One thing I picked up on was driving with your High Beam on. I have been riding for 50 years now and never knew which was best low or high. A study I read about 2 years ago said never drive with your High Beams on. Two things happen when drivers who look at you. One is the light being bright makes them look away. Two and most important when the lights are bright the driver looses depth perception on how close or far away you really are. This is why ALL cars use either a low beam or a much lower output driving light. You can see the light but more important you can see the vehicle and where it is. I wish I could find the write up. It may have been in a Wing World Mag. Low beams always and be safe.
I somewhat get the headlight high beam modulator, but at a 4-way stop someone might think you're signalling them to go, and pull out in front of you. Personally I've always taken flashing high beams as a way to communicate with other people on the road. If you're just cruising behind someone they make take it as a sign that you're trying to pass them when you're 5 cars back. I do want to add some Denali LED lights up front maybe on the forks.
I’m going to have to quit watching TH-cam because Joe Biden keeps popping up every time I try to watch a TH-cam video and I don’t wanna watch that when I’m trying to watch TH-cam channels that I enjoy
I was travelling back North from London one night in my car when I saw a really odd sight, a pool of light travelling in the same direction, ahead of me. When I got closer it turned out to be a guy on a motorcycle who had fitted several LED lights shining down on the ground. It made him completely visible, you’d have to be blind to have missed it, and it was so unusual it was a real attention-grabber, so a BIG plus to his safety. Lights are a good idea, and more lights are an even better one. Thanks for the video. Les in UK
Reflecting tape to the wheel rims really improves side visibility. It’s available in many colors so you can match the rim so the tape doesn’t impact day time looks of your bike.
Running headlight modulators, especially with the already super bright LED high beams, is a terrible idea! Even as a motorcycle rider modulated lights are just annoying as hell! They are rank up there with 4x4 drivers putting HID kits in lamp reflectors that went designed for them, jacking up 4x4s and not readjusting factory lighting, and running off road lights on the highway! I'm a huge fan of yours and absolutely disagree with headlight modulators being useful! I think they just piss off motorist!
Scott Sellers First time I think I’ve ever disagreed with Kevin. They do let you be seen. And I also think they tick off everyone that sees them. Ever had a bike with one following you? The constant flashing in the rear view mirror is incredibly annoying. I once pulled over in my car to let a bike go that had one because it was driving me nuts. We need to be seen but annoying others doesn’t help our cause.
@@billbauman7813 I tin to turn off my modulator off when behind a car for more than a few minutes so as not annoy them. Plus a LOT of drivers have NO clue as to what they are.
I just purchased modulators for front and rear for my '18 Goldwing. I can see exactly what you all are saying for any rider who runs the front modulators all the time. That would certainly be annoying. I plan on using mine sparingly when I need to get someone's attention. Good comments from all.
Separating front lights as much as possible makes it difficult for oncoming drivers to identify the type of vehicle you’re driving, causing them to hesitate instead of “assume” and turn into your path. Anything that causes oncoming drivers to pause and re-evaluate is to your benefit.
Being seen is number One! I being an electrician wanted a lot of lights. But for now I have the Goldstrike trunk light bar, the fender filler led’s from Goldstrike plus the daytime run light/turn signal fork legs as well as saddlebag marker/signals. The 2022 comes with fog lites which I run day, and night! There are more available, but I am not trying to be like a parade float… lol. Thanks for your time, I enjoy your channel every once in a while. JT outside of Chicago
Hi Kevin, been working but, wanted to share something. I'm 54 and a returning Rider after 22 years. I had a close call and called your advice to mind literally in that second and I think it saved me from going down. I've been waiting until I can be back at the location and point out what happened through a video. 22 years is a long time and as statistics have it in riding the biggest bike I've ever had. Prior my last bike was a1981 yamaha Maxim 650, now I'm on a BMW R1150r. Very nimble but still massive by comparison. Talk soon, keep it coming!
Thank you for putting together and putting out these videos. Nice straight forward information about different products and why you do various upgrades is helpful.
I have seen pictures of those seats. Amazing how they look like the old goldwing seat. My stock ultra seat is pretty good I may just add a seat pad for longer trips.
one of the most important add ons for me was a side stand shoe from Traction Dynamics. I can put my 2019 Goldwing on the side stand on grass and not have the bike sink in or tip over and it looks good too. a must have
Added Skene Design lights fore and aft. The front led’s have a conspicuity flicker to them The flashing brake lights simply have to get that phone user to look up (they HAVE TO!!!) - and works well in fog to alert trailing vehicles (socked in Teton Pass - 2015). As MSF says, “ride like you’re invisible!”
While I agree with the lighting. I have found that the headlight modulator causes people to pull over, thinking I want to pass them. I even had one person turn left in front of me thinking I was flashing him and giving him the go ahead to turn. Having said that I think its more appropriate for highway riding then city. I think people get confused by it.
It is absurd that Honda would sell a $24000 motorcycle with a very bad and uncomfortable seat. Shame. I personally believe the whole lean back design is problematic. On my 2001 Honda ST 1100, the front of the seat is fairly wide so you support some of your weight with your thighs. And there is a slight forward lean so some of the weight is supported by your forearms. I can ride all day long no issues whatsoever with the original stock ST1100 factory seat.
Why can't Honda....maker of the Goldwing for 40+ yrs make a stock high quality sest ...it is their flagship touring model...especially at the price they sell for...
Great product ideas. I want to make the same changes to my 1st gen 1800 GL, but currently to not have deep enough pockets, but hope to soon. Keep up the GREAT work, and see ya on the road! May the Lord bless and keep you!
Those are great additions to your beautiful bike. I have the brake module on my Yamaha FJ09 and I think I'll get the headlight flasher too. Makes sense for sure. Great video. Now I want a Gold Wing.
I am not a fan of headlight modulators. Maybe it's me but a few years ago a bike came up behind me with a modulator and within 60 seconds I had to pull over and let him by or I was going to run him over. The blinking was just maddening.
Can you provide me with an update about your russell-day-long seat, since you have been riding on it for about 2 months? I have already done the Wing Soft seat upgrade, and it didn't help me much at all. I am scheduled to send my seat to Russell the last part of September.
