GW vs Ultra Classic
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,523
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
RE: GW vs Ultra Classic
Welcome to the board.
My father in law has a goldwing which my mother in law rides with him very often. She has told me many times how more comfortable the goldwing is compared to his old Ultra "03". The GW is much faster and quiet is like riding a car on two wheels. However the Harley is less bulky and I would say more rugged for better words, but as other have said compare apples to apples and let the old lady decide.
My father in law has a goldwing which my mother in law rides with him very often. She has told me many times how more comfortable the goldwing is compared to his old Ultra "03". The GW is much faster and quiet is like riding a car on two wheels. However the Harley is less bulky and I would say more rugged for better words, but as other have said compare apples to apples and let the old lady decide.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
From: SW Iowa
RE: GW vs Ultra Classic
I looked at the GW 1800 too, but bought the Ultra. About a grand more for the HD, but, better re-sale down the road. And I liked the seating position on the HD much better. You sit 'in' a Harley, not on it. And, that chrome plated, air cooled 96cuinmotor, Wow! and that roomy tour pack-----, oh yeah, I am happy with my choice. You will be too!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From:
RE: GW vs Ultra Classic
ORIGINAL: chornbe
VStar, I'd like to point out that you're not likely to get too objective a response on this forum. Not a dig, but it *is* a Harley forum and a lot of Harley folks area dyed-in-the-wool lifetime lovers.
I *love* everything about the 'Wing but ultimately went with the 'Glide because of a few basic things.
1 - the Goldwing is a 900lb sport bike under the covers. I would have had the same problem with it that I had with my FJR; I could *not* ride that bike slow.
2 - the Goldwing is actually a tad bit more comfy for those with slightly bigger rumps. Sorry guys - it's true.
3 - the Goldwing has a HUGE appetite for tires and with the shim-n-bucket valves, they are a higher-cost-over-time bike to maintain.
4 - You're looking at two very different rides; the 'Wing while maintaining a comfortable seating position *is* an aggressive bike, power and handling. It's also much quieter and smoother in all circumstances and is an absolute joy to ride. The 'Glide is a more "in the wind" visceral experience and while it can be ridden hard and fast if you choose (and yeah, it'll surprise a lot of folks in handling), the long trail and more relaxed seating provides a more (overall) laid-back, long-road, no-hurry-to-get-there kind of feel.
Both are great bikes and it comes down to preference. The 'Wing will eat tires every 9k miles on a good day, and some shops won't change the tires because they're sissies and won't have the right tools. Just keep that in mind. It uses a sport/touring profile and compound tire, tho' folks have changed to pure touring tires to extend miles. IMO, if you can afford a 'Wing, just budget in for tires and use the right stuff. Otherwise, you're missing out on some of the cornering joy that bike provides.
VStar, I'd like to point out that you're not likely to get too objective a response on this forum. Not a dig, but it *is* a Harley forum and a lot of Harley folks area dyed-in-the-wool lifetime lovers.
I *love* everything about the 'Wing but ultimately went with the 'Glide because of a few basic things.
1 - the Goldwing is a 900lb sport bike under the covers. I would have had the same problem with it that I had with my FJR; I could *not* ride that bike slow.
2 - the Goldwing is actually a tad bit more comfy for those with slightly bigger rumps. Sorry guys - it's true.
3 - the Goldwing has a HUGE appetite for tires and with the shim-n-bucket valves, they are a higher-cost-over-time bike to maintain.
4 - You're looking at two very different rides; the 'Wing while maintaining a comfortable seating position *is* an aggressive bike, power and handling. It's also much quieter and smoother in all circumstances and is an absolute joy to ride. The 'Glide is a more "in the wind" visceral experience and while it can be ridden hard and fast if you choose (and yeah, it'll surprise a lot of folks in handling), the long trail and more relaxed seating provides a more (overall) laid-back, long-road, no-hurry-to-get-there kind of feel.
Both are great bikes and it comes down to preference. The 'Wing will eat tires every 9k miles on a good day, and some shops won't change the tires because they're sissies and won't have the right tools. Just keep that in mind. It uses a sport/touring profile and compound tire, tho' folks have changed to pure touring tires to extend miles. IMO, if you can afford a 'Wing, just budget in for tires and use the right stuff. Otherwise, you're missing out on some of the cornering joy that bike provides.
