are covering the widest view of a perfectly good stock mirror. The convex view will not be truncated much by moving it inboard.
Thanks for the comment. My convex mirrors were installed on the outside when I got the bike. I see quite a few others have theirs on the outside. I guess it comes down to personal preference and where the blind spots are on your bike. Cheers!
Another great video, really enjoying this channel. The only downside side is, it could get expensive 😮Thanks for your efforts, looking forward to part 2😅
Thanks for the comment and for the nice feedback! Buying bikes can be expensive but as I covered in another video, it's cheaper than golf and you can make a bit of money doing it. So you might as well go for it! 😀Cheers!
How can you make money?
@@donnieperry9559 You can make money by buying motorcycles in need of repair, fixing them up and selling them. In 2021-22, I invested about $2000 in two old bikes and sold them for $5000. I have videos about both of those projects in this playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLOgtHOpg90jCOZVRon5cfhLazQpTiLSf4.html
Cheers!
Thanks for sharing and video. Would like to know if you suggestions on for Goldwing seat to keep vinyl soft. Seat on my 05 has hard stiff areas. I saw online some recommendations to use mineral oil. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment. I haven't yet tried any products for treating the vinyl seat but I was researching it for a project bike recently and I came across this product which might do the trick: fortnine.ca/en/star-brite-vinyl-cleaner-polish
Cheers!
Thanks for the review, very interesting video. I wanted to ask you: do the shims you applied to the handlebar risers bring the accelerator cables too close to the side plastics? Do the cables touch the plastics when you turn the handlebar to the end of the stroke when maneuvering from a standstill?
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the comment! The throttle cables do slightly touch the side plastic, only when the handlebar is turned full left. Per the instructions that came with the risers, the zip tie I installed to hold the throttle cables is somewhat loose and it allows the cables to pull slightly away from the handlebar when needed. I have had no problems with steering or the operation of the throttle, and there's no visible wear on the cable casings or side plastic. Cheers!
Thanks very much for the reply. I look forward to the second part of your review. Good luck.
9
Hi, Any Idea on how to change the greeting on this bike. Yours says Hello "Subscriber". How to change the name in the greeting? Please let me know.
You do it through the menu for the GPS. Choose "Setup/Info" from the first menu, then "Setup/Ceremony", then "Detail" under the "Special" option. Then you can enter a short custom message that will be displayed under "Hello" when the system boots up. Hope this helps. Cheers!
Am thinking of upgrading from st1300 to 1800 goldwing, do All 1800’s have an airbag as this would make it impossible for me to service it myself ,… yes
o
Airbags are optional on Goldwings. From what I can tell, the majority of GL1800s don't have one. Cheers!
@@MakeFixEngineerWould you happen to know if the top shelter lid comes off the airbag model the same way as the other to get to the air filter or is that a big electrical nightmare
@@seatime674 I don't know. But I doubt the airbag makes it much worse. The service manual should show how to deal with the airbag. If you don't have a manual, I believe you can find an electronic copy on the goldwingdocs or glowners forums. Good luck!
Motorcycles above 600cc ain't good for health.