I finally saw and sat on a new goldwing. I was instantly smitten and blown away! Not in a million years did I ever think I would want a Goldwing. But these new ones are not the old man's bike of years ago , they are a sleek sporty and fast touring bike. Blew my mind! I went to look at new Indians and a Harley Ultra . Had no intent of seeing a Goldwing but they had one. When I sat on it the Indian and HD desire got flushed down the toilet
I got lucky when I found my used 2003 Wing it came with a bunch of add on lights. I did not think much about them till I saw them a night it truly makes it more visible.
Hi Kevin, I enjoy your video so much that I apply them to my driving. I was taking my son for a driving lesson. We first started off in the park, here in Philly, then drove in the city streets. I was teaching him the techniques that I learned by watching your videos and the focus was to watch everything that moved. In the park, deers were in the area and one of them ran across in front of him. I stated to him to watch for more and there were more of them. As we were driving in the city street, people were like the deers running across in front of my car; cars pulling out in front of us, cars double-parked on the street, and cars racing to get to the next green light. Your lessons have really made an impact on my motorcycle driving and my car driving. I think that you should make some CD's similar to Jerry "Ride like a Pro. Don't get me wrong he's a great instructor as well, that's why I purchased his videos and passed my motorcycle course. Well, this is my store for now and I'm sticking with it.
I installed my second RDL saddle to my new-to-me GSA...I went for a 1,000 mile to break it in but it hardly needed it...it was a great day...! I also have Clearwaters to see and be seen... I entirely agree with function over form... Ride Safe
I am getting my seat done by RDL very soon...I booked an in shop appointment about 9 months ago and unfortunately the weather is not playing nice. So I will be trailering the Wing up and back to avoid riding in these really nasty storms of rain and snow. I really hate the Honda OEM seat, it is the worst seat of any MC I have ever owned. This is pretty lame considering the cost of a new Goldwing...and then Honda has the nerve to offer a "more comfortable seat option". Thanks for the video and I really liked all of your other safety add ons! Cheers! Michael
The law was created making modulating headlights legal because studies showed it could save lives. The one time you don’t use it because ur afraid of offending someone is the time you’ll probably get in a crash. We spend lots of money on bright colored jackets, reflective material, loud exhaust, and other stuff to get drivers attention and then when they design one of the most effective things like the modulating light, people say they won’t use them or will only use them sometimes. If it works why not use it 100% of the time..?
Hello Kevin, I enjoyed your video on the improvements you made to your GL1800 Goldwing Tour. I performed the same improvements to my GL1800 Goldwing Tour, only my third light upon the trunk did not turn out so well: I used the Pathfinder plug and play harness with the light, but the brake light did not work. All the other lights worked as Expected, however, when I applied the brakes the fuse blew. I suspect the issue existed prior to the installation of the trunk light, only I was not aware of prior to my third light installation. To verify I removed the harnesses from the OEM system and reconnected the original harness, applied the brake and the fuse blew, which says to me that I had no brake lights all along, but just wasn’t aware of it. Do you know of anyone who has experienced this issue before? Respectfully, Loyal.
Hi Kevin. I’m late here; but this is great stuff. Question: how tall are you ? Or maybe a better question is how long is your inseam? Been thinking of ordering thr RDL. I’m 5’11… but I’m all torso 😩. Thank you sir.
Kevin, it looks like your "modulator" isn't designed for use on L.E.D's. Modulators are supposed to (by law) modulate the lights and not "flash" them. In other words they are never allowed to go full-off and then full-on. They are to go from full on to about 50% and then back to full on, at a rate of about 1Hz. Your L.E.D. headlights are flashing.... not cool.
I like that Russell seat. Looked at them years ago but they cost more than my old wing. I put a real steel tractor seat on and it is good for 12 to 18 hour days
Hi Kevin, if u don't mind me asking how tall are you? Because u mentioned after you installed russell day long seat you can't flat foot your GL. How many inches the russell day long seat added compared to the stock. Im 5'8" I can barely flat foot my GL. But I'm looking to get a new seat. Thanks
I am a relatively new rider. Had an accident of sorts 2 days ago. Fortunately neither the bike nor me were seriously damaged or injured. I have a 2018 Honda Goldwing DCT. It’s the first time I ever had a passenger on the back. All went well until we parked at IHOP. I hadn’t put the kickstand down yet which would automatically kill the engine. Apparently I was still in “drive” and when he went to get off the bike, it caused my hand to hit the throttle. The bike shot forward before falling on my left knee and ankle. It jumped that concrete thing that are in most parking lots so if something like this happens, you don’t careen into the building. Since I never had a passenger on back, it never occurred to me that this “accident” could ever happen. What I like about your channel is you’re safety focused, so I wonder if you could do a video showing people how to get on and off a bike with a passenger in the safest way possible. Thanks.
Excellent discussion and recommendations, Kevin. One of the first mods I did with ‘18 DCT was install A Traxxion Dynamics steering link arm with aircraft grade steel bushings. There was a discernible improvement in steering feel, a more direct feel to steering inputs particularly noticeable in slow speed maneuvers and high speed cornering. This steering link completely illuminated the somewhat vague feel at the handlebar I had previously experienced. Cheers, Kevin.
I took my Harley to Alaska. Averaged 790 miles a day for 11 days. I took my 2016 Wing to California and cut back to 770 miles a day for 9 days, but I have an iron butt.
Sorry, the flashing headlight and brake lights are not safe. The first time I came up on a guy with flashing brake lights, I was confused and didn't know what it meant. Imagine a car behind you not knowing what flashing lights means. Is he slowing down or stopping, 4ways, having trouble?I absolutely will not do this to my GW. I do not need every vehicle behind me trying to figure this out! My opinion!
I do not own a Gold Wing. I do not need other lightd. And I have a very nice stock seat on my '03 Intruder. And still, I enjoyed watching this video wearing (no joke) my MC Rider T-Shirt sitting here in Germany, listening to all these good tipps you give out! You made my riding in the past and future safer with all your videos. Thank You!
