Don't buy a Goldwing unless...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 พ.ค. 2021
- To handle a Goldwing skillfully at low speeds, it's going to take a lot of practice. In this video, I'll tell you exactly why that's the case.
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I would agree. A Goldwing takes a higher level of skill to operate at low speeds. Not an issue if the rider raises their skill level for the bike they own. As an experienced GW rider, I absolutely love the overall riding experience on my wing.
Me too! Love my antique wing!
Same here. I love my GL1800 and my Harley Electra Glide
@@jameswalker2116 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
My 96 GW is a far better handling than those new ones. In my opinion, Honda really screwed up!
@@jameswalker2116 That's because James, there is no top pak and this brings the centre of gravity a lot more lower. I tried the 2017 Goldwing that has ABS and Jerry's right. The bike is sensitive with the throttle and braking. I currently own the VTX1300S(R) and I can handle that bike reasonably well. With the Goldwing, I have to keep my game up.
I own a Goldwing (non-DCT) and Jerry is absolutely correct on the low speed issues. Practice, practice, practice. Some people can't handle the facts.
Totally agree. I own a street glide and a 05 goldwing. Slow speed operation is different, not impossible on a goldwing gl1800.
I use 2nd gear on the wing. Non dct
"Put in the practice" true words spoken Goldwing, Harley, Yamaha, Suzuki, whatever, put in the practice.
You mean money can’t buy me good riding skills
@@westfletcher9219 Nope
Seems like another good reason to ride a Goldwing! When Folks see you master these turns, they can say,
" That dude knows how to ride" !!
I have owned and ridden the Gold Wing exclusively since their introduction since 1975. I have crossed the continent many times, so I have put the miles in. Everything you say about the Wing is exactly true. Slow speed is the challenge and when I have dropped them, it was at slow speed. I still believe that for what I want a motorcycle to do it is the hands down best bike on the market. As I’m getting old, and the weight of the bike gets too much I will have to get a smaller bike, stop my long trips and just putter around the area and reminisce about the good old days.
The important thing is you live life your way😊
You definitely have to have solid skills to ride a Goldwing, I love mine, at low speeds you better know what you're doing, but I like the feel of a heavy bike and hugs the road like no other bike I've owned.
Thank you! I’ve been practicing and been struggling with my Goldwing wondering if there is just something I’m not understanding. I will keep practicing now knowing that Goldwings are just a bit more difficult. Makes me feel sooooo much better.
Try using 2nd gear.
@@motorman857 I will most certainly will try that. Thanks for posting all the great info on how to be a better rider. My Goldwing used to push me around and I never really enjoyed the bike like I did my smaller bike, but now I feel a lot more in control and the bike is coming alive as I learn how to handle it. Blessings from Texas!!!!!!
@@timburkhalter114 I can identify with ya on those feelings. The more I practice, the more confident and easier it has become to ride at slow speeds. I still have trouble. This video has spoken volumes for me.
@@timburkhalter114 You have a manual or a DCT? On the newer Goldwings, certain settings start you off in second I hear.
USS DARTER SS 576....
Honesty is always the best policy. Facts are facts.
👍
Thank you, Jerry. I love the magic of repetition. You can't repeat mentioning a valuable skill often enough. Glad you also included a bike's wheel base into the equation of making sharp turns too.
Jerry, I'm on my 3rd Goldwing. I wont disagree with you, it is difficult to do low speed maneuvers. You have to practice and I hate gravel. I am confident at low speed if I'm alone, with my wife on the back, all bets are off.
Yep. With the wife I have nothing to prove and take all the parking lot to do what I gotta do.
Years ago had a Goldwing Interstate 1981 Model took my endorsement test with it.
The State Patrol Officer conducting the test told me he'd never seen anyone ride the bike around the course like I did, he commented that the use of clutch, rear brake, throttle, and front brake and combinations there of, as I did it was impressive, and issued a score of 100. I did have to repeat the swerve , avoid and stop exercise once, because I did the first one so fast that the test results would not be believed. It's been 27 years since I sold that bike. Now at 62, just having survived cancer chemotherapy radiation and surgery, I've bought a 1986 Aspencade SEi 1200. It's heavier, longer, doesn't have the death wobble at eighty five mph the 1100 had, and the fork rake angle is greater feels more stable but, like your explaining, this Goldwing is nothing like my previous bike, on the 1100 I could stand on the pegs lean into the handle bars and whip the bike around like a dirt bike and at very low speeds, mind you not on pavement, tires were to grippy. Not being as bold and physically fit as I was back when and recovering from my cancer and the treatment I can see it's going to be some time before I might get back to my former abilities. I figure this is as good of form of therapy and having fun at the same time. Ride on dudes.
