2018 Goldwing and 2018 Venture are here!

[BigLenny]

Hey Folks,

Friday, I stopped by my local YamaHonda dealer, and they had just received their first 2018 Venture, and 2018 Goldwing a few hours before i got there. They took me to the back of the dealership to the maintenance shop to show me the Goldwing. They already had it out of the crate and was getting it prepped for the showroom (the Venture was still in the crate).

 

Let me tell ya, I was SHOCKED at how much smaller this new Goldwing is than the previous model!!! It didn't look that much bigger than the ST1300. Clearly, Honda has decided to go after a new, possibly younger demographic, with this new ride. Considerably less storage space in the saddlebags and trunk. But, it sure does look like it'll carve the corners on a rail.

 

The Venture was still in the crate, but the box was off of it, and that big beautiful red machine looked highly interesting. I'm anxious to get back there tomorrow and see it all put together.

 

I might be crazy to think like this, but, after seeing how small the Goldwing is, I'm not too sure that the new Venture won't push it for sales numbers. Because, that Venture doesn't look like it's starving for storage space at all. And, it looks like a far more comfortable ride.

 

We'll see.

 

Big Lenny

[Mike G in SC]

I've done 4 demo rides on the new Venture and the Eluder, Redwing, MN and Charleston, SC.

Not planning to buy one but I like the ride and with my 29" inseam,, fit me just fine.

(that's nice because I had to lower my RSV and two RSTD's.)

 

I stopped by my Honda dealer last week because they had a new 2018 on the floor (but of course already sold).

But dealer let me sit on it and stand it up. Dang,,, not as happy as I was expecting. Yep, smaller but to me it looks like the CTX1300.

I can flat foot on the old GW, not the new GW. Seat seems higher and wider,, the new model does not fit me as is.

I did not ask about lowering it. (But,, I sure prefer the Yamaha top load bags, hate the Honda side loading.)

 

So, I'm good for a few more years with my current 2008 GW trike and my "new" 2006 RSTD.

[cowpuc]

Wayyyyyyyy wayy way cool Lenny!!! I can not WAIT to get to see the new Wing in person = from all I have read and seen from the pictures - it almost looks like those Honda folks took a step back in time and got some aspirations from 1983 Yamaha (way before "Star" took over and the Ventures started being designed in America).. I know I am an odd duck but I have grown to LOVE my clam shells, smaller trunk and narrowness of my old '83's and I see a LOT of that represented in the new Wing in their effort to enter into the Sport Touring markey = I have always said it,, the 83/84 Ventures were the 1st "Sport Touring" touring bikes (funny they were unwanted then but now Honda and Beemer are both headed down that alley - perhaps its an effort to attract younger blood into the market?).. Another thing = they FINALLY went 4 valve - OUTSTANDING and WOWZY WOW WOW WOW,, being an old conisour of girder front end long bikes,, I LOVE what they did with those front forks = NOTHING SHORT OF BEAUTIFUL!!

On the other hand though, maybe I am still feeling the off balanceness that Mom Yam created in me by the shock of seeing a Venture with an air cooled motor in it last year at Americade that started my "this makes no sense" feeling about these new fangdangeled machines but, in all honesty,, this new Wing (and the new Beemer Grand America) actually has magnified that "makes no sense" feeling to this beat up, worn out grumpy ol has been.. Seeing all the "Sportiness" both Honda and Beemer built into those awesome machines,, then I feeling just like I did at Americade when I read that Honda placed a 112 mph speed limiter on the new Wings and Beemer set theirs at 101...

For some strange reason,, in my feeble know nothing pea brain,, 160 Horse of freshly created Sport Touring motorcycle with a high end price point of 25 to 35 large and aimed at pulling in new riders who are young and restless + limiting that same scoot to a point that even a kid a big moped scooter or a putzy 45 horse 1987 HD EVO Electra Glide can out run it just dont add up = none of it makes sense to me..

I know LOTS of folks who totally do not agree with, or understand the point I am trying to make.. Even some of the guys I hang out with here will say stuff like = your senile Puc, 101 or 112 mph is wayyy faster than you can legally go anyway - you make no sense Puc.. To which I will reply while pointing a finger at each of them = but you bunch of lop eared varmints LOVE carving the twisties as much as anybody dont cha (bunch of bald old grey beard faces nod yes).. Then I remind them that carving twisties = 99.9% of the time means you are speeding (nods continue, I set em up - no biker in his right mind finds much thrill in taking a 25 mph posted corner at 25 mph - if that were the case,, "Tail of the Dragon" and the like would just be another slow riding contest filled with Trials Bikes).. Then, when I remind them that, IMHO, we are basically frogs in warm water with all this speed limiting nonsense and that with very little effort those same folks who are behind this speed limiter business can set up the ECM's to talk to built in GPS's and make it impossible for us to go any faster than +2 over the legal speed limit in ANY situation = end of story,,,, our bikes have just become nothing but another form of getting from point A to point B...

