Your off the beaten path take on motorcycling along with your calming voice and unique narration, makes your channel one of my favorites to calm down my hectic world. Thank you, Nick Adams, and please keep up the good work.
I understand exactly how you feel. I have a real soft spot for the ST1100. Another bike that feels way lighter than it actually is, and does pretty much anything - effortlessly. That also looks like about an $1500.00 Corbin seat you have on it too.
@theeaselrider4032 I've only ridden an St1100 once, but yes.... I'm a suckered for a Corbin seat. Its what tipped the scales. There's one on my Guzzi Breva 1100. Fabulous!
We just did 4,000 km in the Rockies with a 98' 1500SE and we made an incredible trip. The wife is over the moon with the comfort and I was happy to keep up with the newer bikes at "a good speed" :)
I had a 1986 Interstate very low km. Unfortunately I had an altercation with a deer this spring. I and deer were okay, hell of a ride for a few seconds but bike was totalled. In process of looking for another I came across a 1990 GL1500 SE. I am 77 and not a big fellow so reverse was a real nice treat. You are absolutely correct about the handling of these bikes. I can't believe the ease at how it handles. Great bikes
Too bad about the bike and deer but glad you're safe. Yes, I'm enjoying the reverse too. Lets me reverse into the garage instead of dog-paddling. Stay well. Ride safely.
Yup. Just stayed up late looking for old gold wings here in Toronto area. Found a 1500 from 99 going for $2000. Only 100,000km. Maybe will call tomoro. Thanks for doing this to me
A nice video as usual Nick. Thanks. However, one thing is bothering me. Why do you sometimes ride with just one glove? I’ve seen this before in some of your other videos. I would never ride without gloves, and especially on a gravel road.
I occasionally shed a glove or two when I've been playing with the cameras. Yes, it's unwise and risky and one of these days it will probably bite me. I do usually wear them all the time along with the usual ATGATT stuff.
It is pretty quick for its size and age, especially when the road becomes twisty. Low center of gravity and lots of lean angle - I have yet to see another similar size (massive) comfy bagger that would eat up corners like the Wing. In example - it took HD a very long time to match the stock performance figures, I don't think they passed the GL1500 power nor torque until about 30 years later with the M8 or maybe one of the latest TwinCams (Don't quote me here and feel free to correct if I'm in the wrong - I admit I didn't check this information) My personal GL1500 is "slightly" customized 1999 with absolutely no plastic fairings (except for the luggage cases, which are brilliant) and a 14" ape hanger which you wouldn't even notice because of the overall size of the bike. I can stand straightup on the pegs like on an enduro bike and the handlebars are perfectly in my hand. These days I mostly find myself riding one of my old Harleys, there's something about them old ones that makes ypu love them. But still the BEST bike I have ever owned is definitely and hands down that ratty GoldWing.
Will there be a full comparo between the Cavalcade and Goldie? I'm curious. GL1500 is on my list of bikes to have, love the styling, especially the '80s colors like turquoise. In white it looks like storm trooper. Don't care for the generation before or after although I've seen the 1800 handle better then I ever could. The newest generation is pretty again, almost a sport bike. Nice surprise this, enjoy!
Hi Nick. Enjoyed your video. I've owned 2 1200 Goldwings. My current ride is a 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale. But watching your video, I have to admit, sparked a longing for the smoothness that the Goldwing offers along with the reverse gear. With the Yamaha I always have to be concious of where I'm parking as pushing it backwards with my aging legs and knees can be a challenge. Looking forward to seeing future videos with your newly acquired land yacht!
Always good to see a new upload Yes....built for long trips and big miles .... Ridden a few GW . ( and owned an original GL1000 back in 1978 )...ultra smooth !!! Stay safe
I had a '83 for a short time back in the early 90's. Great bikes and parts are plenty. Glad to here Norm helped keep you on a cruiser. I find myself on my Guzzi Norge more lately then my KLR or my Royal star. I think i have fallen in love with it I blame you lol.....Take care Nick happy riding!!!
Your a GOOD man Nick...I'm drawn to your OLD bike and you of course...good vid! I too am pushing 60 and am riding a Honda 1984 Motorcycle....I loved you taking the gravel road and showing it's test! So umm your in Ontario? I'm up in Northern Ontario near the Sault beside Lake Superior!
