goldwing or ultra
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 783
Likes: 66
From: Sacramento
I've had many other motorcycles. 77 Kawasaki 900, 85 Kawasaki GPZ 550, 82 Honda CBX, 2002 Suzuki Bandit 1200. I've got my touring platform HD because after I've ridden the other offerings Honda Gold Wing, Honda Valkerye, I wanted to ride a motorcycle. You can travel in an RV or the motorcycle RV equivilent but I want to experience the ride. The ability to personalize your ride can't be overlooked. From grips, seats, suspension mods, engine mods the list goes on and on. You can make it your ideal ride. Just look at the variety in this forum alone. The innovation marches on. Every year, there's always something new coming out. There is no bike better supported by the aftermarket. I look forward to see what coming out next.
07 Street Glide, SE Heavy Breather A/C, SE 204 cams, Rinehart Slip Ons, PCiii, Works 13" rear shocks, progressive suspension track link, velvaride front mount.
07 Street Glide, SE Heavy Breather A/C, SE 204 cams, Rinehart Slip Ons, PCiii, Works 13" rear shocks, progressive suspension track link, velvaride front mount.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
[quote] WindJammer - GW owners are mostly of the turn-key genre. [quote]
It never dawned on me before, but I think you are absolutely right! People that buy a Honda are looking to ride it, not work on it or modify it much. They want it to start when they get ready to ride and not give them any trouble, EVER! (which my 08 Ultra and my 97 Heritage before it have always done as well by the way.) They also aren't interested in the theraputic hours spent in the garage cleaning, polishing, modifing, or just admiring that big ol' hog either.
If you read these forums much, it is easy to see how someone could become discouraged with Harleys. The forums are at least half about all the problems folks are having, as well as general whining and complaining about what the MOCO should have done to make the particular bike better, and warnings about what you better change, replace, etc. if you don't want problems later.
(I don't know if the GW forums are similar or not, I don't read them......why would I?)
But think about this; you just spent 20 - 30 grand on a beautiful machine, and you come to this forum and read about all the above mentioned issues, and it is easy to see how someone could become discouraged. Especially if you haven't fallen in love with the Harley-Davidson motorcycle yet.
My best advice to 'lock pick" would be: If you liked the HD enough to buy it in the first place. Ride it awhile and see what happens. Unless you find yourself agreeing totally with "SteveO", who either just ain't a HD guy, or really likes playing the "devils advocate"! (I suspect the latter
)
It never dawned on me before, but I think you are absolutely right! People that buy a Honda are looking to ride it, not work on it or modify it much. They want it to start when they get ready to ride and not give them any trouble, EVER! (which my 08 Ultra and my 97 Heritage before it have always done as well by the way.) They also aren't interested in the theraputic hours spent in the garage cleaning, polishing, modifing, or just admiring that big ol' hog either.
If you read these forums much, it is easy to see how someone could become discouraged with Harleys. The forums are at least half about all the problems folks are having, as well as general whining and complaining about what the MOCO should have done to make the particular bike better, and warnings about what you better change, replace, etc. if you don't want problems later.
(I don't know if the GW forums are similar or not, I don't read them......why would I?)
But think about this; you just spent 20 - 30 grand on a beautiful machine, and you come to this forum and read about all the above mentioned issues, and it is easy to see how someone could become discouraged. Especially if you haven't fallen in love with the Harley-Davidson motorcycle yet.
My best advice to 'lock pick" would be: If you liked the HD enough to buy it in the first place. Ride it awhile and see what happens. Unless you find yourself agreeing totally with "SteveO", who either just ain't a HD guy, or really likes playing the "devils advocate"! (I suspect the latter
)
Last edited by mike5511; Jan 2, 2010 at 03:26 PM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: michigan
Your right Mike. Exactly where im coming from. I spent more time in the goldwing forum before buying a ultra.They talk a lot more about long trips .Very little complaining. No performace up grade needed. very high millage with out major problems.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: michigan
Reading in this forum is what made me second guess my decision. I do like the ultra alot . I plan on doining all my own mainteance. Putting a oil cooller on. A stage one up grade. I think i will be content with performace them. So far other then a recall no problems. IM hopping to put a lot of mile's on it with out spending a lot of time at the dealer felling like im being raped.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
[quote=mike5511;6037928][quote] WindJammer - GW owners are mostly of the turn-key genre.