Thanks for describing your mods. I used the Show Chrome Isolated Fuse Block, so I could use different lighting options. It is a little bit of a hassle to trace down the color code for all of the products. I have the Goldstrike Trunk Brake and Turn Light, the Twinart Vent Lights you spoke about, and Show Chrome's Fork and Saddle bag Marker lights, along with their Fog Light kit that installs just like the OEM Honda ones. I had Kisan Electronics on other bikes, so I have them on my Wing. I may get to the seat one day as well. More visibility is better for sure.
I added a Russell day long to my ktm 1290 sa. I absolutely love it!! I used to get tied riding to work, 20 minutes, nowI can do a 400 mile plus day with zero butt discomfort! Total game changer.
I ride an 1986 Honda Shadow VT750 and some time ago Kevin talked about adding extra lighting to the front of your bike. So I added two LED flood lights giving the "Triangle" lighting effect. I have noticed that car drivers now wait at intersections for me to go by and have less drivers pull out in front of me. I know for a fact that extra lighting helps. Thanks Kevin for all your great advice.
All my friends are taking the factory reflectors off their bikes. They think I'm a square because I don't want to. That being said, they're not going to pay the hospital bills or bike repairs because somebody didn't see me from the side. Being square is kinda cool if ya think about it! Youda best, Kevin!!
The kind of lighting - front and back - will add an exponential margin of safety IMO. Thanks as well for telling us about the update on the seating. If you are comfortable you will pay more attention to the surroundings.
Love your channel , I put a modular on the front and back of my bike as well. I was also looking at the Twinart lights you put under each side of your headlight. Just a heads up... Them lights go right in your air intake to your radiator. Thought I would say something
been riding since i was a teen , now 60 years old - headlight modulaters have to be the WORST thing i've ever seen , i hate when one comes up behind me or towards me and have heard many truckers and 4 wheelers say it makes them hate bikers.
One of the best things about being a motorcycle enthusiast is being able to appreciate beautiful motorcycles, the engineering etc. I learned a long time ago that I do not need to own something to enjoy the fact that someone else owns it.
my MSF instructor is a Gold Wing owner. He said there was an inordinate amount of blue ones in accidents, so there wont be any more blue ones. Something about blue blending into the back ground. Thought that was interesting.
I too had an FJR1300 with a headlight modulator and agree with everything you said. There was one slight downside - on several occasions the vehicle in front of me pulled off to the side of the road thinking I was police and pulling them over. The first time it happened I thought it was funny but after that I felt pretty badly about upsetting the drivers. I eventually learned to disable the modulator when following vehicles.
Some people seem to disagree with the flashing headlights as they anoy drivers . u can turn it off behind someone if u r going to b tailing them for a while . ive seen them head on and they r a little annoying, but u arent looking at them for an eternity either . they go by. I like this add on and never thought of it til now
I like your video. Regarding the RDL seat, every “body” has a different backside. The RDL seat apparently works for you, but the stock seat works just fine for many, maybe even most owners. I find the stock seat to be about the best seat of any bike I’ve owned. BTW, some GW owners tried the RDL seat and were not happy with it. Also, others swear by the Corbin seat and others swear AT it. YMMV, as they say.
I agree. I find the shape of the wing seat great. It is as he puts it shaped like a tractor seat but i find it a tad too firm. It's not worth the cost of an rdl. I have extended my time in the saddle with a $13 chair pad i picked up at Walmart. Ok it looks silly but i only use it on 300mi plus rides
I couldnt ride 2 miles with the stock seat.The bumps on the road travelled right up my spine.After getting a RDL the ride is pure heaven.Corbin saddle didnt work either.
roger semple I can understand that. At least you don’t say the seat is “terrible” or use other more colorful metaphors to describe the seat-or attack Honda for being so stupid. I don’t think anyone can make a seat that fits every backside. I can ride 300 miles on the stock seat without squirming-but that’s me.
@@danrahn9863 Do you run the headlight modulator all the time when riding during the day? I'm wondering if it's too distracting for drivers....or maybe that's the point!
I installed custom dynamics tail, turn and bag blades. Changed my front turn signals as well. I get comments from car drivers that the lights helped them see me. I have upgraded the factory seat on every bike I have owned with the exception of a Harley I bought used that already had a mustang seat on it.
I purchased the exact same seat you got for my cross country ride 3 years ago. I did 18 hours from LA to Albuquerque New Mexico on my first day without any butt pain. Amazing difference from my original 2012 Honda NC700X seat. I couldn’t ride 1 hour on the original seat without pain. Your review was spot on. I’m 6’4” and also had issues about stopping and foot-reach. Today I’m use to it and it’s not so bad (took some getting use too). It also took me about 2 1/2 months to wait in line for delivery :)
What is with seats? You would think factory seats would be comfortable but most are not. The exception is the Yamaha Royal Star Venture, I rode 975miles on thursday (june 19 2020) and never get too uncomfortable. By the time I gas up (200-250 miles/tank) I am ready for another leg of the trip. I have completed 3 other 1000 mile days on the same bike/seat. Maybe the bike makers own stock in the after market seat companies. LOL
Hi Kevin. I have a question for you. I also ordered the Day-Long seat. I was confused about what you said. Did it take 2 1/2 weeks to ship your seat or 2 1/2 weeks from your production date? Can you elaborate?
You should try Victory cross country. I have bad hips and I did NYC to Saguenay Canada and back on the stock seat. In the past I had Russel on Valkyrie F6 2001, was a OK. I was able to make NYC to Lake George, but not much further. Rusell is not that accommodating as they say. I had bad experience with them. Additionally this is the most expensive anywhere on the market. On the modulator side I have heard explanation on left turn accident with the car " I was thinking the biker lets me go first because hes light was flickering"
The new seat looks like standard seats from Gen 1 Goldwings? The 2 bikes I owned, 2005 & current 2007 both gave similar seats and we can die for HOURS as is. We had an VTX1300R first and that bike seat was like sitting on a concrete slab! Only able to ride for half an hour before the dreaded "monkeybutt" kicked us in the rear. Took 3 months and cost us @$350 to get a full custom seats made by local seat maker in Arizona. Up front, I always switch to HID Xenon headlight kit on my vehicles, bikes and cars/truck. Function? I decided to add LED to to make myself more visible. NOBODY miss me on the road. My modular helmet came with LED at the back with 4 settings: off, steady on, slow flash and fast flash. Can't miss me from rear at night running up on me. Yes, I look like moving "Christmas tree" at night but, I ALWAYS get seen and come home safe.