I too have considered an older ‘wing’. It’s a very robust platform. Lots of units out there there, and every repair is well documented on the interwebs. Best of all, they are out of fashion, so they are a buying opportunity.
I never saw that one coming Nick! After a trip a few years ago part of which was on the Stelvio pass (I was on a V11 Sport) My wife and I had to move over to let 2 wings go through , we talked about it later and my wife said she quite fancied one. Maybe We should buy a couple to try it out, as you say they are quite cheap second hand. We have probably lost the price of 2 second hand ones on our V85TT's in the last 2 years!😁
Haha. I like to keep you on your toes. If you were looking for a two-up bike you could do a lot worse. As I've discovered, there are reasons why they have been so popular. They're not the great whales they seem (but then, whales are amazingly fast and agile too). All the best. N.
Ergonomics is the key to a happy ride on the Goldwing. I need to try a GL1500 for a long ride. I have done several 1000+ miles days on my '85 GL1200A. I don't have the ergonomics dialed in for my frame, so I do get sore on Ironbutt rides.
If you didn't get sore on ironbutt rides I would assume there was something wrong with you . The human frame isn't designed to sit for that length of time.😁
Nice review Nick. I have a 1979 GL1000 complete with Vetter fairing and bags, such an old man’s bike that it has a cigarette lighter! Oddly, it is both a steadier handler and a better gravel road bike than my 1978 CB750F, Honda’s concurrent big sport bike. It is getting to be a bugger to push around the garage though. I used to lust after a 1500 Valkyrie, the stripped down hot rod version of your new ride, but I think the tonnage would be a bit too much for my older self.
Hello Nick. The gold wings are not as common on the roads as is the bmw gs at least for us in Europe. Some say not bike for old man, but for people that hate bikes, because of almost car like comforts. Many people want the experience of bike riding to be more rough and that where the negative reputation comes from. Everyone have teste, desires and body aches to listen to.
@@Stefan_trekkie they are, perhaps, more of a North American thing where they do indeed make sense. It's a 10 hour a day, 6 day ride to the west coast from where I live in the middle of the continent. Nothing to a wing.
When one goes back and looks at the development history of the Goldwing, and one finds that Honda actually used the transmission, shaft/final drive, mufflers and seat from a BMW /5 on the prototype bike that was then called the M1, this starts to make more sense. Bright Red Plastic bits notwithstanding, the Wing is just a really big BMW Airhead, balance, composure, handling and all. 😁
I went to look at one, passed and was casually waiting for the next when I realized that I was getting shorter, weaker and as final justification, the garage was getting too full for a big tourer. Then Rick called, telling me I'd waited long enough, his Aprilia Scarabeo 500 Tour-packaged Scooter was finally available in my price range. Big(ger) and heavy(er)....looks huge in the garage. It became MY Gold Wing. Didn't....well mostly didn't know it at the time but it was exactly what I'd been looking for. Enjoy that Honda!
That was the bike I wanted as a kid. I remember seeing the Ride for Sight go past me while I stood at the side of the road and there was a whole bunch of GoldWings all in a row. It looked so cool. I finally did get to ride one but found it was way too cramped with my big feet. Dam fine looking bike though.
That is a glorious engine, one that I always wished had been utilized in something more eclectic like the Yamaha MT-01. Sure the Honda Rune was an interesting take on the Goldwing idea but ultimately it was far more style than substance. The MT-01 with its massive cruiser engine in a sporting naked chassis would have been a great blueprint for the use of that Honda flat-six. Perhaps it's not too late.
Nice bike! You seemed to be going at a fair old lick on the gravel! Is 'one glove on one glove off' becoming your signature look? Just got one of your books and really enjoying it, Keep em coming and ride safe!
question Nick, do you think we can make the same trip you maked with guzzi, montreal, james baie and fermont , etc. with goldwing 1500 , i know they have a lot of gravel.
The 410 kilometres of gravel of the North Road to Chibougamau would be a fight on the GL1500. I'm sure it could be done but I wouldn't advise it. The road conditions are very variable and one slip would be a disaster with no help available.
