There is nobody else on the planet that offers us wingers this level of information. And his products are superb. My Traxxion F6B is one of the best touring bikes in the world. So safe and stable now.
Outstanding. Even with the redesigned front end, which I used to experience on my BMW, I'm still loving my 2010 Wing with your 'Full Monty'. We just did a 300 mile local with high speed sweepers, some Interstate, some back roads...we both commented about how beautiful our old Type 1 performs in all conditions.
My interpretation is to go out and find a 2018 new in the crate for 5-6K less in price, take it to traxxion, add accessories and still come out cheaper than a 20 model
Bradley S this is exactly what I did. Bought a 2018 dct airbag that southern honda power sports in Tn. still had on the floor. 31k bike got it for around 24k including them installing the oem fog lights. $2700 for the Traxxion front and rear shocks and tie rod upgrade installed and still below what I would have paid for a 2020 model.
I was hoping for improvements on the 2020 Goldwing . But thanks to this guy . None . So. I waiting till 2021 . Hopefully Honda is listening and will make serious improvements on the 2021 Goldwing .
The last bike was produced for 17 years. After 11 years, they put thicker oil in the right fork and said they had "dramatically improved' the suspension. Honda will NEVER change the suspension spec on this bike in any meaningful way.
I understand the stock suspension can be improved, but I'm totally happy with the stock setup. Maybe Honda hasn't changed much because most owners don't have an issue with it? Good detective work though, thanks for the information!
That‘s right. The Standard Setup is ok for easy cruising on long, straight Highways.. But if you‘re demanding your bike on winding roads and faster speeds, the suspension comes to its limits.
I really did not know how much I was missing. After upgrade its a totally different bike. Next time you ride, just notice the bike as you pick it up off the side stand. You loose an inch of travel. Then you put your weight on the seat. You loose another inch or so. The stock springs can not support the weight of the bike! Also the spring rate is the same as a 250cc enduro. Then there is little dampening from the junk stock shock. Honda really needs to budget more for suspension. They probably put less than 200 dollars into the suspension. Great motor though.
i am a sort of local amateur suspension nerd and people at the track's ask me about tihis and that, so i always give them a link to your old video series Suspension for mortals, they explain everything much better than i ever could. did you ever do a later version of that series?
It's disappointing Honda cheaps out on suspension. At least they build great engines and go cheap on stuff we can upgrade. My VTX1800 needed suspension work on both ends and well. Basically riding on the bumper in the front under any deceleration or braking. Thanks for sharing the videos.
Here at Daytona Beach during the March Bike week I asked a Honda rep at the Honda display about the shocks. He told me that the shocks are the same. He said the change was in the rear preload amounts for the electronic adjuster.
Max McAllister & Traxxion Dynamics Max is Right. We asked Honda Europe. They Never change things. Only when they make a Major change on the whole bike ( new generation etc). For example : With the Last Update, they promised „Better Car-Play Connectivity“. But nothing has changed. When you cut the Ignition and you turn it on again, you have to deconnect and then reconnect your iPhone , in order to get Car-Play back on your screen, despite your Headset was ON all the time.
Max. Not sure but I think Cruisman test drove a 2020 and during the ride the front shock totally bottomed out causing a clear and noticeable bottom out defect. The bump was not that bad at the time. Actually effect would prove your experiment indicating the hard rubber bumper had no give at all.
To be fair Cruiseman's review was benign. He couldn't detect any difference or improvement but didn't want to upset the dealer or Honda. I'll continue to stick to my 2004 with Hyperpro front and rear, fork brace, and when the GBP and $ recovers, Max's Triple Tree.
For most drivers in the States and Europe the SetUp of the GoldWing 2018+ is sufficient. That is, because the average driver is older and quieter, likes to ride smoothly especially on the long, straight roads in the US. Here in Europe, especially in Switzerland, where I live, it's different. It's my first GoldWing and I am absolutely on the side of Max. The GoldWing is a very good Touring Bike, the engine and the DCT is superb. But the suspension is a crab. Because of the winding roads in the Alps and the faster driving, it's wobbling around. I will change my suspension as well.
@@Traxxion I already installed your Decoupling Kit about a year ago. That helped a lot. I^m convinced now. Will do the big job with the suspension kit after the season and will report. Do you need to know the weights of the driver and passenger when ordering ?
It has always amazed me that many of their (Honda) suspensions do not incorporate a sufficient range of preload, comp, and rebound damping. Surely, you have many simple and/or sophisticated fixes for this. So I presume, you have made modifications to your own Goldwing front suspension and offer commercial products for it.
