Hey Kit..........

[BoomerCPO]

How is your new Wing working out?

 

If Yamaha does not upgrade the Venture for 09 I'll be taking a real hard look at Honda for sure.

[Guest KitCarson]

How is your new Wing working out?

 

If Yamaha does not upgrade the Venture for 09 I'll be taking a real hard look at Honda for sure.

 

Hi Boomer.........I think just maybe they will have a new touring Venture in the near future......I have no way to back this up......have got a hint or two.....but think it may be more like mid 2009......or so.........I think it will have the V-max 1800......but again this is just my opinion.

 

As for the wing....yes I love it. I especially like the Brakes. Mine has ABS brakes.....but unless I play with them they never come into play.....but the normal linked brakes are simply great.....the best way to explain this is if you have ever driven an old ford truck with out power brakes and then get into an fancy luxury car and just lay your foot on the brakes and it stops so quick and smooth.....that about explains the brakes on a wing.....and it also has an anti-dive system that stops all that fork dive like you get on most other brands of bikes......if you are up and not in a corner and straight....you can romp on these brakes and this bike will stop on a dime. Very nice.......will stop so fast the passenger coming forward trying to push you through the windshield is a consideration......but they are great those brakes are.

 

Power is hard to comprehend.......takes a bit of time to get used to it......has enough if not careful you can spin the rear out from under you and not intend to do so....on a wet road or something....I have learned to never use the trottle to take off......just let it idle and use the clutch.....that is all that is needed.......the gear range....bike once going does not care what gear you are in.......does not down shift like the venture either....you have to be careful shifting down too quick......slide the rear tire around the corner if you bring it down too quick........

 

Other than the brakes the balance and handling are great also.......as big as the bike is it handles its bulk well........single foot stops are the order of the day.....even two up......this one is just simply balanced......and it will run the twisties with a sport bike if you so wish to run that hard......this thing has balance and will run like a cat dropped on a hot tin roof.........or something like that.......

 

Comfort is a big issue with the Wing..some like it some do not......I am six foot ....have small feet......so it fits me just right....Some who are taller and have feet bigger than say size 10.5 seem to have issues with comfort.......and or foot placement.

It also sits you up straight with your knees slightly bent back......some do not like this....as it causes your knees to become cramped........I installed floorboards and highway pegs....I can move around enough this is not an issue for me.....but could be for those who are taller. I personally like the way the seat and controls sit you in the upright position and keep you at the correct posture......on other bikes on a longer run I have and or was beginning to get that sharp pain between my shoulder blades after about 3 hours on a bike.....especially on a run home.......boy.....that is a killer.......with the Wing the way it makes you sit......this has not been a concern.

 

Only thing is it runs too darn quiet!! .......I am not sure this is a motorcycle sometimes!!

 

Take Care

 

Kit

[halfwitt]

Kit - what is the dry weight of the GW? The Honda site doesn't have it (at least that I can find).

 

Thanks

[BoomerCPO]

Thanks for your usual informative and speedy response Kit. I have not heard many bad points against the Goldwings..... and those I have heard are very minor!

 

A lot of work is being done on my Midnight Venture as I type this. If all works out well I will ride the wheels off of her this year.

 

I have my fingers crossed that Yamaha will pull their heads out of the sand and intro a updated and improved RSV by 09.....but if not I will do what I have to do to ride the machine which I think is best for me.

 

Enjoy your Wing and ride safe my friend.

 

Boomer

[Guest KitCarson]

Kit - what is the dry weight of the GW? The Honda site doesn't have it (at least that I can find).

 

Thanks

About the same as the Venture....more or less.......840 pounds dry weight....that means no oil..no gas...no coolant......just dry weight.......so I will guess full of gas and serviced ready to go....900 pounds or so.