I feel the same way and I have a 1992 Honda Goldwing special edition with only 9000 miles on it that I just picked up recently. Unfortunately it turns out I have a heart condition and picking up that bike is going to cause me to have a heart attack so time to get rid of it.
@@Forevervinyl1 That's too bad. I'm 7 years past 3x bypass, so if surgery is in your future, know that you can regain full health. Good luck and best wishes.
@@richardmiller8739 Why not? There are thousands of miles of road leading to interesting places. Is a motorcycle to look pretty or to take you places you want to go? Besides, paved roads can be so dull. I enjoy the extra challenge. piloting a bike
Your off the beaten path take on motorcycling along with your calming voice and unique narration, makes your channel one of my favorites to calm down my hectic world. Thank you, Nick Adams, and please keep up the good work.
@@hmishin843 That's very kind. Many thanks.
I understand exactly how you feel. I have a real soft spot for the ST1100. Another bike that feels way lighter than it actually is, and does pretty much anything - effortlessly.
That also looks like about an $1500.00 Corbin seat you have on it too.
@theeaselrider4032 I've only ridden an St1100 once, but yes.... I'm a suckered for a Corbin seat. Its what tipped the scales. There's one on my Guzzi Breva 1100. Fabulous!
Owned a 1990 Goldwing for 20 yrs no problems,my go to bike.
We just did 4,000 km in the Rockies with a 98' 1500SE and we made an incredible trip. The wife is over the moon with the comfort and I was happy to keep up with the newer bikes at "a good speed" :)
The best ride there is. Once you ride a Goldwing you can’t ride anything else. 😊
I had a 1986 Interstate very low km. Unfortunately I had an altercation with a deer this spring. I and deer were okay, hell of a ride for a few seconds but bike was totalled. In process of looking for another I came across a 1990 GL1500 SE. I am 77 and not a big fellow so reverse was a real nice treat. You are absolutely correct about the handling of these bikes. I can't believe the ease at how it handles. Great bikes
Too bad about the bike and deer but glad you're safe. Yes, I'm enjoying the reverse too. Lets me reverse into the garage instead of dog-paddling. Stay well. Ride safely.
I have a ‘92 Electraglide. Stable, fun, comfortable, torque for days and room for company. I love my “Grandpaglide”
Almost every time I watch one of your videos I find myself on Kijiji shortly after looking for an old ride.
Oops. Sorry about that.
Yup. Just stayed up late looking for old gold wings here in Toronto area. Found a 1500 from 99 going for $2000. Only 100,000km. Maybe will call tomoro.
Thanks for doing this to me
@@ashrafc7794 Sorry about that. It is a disease. Find one that's been someone's pride and joy.
Lol! I'm with you man!
A nice video as usual Nick. Thanks. However, one thing is bothering me. Why do you sometimes ride with just one glove? I’ve seen this before in some of your other videos. I would never ride without gloves, and especially on a gravel road.
I occasionally shed a glove or two when I've been playing with the cameras. Yes, it's unwise and risky and one of these days it will probably bite me. I do usually wear them all the time along with the usual ATGATT stuff.
It is pretty quick for its size and age, especially when the road becomes twisty. Low center of gravity and lots of lean angle - I have yet to see another similar size (massive) comfy bagger that would eat up corners like the Wing. In example - it took HD a very long time to match the stock performance figures, I don't think they passed the GL1500 power nor torque until about 30 years later with the M8 or maybe one of the latest TwinCams (Don't quote me here and feel free to correct if I'm in the wrong - I admit I didn't check this information)
My personal GL1500 is "slightly" customized 1999 with absolutely no plastic fairings (except for the luggage cases, which are brilliant) and a 14" ape hanger which you wouldn't even notice because of the overall size of the bike. I can stand straightup on the pegs like on an enduro bike and the handlebars are perfectly in my hand.
These days I mostly find myself riding one of my old Harleys, there's something about them old ones that makes ypu love them. But still the BEST bike I have ever owned is definitely and hands down that ratty GoldWing.
Will there be a full comparo between the Cavalcade and Goldie? I'm curious. GL1500 is on my list of bikes to have, love the styling, especially the '80s colors like turquoise. In white it looks like storm trooper. Don't care for the generation before or after although I've seen the 1800 handle better then I ever could. The newest generation is pretty again, almost a sport bike. Nice surprise this, enjoy!