[BigLenny]

Puc,

 

After i posted my last one about how much smaller the new Wing is, and how much less storage room it has, I actually thought of you and all the early year first gen riders, and how storage isn't actually the main selling point for y'all. So, maybe Honda has hit on something here. Maybe performance and enough storage for 3-4 day jaunts is more marketable today than in the past 20 years or so. I do agree with your frustration of how they are using technology to manage and limit our driving styles. It could be as simple as they aren't wanting to be tied to the liability or something. Who freakin knows? It frustrating with all of this big brother control companies are now putting on their products. Does feel much like a free country anymore.

[cowpuc]

Puc,

 

After i posted my last one about how much smaller the new Wing is, and how much less storage room it has, I actually thought of you and all the early year first gen riders, and how storage isn't actually the main selling point for y'all. So, maybe Honda has hit on something here. Maybe performance and enough storage for 3-4 day jaunts is more marketable today than in the past 20 years or so. I do agree with your frustration of how they are using technology to manage and limit our driving styles. It could be as simple as they aren't wanting to be tied to the liability or something. Who freakin knows? It frustrating with all of this big brother control companies are now putting on their products. Does feel much like a free country anymore.

 

I laughed right out loud when I saw that Honda put all that time and effort into the new Automatic Tranny in this Wing... My mind went back to the 70's when they brought out the Automatics and how we laughed at the things and said = no self respecting passion filled bike loving biker would be caught dead on one of those boring things.. Funny cause, back then, those automatics flopped like a dieing carp tossed onto a weed filled lake shore.. Honda did it again not to long ago with the 700 line and I was in a local dealership here last fall who still had two of the things (cool looking scoots but that automatic still made no sense), think they were 2014's,, that simply had no sale interest to the young or old bikers in our area and now those bikes can be had for $4500 BRAND NEW = and they still cant sell em!! Now seeing this "DCT" Wing and reading about it, of course I said to Tip, flipping worlds done gone crazy = that will never sell,, what in the wild world of sports are they thinking!! Now I have been watching the Wing forums and guess what all the Wing faithful are doing? Thats right,, going CRAZY over this new breed of bike that you dont have to fool around shifting, just put er in gear and let the bike do all the work = just makes no sense.. I always thought part of the thrill of owning and riding a scoot involved the shear joy and pleasure of actually riding the thing = being one who's skill in clutch/throttle/brake control was what it was all about...

 

You really struck a nerve here with your comment about "big brother" Len,,, 1/2 the country ready to turn it all over to socialism or even o.k. with shireeeahh rule to escape the personal responsibilty that comes with freedom may have something to do with it all = I here ya brother... Makes no sense...

Frankly,, sometimes I think the whole world really is just going down right nuts...

[cowpuc]

Heyyyyy,, ,,, wait a second here Lenny,,, speaking about going crazy,, something is really missing in this thread = you forgot 's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You know the code,,, no 's,, it didnt happen:big-grin-emoticon:

Now ya gotta run back down to that bike shop,, humble yourself and tell them you FORGOT to take 's!!!

We will wait here for you and patiently wait for 's!!

 

:missingtooth::missingtooth::missingtooth::missingtooth:

[snyper316]

@cowpuc actually I am kinda hoping to find a decent looking bike with an automatic because back when my son was 11-12 him and his friend thought it would be a good idea to put a pool next to a trailer. Well there was a window right there and they were goofing off in the pool when he slipped and his arm went thru the plate glass window. He really struggles to operate the clutch but can do so, but he has been curious if there is motorcycles out there that are automatics, now I have found a few hondamatics from 70's but they have no titles or need work!! I just recently found out about a Ridley bike which there is a place 12 miles from my home, @rbig1 cousin bought a beautiful trike and they are some neat looking bikes too. Look up Ridley in Wikipedia in case you haven't heard of them.

[cowpuc]

cowpuc actually I am kinda hoping to find a decent looking bike with an automatic because back when my son was 11-12 him and his friend thought it would be a good idea to put a pool next to a trailer. Well there was a window right there and they were goofing off in the pool when he slipped and his arm went thru the plate glass window. He really struggles to operate the clutch but can do so, but he has been curious if there is motorcycles out there that are automatics, now I have found a few hondamatics from 70's but they have no titles or need work!! I just recently found out about a Ridley bike which there is a place 12 miles from my home, rbig1 cousin bought a beautiful trike and they are some neat looking bikes too. Look up Ridley in Wikipedia in case you haven't heard of them.