I am hoping that you can shed some more light on the Russell Day Long seat that you purchased. I have a 2020 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT Airbag. I sent my seat off to the person that does the Wing Soft upgrade. I did not find that it significantly increased my seat time before I was in pain. I also purchased the Air Hawk seat cushion, which has not helped me too much either. Is your Russell Day Long seat a worth while investment? How long can you ride with it installed, as compared to your previous seat?
I was wondering if your Goldwing has the Capability to Lower the Suspension thus allowing you to Flat Foot when Stopped? Just a Thought, I Own a 2016 so I have no Idea what the 2018 Suspension Functions are.
Excuse my ignorance but I'm hoping you did a video about how/why you went from a Harley and Tenere to the Goldwing, for all of us older riders who might be considering the 'Wing. Thank you, Kevin!
A couple of years ago I booked a ride in appointment to get a Day Long for my V-Strom. It was a very painful 1200 km ride down. The install took about 7 hours. The next day I spent 12 hours in the saddle and could have done more if I wasn't so tired. I do have a longer reach to the ground but can still get both toes down if I need. 99.6% of the time it's only my left foot down and I've never found that to be a problem.
Yup. I went to a Corbin seat, Denali running lights with yellow lenses, and Admore tail light which also modulates. Much more visible and like ur seat upgrade, Corbin has a definite “bucket” configuration. The above have been added to a 2019 concours 14. Very good suggestions Kevin. Being seen is one thing on a motorcycle we can control which greatly adds to our overall safety...in my humble opinion.
Great advice Kevin. I finally pulled the trigger on a RDL too after some but not enough improvement on the Wingsoft. Just sent my seat off and anxiously awaiting the return. I share your Function over Fashion philosophy… you may also want to consider the Patthfinder LED sequential cowl lights. It has the benefit of both front and side view for turn signals and is super bright and is one of my top favorites that I added. Really enjoy your videos and insight… keep it up, you are making a difference.
I did the ride in appointment last fall with my 2015 Wing. Amazing seat, money well spent. Not sure how long it would be comfortable, a few Bun Burner Gold rides, 22+ hour days and NO problems with an RDL. Nice video, thanks.
Love extra lights. I added dual yellow fog/driving lights. The super bright yellow color isn't terrible common, so it REALLY makes my bike stand out to oncomers. And I feel like the light triangle formed in combination with my single headlight helps people realize it's a motorcycle.
I’m a motorcycle rider and I’m all against those modulators. It makes the motorcycle more visible to upcoming traffic but it also blinds the upcoming traffic, a flashing high beam blinds you even during daylight. It’s safety for some but it’s hazardous for others and for for me they ought to be illegal for road use.
Nice set of mods! I've added retroreflective stickers to the back of my bike - they seem to make a difference for filtering/lane splitting in heavy traffic. Had not considered putting lights on the front of the bike, but now I am considering doing that.
Added a 6" led to the 03 and 07 Honda shadows that my wife and I ride. Mounted on the front crosspiece between the blinkers. I feel like the led is much more noticeable in the daylight vs the incandescent headlight, and I feel like having them really helps us get noticed. Also added 2 red led strips inside the casket tail light which make a huge difference. (One is for brakes, the other for running). I noticed I could see my friend's blue ground lights from a quarter mile away at night, plus they look awesome. Added those as well, red for me and blue for the wife to match our bikes.
After being rear ended on my bike, I completely agree that one needs to make their bike more noticeable. On the front of my bike I added a VisionX LED headlight and LED running lights/turn signals. On the back of my bike I added both LED brake/tail light as well as LED turn signals. All of these are much brighter and make the bike much more noticeable. I wanted to add the brake light modulator to give the strobe/flashing signal when braking only to find out that this type of brake light function is not legal in my home state of Wisconsin. Too bad. This really gets people's attention when in use. I will be approaching my state senator and assembly person to see if it can be changed but I am not that hopeful.
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One thing I picked up on was driving with your High Beam on. I have been riding for 50 years now and never knew which was best low or high. A study I read about 2 years ago said never drive with your High Beams on. Two things happen when drivers who look at you. One is the light being bright makes them look away. Two and most important when the lights are bright the driver looses depth perception on how close or far away you really are. This is why ALL cars use either a low beam or a much lower output driving light. You can see the light but more important you can see the vehicle and where it is. I wish I could find the write up. It may have been in a Wing World Mag. Low beams always and be safe.
"I have no need to go 80mph in first gear!"
Heretic!! That's just the mrs. talking, go wash your mouth!! :-)
😂
I somewhat get the headlight high beam modulator, but at a 4-way stop someone might think you're signalling them to go, and pull out in front of you. Personally I've always taken flashing high beams as a way to communicate with other people on the road. If you're just cruising behind someone they make take it as a sign that you're trying to pass them when you're 5 cars back. I do want to add some Denali LED lights up front maybe on the forks.
I’m going to have to quit watching TH-cam because Joe Biden keeps popping up every time I try to watch a TH-cam video and I don’t wanna watch that when I’m trying to watch TH-cam channels that I enjoy
Same
I agree. Very annoying.
Nothing worse than a Sleepy Joe vid to ruin a day.
ah sleepy joe adds, what a total joke! I turn the sound off and look away until I can skip the adds
Thank you Kevin
I was travelling back North from London one night in my car when I saw a really odd sight, a pool of light travelling in the same direction, ahead of me. When I got closer it turned out to be a guy on a motorcycle who had fitted several LED lights shining down on the ground. It made him completely visible, you’d have to be blind to have missed it, and it was so unusual it was a real attention-grabber, so a BIG plus to his safety. Lights are a good idea, and more lights are an even better one. Thanks for the video. Les in UK
Reflecting tape to the wheel rims really improves side visibility. It’s available in many colors so you can match the rim so the tape doesn’t impact day time looks of your bike.
Running headlight modulators, especially with the already super bright LED high beams, is a terrible idea! Even as a motorcycle rider modulated lights are just annoying as hell! They are rank up there with 4x4 drivers putting HID kits in lamp reflectors that went designed for them, jacking up 4x4s and not readjusting factory lighting, and running off road lights on the highway! I'm a huge fan of yours and absolutely disagree with headlight modulators being useful! I think they just piss off motorist!