It never dawned on me before, but I think you are absolutely right! People that buy a Honda are looking to ride it, not work on it or modify it much. They want it to start when they get ready to ride and not give them any trouble, EVER! (which my 08 Ultra and my 97 Heritage before it have always done as well by the way.) They also aren't interested in the theraputic hours spent in the garage cleaning, polishing, modifing, or just admiring that big ol' hog either.
If you read these forums much, it is easy to see how someone could become discouraged with Harleys. The forums are at least half about all the problems folks are having, as well as general whining and complaining about what the MOCO should have done to make the particular bike better, and warnings about what you better change, replace, etc. if you don't want problems later.
(I don't know if the GW forums are similar or not, I don't read them......why would I?)
But think about this; you just spent 20 - 30 grand on a beautiful machine, and you come to this forum and read about all the above mentioned issues, and it is easy to see how someone could become discouraged. Especially if you haven't fallen in love with the Harley-Davidson motorcycle yet.
My best advice to 'lock pick" would be: If you liked the HD enough to buy it in the first place. Ride it awhile and see what happens. Unless you find yourself agreeing totally with "SteveO", who either just ain't a HD guy, or really likes playing the "devils advocate"! (I suspect the latter)
Well stated! you have to realize too, a lot of folks that are having problems is because they are always changing stuff and messing around with the tuning. Harley makes a quality Motorcycle. The last three I bought, I left pretty much stock except stage1 and pipes and some chrome pieces to personalize it. I've never put an oil cooler on a harley. If you think about it, where you need the cooling is sitting in traffic on a hot day. The oil cooler isn't doing any cooling sitting still. You don't need it on the hwy running 70. JMO
It never dawned on me before, but I think you are absolutely right! People that buy a Honda are looking to ride it, not work on it or modify it much. They want it to start when they get ready to ride and not give them any trouble, EVER! (which my 08 Ultra and my 97 Heritage before it have always done as well by the way.) They also aren't interested in the theraputic hours spent in the garage cleaning, polishing, modifing, or just admiring that big ol' hog either.
If you read these forums much, it is easy to see how someone could become discouraged with Harleys. The forums are at least half about all the problems folks are having, as well as general whining and complaining about what the MOCO should have done to make the particular bike better, and warnings about what you better change, replace, etc. if you don't want problems later.
(I don't know if the GW forums are similar or not, I don't read them......why would I?)
But think about this; you just spent 20 - 30 grand on a beautiful machine, and you come to this forum and read about all the above mentioned issues, and it is easy to see how someone could become discouraged. Especially if you haven't fallen in love with the Harley-Davidson motorcycle yet.
My best advice to 'lock pick" would be: If you liked the HD enough to buy it in the first place. Ride it awhile and see what happens. Unless you find yourself agreeing totally with "SteveO", who either just ain't a HD guy, or really likes playing the "devils advocate"! (I suspect the latter
)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 9,238
From: Snow Hill, NC
Class
Guess class is a matter of opinion.
See, they are telling you you need to purchase hundreds of dollars of stuff to make the Harley run properly, and that's hit and miss. What a money pit.
I just purchased a 09 Goldwing. Got tired of all the problems with my 08 Ultra SE3, not including the heat issue, and lack of power even on the 110 SE3. Loud, rough riding, oil leaking, continued recalls, have to spend thousands just get it to run right. Selling the 08 Ultra SE3 in the spring if it will hold up untill then. What a POS !!!!!!!!!
