The deal breaker for me on the GW was two things. First, I did not like the foot position, I prefer my feet to be forward. Second I did not like the handle bar position and when I asked the dealer about replacing the bars he said there were no other bars available. I doubt he knew what he was talking about but I also did not want to have search for better handlebars.

The HD's are easier to fit to the rider, whether tall or short, due to the large number of after market companies and the amount of parts offered from the manufacturer. The Honda, well it is a Honda kinda like the cars.

sporty06

 

I bought a new 2005 GW. After three months I sold it and took a real hit in the wallet.

Why, because I just never felt comfortable on it.
The foot position was not right for me. I never liked the top heavy feel. And like others have said it was just not the right bike for me.

After ridding my new SG home from the dealer I knew I had made the right decision. Try before you buy!

 

harley-jones makes a good point that was rarely (twice) mentioned in this entire post. Resale value! I never owned a GW, had my share of Suzuki street bikes as a kid and into my 20's, 42 now riding HD for 15 years. I would doubt that the resale of a GW is anywhere close to that of a Harley.

 

I have to agree with the re-sale comment. Not that it's anything like it was even 5 years ago, but the re-sale on a Harley blows away any other bike, followed by a BMW.

 

If you have to asks one of us the best thing to do is TEST RIDE.

 

If you're under 5'10" the wing may fit you. I am 6'2" and I sat on a wing. Terrible footing position. Besides, the wing feels like you're sitting on it instead of In it.

 

Road Glide all the way

 

Had a GW once. Very uncomfortable location of footpegs and too tall and topheavy for us shorter riders. The biggest problem was getting rid of it... like selling a boat in the dead of winter. With an Ultra, you love it more each day - with a GW, you love it less. Just my opinion.

 

My 08 Ultra is the first bike I have owned since I was about 11 or 12 and it was a Honda Trail 70. We bought the Ultra this past May and is the only one we have. A few days ago we went to the local Honda dealer to check out some helmets and I walked over to one of the Goldwings and sat on it.
It felt well balanced (to me) but it also felt really cheap and uncomfortable almost like a childs toy. I don't knock anyones choice of bikes but it made me glad that Harley was the only bikes that we considered and never even looked at anything else. If the Goldwing is what you like then thats good but just are not for me.

 

I love my Ultra. I dont know anything about Goldwings. Whatever you do enjoy your ride.