 

OUCH!!!! Ouch ouch ouchy!! Snype, PLEASE tell your son that old Pucster said OUCH and sorry to hear that... Also,, ya gotta know that sometimes I just to much and I paint myself into a corner,, been that way my whole life and have paid the price for it (should of known me in High School ).. I was not considering those with injuries or other medical handicaps.. I have bumped into lots of riders thru the years that were/are thrilled to be riding automatics because due to their injuries - without automatics they would not have been able to ride = for them,, indeed = automatics were/are a God send..

Couple things, is it only one arm in your sons case that is affected?? If so, have you thought about just moving the controls around on the bars? Sort of custom modding a stock bike to work for him? Another alternative is going to a foot clutch/hand shift..

Current Automatic bikes,,,, there are LOTS of left over 700 Honda's out there brand new cause they really did not sell well once they got beyond their initial offering. Honda also offered both the 750 and 450 auto's years before that.. I know about the Ridley but really,, I would stay away from them as a rider - Honda would be wayyyy easier to get parts for IMHO..

How about scooters? I have had numerous scooters around here and still have a Honda Helix and they are a RIOT!! You can get 150 or 300cc Chinese scooters CHEAP.. Also,, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki make BIG motored scooters that are fully automatic and wayyy overlooked because of what I was initially talking about but TRULY,, if auto was the only way I could ride - I personally would have NO problem loading one up with gear and heading to Sturgis.. I have seen with my own eyes people who are missing limbs from War or having life thrown at them like you mention your son had who have done exactly what I am talking about (showing up at Sturgis on a Burgman scooter) and get the absolute SALUTE from the gang cause they didnt let life stop em...

[snyper316]

OUCH!!!! Ouch ouch ouchy!! Snype, PLEASE tell your son that old Pucster said OUCH and sorry to hear that... Also,, ya gotta know that sometimes I just to much and I paint myself into a corner,, been that way my whole life and have paid the price for it (should of known me in High School ).. I was not considering those with injuries or other medical handicaps.. I have bumped into lots of riders thru the years that were/are thrilled to be riding automatics because due to their injuries - without automatics they would not have been able to ride = for them,, indeed = automatics were/are a God send..

Couple things, is it only one arm in your sons case that is affected?? If so, have you thought about just moving the controls around on the bars? Sort of custom modding a stock bike to work for him? Another alternative is going to a foot clutch/hand shift..

Current Automatic bikes,,,, there are LOTS of left over 700 Honda's out there brand new cause they really did not sell well once they got beyond their initial offering. Honda also offered both the 750 and 450 auto's years before that.. I know about the Ridley but really,, I would stay away from them as a rider - Honda would be wayyyy easier to get parts for IMHO..

How about scooters? I have had numerous scooters around here and still have a Honda Helix and they are a RIOT!! You can get 150 or 300cc Chinese scooters CHEAP.. Also,, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki make BIG motored scooters that are fully automatic and wayyy overlooked because of what I was initially talking about but TRULY,, if auto was the only way I could ride - I personally would have NO problem loading one up with gear and heading to Sturgis.. I have seen with my own eyes people who are missing limbs from War or having life thrown at them like you mention your son had who have done exactly what I am talking about (showing up at Sturgis on a Burgman scooter) and get the absolute SALUTE from the gang cause they didnt let life stop em...

 

He is 20 now almost 21 fixing to be a dad, Never thought I would have Grandkids out of him. Well this month on the 23rd I will be a Grandpa. So right now I am kinda looking for a project, also trying to find a Car seat that I can fasten to take Cornnugget out for his first motorcycle ride, someone suggested call him tater tot. I nicknamed his moms Corn Dog because well she can put them down!!!! He don't get me wrong I love corn dogs but can only eat 6 in a sitting if I am at a midway in a fair that and BloominG Onions. As far as scooters go he thinks there ugly.... I love and miss my TAO TAO power max it was a 150cc. I only sold it because I had Tinker, thinking I would not ride it as much... BOY was I wrong there is several times it would have been easier to get Blacky out and down the road then me pushing Tinker out to the alley.... Sometimes on soft ground thinking boy do I need reverse help getting over some odd hump at fence line, I don't know what that is about. I have not seen these bikes you were reffering to so what should i be looking for and see if maybe how cheap they are around here. CornDog keeps telling me I have to wait till Corn Nugget is 2 or 3:bawling:to take him for a ride, so I said ok I take you for ride now that way i be giving him his first motorcycle ride... but its been too cold no thanks to Dan messing with things and saddlebum leaving his back door open... But If i get car seat and fasten it to my bike somehow maybe I can sneak a block or two....