Go with the Goldwing and save yourself thousands of dollars, flustration and problems. The smoothness and power of the Goldwing is awsome, not to mention the realibility. Who gives a **** what others think, it's about what works for you..and your wallet, and I can assure you if you own a Harley it will cost you dearly !!
You can get a loaded Goldwing with ABS, comfort heat package and a moving map GPS nav system for around $21K out the door.
See, they are telling you you need to purchase hundreds of dollars of stuff to make the Harley run properly, and that's hit and miss. What a money pit.
I just purchased a 09 Goldwing. Got tired of all the problems with my 08 Ultra SE3, not including the heat issue, and lack of power even on the 110 SE3. Loud, rough riding, oil leaking, continued recalls, have to spend thousands just get it to run right. Selling the 08 Ultra SE3 in the spring if it will hold up untill then. What a POS !!!!!!!!!
Go with the Goldwing and save yourself thousands of dollars, flustration and problems. The smoothness and power of the Goldwing is awsome, not to mention the realibility. Who gives a **** what others think, it's about what works for you..and your wallet, and I can assure you if you own a Harley it will cost you dearly !!
You can get a loaded Goldwing with ABS, comfort heat package and a moving map GPS nav system for around $21K out the door.
When it's all said and done....Buy whar you want and what feels right.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 8
From: Creola, AL.
If you think about it, where you need the cooling is sitting in traffic on a hot day. The oil cooler isn't doing any cooling sitting still. You don't need it on the hwy running 70. JMO
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 8
From: Creola, AL.
I agree! The GW is lacking in both "Character" and "Soul". Something you have in Spades on a Harley. Good bike, smooth, and reliable, but, nothing stirs my Soul like a Harley.
I don't know about other Harley's but mine don't leak, and I have had just one ReCall in 20,000 and that was a BS government ReCall. And don't try to tell me GW don't get ReCalls, like cracked welds in the frame. Hello!
I don't know about other Harley's but mine don't leak, and I have had just one ReCall in 20,000 and that was a BS government ReCall. And don't try to tell me GW don't get ReCalls, like cracked welds in the frame. Hello!
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 413
Likes: 16
From: Killeen, Tx
I upgraded from a VTX 1300 that I made into a bagger (wife wanted to ride more).
I rented an 08 Ultra and went on a 500 mile trip. Loved it.
Borrowed a friends GW and rode about 30 miles and took it back.
As you can see below, I have an 09 UC.
I trolled the GW forums looking for info before I made a decision and they have some good qualities but they also have some issues that require "tweaking" ( mainly suspension). No matter what bike is purchased, it will not be a perfect fit for its owner. Some type of customizing will occure. Seat, hiway pegs, risers, windshield, grips, ect.
I didnt like the feel of the GW, nor the "tupperware" exterior. I wanted a bike to sound and look like a bike.
Plus, I wanted to be able to wear the coolest stuff, Harley stuff
With a stage 1 upgrade and synthetic oil the power and heat issue is a lot better.
The one plus I'll give the GW, water cooled.
Live free and ride hard.....
I rented an 08 Ultra and went on a 500 mile trip. Loved it.
Borrowed a friends GW and rode about 30 miles and took it back.
As you can see below, I have an 09 UC.
I trolled the GW forums looking for info before I made a decision and they have some good qualities but they also have some issues that require "tweaking" ( mainly suspension). No matter what bike is purchased, it will not be a perfect fit for its owner. Some type of customizing will occure. Seat, hiway pegs, risers, windshield, grips, ect.
I didnt like the feel of the GW, nor the "tupperware" exterior. I wanted a bike to sound and look like a bike.
Plus, I wanted to be able to wear the coolest stuff, Harley stuff
With a stage 1 upgrade and synthetic oil the power and heat issue is a lot better.
The one plus I'll give the GW, water cooled.
Live free and ride hard.....