Scott Sellers First time I think I’ve ever disagreed with Kevin. They do let you be seen. And I also think they tick off everyone that sees them. Ever had a bike with one following you? The constant flashing in the rear view mirror is incredibly annoying. I once pulled over in my car to let a bike go that had one because it was driving me nuts. We need to be seen but annoying others doesn’t help our cause.
@@billbauman7813 I tin to turn off my modulator off when behind a car for more than a few minutes so as not annoy them. Plus a LOT of drivers have NO clue as to what they are.
On most rides I never turn my modulator on. But when I'm in heavy traffic/want drivers to notice me, it comes in handy
I just purchased modulators for front and rear for my '18 Goldwing. I can see exactly what you all are saying for any rider who runs the front modulators all the time. That would certainly be annoying. I plan on using mine sparingly when I need to get someone's attention. Good comments from all.
Separating front lights as much as possible makes it difficult for oncoming drivers to identify the type of vehicle you’re driving, causing them to hesitate instead of “assume” and turn into your path. Anything that causes oncoming drivers to pause and re-evaluate is to your benefit.
Being seen is number One! I being an electrician wanted a lot of lights. But for now I have the Goldstrike trunk light bar, the fender filler led’s from Goldstrike plus the daytime run light/turn signal fork legs as well as saddlebag marker/signals. The 2022 comes with fog lites which I run day, and night! There are more available, but I am not trying to be like a parade float… lol. Thanks for your time, I enjoy your channel every once in a while. JT outside of Chicago
Hi Kevin, been working but, wanted to share something. I'm 54 and a returning Rider after 22 years. I had a close call and called your advice to mind literally in that second and I think it saved me from going down. I've been waiting until I can be back at the location and point out what happened through a video. 22 years is a long time and as statistics have it in riding the biggest bike I've ever had. Prior my last bike was a1981 yamaha Maxim 650, now I'm on a BMW R1150r. Very nimble but still massive by comparison. Talk soon, keep it coming!
Thank you for putting together and putting out these videos. Nice straight forward information about different products and why you do various upgrades is helpful.
I have seen pictures of those seats. Amazing how they look like the old goldwing seat. My stock ultra seat is pretty good I may just add a seat pad for longer trips.
one of the most important add ons for me was a side stand shoe from Traction Dynamics. I can put my 2019 Goldwing on the side stand on grass and not have the bike sink in or tip over and it looks good too. a must have
A block of wood works great for me on my '14, but personally, I'm saving my pennies for their suspension upgrade. 😎
Added Skene Design lights fore and aft.
The front led’s have a conspicuity flicker to them
The flashing brake lights simply have to get that phone user to look up (they HAVE TO!!!) - and works well in fog to alert trailing vehicles (socked in Teton Pass - 2015).
As MSF says, “ride like you’re invisible!”
While I agree with the lighting. I have found that the headlight modulator causes people to pull over, thinking I want to pass them. I even had one person turn left in front of me thinking I was flashing him and giving him the go ahead to turn. Having said that I think its more appropriate for highway riding then city. I think people get confused by it.
It is absurd that Honda would sell a $24000 motorcycle with a very bad and uncomfortable seat. Shame. I personally believe the whole lean back design is problematic. On my 2001 Honda ST 1100, the front of the seat is fairly wide so you support some of your weight with your thighs. And there is a slight forward lean so some of the weight is supported by your forearms. I can ride all day long no issues whatsoever with the original stock ST1100 factory seat.
Why can't Honda....maker of the Goldwing for 40+ yrs make a stock high quality sest ...it is their flagship touring model...especially at the price they sell for...
Great product ideas. I want to make the same changes to my 1st gen 1800 GL, but currently to not have deep enough pockets, but hope to soon.
Keep up the GREAT work, and see ya on the road! May the Lord bless and keep you!
Valuable advices from expirienced trainer. Thank you Kevin !
Those are great additions to your beautiful bike. I have the brake module on my Yamaha FJ09 and I think I'll get the headlight flasher too. Makes sense for sure. Great video. Now I want a Gold Wing.
I am not a fan of headlight modulators.
Maybe it's me but a few years ago a bike came up behind me with a modulator and within 60 seconds I had to pull over and let
him by or I was going to run him over. The blinking was just maddening.
I know of two fellow Goldwing riders that had 2018 goldwings and traded them in on the leftover 2017 goldwings...
Can you provide me with an update about your russell-day-long seat, since you have been riding on it for about 2 months? I have already done the Wing Soft seat upgrade, and it didn't help me much at all. I am scheduled to send my seat to Russell the last part of September.
I finally saw and sat on a new goldwing. I was instantly smitten and blown away! Not in a million years did I ever think I would want a Goldwing. But these new ones are not the old man's bike of years ago , they are a sleek sporty and fast touring bike. Blew my mind! I went to look at new Indians and a Harley Ultra . Had no intent of seeing a Goldwing but they had one. When I sat on it the Indian and HD desire got flushed down the toilet
I got lucky when I found my used 2003 Wing it came with a bunch of add on lights. I did not think much about them till I saw them a night it truly makes it more visible.
It seem to be I am the only one with a modulating headlight on the road. I rarely seen anyone else have one.
I'm having mine installed as we speak! Ill use it sparingly but it will be a nice safety feature to have!
Hi Kevin, I enjoy your video so much that I apply them to my driving. I was taking my son for a driving lesson. We first started off in the park, here in Philly, then drove in the city streets. I was teaching him the techniques that I learned by watching your videos and the focus was to watch everything that moved. In the park, deers were in the area and one of them ran across in front of him. I stated to him to watch for more and there were more of them. As we were driving in the city street, people were like the deers running across in front of my car; cars pulling out in front of us, cars double-parked on the street, and cars racing to get to the next green light. Your lessons have really made an impact on my motorcycle driving and my car driving. I think that you should make some CD's similar to Jerry "Ride like a Pro. Don't get me wrong he's a great instructor as well, that's why I purchased his videos and passed my motorcycle course. Well, this is my store for now and I'm sticking with it.