[The Tooch]

Your right about the new 2018 Wing being about the same size as the ST1300.

Honda replaced the ST with the CTX1300 in 2014 and it was a one year bike. Seemed kind of weird Honda would put out all the money effort to produce a bike, for just a one year production run. Maybe the CTX was just too close a model to what was coming down the pipe with the new plans for the New Wing. They sure look alike!

[cowpuc]

Your right about the new 2018 Wing being about the same size as the ST1300.

Honda replaced the ST with the CTX1300 in 2014 and it was a one year bike. Seemed kind of weird Honda would put out all the money effort to produce a bike, for just a one year production run. Maybe the CTX was just too close a model to what was coming down the pipe with the new plans for the New Wing. They sure look alike!

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=111562

 

INDEED Dave - now that you mention it I can sure see the pedigree resemblence.. How are you liking your CTX? How about a comparison between it and your experience with the RSV?? Performance about the same? Handling? Two up comforts? Can you remove the rear tire by laying the bike on its side like on the 1800 Wings? What kind of fuel economy?

[Freebird]

Here is the automatic that I bought just a few years ago. Saw it on the local Craigslist and thought it was interesting and it was CHEAP. Rode it home, found a quick buyer, made a nice profit, never rode it again. It was a nice little bike though. This was the 750 model. I think they made it in a 400 also.

 

[RandyR]

New picture of the 2018 Wing. I like the looks of it.

 

[Venturous]

One trying to be a Harley... one trying to be a Concours.

[kevin-vic-b.c.]

Check out the BMW Grand America to compare to the Venture and the Wing. I will admit the BMW does not have any more luggage or storage than the Wing but comparing the BMW 1600 to the Venture VTwin I am not sure my next new bike will be a Venture.

[BlueSky]

I guess it comes down to comfort, whichever bike is the most comfortable for long rides.

 

A guy who lives a few miles away has been advertising a 2010 BMW R1200RT with 25K miles for quite a while and has come way down on his price and has been tempting me. I think it weighs 550 lbs or so and has 110hp so it should have plenty of git up and go. I know it is an air/oil cooled twin which I usually don't like but it has proven itself in the engine dept. I'm still worried about reliability of the electronics and the cost of parts though.

[YamahaParExcellence]

Hey Folks,

Friday, I stopped by my local YamaHonda dealer, and they had just received their first 2018 Venture, and 2018 Goldwing a few hours before i got there. They took me to the back of the dealership to the maintenance shop to show me the Goldwing. They already had it out of the crate and was getting it prepped for the showroom (the Venture was still in the crate).

 

Let me tell ya, I was SHOCKED at how much smaller this new Goldwing is than the previous model!!! It didn't look that much bigger than the ST1300. Clearly, Honda has decided to go after a new, possibly younger demographic, with this new ride. Considerably less storage space in the saddlebags and trunk. But, it sure does look like it'll carve the corners on a rail.

 

The Venture was still in the crate, but the box was off of it, and that big beautiful red machine looked highly interesting. I'm anxious to get back there tomorrow and see it all put together.

 

I might be crazy to think like this, but, after seeing how small the Goldwing is, I'm not too sure that the new Venture won't push it for sales numbers. Because, that Venture doesn't look like it's starving for storage space at all. And, it looks like a far more comfortable ride.

 

We'll see.

 

Big Lenny

 

Was a long-time Wing rider. Saw the new Wing...and purchased a SVTC.

[ZOEYDOG]

Was a long-time Wing rider. Saw the new Wing...and purchased a SVTC.

 

I also a wing rider since 1978 also went to the Venture.

[YamahaParExcellence]

I also a wing rider since 1978 also went to the Venture.

 

Zoey, I have seen on this forum and others, so many more of us, that have jumped the Honda Ship...and moved on. Way more than even I was laying a number to, post 2018 Honda Gold Wing reveal. Quite frankly, and not wanting to step on anybody's toes...but I was a staunch 2017-and back year model, Honda Gold Wing supporter. It was, point blank...their re-design of the 2018, that had me decide to look elsewhere, and thankfully, found alternatives, such as this fabulous grand tour ride, the 2018 SVTC. I owe the 2018, Gold Wing, lol...for if not for it...I would not be soon getting my first-ever, big bore, V-Twin configuration. That alone is exciting to anticipate. Oh...also floor boards....never owned a bike with floor boards, only pegs. Looking forward to that new level of foot comfort!