Hi Nick. Enjoyed your video. I've owned 2 1200 Goldwings. My current ride is a 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale. But watching your video, I have to admit, sparked a longing for the smoothness that the Goldwing offers along with the reverse gear. With the Yamaha I always have to be concious of where I'm parking as pushing it backwards with my aging legs and knees can be a challenge. Looking forward to seeing future videos with your newly acquired land yacht!
They are amazing motorcycles! I only rode one in a test ride and the smoothness was actually a surprise, I was use to my MCs jarring my teeth.
Haha! I didn't think Norm would have that bike long. Congratulations on the new ride!
Always good to see a new upload
Yes....built for long trips and big miles ....
Ridden a few GW . ( and owned an original GL1000 back in 1978 )...ultra smooth !!!
Stay safe
@andrewewan624 thanks Andrew. I really appreciate your views and comments 👍😃
Bought mine new in '94. I just got back in a few minutes ago after driving all day.
I had a '83 for a short time back in the early 90's. Great bikes and parts are plenty. Glad to here Norm helped keep you on a cruiser. I find myself on my Guzzi Norge more lately then my KLR or my Royal star. I think i have fallen in love with it I blame you lol.....Take care Nick happy riding!!!
Your a GOOD man Nick...I'm drawn to your OLD bike and you of course...good vid! I too am pushing 60 and am riding a Honda 1984 Motorcycle....I loved you taking the gravel road and showing it's test! So umm your in Ontario? I'm up in Northern Ontario near the Sault beside Lake Superior!
I'm 74 years old so an old man's bike is perfect. I'm riding a GL1200 now. It is great but the 6 cylinder motor keeps calling me.
I too have considered an older ‘wing’. It’s a very robust platform. Lots of units out there there, and every repair is well documented on the interwebs. Best of all, they are out of fashion, so they are a buying opportunity.
I never saw that one coming Nick! After a trip a few years ago part of which was on the Stelvio pass (I was on a V11 Sport) My wife and I had to move over to let 2 wings go through , we talked about it later and my wife said she quite fancied one. Maybe We should buy a couple to try it out, as you say they are quite cheap second hand. We have probably lost the price of 2 second hand ones on our V85TT's in the last 2 years!😁
Haha. I like to keep you on your toes. If you were looking for a two-up bike you could do a lot worse. As I've discovered, there are reasons why they have been so popular. They're not the great whales they seem (but then, whales are amazingly fast and agile too). All the best. N.
@@nick949eldo My wife fancied one for herself, maybe best if I dont show her the video LOL
Ciao Nick stai viaggiando in prima classe complimenti un gioiello per pochi eletti, sei un grande ti abbraccio forte ciao.
Great stuff Nick! The "Wing Ding" is a very practical tool, sounds good too, suits you sir!
Thanks Richard. It's a change, that's for sure 😄
Ergonomics is the key to a happy ride on the Goldwing. I need to try a GL1500 for a long ride. I have done several 1000+ miles days on my '85 GL1200A. I don't have the ergonomics dialed in for my frame, so I do get sore on Ironbutt rides.
If you didn't get sore on ironbutt rides I would assume there was something wrong with you . The human frame isn't designed to sit for that length of time.😁
You should do reviews on all sorts of bikes, I would watch them 😊
Nice review on an old bike. I ride an ADV bike now, coming from the Harley bagger world. Been looking at getting an older GW to add to the stable.
Nice review Nick. I have a 1979 GL1000 complete with Vetter fairing and bags, such an old man’s bike that it has a cigarette lighter!
Oddly, it is both a steadier handler and a better gravel road bike than my 1978 CB750F, Honda’s concurrent big sport bike. It is getting to be a bugger to push around the garage though. I used to lust after a 1500 Valkyrie, the stripped down hot rod version of your new ride, but I think the tonnage would be a bit too much for my older self.
@frugalterrier8124 the reverse gear of the gl1500 really helps. You don't have to be quite as selective about where and how you park.
My favourite was the first naked version.
Hello Nick. The gold wings are not as common on the roads as is the bmw gs at least for us in Europe. Some say not bike for old man, but for people that hate bikes, because of almost car like comforts. Many people want the experience of bike riding to be more rough and that where the negative reputation comes from. Everyone have teste, desires and body aches to listen to.