I installed my second RDL saddle to my new-to-me GSA...I went for a 1,000 mile to break it in but it hardly needed it...it was a great day...!
I also have Clearwaters to see and be seen...
I entirely agree with function over form...
Ride Safe
l learned several items that I had not known before, thank you for making this video!
Glad it was helpful!
Great ideas Kevin. I'll have to do some checking now. Stay safe.
Lighting upgrades are the first thing I do when prepping a new bike! Safety first!
Honda soft, Heli bar riser, F4 Windshield, Kuryakin iso Grips, Traxxion Dynamics shock upgrade, Skene photon blasters.
I am getting my seat done by RDL very soon...I booked an in shop appointment about 9 months ago and unfortunately the weather is not playing nice.
So I will be trailering the Wing up and back to avoid riding in these really nasty storms of rain and snow. I really hate the Honda OEM seat, it is the worst seat of any MC I have ever owned. This is pretty lame considering the cost of a new Goldwing...and then Honda has the nerve to offer a "more comfortable seat option".
Thanks for the video and I really liked all of your other safety add ons!
Cheers!
Michael
The law was created making modulating headlights legal because studies showed it could save lives. The one time you don’t use it because ur afraid of offending someone is the time you’ll probably get in a crash. We spend lots of money on bright colored jackets, reflective material, loud exhaust, and other stuff to get drivers attention and then when they design one of the most effective things like the modulating light, people say they won’t use them or will only use them sometimes. If it works why not use it 100% of the time..?
Hello Kevin,
I enjoyed your video on the improvements you made to your GL1800 Goldwing Tour. I performed the same improvements to my GL1800
Goldwing Tour, only my third light upon the trunk did not turn out so well: I used the Pathfinder plug and play harness with the light, but the brake light did not work. All the other lights worked as Expected, however, when I applied the brakes the fuse blew. I suspect the issue existed prior to the installation of the trunk light, only I was not aware of prior to my third light installation. To verify I removed the harnesses from the OEM system and reconnected the original harness, applied the brake and the fuse blew, which says to me that I had no brake lights all along, but just wasn’t aware of it. Do you know of anyone who has experienced this issue before?
Respectfully,
Loyal.
Great timing haha. I was just talking to my wife about putting modulators of our bikes. Happy Father's Day, Kevin. Y'all be safe.
Hi Kevin. I’m late here; but this is great stuff. Question: how tall are you ? Or maybe a better question is how long is your inseam? Been thinking of ordering thr RDL. I’m 5’11… but I’m all torso 😩. Thank you sir.
Kevin, it looks like your "modulator" isn't designed for use on L.E.D's. Modulators are supposed to (by law) modulate the lights and not "flash" them. In other words they are never allowed to go full-off and then full-on. They are to go from full on to about 50% and then back to full on, at a rate of about 1Hz. Your L.E.D. headlights are flashing.... not cool.
I like that Russell seat. Looked at them years ago but they cost more than my old wing. I put a real steel tractor seat on and it is good for 12 to 18 hour days
Hi Kevin, if u don't mind me asking how tall are you? Because u mentioned after you installed russell day long seat you can't flat foot your GL. How many inches the russell day long seat added compared to the stock. Im 5'8" I can barely flat foot my GL. But I'm looking to get a new seat. Thanks
I am a relatively new rider. Had an accident of sorts 2 days ago. Fortunately neither the bike nor me were seriously damaged or injured. I have a 2018 Honda Goldwing DCT. It’s the first time I ever had a passenger on the back. All went well until we parked at IHOP. I hadn’t put the kickstand down yet which would automatically kill the engine. Apparently I was still in “drive” and when he went to get off the bike, it caused my hand to hit the throttle. The bike shot forward before falling on my left knee and ankle. It jumped that concrete thing that are in most parking lots so if something like this happens, you don’t careen into the building. Since I never had a passenger on back, it never occurred to me that this “accident” could ever happen. What I like about your channel is you’re safety focused, so I wonder if you could do a video showing people how to get on and off a bike with a passenger in the safest way possible. Thanks.
Excellent discussion and recommendations, Kevin. One of the first mods I did with ‘18 DCT was install A Traxxion Dynamics steering link arm with aircraft grade steel bushings. There was a discernible improvement in steering feel, a more direct feel to steering inputs particularly noticeable in slow speed maneuvers and high speed cornering. This steering link completely illuminated the somewhat vague feel at the handlebar I had previously experienced. Cheers, Kevin.
I took my Harley to Alaska. Averaged 790 miles a day for 11 days. I took my 2016 Wing to California and cut back to 770 miles a day for 9 days, but I have an iron butt.
Sorry, the flashing headlight and brake lights are not safe. The first time I came up on a guy with flashing brake lights, I was confused and didn't know what it meant. Imagine a car behind you not knowing what flashing lights means. Is he slowing down or stopping, 4ways, having trouble?I absolutely will not do this to my GW. I do not need every vehicle behind me trying to figure this out! My opinion!
I do not own a Gold Wing. I do not need other lightd. And I have a very nice stock seat on my '03 Intruder.
And still, I enjoyed watching this video wearing (no joke) my MC Rider T-Shirt sitting here in Germany, listening to all these good tipps you give out!
You made my riding in the past and future safer with all your videos.
Thank You!
Thanks for describing your mods. I used the Show Chrome Isolated Fuse Block, so I could use different lighting options. It is a little bit of a hassle to trace down the color code for all of the products. I have the Goldstrike Trunk Brake and Turn Light, the Twinart Vent Lights you spoke about, and Show Chrome's Fork and Saddle bag Marker lights, along with their Fog Light kit that installs just like the OEM Honda ones. I had Kisan Electronics on other bikes, so I have them on my Wing. I may get to the seat one day as well. More visibility is better for sure.
I added a Russell day long to my ktm 1290 sa. I absolutely love it!! I used to get tied riding to work, 20 minutes, nowI can do a 400 mile plus day with zero butt discomfort! Total game changer.
I ride an 1986 Honda Shadow VT750 and some time ago Kevin talked about adding extra lighting to the front of your bike. So I added two LED flood lights giving the "Triangle" lighting effect. I have noticed that car drivers now wait at intersections for me to go by and have less drivers pull out in front of me. I know for a fact that extra lighting helps. Thanks Kevin for all your great advice.