Thanks Motorman. I will try to convince my Gold Wing buddies to practice more.
Please do!
Please have all your buddies practice more...
2013 Honda Goldwing F6B rider here. How dare you Jerry! :) Thank you very much for all you do, and especially for your Goldwing advice in this video.
spot on.
Lots of good points for anyone who has concerns about slow-speed maneuvering. Great content with pros and cons about the wing. Honest and direct.
All these people with “Gold Wings” should sign up a day with you and your course. Learn from your life best lessons. I agree with everything said by you. Keep up with the great work. Practice practice!
The complainers telling me how wrong I am would NEVER sign up for my course because they'd quickly find out how wrong they are and nobody likes to admit they are wrong.
On check Jerry!
I went from a 2009 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 w/5-speed to a 2018 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT and, yes, practice will aid in doing slow-speed maneuvers. Thank you, Jerry, for this video, as I need to practice often; muscle memory. P.S. - I've taken two CHP Total Control classes here in California in the past 3 years; 2018 and 2021.
Thank you explaining the Goldwing slow speed maneuvering. I thought it was something going on with my GW. It is a little difficult to find that sweet spot at low speeds. I need to continue to practice, practice, practice. Again, thanks for focusing on the Goldwing. It was encouraging.
I respect and appreciate anyone that makes the effort to learn how to "Ride Like a Pro." Great stuff.
I'm on my first Goldwing, an 2013 F6B, after owning two Valkyries. Both models are long but both can be handled with practice. And patience. Thanks for these videos, hope to get to Fla and take your course one day.
I took this class in August in Pgh. Had a great time and learned a lot.
Jerry, I've had my 750lb 2019 Non-tour 3 months now and yer spot on with the DCT- throttle and rear brake is key
After watching this and the previous video on difficult slow speed bikes I wanted to add that I highly agree. I got back into riding last year after being out of motorcycling for 30 years but bought a smaller bike to relearn on, and then bought a used wing so that my wife and I could travel together. We used to tour on older Suzuki GS1000's. When I got the wing I couldn't believe how uncomfortable I felt, especially with a passenger, even though I was practicing slow speed drills. I decided to sell the wing this summer and ended up buying a Honda ST1100 and my confidence level immediately was restored. It felt a lot more natural and easier to handle, even though it is also a heavy bike. My wife commented after her first ride that she could feel my confidence level was up as well.
I really enjoyed this video. When I started to learn low speed skills (with the help of my friend, a retired OPP motor officer), I was riding a 2010 Goldwing 1800. With his help I improved to what I think was a huge degree.
As old age set in the "locked in" riding position on the GLA1800, the famous hip pain that goes along with that bike was going to shorten my riding life. I decided to try an FLHTK Harley and the comfort and handling was amazing. Like you pointed out, the far wider friction zone, the far less snappy throttle, the shorter wheelbase, and the steeper rake makes the Harley far nicer to handle in tight quarters.
I have no idea if the Harley specs and design were based upon motor officer input but someone in the design department knew what was needed to assure ease of handling at low speed in tight quarters,
Owned a goldwing, my ultra classic electraglide was much more comfortable to handle. This will make you chuckle but after watching this video, now I understand why I used to say the Harley make me enjoy riding slow.
Love the videos Jerry, I bought your Ride Like a Pro series after I bought my 2018 GoldWing manual trans and I practice a minimum of one hour every week with my own cones at a local school. All riders need to practice more than they currently are I'm sure of it but if the bike is a little more difficult to handle then practice is paramount. The difference in my abilities before and after your lessons is just night and day for me because I was one of those riders that didn't put in the time until a good teacher set me strait on what it was I was doing wrong. Thanks for the knowledge and keep up the great work, just leave the hawks be, they probably don't care for the noise you make either, live and let live.
Thank you. Perhaps the best review on motorcycle technique I’ve ever watched. From a ‘15 Goldwing rider.
People don't want to admit they are wrong. Preach on brother. No truer words ever spoken.