I’ve ordered a 2020 model ( non tour) edition . I believe this model does not have electronic suspension. Is there a difference in the springs / shocks and also bumpers on that model?? What’s the answer? Putting on a stiffer spring or shock or changing out the bumper? Thanks in advance. ( UK Phil )
Hi Phil, I'm UK also. I'd say the answer would be to cancel your order, buy a cracking pre-2018 although I imagine you've already got one, upgrade front and rear suspension, add a fork brace, disable the anti-dive, then wait for the £/$ exchange rate to recover and buy Traxxion Dynamics' yoke/triple tree. Not only will you be able to carry all your gear you'll be left with a stash of cash to spend on touring when lock-down is lifted.
Michael Hoare hi Michael. A bit too late lol. It’s already in the dealership getting prepped . I’ll see what stick is like for myself first then as time goes on I’ll see what I can change .
Hi Phil, your shocks are the same, but with a "standard" damping setting. Same springs, bumpers etc. There's no parts to upgrade the stock shocks. We do offer complete replacement shocks that bolt on and work perfect. Do you do your own mechanic work?
Max McAllister & Traxxion Dynamics Hi Max. I do the odd job or have done in the past . Not sure with this new wing if I have the confidence to rip it apart just yet but guess the longer I have it and the more I get to know about upgrades I’ll probably have a go. I guess the biggest job is stripping off the plastics!! I’ll look out for your vids to see if any on replacing step by step the front and rear shocks. Enjoying your work Max 👍
You stated the springs were the same, but isn’t it possible the spring material has changed? You didn’t compare the actual spring rate compression just to be sure. Just saying...
Been in software development for 30 years. The dirty little secret is never buy a .0 version always wait for the update. (i.e. 1.1, 2.1 etc vs 1.0, 2.0 etc). From the testing that was shown on the video... 1.1 looks the same as 1.0. So the new "suspension" has been released and it's only the front bump stop. Really!? A year ago I took my 2018 Goldwing Tour to Max and he installed his suspension system as well as a number of other "enhancements" (all of which were done to a high level of quality). The question is... does the factory suspension work for the type of riding you do? Nothing wrong with stock and you can cover a lot of miles and be OK with it. I rode 10,000 with the original suspension. However... I wanted more... so I went to Traxxion Dynamics. Prior to installation Max asked my weight and how often I rode with a passenger so that could be taken into consideration. After the suspension was installed the 10 hour ride home was noticeably different in that it was, crisp and the bikes handling was improved. A month later I packed it up and went on a 6,000 mile trip with a Packit Rack on the back. It was an awesome experience and didn't notice the extra weight behind the rear wheel. Whether I'm solo or with a passenger there's no float, no bottoming out and no harsh ride. The truth is... I sometimes forgot there's a passenger (125 lbs) no matter what the road conditions are (highway, twisty etc). Have now ridden 10,000 miles on the Traction Dynamics suspension and can say without hesitation that it was a smart investment... for me. Ha Ha... other than adding the Traction Dynamic GPS mount on the dash... but that's another story! Would echo what's been previous comment... in terms of suspension there's no need to hold out for a current model. If you are buying new then consider an Traxxion Dynamics upgrade after logging a few miles. I have no connection with Max and Traxxion Dynamics other than a very satisfied customer.
Max McAllister & Traxxion Dynamics I have the stock suspension on a 2018 DCT Tour. Have it set as rider plus luggage. Installed your Decoupling Kit in Sport Mode. I’m a pretty aggressive rider and find the bike right now does not need any further adjustments. Have never bottomed out. Have never noticed any float or other negative qualities that would necessitate any modifications. This is true even on trip loaded down with luggage, trunk, saddlebags and extra bag on the passenger seat.
There is nobody else on the planet that offers us wingers this level of information. And his products are superb. My Traxxion F6B is one of the best touring bikes in the world. So safe and stable now.
Thank you!
Great video as always Max! Thank you!!
Outstanding. Even with the redesigned front end, which I used to experience on my BMW, I'm still loving my 2010 Wing with your 'Full Monty'. We just did a 300 mile local with high speed sweepers, some Interstate, some back roads...we both commented about how beautiful our old Type 1 performs in all conditions.
Superb Max as always. It's hilarious how every review of the 2018+ lauds the suspension.
Max you are the reason I never purchased the new Goldwing. Decided to keep my 2015 Victory CCT.
Thanks Max. Enlightening as always.
Glad you enjoyed it
My interpretation is to go out and find a 2018 new in the crate for 5-6K less in price, take it to traxxion, add accessories and still come out cheaper than a 20 model
Not a bad plan.
Bradley S this is exactly what I did. Bought a 2018 dct airbag that southern honda power sports in Tn. still had on the floor. 31k bike got it for around 24k including them installing the oem fog lights. $2700 for the Traxxion front and rear shocks and tie rod upgrade installed and still below what I would have paid for a 2020 model.
@@chipcash1868 Nice!
Cruiseman did a review of the new 2020 and thought he bottomed out the front shocks at one point, where there wasn’t very much of a bump.
