What Can Harley Learn from the Gold Wing?
Is there anything you like/covet about Honda’s tourer or would like to see on a Harley?
For the most part, many HD Forums members would never consider riding anything other than a Harley. We’d be lying if we said that curiosity never reared its ugly head, of course. And on the other hand, competition is always a good thing. There are certainly things about other brands and bikes that Harley can learn from, or even incorporate into their future products to make them better. Which is exactly the idea HD Forums member Grouser62 had recently. But his simple question provoked quite a response.
“I’m not a Honda guy but I ride with friends who are. So I like to keep up. And competition is good. Something the new Gold Wing Tour has that I think would be an instant hit with the Harley touring crowd is a trunk that is removable. From the factory. No expensive after-purchase modifications. There are other things I like and a few things I don’t. But my question is, what do others see that they wouldn’t mind Harley copying?”
It’s clear that most don’t covet the big Honda very much. But there’s at least one thing roadrash3 would like to steal from the Gold Wing.
“I like Apple Car Play on the bike, since I use one of my bikes strictly for commuting. But everything else on the Gold Wing Honda can keep, blah.”
Then again, for some people, there is no substitute.
“They are really cool bikes if you like a car motor covered in plastic,” says Cosmic Razorback. “I still question the whole air bag thing on a bike. May work in a small percentage of accidents. Technology is AWESOME, but no one can duplicate the soul of a Harley.”
“An impressive list of gee-gaws as standard equipment,” adds DaddyKnuck. “Not my style. For those looking, a Subaru Outback has similar features, costs about the same, and will go further on a tank of gas.”
And maybe Harley has been ahead of Honda all these years, after all, as lh4x4 points out.
“Had one back in the day. That’s why I will never have another. My ’80 FLT Tour Glide came standard with a removable tour pack, rubber mounted Shovel, enclosed chain in an oil bath, frame mounted fairing and a five speed. H-D intended it as a competitor to the Gold Wing. H-D won the contest.”
For most, including Cbyway, the two bikes are just worlds apart. Which isn’t a bad thing, necessarily. They’re just built for different people.
“I had a 1999 Gold Wing 1500. I bought the bike with 7,200 miles and sold it with 110k miles. Never needed anything other than tires, fluids and gas. I did add a Tulsa belly pan and windshield, never had any problems or dealer work. But it was like riding a sewing machine all day. Comfortable but not that much fun. My wife loved it, never woke her up at 0400 leaving for work. The bike treated me right, can’t really say anything bad about it. It was fast.”
And that really seems to sum up most member’s opinions on the topic. Harley produces motorcycles that may seem similar at first glance, but they’re catering to a much different crowd. If you want something reliable and comfortable yet soulless, perhaps the Gold Wing is the right bike. But there’s no doubt which bike enthusiasts prefer.
Still, we’re curious to hear what you think. Is there anything you like about the Gold Wing that you wish Harley would implement on one/all of their bikes? Head over here and chime in!
Join the H-D Forums now!