I wasn't sure I agreed with you until I took your course on my Goldwing F6B. I did ok in the first wide angle zig zag but had trouble doing the tight U-turns. I've ridden many large bikes, love my Goldwing, but you are correct, takes a lot of practice to master a Goldwing .
100% correct Jerry. Practice makes perfect. Just do it.
Iv had 3 gold wings and many harleys. And what your saying is EXACTLY right ! Even had 2012 k1600gtl. That will make gold wing look good at slow speed. The clutch and throttle are basically switches you turn on or off, good luck !!
I own an 2013 F6B GW and it is a challenging bike to maneuver at low speeds and in tight quarters. I can't even count how many times I've dropped it, especially at busy gas stations were folks are distracted. I love my GW, but you are right, it is a beast of bike to handle at low speeds. Thank you for your great videos...
Great video, thanks for all the work that goes into making it.
I have put 50k miles on my 2018 goldwing. The low-speed handling appears to be great. The low center of gravity, balance and remarkable throttle control makes low speed maneuvering amazing. For instance it makes very tight u-turns effortlessly for a heavy relatively long wheel base as long as you understand how and when to drag the rear brake.
2018 and newer are a foot shorter than previous models.
Great video! As a wing owner, I too have to agree that it takes alot of practice to skilfully handle a wing confidently at low speeds. The wing is a beautiful bike for touring! Thanks for the awesome tips and explanations on motorcycle safety!
I.m a Goldwing guy I respect your teaching and wish before I converted it into a trike that I had your training cause it was more difficult to handle especially with my wife on back. that's why we converted it.. That made such a difference feels more safer and a little less to have to worry about without giving up the big bike ride we enjoy especially from the Goldwing.. Enjoy your video's Thanks
I have a 2019 Goldwing DCT and I totally agree with everything you've said. I had a Yamaha V-Star before and that bike was MUCH easier to control at slow speed.
Lol. People love their bikes. YOU know this! I love my Wing.
I love the Goldwing as well. I've owned 3 of them thru the years. There's no better long distance bike than the Wing. If 95% of my students had Wings, I'd be riding one right now. But 95% of my students are on H.D.'s and like to see the exercises on the bike they ride. That's why I say H.D.'s fit my needs the best.
I have a lot of miles on 1500 and 1800 Goldwing and have to agree with everything you are saying. I bought your video years ago and it definitely helped me but still learned more with this video.
I practiced a lot in parking lots. Thank you.
I ride an old Gold Wing and love it. I was wondering about the double clutch. I use the clutch all the time at low speeds. You have helped me tremendously with your videos. What you say about the fact makes sense
Thanks for the info Jerry. It's actually quite encouraging to me when I'm working on maneuvers on my GW. I have a couple of your DVDs and they're terrific. I just get really frustrated trying to find that sweet spot on the clutch. I sometimes wondered if I was doing something wrong or missing something when I couldn't get it just right or when a slight twitch of the throttle sent the bike jumping.
Nice to know it's just a more difficult bike to master. That's motivation to keep practicing.
As always, great information. Many thanks.
The lighter the bike the easier to manoeuvre. I had a 183kg Kawasaki zx9r, beautifully balanced and easy to ride at any speed.
Totally agree i practice low speed manoeuvres on mine and at first you drop it because its such a fine clutch and heavy bike like having a work out, but pays dividends when you have passenger on the back and you need to do slow manoeuvre in car parks etcetera.
You are spot on Jerry. I owned a ‘89 and ‘02 Goldwing. They were a bit top heavy, especially with a loaded with bags and a passenger. Slow speed wasn’t too difficult, and took practice. I have a Harley now and find it easier to handle at any speed.
The Goldwing has a refined feel on the road, but I like the Harley ride experience. More like a hot rod, vs a sport bike.
Jerry, thanks so much for the vids!!! Yes, I ride a Goldwing DCT and yes, I am becoming more and more proficient using the rear brake and riding friction zone in Tour (default) mode. But as you say it takes practice. Having owned many bikes over the years, I've learned their strengths and weaknesses. I owned an '06 Wing which was ok. My only complaint was it as a tad under powered and a bit of a gas hog. But, it turned fine. Never any complaints and it had no problems in tight quarters. The DCT is a replacement for the BMW GTL. It was a great handling bike! The DCT is the best handling Wing I've owned. I like it a lot. In fact more than I thought I would. It is stable and to me, forgiving. It's also a good handling bike and like many Wing riders, I call it the ST1800. I like riding it and I respect and appreciate your teaching!!! Like the airplane, I have respect for what it does and won't do and how to stay out of trouble. Over confidence will kill you. Timidity and fright doesn't help either. Just practice, do what you tell us. It's not hard at all. Keep 'em coming, k?