@@Rambler358 I saw that... around 5:00 in his video. It was bad enough you could hear the whole bike clunk.
Great job Thanks
Thanks for watching!
I was hoping for improvements on the 2020 Goldwing . But thanks to this guy . None .
So. I waiting till 2021 . Hopefully Honda is listening and will make serious improvements on the 2021 Goldwing .
The last bike was produced for 17 years. After 11 years, they put thicker oil in the right fork and said they had "dramatically improved' the suspension. Honda will NEVER change the suspension spec on this bike in any meaningful way.
I understand the stock suspension can be improved, but I'm totally happy with the stock setup. Maybe Honda hasn't changed much because most owners don't have an issue with it? Good detective work though, thanks for the information!
That‘s right. The Standard Setup is ok for easy cruising on long, straight Highways.. But if you‘re demanding your bike on winding roads and faster speeds, the suspension comes to its limits.
I really did not know how much I was missing. After upgrade its a totally different bike. Next time you ride, just notice the bike as you pick it up off the side stand. You loose an inch of travel. Then you put your weight on the seat. You loose another inch or so. The stock springs can not support the weight of the bike! Also the spring rate is the same as a 250cc enduro. Then there is little dampening from the junk stock shock. Honda really needs to budget more for suspension. They probably put less than 200 dollars into the suspension. Great motor though.
Max I would love to see you compare the shocks & springs you installed on my 2018 to the new improved 2020
Not sure what you mean. The 2020 is not improved, unless you are making a joke!
A little joke Max but can you compare your shocks and springs to the factory pieces, the same way you did 18 to 20 ?
i am a sort of local amateur suspension nerd and people at the track's ask me about tihis and that, so i always give them a link to your old video series Suspension for mortals, they explain everything much better than i ever could. did you ever do a later version of that series?
I never did... too bad too, because I used to be fat before I found bicyles! HAHAHA!
Max McAllister & Traxxion Dynamics 😁😂
It's disappointing Honda cheaps out on suspension.
At least they build great engines and go cheap on stuff we can upgrade. My VTX1800 needed suspension work on both ends and well. Basically riding on the bumper in the front under any deceleration or braking.
Thanks for sharing the videos.
Max; have you done any testing on the new Yamaha Venture? Do you have an opinion of the bike?
We haven't had anyone bring one in ever. I don't think anyone is buying that bike.
Here at Daytona Beach during the March Bike week I asked a Honda rep at the Honda display about the shocks. He told me that the shocks are the same. He said the change was in the rear preload amounts for the electronic adjuster.
Fred Harmon checked that, and it didn't change either. When we get a 2020 whole bike in here, we'll verify that.
Max McAllister & Traxxion Dynamics Max is Right. We asked Honda Europe. They Never change things. Only when they make a Major change on the whole bike ( new generation etc). For example : With the Last Update, they promised „Better Car-Play Connectivity“. But nothing has changed. When you cut the Ignition and you turn it on again, you have to deconnect and then reconnect your iPhone , in order to get Car-Play back on your screen, despite your Headset was ON all the time.
So please tell me the difference with shock and conls as compared to stock Honda shocks,Thank you
I'm sorry, but I couldn't understand your question.
the difference between your coil and the stock goldwing coil for a 2018 honda goldwing..Thank you
Max. Not sure but I think Cruisman test drove a 2020 and during the ride the front shock totally bottomed out causing a clear and noticeable bottom out defect. The bump was not that bad at the time. Actually effect would prove your experiment indicating the hard rubber bumper had no give at all.
To be fair Cruiseman's review was benign. He couldn't detect any difference or improvement but didn't want to upset the dealer or Honda. I'll continue to stick to my 2004 with Hyperpro front and rear, fork brace, and when the GBP and $ recovers, Max's Triple Tree.
@@michaelhoare5291 I agree, I think Cruiseman is somewhat in bed with Honda.
Like the saying goes, “don’t bite the hand that feeds”
For most drivers in the States and Europe the SetUp of the GoldWing 2018+ is sufficient. That is, because the average driver is older and quieter, likes to ride smoothly especially on the long, straight roads in the US. Here in Europe, especially in Switzerland, where I live, it's different. It's my first GoldWing and I am absolutely on the side of Max. The GoldWing is a very good Touring Bike, the engine and the DCT is superb. But the suspension is a crab. Because of the winding roads in the Alps and the faster driving, it's wobbling around. I will change my suspension as well.
You will be surprised the significant improvement just riding bike straight with Traxxion suspension.
@@Traxxion I already installed your Decoupling Kit about a year ago. That helped a lot. I^m convinced now. Will do the big job with the suspension kit after the season and will report. Do you need to know the weights of the driver and passenger when ordering ?
@@340Captain yes, and we'll need to know if you two a trailer, and how much weight you typically pack on.
Do you guys sell an upgraded suspension?