Thanks for sharing...I think extra lighting especially triangulated like you said makes a huge difference.
I have a 2019 Goldwing Tour. In the time, since you made this video, are there any other upgrades you'd recommend? Thank you.
Want to add some extra reflectivity to your motorcycle? The easiest way is with an MCrider reflective decal. ;)
www.MCrider.com/decal
Deedle lights are terrible for oncoming traffic and have created more ill will towards motorcyclists than just about anything.
Thank you for your videos, is there any chance to contact you? I wrote you an email but I don't know if you got the message.
How do you find the friction zone or sweet spot ,on the DCT Honda Goldwing it is hard ,and to maKE U-TURNS.
I love my RDL seat on my Kawasaki Vaquero, but sliding forward at every stop light on city traffic gets really old fast.
Just love it on trips though.
I Added a brake light modulator to my Honda CTX1300 LED tail lights and I think it does the trick or getting motorists attention.
All my friends are taking the factory reflectors off their bikes. They think I'm a square because I don't want to. That being said, they're not going to pay the hospital bills or bike repairs because somebody didn't see me from the side. Being square is kinda cool if ya think about it!
Youda best, Kevin!!
Yeah, I have never understood the need to take them off.
Don’t you know, it’s hip to be square!
Huey Lewis
The kind of lighting - front and back - will add an exponential margin of safety IMO. Thanks as well for telling us about the update on the seating. If you are comfortable you will pay more attention to the surroundings.
Love your channel , I put a modular on the front and back of my bike as well.
I was also looking at the Twinart lights you put under each side of your headlight.
Just a heads up... Them lights go right in your air intake to your radiator.
Thought I would say something
been riding since i was a teen , now 60 years old - headlight modulaters have to be the WORST thing i've ever seen , i hate when one comes up behind me or towards me and have heard many truckers and 4 wheelers say it makes them hate bikers.
Just got my seat back from RDL 2 weeks ago. It makes a world of difference.
2 years with a RDL still love it. 886 mile day 2 weeks ago and was ready to go the next day.
Lights, Lights, Lights! You cannot have enough lights on your bike! Front and back!
One of the best things about being a motorcycle enthusiast is being able to appreciate beautiful motorcycles, the engineering etc. I learned a long time ago that I do not need to own something to enjoy the fact that someone else owns it.
my MSF instructor is a Gold Wing owner. He said there was an inordinate amount of blue ones in accidents, so there wont be any more blue ones. Something about blue blending into the back ground. Thought that was interesting.
I was wondering why they discontinued the blue colored models. My 2018 is blue. I also
just installed my RDL seat.
Same thing with cars. Not really just blue but any color in that range that blends in with the road/sky.
I walked away from a good priced GW1800 because it was black. Invisible at night.
I too had an FJR1300 with a headlight modulator and agree with everything you said. There was one slight downside - on several occasions the vehicle in front of me pulled off to the side of the road thinking I was police and pulling them over. The first time it happened I thought it was funny but after that I felt pretty badly about upsetting the drivers. I eventually learned to disable the modulator when following vehicles.
Yeah I have had that happen a few times too. Your nicer than me though, I just wave as I go by. 🖐🏼
I put an ultimate seat on my spyder, but I need to do something with the Honda nc750xd I have
Decisions decisions... 😎😎😁
Great Video 👍, for the seat part I do prefer to be able to put both feet fully flat on ground and comfortable.
Some people seem to disagree with the flashing headlights as they anoy drivers . u can turn it off behind someone if u r going to b tailing them for a while . ive seen them head on and they r a little annoying, but u arent looking at them for an eternity either . they go by. I like this add on and never thought of it til now
Hey Kevin, which seat did you choose in your video? I like the design.
I like your video. Regarding the RDL seat, every “body” has a different backside. The RDL seat apparently works for you, but the stock seat works just fine for many, maybe even most owners. I find the stock seat to be about the best seat of any bike I’ve owned. BTW, some GW owners tried the RDL seat and were not happy with it. Also, others swear by the Corbin seat and others swear AT it. YMMV, as they say.
I agree. I find the shape of the wing seat great. It is as he puts it shaped like a tractor seat but i find it a tad too firm. It's not worth the cost of an rdl. I have extended my time in the saddle with a $13 chair pad i picked up at Walmart. Ok it looks silly but i only use it on 300mi plus rides
I couldnt ride 2 miles with the stock seat.The bumps on the road travelled right up my spine.After getting a RDL the ride is pure heaven.Corbin saddle didnt work either.
roger semple I can understand that. At least you don’t say the seat is “terrible” or use other more colorful metaphors to describe the seat-or attack Honda for being so stupid. I don’t think anyone can make a seat that fits every backside. I can ride 300 miles on the stock seat without squirming-but that’s me.
Hey Kevin... thanks again...another informative video....BTW do you still teach in person safety classes?
No, bad knees have kept me off the range. All online now.
That ain't motorcycle. That's a moving hotel...
Sounds like a great seat but, I just don't like the look of the seat.
Got the Kisan products front and rear 2018 GW DCT... 👍...fabulous just like you said 😁
Great 👍
I, too, have BOTH Kisan products for headlight and brake light on my 2018 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT.
@@danrahn9863 Do you run the headlight modulator all the time when riding during the day? I'm wondering if it's too distracting for drivers....or maybe that's the point!
I installed custom dynamics tail, turn and bag blades. Changed my front turn signals as well. I get comments from car drivers that the lights helped them see me. I have upgraded the factory seat on every bike I have owned with the exception of a Harley I bought used that already had a mustang seat on it.
Same here, I have never had a good seat from the factory...not sure why they can't make a comfortable seat.
Do you feel the radiators get enough air even with the lights in the vent?
I purchased the exact same seat you got for my cross country ride 3 years ago. I did 18 hours from LA to Albuquerque New Mexico on my first day without any butt pain. Amazing difference from my original 2012 Honda NC700X seat. I couldn’t ride 1 hour on the original seat without pain. Your review was spot on. I’m 6’4” and also had issues about stopping and foot-reach. Today I’m use to it and it’s not so bad (took some getting use too). It also took me about 2 1/2 months to wait in line for delivery :)
Another great video. Thanks again.