@@Stefan_trekkie they are, perhaps, more of a North American thing where they do indeed make sense. It's a 10 hour a day, 6 day ride to the west coast from where I live in the middle of the continent. Nothing to a wing.
That's one heck of a nice machine for it's age. They are the perfect long distance machine.
BJ
When one goes back and looks at the development history of the Goldwing, and one finds that Honda actually used the transmission, shaft/final drive, mufflers and seat from a BMW /5 on the prototype bike that was then called the M1, this starts to make more sense.
Bright Red Plastic bits notwithstanding, the Wing is just a really big BMW Airhead, balance, composure, handling and all. 😁
Nah
Great bikes, but THEY'RE HUGE, NICK! Hope you enjoy your new bike. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE, NICK!
Well done Nick, I've been so close to doing the same.
I went to look at one, passed and was casually waiting for the next when I realized that I was getting shorter, weaker and as final justification, the garage was getting too full for a big tourer. Then Rick called, telling me I'd waited long enough, his Aprilia Scarabeo 500 Tour-packaged Scooter was finally available in my price range. Big(ger) and heavy(er)....looks huge in the garage.
It became MY Gold Wing. Didn't....well mostly didn't know it at the time but it was exactly what I'd been looking for.
Enjoy that Honda!
That was the bike I wanted as a kid. I remember seeing the Ride for Sight go past me while I stood at the side of the road and there was a whole bunch of GoldWings all in a row. It looked so cool. I finally did get to ride one but found it was way too cramped with my big feet. Dam fine looking bike though.
@mikemills5144 I found that with the 1200 and many BMW airheads. No problem with this one though. Yours must be enormous 😁.
@nick949eldo just a size 12 but I kept hitting the brake or the kickstand.
An old gold wing say it's not so Nick lol. It's like I always say don't knock it until you try it. Great video
hell yeah brother
That is a glorious engine, one that I always wished had been utilized in something more eclectic like the Yamaha MT-01. Sure the Honda Rune was an interesting take on the Goldwing idea but ultimately it was far more style than substance. The MT-01 with its massive cruiser engine in a sporting naked chassis would have been a great blueprint for the use of that Honda flat-six. Perhaps it's not too late.
@@exc911ence_channel Ahh. The MT 01. Another weird orphan that appeals to me.
Figures you’d turn it into a dirtbike 😂 good going, Nick!
😂
Nice bike! You seemed to be going at a fair old lick on the gravel! Is 'one glove on one glove off' becoming your signature look? Just got one of your books and really enjoying it, Keep em coming and ride safe!
The camera always makes it look faster than it is. Check the speedo - I'm dribbling alone. Glad you're enjoying the book - many thanks. 😃
question Nick, do you think we can make the same trip you maked with guzzi, montreal, james baie and fermont , etc. with goldwing 1500 , i know they have a lot of gravel.
The 410 kilometres of gravel of the North Road to Chibougamau would be a fight on the GL1500. I'm sure it could be done but I wouldn't advise it. The road conditions are very variable and one slip would be a disaster with no help available.
Thanks
🇸🇪👋👋 GL1500SE owner since 2013
I feel the same way and I have a 1992 Honda Goldwing special edition with only 9000 miles on it that I just picked up recently. Unfortunately it turns out I have a heart condition and picking up that bike is going to cause me to have a heart attack so time to get rid of it.
@@Forevervinyl1 That's too bad. I'm 7 years past 3x bypass, so if surgery is in your future, know that you can regain full health. Good luck and best wishes.
I have a 1992 SE with 9000 miles on it in NJ. Ebay listed
Picked one up a month ago should have had one long ago
i rebuilt goldwing 1500, i already rebuilt 5 of it all finaly keep one for me ahahaha
No bike should be for me, I take it. How gracious of you to decide who gets to ride or not.
It's not if, but how.
Why drive on gravel?
@@richardmiller8739 Why not? There are thousands of miles of road leading to interesting places. Is a motorcycle to look pretty or to take you places you want to go? Besides, paved roads can be so dull. I enjoy the extra challenge. piloting a bike
Shadetree Adams
No, it's a man's bike.