I hope that some people enjoyed the thread on bike quality/reliability. Another question popped into my head as I was riding today; which modern bike (currently being produced) is most like the early Goldwings (lates 70s, early 80s)? I think the current Goldwings are just too big and bulky. They are, in my opinion, still the king of long-distance touring but I feel they are a bit much for an everyday bike. My 1980 GL1100i, however, seems just the right combo. Yes, it is a touring bike with full fairing and luggage, and yes it is smooth and comfortable. But it doesn't have tens of gadgets. It handles very-well and seems very-much in the sport-touring tradition when compared with the newer Goldwings. What, being produced today, is most like it?
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Which modern bike is most like...
- Thread starter palmpalm
- Start date
Like a trimmed down Goldwing, the ST1300.
Apropos of nothing I remember being stood in the pit lane at a Honda open day at Castle Donnington in the early eighties when the Goldwing owners club rolled onto the track for a parade lap. What a sight. Back in a time when customising a bike meant work, not just a trip down to your HD boutique to buy some chromed tat.
I'm going to go with the Ducati SportClassic GT with a windshield and some luggage. http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2010_Ducati_SportClassic_GT_1000_Review
Riceburner
Well-known member
I was going to say the ST as well.
I think your biggest challenge will be seating comfort. You're spoiled.
There are many good intermediate and up sport tourers but few with the seating comfort of the Wings.
You may want to consider a 3rd party seat like the Russell-Daylong for whatever bike you end up with to get close to the GW
You may also find the seating position on today's sport tourers a far cry from the Wing. More agressive towards the sport end as you can see below.
VFR-800 would be my choice in that category for day to day - it's under 500 lb - nimble and a sweet motor. With 107 HP and 480 lb will go like stink and be superb in the twisties - big binders and you already know Honda motor quality - this is a V-4
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_vfr_800_2012.php
There is the 1200 VFR but for day to day and some touring the smaller displacement should be lots.
my 2¢
I suspect you're not open to what some consider the mini-Wing - Burgman 650 Exec. You'd be surprised how many wing owners moved to them for their everyday ride and the storage and handling is superb. Lots of creature comforts at a modest price point.
Ask the Wing owners here
http://www.burgmanusa.com/forums/
Here's what one said
There is a reason BMW has moved into the Burgman turf this year with two 650 CVTs. It's a growth category
Roll and go is coming - even available on the VFR series as well in the form of the DCT which when tested by a standard VFR rider - he said he wished he'd bought the DCT version.
Some ideas for you and seriously you'll get a lot of feedback even on other bike choices from the large contingent on the Burgman site.
There are many good intermediate and up sport tourers but few with the seating comfort of the Wings.
You may want to consider a 3rd party seat like the Russell-Daylong for whatever bike you end up with to get close to the GW
You may also find the seating position on today's sport tourers a far cry from the Wing. More agressive towards the sport end as you can see below.
VFR-800 would be my choice in that category for day to day - it's under 500 lb - nimble and a sweet motor. With 107 HP and 480 lb will go like stink and be superb in the twisties - big binders and you already know Honda motor quality - this is a V-4
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_vfr_800_2012.php
There is the 1200 VFR but for day to day and some touring the smaller displacement should be lots.
my 2¢
I suspect you're not open to what some consider the mini-Wing - Burgman 650 Exec. You'd be surprised how many wing owners moved to them for their everyday ride and the storage and handling is superb. Lots of creature comforts at a modest price point.
Ask the Wing owners here
http://www.burgmanusa.com/forums/
Here's what one said
There is a reason BMW has moved into the Burgman turf this year with two 650 CVTs. It's a growth category
Roll and go is coming - even available on the VFR series as well in the form of the DCT which when tested by a standard VFR rider - he said he wished he'd bought the DCT version.
Some ideas for you and seriously you'll get a lot of feedback even on other bike choices from the large contingent on the Burgman site.
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Morrissey
Well-known member
I'd say the Honda NT700V. Not available in Canada (yet) but available south of the border. 700cc engine with approx. 80hp. Shaft drive, comfortable, great on-road handling, wind protection, no stereo or cb's or anything. Great over-all bike, especially for 1 up touring.
Yeah that Honda 700 engine is going to be a hit in a bunch of models. Unreal gas mileage and decent power for the CC. Should be a classic engine for them for the intermediate crowd ( that's me as well ).
Good article with details on the engine here
http://www.gizmag.com/honda-integra-700-twin-cylinder-superscooter/19945/
This will compete with the smaller BMW dual sports which the single 650 is dirt cheap for what you get.
NT review here - damn thing has some shades of the Pacific Coast 800 lurking
http://sites.google.com/site/streamracing/2012-honda-nt700v-sport-tourer-new-specs
nice seating position and variable windshield -
Good article with details on the engine here
http://www.gizmag.com/honda-integra-700-twin-cylinder-superscooter/19945/
This will compete with the smaller BMW dual sports which the single 650 is dirt cheap for what you get.
NT review here - damn thing has some shades of the Pacific Coast 800 lurking
http://sites.google.com/site/streamracing/2012-honda-nt700v-sport-tourer-new-specs
nice seating position and variable windshield -
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