Google: Traxxion Dynamics Goldwing
It has always amazed me that many of their (Honda) suspensions do not incorporate a sufficient range of preload, comp, and rebound damping. Surely, you have many simple and/or sophisticated fixes for this. So I presume, you have made modifications to your own Goldwing front suspension and offer commercial products for it.
www.traxxion.com Google Traxxion Dynamics Goldwing.... we are the most famous company in the world for suspension upgrades for this bike.
I’ve ordered a 2020 model ( non tour) edition . I believe this model does not have electronic suspension. Is there a difference in the springs / shocks and also bumpers on that model?? What’s the answer? Putting on a stiffer spring or shock or changing out the bumper?
Thanks in advance. ( UK Phil )
Hi Phil, I'm UK also. I'd say the answer would be to cancel your order, buy a cracking pre-2018 although I imagine you've already got one, upgrade front and rear suspension, add a fork brace, disable the anti-dive, then wait for the £/$ exchange rate to recover and buy Traxxion Dynamics' yoke/triple tree. Not only will you be able to carry all your gear you'll be left with a stash of cash to spend on touring when lock-down is lifted.
Michael Hoare hi Michael. A bit too late lol. It’s already in the dealership getting prepped . I’ll see what stick is like for myself first then as time goes on I’ll see what I can change .
Hi Phil, your shocks are the same, but with a "standard" damping setting. Same springs, bumpers etc. There's no parts to upgrade the stock shocks. We do offer complete replacement shocks that bolt on and work perfect. Do you do your own mechanic work?
Max McAllister & Traxxion Dynamics
Hi Max. I do the odd job or have done in the past . Not sure with this new wing if I have the confidence to rip it apart just yet but guess the longer I have it and the more I get to know about upgrades I’ll probably have a go. I guess the biggest job is stripping off the plastics!!
I’ll look out for your vids to see if any on replacing step by step the front and rear shocks.
Enjoying your work Max 👍
@@luckyphil6486 I have a guy in the UK that could do the install.
You stated the springs were the same, but isn’t it possible the spring material has changed? You didn’t compare the actual spring rate compression just to be sure. Just saying...
No, that's not possible. All springs are made from chrome silicon wire for decades at this point.
So, this would be false advertising on Honda's part. Time for the AG to sue Honda.
HA!!! If no one could sue them over the wobbling 2001-17, I don't think you'll have much luck.
Been in software development for 30 years. The dirty little secret is never buy a .0 version always wait for the update. (i.e. 1.1, 2.1 etc vs 1.0, 2.0 etc). From the testing that was shown on the video... 1.1 looks the same as 1.0. So the new "suspension" has been released and it's only the front bump stop. Really!? A year ago I took my 2018 Goldwing Tour to Max and he installed his suspension system as well as a number of other "enhancements" (all of which were done to a high level of quality). The question is... does the factory suspension work for the type of riding you do? Nothing wrong with stock and you can cover a lot of miles and be OK with it. I rode 10,000 with the original suspension. However... I wanted more... so I went to Traxxion Dynamics. Prior to installation Max asked my weight and how often I rode with a passenger so that could be taken into consideration. After the suspension was installed the 10 hour ride home was noticeably different in that it was, crisp and the bikes handling was improved. A month later I packed it up and went on a 6,000 mile trip with a Packit Rack on the back. It was an awesome experience and didn't notice the extra weight behind the rear wheel. Whether I'm solo or with a passenger there's no float, no bottoming out and no harsh ride. The truth is... I sometimes forgot there's a passenger (125 lbs) no matter what the road conditions are (highway, twisty etc). Have now ridden 10,000 miles on the Traction Dynamics suspension and can say without hesitation that it was a smart investment... for me. Ha Ha... other than adding the Traction Dynamic GPS mount on the dash... but that's another story! Would echo what's been previous comment... in terms of suspension there's no need to hold out for a current model. If you are buying new then consider an Traxxion Dynamics upgrade after logging a few miles. I have no connection with Max and Traxxion Dynamics other than a very satisfied customer.
Thank you Mr. Sayers!!!
Max McAllister & Traxxion Dynamics I have the stock suspension on a 2018 DCT Tour. Have it set as rider plus luggage. Installed your Decoupling Kit in Sport Mode. I’m a pretty aggressive rider and find the bike right now does not need any further adjustments. Have never bottomed out. Have never noticed any float or other negative qualities that would necessitate any modifications. This is true even on trip loaded down with luggage, trunk, saddlebags and extra bag on the passenger seat.
@@dogbone1358 if you are ever in our area, or near one of our Installers, stop in and try a bike with aftermarket shocks to compare.
Max McAllister & Traxxion Dynamics See you have an installer in Sumter, SC about 2 1/2 hours from me. Maybe I’ll take a ride one of these days.
Be nicer to Martin
I let him off the chain during the "pandemic"....