Great video. I have a GL1500 and it really becomes crucial to know what you're doing when you decide to put your lady on the back and go for a ride. I also run a Yamaha 1700 Roadstar and they are like night and day. The Roadie is basically a Heritage Softail w respect to looks and handling. But I love my old Wing.
I saw a large group of Police Officers at our local Walmart and they set up a big course to show off skills from each department and I was shocked at how well the large Harley Davidson Bikes handled with some seasoned riders behind the bars.
Hi Motorman. I own a 1998 Goldwing Aspencade. Your comments about how the bike is balanced for low speed turning are very well founded. It is heavy in the front and it tends to dive in low speed turns. Thanks to you and your advice of using the throttle, the rear brake, and turning your head I can do a very tight U-turn with my Goldwing, even with a passenger, and almost have the bike standing still. Also knowing how to use the front weight of the bike to your advantage is important. Numerous times i have been in an almost stand still traffic situation, even with a with a passenger, and need to change lanes, and I let the front of the bike "fall" to the direction I want to change lanes to, and then accelerate, and the bike stands right up in the new lane. Knowing the bike, how it balances, and using your techniques are key. Thanks again for all your advice!
A very interesting video, makes you appreciate the way these teachers teach motorcycle training.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Jerry, I thank you for and providing this information. My experience is with a ‘75 GW, back before 1980 for two seasons (about 6 months in Chicago). My 22 GoldWing is due to arrive next week., sold my Indian scout before winter. I have the motorman dvd. I plan on reviewing the techniques and practicing a good bit. I’ve been warned about sensitive throttle by wire of the latest Honda’s. I love your commitment to safety education. Really appreciate it! Ride safe Motorman
I agree i own a goldwing and boy boy low speeds are very hard but it's a beautiful bike I'll just keep practicing and it will make me that much better. Great video! Thank you
Jerry as usual, great informative video. I totally agree with you on automatic bikes. Much more tricky to handle at slow speeds. Can be done but I find feathering the clutch is much easier to modulate power the the rear wheel than just simply using the throttle and brake on the automatic bike.
The Harleys not only win the slow speed maneuvers they also win the Slow Speed Period.
🤣
You probably ride a moped 🤡!
Harley is great at slow speed even when the throttle is yanked! I always wave at my friends in the rear view mirrors
BS, it is the rider not the bike
@@f42un84u Struck a nerve eh pal? Lol!
Thanks I have a hard time with my Goldwing I definitely need to practice more
I bought a 98 electra glide last year; my first bagger. Been riding 20 years now, and I was surprised at how much better that bike handles at low speeds than my other bikes.
@Merle J. Stadnyk I like the older stuff.
I know what the bike is behind you!! Seen it at my local dealer. Absolutely beautiful!!!!
Great info! Looking at touring and commuting bike. This makes decision more difficult as I didn't think there was much difference. Now I have a good understanding of the issues and capabilities of these class of bikes and want to thank you.
I had a Roadstar and pretty much mastered the handling of it. I just bought a Goldwing and I am going through the learning curve of how it handles. I haven't dropped it but came damn close. Practice makes perfect.
I'm a 2010 Honda wing rider. I will tell you that I'm grateful for the videos that you have put on youtube. I have picked up a overload of great information from the videos. I'm looking to sign up to you're course very soon. Thank You for the great information on these bikes.
Glad to help
Been on a ST1100 for thirty years, got on a GL1500 and dropped it on my foot, no broken bones but a sore foot for two months.
I've only ridden 90s 1500 Gwings. Huge learning curve as they're beasts. Top heavy and weigh near 900 lbs wet- half a ton with a bit of gear. They are great on the road and handle well. They're a real workout in the city. Low speed takes some practice due to the wgt. They are virtually indestructible and maintenance is not bad at all and cheap. Only 2 holes for oil's and that final drive only uses about 5 oz of lubes. Great bikes and fun as hell traveling on them. I live in the sticks so they have enough storage capacity, (including the pass. seat) that they make great grocery haulers. Ride safe.