What is with seats? You would think factory seats would be comfortable but most are not.
The exception is the Yamaha Royal Star Venture, I rode 975miles on thursday (june 19 2020) and never get too uncomfortable. By the time I gas up (200-250 miles/tank) I am ready for another leg of the trip. I have completed 3 other 1000 mile days on the same bike/seat.
Maybe the bike makers own stock in the after market seat companies. LOL
What kind of mileage do you get on your goldwing
Hi Kevin. I have a question for you. I also ordered the Day-Long seat. I was confused about what you said. Did it take 2 1/2 weeks to ship your seat or 2 1/2 weeks from your production date? Can you elaborate?
👍👍😎😎
Good vid about lights and seat.
Sale me your Honda Goldwing?
You should try Victory cross country. I have bad hips and I did NYC to Saguenay Canada and back on the stock seat. In the past I had Russel on Valkyrie F6 2001, was a OK. I was able to make NYC to Lake George, but not much further. Rusell is not that accommodating as they say. I had bad experience with them. Additionally this is the most expensive anywhere on the market. On the modulator side I have heard explanation on left turn accident with the car " I was thinking the biker lets me go first because hes light was flickering"
The new seat looks like standard seats from Gen 1 Goldwings? The 2 bikes I owned, 2005 & current 2007 both gave similar seats and we can die for HOURS as is.
We had an VTX1300R first and that bike seat was like sitting on a concrete slab! Only able to ride for half an hour before the dreaded "monkeybutt" kicked us in the rear.
Took 3 months and cost us @$350 to get a full custom seats made by local seat maker in Arizona.
Up front, I always switch to HID Xenon headlight kit on my vehicles, bikes and cars/truck.
Function? I decided to add LED to to make myself more visible. NOBODY miss me on the road.
My modular helmet came with LED at the back with 4 settings: off, steady on, slow flash and fast flash. Can't miss me from rear at night running up on me.
Yes, I look like moving "Christmas tree" at night but, I ALWAYS get seen and come home safe.
Nice one
I am hoping that you can shed some more light on the Russell Day Long seat that you purchased. I have a 2020 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT Airbag. I sent my seat off to the person that does the Wing Soft upgrade. I did not find that it significantly increased my seat time before I was in pain. I also purchased the Air Hawk seat cushion, which has not helped me too much either. Is your Russell Day Long seat a worth while investment? How long can you ride with it installed, as compared to your previous seat?
I was wondering if your Goldwing has the Capability to Lower the Suspension thus allowing you to Flat Foot when Stopped? Just a Thought, I Own a 2016 so I have no Idea what the 2018 Suspension Functions are.
Excuse my ignorance but I'm hoping you did a video about how/why you went from a Harley and Tenere to the Goldwing, for all of us older riders who might be considering the 'Wing. Thank you, Kevin!
A couple of years ago I booked a ride in appointment to get a Day Long for my V-Strom. It was a very painful 1200 km ride down. The install took about 7 hours. The next day I spent 12 hours in the saddle and could have done more if I wasn't so tired. I do have a longer reach to the ground but can still get both toes down if I need. 99.6% of the time it's only my left foot down and I've never found that to be a problem.
Yup. I went to a Corbin seat, Denali running lights with yellow lenses, and Admore tail light which also modulates. Much more visible and like ur seat upgrade, Corbin has a definite “bucket” configuration. The above have been added to a 2019 concours 14. Very good suggestions Kevin. Being seen is one thing on a motorcycle we can control which greatly adds to our overall safety...in my humble opinion.
Great advice Kevin. I finally pulled the trigger on a RDL too after some but not enough improvement on the Wingsoft. Just sent my seat off and anxiously awaiting the return. I share your Function over Fashion philosophy… you may also want to consider the Patthfinder LED sequential cowl lights. It has the benefit of both front and side view for turn signals and is super bright and is one of my top favorites that I added. Really enjoy your videos and insight… keep it up, you are making a difference.
I did the ride in appointment last fall with my 2015 Wing. Amazing seat, money well spent. Not sure how long it would be comfortable, a few Bun Burner Gold rides, 22+ hour days and NO problems with an RDL. Nice video, thanks.
Love extra lights. I added dual yellow fog/driving lights. The super bright yellow color isn't terrible common, so it REALLY makes my bike stand out to oncomers. And I feel like the light triangle formed in combination with my single headlight helps people realize it's a motorcycle.
I’m a motorcycle rider and I’m all against those modulators. It makes the motorcycle more visible to upcoming traffic but it also blinds the upcoming traffic, a flashing high beam blinds you even during daylight. It’s safety for some but it’s hazardous for others and for for me they ought to be illegal for road use.
Nice set of mods! I've added retroreflective stickers to the back of my bike - they seem to make a difference for filtering/lane splitting in heavy traffic. Had not considered putting lights on the front of the bike, but now I am considering doing that.
How about stay in your lane like the rest of the world and you’ll be alright..
@@charliejamz. Having ridden in the rest of the world, I can confirm that it's legal everywhere except for a couple of states in the USA.
I rode my '18 GW home from Big Bend Nat. Park (575 miles) in 10 hrs. no problem. BTW, I'm 78 years old.
Added a 6" led to the 03 and 07 Honda shadows that my wife and I ride. Mounted on the front crosspiece between the blinkers. I feel like the led is much more noticeable in the daylight vs the incandescent headlight, and I feel like having them really helps us get noticed. Also added 2 red led strips inside the casket tail light which make a huge difference. (One is for brakes, the other for running). I noticed I could see my friend's blue ground lights from a quarter mile away at night, plus they look awesome. Added those as well, red for me and blue for the wife to match our bikes.
After being rear ended on my bike, I completely agree that one needs to make their bike more noticeable. On the front of my bike I added a VisionX LED headlight and LED running lights/turn signals. On the back of my bike I added both LED brake/tail light as well as LED turn signals. All of these are much brighter and make the bike much more noticeable. I wanted to add the brake light modulator to give the strobe/flashing signal when braking only to find out that this type of brake light function is not legal in my home state of Wisconsin. Too bad. This really gets people's attention when in use. I will be approaching my state senator and assembly person to see if it can be changed but I am not that hopeful.