2021 Goldwing Tour?
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 78
2021 Goldwing Tour?
I'm gonna get clobbered for asking, but I gotta scratch this itch. I've been casually looking at this new Honda Tour, and gosh, there's a lot to like. I took my buddies for a ride, and it was pretty impressive - Until I messed with the audio. Not thinking about getting rid of the CVO, but probably more a stable mate, but man that audio sucks and he even had the optional upgrade that set him back $800. I think he said it's like 45w/ch. WTF?
From what I'm reading, they only have room for like 5" speakers, and I almost threw up when almost all online discussions I found about audio upgrades suggested John. Jeez, what a sad state of affairs.
I haven't gotten serious about picking one up, but this has kind of put my on me heels. After some considerable searching, I'm not seeing anyone posting out there about blazing audio trails with these Goldwings. No doubt that demographic always wears helmets, and the full garb, so I can see why this is a low priority, but there just isn't anyway I'm riding a bike without some solid tunes.
Just wondering if anyone here has tackled any GW's?
Flame suit on!
From what I'm reading, they only have room for like 5" speakers, and I almost threw up when almost all online discussions I found about audio upgrades suggested John. Jeez, what a sad state of affairs.
I haven't gotten serious about picking one up, but this has kind of put my on me heels. After some considerable searching, I'm not seeing anyone posting out there about blazing audio trails with these Goldwings. No doubt that demographic always wears helmets, and the full garb, so I can see why this is a low priority, but there just isn't anyway I'm riding a bike without some solid tunes.
Just wondering if anyone here has tackled any GW's?
Flame suit on!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 851
From: Puyallup, wa
I rode a GW and could not get comfortable. The engine while a great power plant sticks out the sides and wouldnt allow me to stretch out. I did try the hiway pegs but felt like I was going to give birth. Just not a touring bike that I would consider.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 103
Likes: 36
From: The wild west
I had a Goldwing for 7 years....longest I ever owned a bike. It was the smoothest, most comfortable motorcycle I ever owned. The wife used to fall asleep on the back. I sold it anticipating the redesigned GW in 2018, but the luggage capacity and performance were lacking, so I got a BMW K1600 that occupies the space next to my Road Glide. Since Honda has addressed the luggage issue for 2021 I have a renewed interest in the Wing. If they would bump up the horsepower by 40 HP or so, I'd be all over it. A lot of guys over on the Goldwing forum complain about the nav and most are using bluetooth headsets for music, so I don't think a kick-*** stereo is high on the list of priorities over there. For the record, the speakers on the BMW suck too, but I go the bluetooth route on the HD & the BMW. They do have upgrade kits: https://wingstuff.com/shop/speakers_amplifiers
Last edited by b407driver; Aug 20, 2021 at 12:01 AM.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 78
@Fireball - Yeah, the initial leg ergo's are different, but my buddy had changed to mini floorboards, and he had adjustable highway pegs that seemed OK. Naturally, I only rode it for ~15 minutes, but with the backrest I thought it was fine? I sure hope I can erase that giving birth vision you brain-wormed me!
@B407 - Those are the two bikes I was considering. The issue with the Beemer is, it hasn't had a major update in years, and I hear with the small front tire, it's a little twitchy on the hwy. I think across the board, folks think the Honda is much better (smoother, poised, and more stable) for a distance runner. I see they have just came out with the R18's but I'm not sure I'm looking for another wannabe Harley. I agree 100% that the GW needs a considerable bump in HP to the 140 to 150 range, and to handle the thirst of that extra power, a bigger tank.
Yes, I did review that Wingstuff place, and again, their "high-end" options are all J&M, which we all know is high priced chit. I learned the hard way with that Bozo before I saw the light. And, with the limitation on space for upgraded speakers, on both bikes, I'm just not sure I want to spend that much time to do a full custom job to get an adequate system that's still integrated. The objective was to have a stock $30K bike, and just a quick Amp/Speaker upgrade. But what options do you have with only room for shallow 5" speakers for christ sakes?
Like I said, I'm kind of on my heals as a result. Not sure that I'm ready to hang up my sunglasses and jeans for armored leotards, with tinny little helmet speakers just yet. I was hoping someone here has tackled the GW's and found some decent options to consider. Thanks!