Great video,
Can't argue the fact low speed is challenging, I notice it most when going from turning right to immediately turning left, as my arm extends, the throttle is pulled and the bike will jump.takes practice to get comfortable.
Just for the record, I hate DCTs. And Jerry, I watched your RLAP videos BEFORE I bought my bikes, and now I have a Gold Wing. I learned from YOU how to handle my Wing at slow speed by watching your videos. You weren't using a Wing in your videos, but you DID cover the physics of how bikes respond using throttle, brake, and friction zone. My Wing does require a lot more "finesse" than my Suzuki Boulevard C90T bagger. I can turn my C90T on a dime; not quite so much on the Wing. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!
I just found your channel by watching this video and just bought a 02 Wing. Thank you for the explanation and why I feel like I'm struggling with slow speed turns and the whole head and eyes thing! I start every ride with a practice session simply for this reason. Thank you.
Glad I could help!
Thank you sir for that very important information. I haven’t ridden bike’s in many years but I’m really looking at purchasing a Goldwing. And I know now to definitely look for a class in my area.
Glad it was helpful!
I have a Goldwing bagger DCT model and I love it...its my first bike outside of the Can Am Spyder and your absolutely correct..Practice practice practice...
I'm a big fan of the crash bars or engine guard bars that my Goldwing has, I have dropped it 2 or 3 times all at low speed and it didn't damage the body at all. Just a few scratches on the corners of the bars. I'm an inexperienced rider but I've been practicing low speed and have improved, super fun
Mama always said Practice makes perfect ! Thanks Jerry love your videos!!!
Jerry is completely correct. I have a 2018 Goldwing manual shift. The critical thing is head, eyes, speed, and fear. You must turn your head and look where you WANT to go. You must also do between 8-10 mph. The Goldwing will do figure 8s in an 18x36 space. I had spine surgery in January. When I went to the local school to practice after a layoff from December to April when I was cleared-wow! Twisting to look was a huge limitation and I had to limit myself to five minutes at a time. Stop practicing on a good moment and come back. Additionally, he is correct about the Harley. He is not explaining this from bias because he is “a Harley guy,” he is explaining the design facts. Make no mistake, above 10 miles per hour, given similar rider skill, the Goldwing easily outperforms a Harley. I use econo for slow maneuvers because the throttle is extremely sensitive.
Exactly.
I agree with you Jerry. The friction zone on my Honda is TINY! Gotta stay in practice to be sure!
Practice as you say makes perfect. Ride safe 💙 🏍️
You got a Electra Glide Revival! Me too! Can’t wait to see what you put out about it! Love that bike! Love your videos! I’ve learned so much! Thank you!
Sorry but I didn't get one.
Dang, sure looks like one!
@@usmcvet0313 I'll have to keep you in suspense till the next video.
@@motorman857 👀
I like the white seat on the Revival. I have a '11 RK Peace Officer edition, and that white would look good on the black with blue pin stripe. 🤙
I own both an '06 GL1800 Wing and an '05 Electra Glide Police Special (w 95 inch kit). The Glide is FAR superior in slow maneuvering with a shorter radius and the bike doesn't feel like it wants to fall over in the turn. The Wing is a superior highway machine and the technology is simply light years ahead of the Harley. For covering miles and hauling a load, the Wing is the bike to have. For around town cruising and parking lot fun, the Harley is a far better machine. Both are wonderful in their own way! Jerry is spot on here for low speed: the Wing is like turning a battleship, the Harley is like a jet ski. Both have their place!
Well put! I love the metaphors.
I ride a GL1800, clutch, I'm not offended, on the country I'm thankfull! it's a confirmation, I'll get practicing, THANK YOU!
Excellent video! I'm 72 and I've owned four Harleys, two Yamaha cruisers, two Hondas, and my very first bike was a Suzuki TC 200 two-stroke. The Harleys are much easier to ride than most other brands. Everything just seems to be more dialed-in. They did a lot of research developing the bikes over the years. Maintaining the traditional Harley experience while keeping in step with technology.