 

Can't wait for my phone call from the Yamaha dealer, to come and settle up...and ride her home! Fingers tapping...and are bruised....lol. If Spring is here, in Toronto, it seems NOBODY informed Winter to get lost... He's still lurking around....a couple of inches expected this weekend, BUT...next Thursday and Friday...almost 70 F is forecast. I think that's when I will get that phone call...hopefully so, anyways!

 

Cheers, and safe rides!

[ZOEYDOG]

Zoey, I have seen on this forum and others, so many more of us, that have jumped the Honda Ship...and moved on. Way more than even I was laying a number to, post 2018 Honda Gold Wing reveal. Quite frankly, and not wanting to step on anybody's toes...but I was a staunch 2017-and back year model, Honda Gold Wing supporter. It was, point blank...their re-design of the 2018, that had me decide to look elsewhere, and thankfully, found alternatives, such as this fabulous grand tour ride, the 2018 SVTC. I owe the 2018, Gold Wing, lol...for if not for it...I would not be soon getting my first-ever, big bore, V-Twin configuration. That alone is exciting to anticipate. Oh...also floor boards....never owned a bike with floor boards, only pegs. Looking forward to that new level of foot comfort!

 

Can't wait for my phone call from the Yamaha dealer, to come and settle up...and ride her home! Fingers tapping...and are bruised....lol. If Spring is here, in Toronto, it seems NOBODY informed Winter to get lost... He's still lurking around....a couple of inches expected this weekend, BUT...next Thursday and Friday...almost 70 F is forecast. I think that's when I will get that phone call...hopefully so, anyways!

 

Cheers, and safe rides!

Yes I agree did not believe all the Goldwing Riders switching mine is sitting in my garage looking pretty our forecast is for a little snow and a wind chill of -29 tommrow morning .I guess that is why we are known as Winterpeg.The extra leg room for me and when I say on the bike for the first time it just felt dam good. Hope you get yours out next week I will see here as we have tons of sand and salt all over our streets.Take care

Bill

Edited April 6, 2018 by ZOEYDOG

[Barrycuda]

I ride often on RTE with 1 guy who has the new venture and loves it coming off a wing, an Indian, and a 2017 HD. He can get any bike and he goes ga ga over the new venture. Also ride within the same group a guy with a new 2018 wing DCT. And he loves that bike. All bikes will have some appeal to SOMEONE. Age,finances, goals,riding styles, health and even boredom can dictate who buys what and why. Both look nice and yes the wing is smaller than previous models but again, it wouldn't bother me because I ride solo more often than not and since I don't ride with a trailer, pack the kitchen sink or bring the bright yellow teddy bears for the backseat, the newer wing space would be fine as I know how to pack for my needs. Some wing owners got spoiled, and they don't wish to "settle". Whatever that means but to each their own. Just ride and turn up the music....

Edited April 7, 2018 by Barrycuda

[YamahaParExcellence]

I ride often on RTE with 1 guy who has the new venture and loves it coming off a wing, an Indian, and a 2017 HD. He can get any bike and he goes ga ga over the new venture. Also ride within the same group a guy with a new 2018 wing DCT. And he loves that bike. All bikes will have some appeal to SOMEONE. Age,finances, goals,riding styles, health and even boredom can dictate who buys what and why. Both look nice and yes the wing is smaller than previous models but again, it wouldn't bother me because inside solo more often than not and since I don't ride with a trailer, pack the kitchen sink or bring the bright yellow teddy bears for the backseat, the newer wing space would be fine as I know how to pack for my needs. Some wing owners got spoiled, and they don't wish to "settle". Whatever that means but to each their own. Just ride and turn up the music....

 

Good post...and of course, sage words.

 

You're right...the BEST bike..is the one...that the rider...well...rides for his or her quite personal reasons. I'm sure that the new 2018 Wing will be a great ride, and a very many riders will enjoy owning it. For myself and my wife, it just wasn't a good 'fit'.

 

I THINK, that I might be seeing my bike next week...but to be frank...Winter just showed up in Ontario this morning...all the lawns and grassy areas are covered once more with snow.

 

Cheers,

[BigLenny]

Don't know why I did this. I was the original starter of this thread, but then, when I finally got to test ride the machines I started a complete other thread about it. I had forgotten that I had started this one in the first place. I'm getting old.

 

Se attached:

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?135348-YEEEEHAAAA!!!!!-Venture-and-Goldwing-in-the-same-day!

 

Big Lenny