@B407 - Those are the two bikes I was considering. The issue with the Beemer is, it hasn't had a major update in years, and I hear with the small front tire, it's a little twitchy on the hwy. I think across the board, folks think the Honda is much better (smoother, poised, and more stable) for a distance runner. I see they have just came out with the R18's but I'm not sure I'm looking for another wannabe Harley. I agree 100% that the GW needs a considerable bump in HP to the 140 to 150 range, and to handle the thirst of that extra power, a bigger tank.
Yes, I did review that Wingstuff place, and again, their "high-end" options are all J&M, which we all know is high priced chit. I learned the hard way with that Bozo before I saw the light. And, with the limitation on space for upgraded speakers, on both bikes, I'm just not sure I want to spend that much time to do a full custom job to get an adequate system that's still integrated. The objective was to have a stock $30K bike, and just a quick Amp/Speaker upgrade. But what options do you have with only room for shallow 5" speakers for christ sakes?
Like I said, I'm kind of on my heals as a result. Not sure that I'm ready to hang up my sunglasses and jeans for armored leotards, with tinny little helmet speakers just yet. I was hoping someone here has tackled the GW's and found some decent options to consider. Thanks!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 486
From: Nor Cal
I'm gonna get clobbered for asking, but I gotta scratch this itch. I've been casually looking at this new Honda Tour, and gosh, there's a lot to like. I took my buddies for a ride, and it was pretty impressive - Until I messed with the audio. Not thinking about getting rid of the CVO, but probably more a stable mate, but man that audio sucks and he even had the optional upgrade that set him back $800. I think he said it's like 45w/ch. WTF?
From what I'm reading, they only have room for like 5" speakers, and I almost threw up when almost all online discussions I found about audio upgrades suggested John. Jeez, what a sad state of affairs.
I haven't gotten serious about picking one up, but this has kind of put my on me heels. After some considerable searching, I'm not seeing anyone posting out there about blazing audio trails with these Goldwings. No doubt that demographic always wears helmets, and the full garb, so I can see why this is a low priority, but there just isn't anyway I'm riding a bike without some solid tunes.
Just wondering if anyone here has tackled any GW's?
Flame suit on!
From what I'm reading, they only have room for like 5" speakers, and I almost threw up when almost all online discussions I found about audio upgrades suggested John. Jeez, what a sad state of affairs.
I haven't gotten serious about picking one up, but this has kind of put my on me heels. After some considerable searching, I'm not seeing anyone posting out there about blazing audio trails with these Goldwings. No doubt that demographic always wears helmets, and the full garb, so I can see why this is a low priority, but there just isn't anyway I'm riding a bike without some solid tunes.
Just wondering if anyone here has tackled any GW's?
Flame suit on!
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 78
That said during those long distance runs, I do have a HBJ Harley Capstone with a Cardo Bold. The only reason I wear it is in those states that I have to, or the distance is far enough that weather has to be considered. Nothing worse then getting caught in a driving rain without a helmet. But either way, in my opinion, there is no way the bike audio sounds better on the highway with a full face. Just my opinion, but that's really not the point of the thread.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 486
From: Nor Cal
Well that is certainly an opinion, and no doubt entirely a function of what kind of a helmet we're talking about, but I don't think I'd agree that wearing a helmet will immediately make the crappy Goldwing radio rise to the level of acceptable.
That said during those long distance runs, I do have a HBJ Harley Capstone with a Cardo Bold. The only reason I wear it is in those states that I have to, or the distance is far enough that weather has to be considered. Nothing worse then getting caught in a driving rain without a helmet. But either way, in my opinion, there is no way the bike audio sounds better on the highway with a full face. Just my opinion, but that's really not the point of the thread.
That said during those long distance runs, I do have a HBJ Harley Capstone with a Cardo Bold. The only reason I wear it is in those states that I have to, or the distance is far enough that weather has to be considered. Nothing worse then getting caught in a driving rain without a helmet. But either way, in my opinion, there is no way the bike audio sounds better on the highway with a full face. Just my opinion, but that's really not the point of the thread.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Joliet IL.
There is some Bad Azz Goldwing's competing in Sound Warz...check out Jay Ford > Kustom Goldwings & F6B fans & riders on FB and Kustomwings.com!
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 78
I will look into them. Thanks bud!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,740
From: South Carolina
He can hear his stereo better wearing a helmet...
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Aug 27, 2021 at 10:36 AM.