ORIGINAL: vstarredneck
I'm looking at these 2 different bikes. Price wise the bikes are about the same. The biggest difference I'm concerned about is passenger comfort. My wife is, lets say robust, well rounded.
I'm not looking to bash either bike. I'm looking for a daily commuter (current ride vstar 1100), and one I can take a 1 or 2 day trip on when the urge hits. This is why I'm leaning toward the HD. The passenger comfort is very important.
I've compared the cost: MSRP
Honda GW Ultra Classic
Bike 22099 21225
CB 950 0
heated seat 0 599
Nav system 0 850
Slip on 0 289
Heritage 0 Priceless
23049 23063
Note heat seats and nav add to get a close apple to apple comparison on bikes.
I'm looking at these 2 different bikes. Price wise the bikes are about the same. The biggest difference I'm concerned about is passenger comfort. My wife is, lets say robust, well rounded.
I'm not looking to bash either bike. I'm looking for a daily commuter (current ride vstar 1100), and one I can take a 1 or 2 day trip on when the urge hits. This is why I'm leaning toward the HD. The passenger comfort is very important.
I've compared the cost: MSRP
Honda GW Ultra Classic
Bike 22099 21225
CB 950 0
heated seat 0 599
Nav system 0 850
Slip on 0 289
Heritage 0 Priceless
23049 23063
Note heat seats and nav add to get a close apple to apple comparison on bikes.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 3
From: Central Illinois
RE: GW vs Ultra Classic
ORIGINAL: crash1292
goldwing for sure more power with no mods...harley= underpowered and when you do jack it up the fkn crank twists.....fkn junk.....will NEVER BUY A NEW HARLEY AGAIN!!!!!
goldwing for sure more power with no mods...harley= underpowered and when you do jack it up the fkn crank twists.....fkn junk.....will NEVER BUY A NEW HARLEY AGAIN!!!!!
I guess Gold Wings never had recalls that specify Frame breaking in two and the dealer can take to a reputable welder in your area to fix, or how about ECM's that spontaniously combust and they did not have a fix for a month or so. Both could cause serious damage and or death. Do not ride your bike until repaired. Weight out the issues. Neither is perfect. I remember as little as 5 years ago when I couldn't even convince a Goldwing rider to test ride an Ultra. Today I have converted a few.
The hardest part about owning a Honda would be telling your parents your gay.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 7
From: Chester County, PA
RE: GW vs Ultra Classic
ORIGINAL: Gutman
I guess Gold Wings never had recalls that specify Frame breaking in two and the dealer can take to a reputable welder in your area to fix, or how about ECM's that spontaniously combust and they did not have a fix for a month or so. Both could cause serious damage and or death. Do not ride your bike until repaired. Weight out the issues. Neither is perfect. I remember as little as 5 years ago when I couldn't even convince a Goldwing rider to test ride an Ultra. Today I have converted a few.
I guess Gold Wings never had recalls that specify Frame breaking in two and the dealer can take to a reputable welder in your area to fix, or how about ECM's that spontaniously combust and they did not have a fix for a month or so. Both could cause serious damage and or death. Do not ride your bike until repaired. Weight out the issues. Neither is perfect. I remember as little as 5 years ago when I couldn't even convince a Goldwing rider to test ride an Ultra. Today I have converted a few.
ORIGINAL: Gutman
The hardest part about owning a Honda would be telling your parents your gay.
The hardest part about owning a Honda would be telling your parents your gay.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
RE: GW vs Ultra Classic
About 6 months ago I traded in my Goldwing for a Roadglide. I had the Goldwing for 5 years.
I've had plenty of other bikes, Harley, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and other Hondas. I did it for me not for my wife's comfort. Nothing beats a Goldwing for eating up highway miles at the greatest speed and comfort. My wife is a little cubby also and she loved it. I could cruise at 100 mph in almost total silence with her on the back and not even know she was back there and she never new I was going that fast. The Wing was a beautiful bike and out preformed my Roadglide on the highyway by a large margin, but I don't regret trading it.
As perfect as the Wing may be for highyway travel it stilldidn't feel like a real motorcycle. My wife loves riding with me, but I ride alone alot, the Roadglide handles better on the road than an Ultra and is very easy to handle around town. The Wing was a bear around town and just didn' t have the feel I wanted.
