- Published May 20th, 2007
There is something about the Honda Goldwing that turns heads. The first time I came upon one a group of nuns were gathered round it praising it to Heaven. Especially if its a cherry red colour. Not such a long time ago I took a round the British isles tour on a ‘Wing, riding solo, simply going where fancy directed me. My experiences on just that trip alone could fill a book. The thing is that this is not so much a motorcycle as it is a lifestyle. To begin with it is so luxurious that people who just don’t understand will likely ask, “ why not just get a car?” Here are some stats:
- This is a motorcycle that runs on a 1500cc engine, and the newer models run on 2000cc.
- The engine is a six-cylinder, dual-carbs, five gears, including overdrive, plus reverse. The reverse gear works off the starter motor and is used when it is necessary to roll the bike backwards up an incline. No matter how slight, it simply is not possible to push the bike because of its weight.
- Standing still on its own it weighs some 850 pounds before adding 66 pounds of luggage and a full tank of petrol. Then with rider and passenger we begin to get into some serious weight. The perpetual worry is that of having the bike fall over, or having to stop on steep hills.
- It is made for long-range touring, and to this end it is absolutely superb. It is possible to hitch a purpose-made trailer that folds out into a very intimate double bed tent, together with space underneath to carry pots and pans and all sorts. You can even attach a small refrigerator that runs off the cigarette lighter.
- It has a superb sound system. From the cd/radio deck you can play your favourites on quadrasonic sound, two speakers in the front and two behind for the passenger.
- Communication between passenger and rider is through helmet - to – helmet intercom, as well a CB system allows talk between riders of the group.
- For cold weather riding, which most ‘Wing owners do not do, there is the facility to plug into the electrics your thermal underwear. Like wearing your electric blanket. The latest innovations are heated handle grips, and heated back rests with six points independent controls for passenger and rider. It also has a/con in the sense that it is possible to channel warm air from the engine on to legs and feet.
It had to happen eventually. Now, engineers have added air-bag protection in the case of frontal collision. Next, they will have to add-on as standard a tissue dispenser to wipe away the tears should the bike get hurt in an accident.
I was formerly a member of The Goldwing Owners Club of Great Britain, and the Goldwing Road Riders Association of America. Specifically I rode with Essex Wings and gathered many life-long lasting memories. What a great club! Notice I say “Club” and not gang. Oh no! These were gentlemen and gentle ladies, one and all. Law-abiding and courteous, and very experienced riders. It was quite enough to go for a run and to feel the power of our combined numbers.
We got our kicks from doing positive things like riding for charity, or taking someone very special for a ride to fulfill a wish.
Group riding has the effect on those on the roadside to stop what they are doing just for an instant to watch in awe. The young boy who just can’t wait to grow up; the elderly gentleman with the look on his face of “ah, if only…”, and the young girls whose eyes take on that certain twinkle. On Saturdays we often rode past churches where the wedding party was just coming down the steps. Many a bridegroom got himself into trouble by looking just a tad too wistful.
One of my more fond memories related to the day I rode into Oxford and parked the bike to go shopping. When I came back there was a throng closely inspecting everything about it. After allowing a few minutes to pass I proudly stepped through the group and opened the top box, took out my helmet and placed the key in the ignition. Everyone stepped back while taking an intense interest in my every move.
“SHOWTIME!” I turned the key and pressed the start button and people held their ears expecting a great varoom! What they got was the whisper quiet hum of a fine Swiss watch. Then I put it in reverse gear as mouths fell open and rested on chests. This scene, I thought, needs something. I happened to have on the sound system Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries”. “Oh, why not?” So to the strains of that lovely and stirring music I rode into the sunset, which were I not careful might have been the bushes, so carried away was I.
Enough of this reminiscence, where’s the nearest dealership?
Death on the roads? It doesn’t have to end like that!
Please don´t overtake on two-way road systems. Save your life for those who love you.
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