As a rider of a 2007 goldwing, I agree it does take practice to manouvre with confidence at very slow speed, but like any big bike, time in the saddle practicing these types of manoeuvres is the key, not like a lot of people think that just time on the bike riding in a straight line or around a nice country road but actually finding an empty carpark on a weekend and practicing a few new skills over and over again. Wish I had a course like this available near me here in Australia, love your videos
Ever since I first saw the goldwing I knew I was going to find myself riding one eventually. I am practicing on my current bike, and even have an experienced Rider course tomorrow. I love riding. Learning and improving is empowering.
My ‘08 Wing eats up slow speed maneuvers. Yes, the bike is longer; I found the throttle and clutch no more difficult to master than any other motorcycle. At this time, I am more proficient at slow-speed maneuvers on my Wing than on my ST1300PA. It all comes down to putting in the effort to practice.
I'll eat all y'all up on my 03 magna
@dco956 oh I'll eat you on my honda Rebel
Agree about the following GL1800, however I've watched and practiced more than many and listened to your guidance. I'm also ex motor jock, there is a difference but heavier rear brake in first pet using 2d works fine for me. We also can't see the cones up close until we run over then, lol. Love your training.
Thanks for this video. It helped me a lot.
I found using 2nd gear on my 2012 helps mush out that sensitive throttle issue. Tight u-turns with much more confidence in 2nd vs 1st.
I have a 2019 DCT Tour and came off of a 2003 Goldwing ABS. I had 288,000 miles on the 2003 when I sold it. I took several MSF courses on the 2003 model so I know what a friction zone is supposed to feel like. I had a concern when I bought the DCT model that slow speeds would be difficult and they are. I think the thing that saves me is that knowing what the friction zone feels like previously, let me play the back brake vs Throttle so that it feels like a friction zone and most of the time I'm successful but not always. What you are saying is truth in that the throttle is touchy and just takes loads of practice. Putting Goldstrike grips on with a larger diameter gave me a little more leverage and helped too. I'm lucky that there is a local school, Oklahoma State University OKC that has an MSF course laid out in their parking lot and you can ride by and practice during the daytime. The course is part of their precision driving school. I recently took a Ready to Ride course there and the instructors gave me a couple of tips that really helped. I make it by that school almost once a week to practice. Some days, I'm all over it and some days you look like a rookie. The bike is definitely capable but you will have to dedicate some practice to be proficient.
That was exactly the point of the video. Oddly, on the internet, some people just want to act like they are offended and they are right and I am wrong. Odder still, none of the complainers posted a video of them whipping their DCT's around with ease.
@@motorman857 Well, I'm not butt hurt like a lot of Goldwing riders. I understand the limitations and I practice with my bike as much as I can. I'm not as good on this bike as my previous Goldwing but I'm getting there. When I master it, I'll try to shoot a video for you but I'm not there yet. Keep up the great content, those Goldwing egos will get over it.
I remember the old ad "Follow the leader... he's on a Honda"
I remember Yamaha commercial . " Yamaha follow no one "
I watched your videos on you tube When I had a BMW K1200 LT. I went to a parking lot and practiced doing tighter and tighter figure eights for about 2 weeks. I was at my local costco to get just a few things. I parked near the front door when I came out there were carts around my bike. so I climbed on my bike and started it. I heard this doubter say you will never get it out of there. I slipped the clutch and made 3 perfect turns to avoid obstacles, and was on my way as I heard him say I don't believe it.
Great advice jerry! I have a 2012 gw and you are right, with the practice it can be done. I think another factor is the way the drive shaft reacts versus the belt drive.
I tried the 2017 Goldwing. The response is very fast, so I don't think that transmission drives is the issue.
I’m an adventure bike guy, thousands of miles on an KLR 650 and on a BMW GS. It’s alllll about clutch control and balance when you’re maneuvering over rocks and in ruts so I know exactly what you’re talking about. Had the chance to go out and and put a couple thousand miles on one of the new DCT wings and WOW. Knew it was gonna be heavy but the bike is incredibly well balanced and I picked it up pretty quick. (Yes I’m young) I loved the slow speed maneuvering (and FAST) of that bike. I could full lock and turn that thing no problem. Not a pro but I seriously enjoyed it. (Even without a clutch) Guy on the black wing was impressive. The low seat on the Harleys have always scared me lol, I’m pretty tall and it feels wrong to be that relaxed on a bike. Guess I just like sitting up! (It’s the GS brainwashing) Nice videos anyways, you’ve got a LOT more miles than me and some very educational videos!