I didn't get an Electa Glide or an Ultra, because I didn't want to be like everyone else. So I got the kind of motorcycle I wanted, we can still ride two up on the highywayand we don't have to look like everyone else. I love the looks I get from other Harley riders. I hear, "How can you ride with that fixed fairing, it's almost like your Goldwing". So now I just go 75 mph on the highyway, like everyone else.
I guess I just refuse to fit in. But then I would never join a club that would have me as a member.
Good luck.
I've had plenty of other bikes, Harley, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and other Hondas. I did it for me not for my wife's comfort. Nothing beats a Goldwing for eating up highway miles at the greatest speed and comfort. My wife is a little cubby also and she loved it. I could cruise at 100 mph in almost total silence with her on the back and not even know she was back there and she never new I was going that fast. The Wing was a beautiful bike and out preformed my Roadglide on the highyway by a large margin, but I don't regret trading it.
As perfect as the Wing may be for highyway travel it stilldidn't feel like a real motorcycle. My wife loves riding with me, but I ride alone alot, the Roadglide handles better on the road than an Ultra and is very easy to handle around town. The Wing was a bear around town and just didn' t have the feel I wanted.
I didn't get an Electa Glide or an Ultra, because I didn't want to be like everyone else. So I got the kind of motorcycle I wanted, we can still ride two up on the highywayand we don't have to look like everyone else. I love the looks I get from other Harley riders. I hear, "How can you ride with that fixed fairing, it's almost like your Goldwing". So now I just go 75 mph on the highyway, like everyone else.
I guess I just refuse to fit in. But then I would never join a club that would have me as a member.
Good luck.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From:
RE: GW vs Ultra Classic
ORIGINAL: Dabaldone
About 6 months ago I traded in my Goldwing for a Roadglide. I had the Goldwing for 5 years.
I've had plenty of other bikes, Harley, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and other Hondas. I did it for me not for my wife's comfort. Nothing beats a Goldwing for eating up highway miles at the greatest speed and comfort. My wife is a little cubby also and she loved it. I could cruise at 100 mph in almost total silence with her on the back and not even know she was back there and she never new I was going that fast. The Wing was a beautiful bike and out preformed my Roadglide on the highyway by a large margin, but I don't regret trading it.
As perfect as the Wing may be for highyway travel it stilldidn't feel like a real motorcycle. My wife loves riding with me, but I ride alone alot, the Roadglide handles better on the road than an Ultra and is very easy to handle around town. The Wing was a bear around town and just didn' t have the feel I wanted.
I didn't get an Electa Glide or an Ultra, because I didn't want to be like everyone else. So I got the kind of motorcycle I wanted, we can still ride two up on the highywayand we don't have to look like everyone else. I love the looks I get from other Harley riders. I hear, "How can you ride with that fixed fairing, it's almost like your Goldwing". So now I just go 75 mph on the highyway, like everyone else.
I guess I just refuse to fit in. But then I would never join a club that would have me as a member.
Good luck.
About 6 months ago I traded in my Goldwing for a Roadglide. I had the Goldwing for 5 years.
I've had plenty of other bikes, Harley, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and other Hondas. I did it for me not for my wife's comfort. Nothing beats a Goldwing for eating up highway miles at the greatest speed and comfort. My wife is a little cubby also and she loved it. I could cruise at 100 mph in almost total silence with her on the back and not even know she was back there and she never new I was going that fast. The Wing was a beautiful bike and out preformed my Roadglide on the highyway by a large margin, but I don't regret trading it.
As perfect as the Wing may be for highyway travel it stilldidn't feel like a real motorcycle. My wife loves riding with me, but I ride alone alot, the Roadglide handles better on the road than an Ultra and is very easy to handle around town. The Wing was a bear around town and just didn' t have the feel I wanted.
I didn't get an Electa Glide or an Ultra, because I didn't want to be like everyone else. So I got the kind of motorcycle I wanted, we can still ride two up on the highywayand we don't have to look like everyone else. I love the looks I get from other Harley riders. I hear, "How can you ride with that fixed fairing, it's almost like your Goldwing". So now I just go 75 mph on the highyway, like everyone else.
I guess I just refuse to fit in. But then I would never join a club that would have me as a member.
Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 2
From:
RE: GW vs Ultra Classic
ORIGINAL: Geoff
What's up with the stuffed toys strapped to the back of Wings?
What's up with the stuffed toys strapped to the back of Wings?
As for the bikes, both quality machines but I prefer the seating position of the Ultra. For looks it is the Ultra but for performance the nod has to go to the GW.