I had a 02 Gold Wing and thought it did pretty good at low speeds. I had nothing to compare it to and even with all my years of riding, I never trained low speed handling. However I am confident that if I had another GW, I would be fine after a few classes with Jerry.
I’ve been riding on the street regularly since mid 80’s and I have owned a handful of motorcycles...the gold wing was one of my favorite bikes.
I LOVE this channel!!!
I test drove a Heritage and thought it was too short of a length compared to my spacious Yamaha V Star, but now I see why it's more nimble. I felt like I was eating the handle bars, but we all adjust where needed.
I bought a 2018 Goldwing DCT 8 months ago and I knew it wasn't my lack of skills with low speed handling, it's the Goldwing's fault ;) Anyway, I do love my Goldwing DCT and will put in the time and effort to get my skill level up. Hopefully some day I'll be in one of your classes.
I now own a 2021 Goldwing DCT. Previously, I was doing 18x36 figure 8 with a Harley Limited all day long. However, the best I can do with the DCT is 20’ and that’s with hours, days, weeks of practice.
I agree with you that the DCT is the most difficult.
Great video, hope the engineers are listing. From every company.
I am getting a clean 78 Wing soon, Jerry. I will be studying and learning with you. Leaving a little 450 Rebel.
I have an 08 Goldwing. I bought your "Ride Like a Pro" video last summer and try to practice often. I can make 20' u-turns fairly consistently with the Goldwing. I also own a Honda Shadow 1100. The Shadow steers horrible compared to the Goldwing but I have no trouble making consistent 18' u-turns on the Shadow. Thanks for this video and the one about the five most difficult to handle bikes. It explains why I haven't consistently achieved 18' u-turns on the wing.
You're speaking the truth Jerry ... I have a Goldwing and I have to practice slow-speed maneuvers constantly to keep myself comfortable. I also have a Harley Road Glide and it's much more responsive on the throttle ...
I've been on a Goldwing since my 1985 Interstate I bought in 1998, and I sure need refreshers on low speed handling. Two up compounds things even more. Great presentation. KNOCK on WOOD, I haven't dropped one yet, but I've been scary close a few times. Been in two crashes however. One in 2014 when a 16 year old pulled out in front of me, and my 2004. Last year on Father's Day while in route to the East coast we were merged into and went down. Totaled the 2014, on a 2016 now.
I'd say you're on point about the wing. I rode with the drill team for awhile and our technique was always, clutch in friction zone, rpm up to about 1500, rear brake drag, then counter lean. It' s a lot at first but once mastered, tight turns are a breeze. In reference to the "sensitive throttle", this has more to do with the high torque values of the engine. Slight throttle input, and the power is instant.. With the clutch in the friction zone, this mitigates the "dumping" of the power.
Jerry you are completely right in all aspects about a GoldWing. I been a GoldWing rider for a long time. Spent time in class. It remains difficult on the wing in tight turns. We ride 2 up a lot. Whole different beast at that point. When jumping on the son's Road King using the same techniques the HD is like a VStar for me. Each year as I bring the bike back out I have to "re-practice" tight turns. One thing I did not hear you say... maybe its not important, it is for me. Tire pressure and shock pressure makes a tremendous difference in slow speed handling. The other part is replacing and maintaining the steering knuckle bearing. Many knuckle bearings are "slightly" bad and riders miss it. Hard to feel. From WIng to Wing I found the after market fork support makes a difference in slow turn. You do such a great job in your videos. Thank you.
i have an 01 wing and agree, but practice a lot. It's the shaft drive vs belt or chain
You know what your talking about. I own a goldwing, victory, r1200rt. I practice slow speed and I have to reaclamate to each bike each time. The wing jumps in and out of the friction zone. I have no problem on the other two. I need to keep challenging my self to be a better rider. .
Ya sounds silly, all three bikes have hydrolic clutch. Pull the levers to the bars. The victory starts to grab half way out, fully engaged about 90 percent out. The BMW starts to grab at about 20 percent out, fully engaged about 75 percent out. The wing starts to engage at 20 percent out, fully engaged about half way out. Not much modulation for slipping. No one better or worst than the other, just me learning to controll each one and get better at doing it.
Great video. I’m a 2006 wing rider. Practice makes perfect…ride like a pro!!!