Goldwing question do you prefer standard or automatic transmission

60+ Busa Rider said:
I have a friend with a 2018 DCT automatic that he has offered me to test ride, he did comment that he really liked the automatic for the first year or so but he has gotten a little older and doesn’t ride much and has lost some of his confidence in riding and wish he had a standard shift. The dealership has one of each in stock and said I could test ride both. I have another friend that has an older GL1800 that I can also test ride. So I’m glad I have some people willing to help me make a decision. My friend did say when making slow speed turns on a DCT with 2 up can be scary. I kinda really want the DCT because I can get it with an airbag but don’t want to regret a $33K decision.
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Slow speeds on a big bikes are so much finesse. Throttle, balance, etc. I could see a DCT being interesting here.

I would love to own an R18 Transcontinental someday. But at the dealership, that 900 lbs was a bit unnerving (5'9" / 165#).
 
60+ Busa Rider said:
Yeah I was actually a little intimidated the other day when I sat on a new Goldwing and stood it up. I wanted to lean it over some so I could get the feel but I was afraid and I’m 260 pounds and spent a lot of years in the gym and still intimidated by it’s size.
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Once they are moving they are surprisingly nimble for a big bike and handle well even at slow speeds....

I rode one home for a friend and it was a decent thing to ride....it's not my thing and I'd never own one but if someone is going to travel lots of distances, it is a good platform for that...

If I were traveling long distances, I'd go the route @c10 did and go with the Beemer RS....
 
60+ Busa Rider said:
I have a friend with a 2018 DCT automatic that he has offered me to test ride, he did comment that he really liked the automatic for the first year or so but he has gotten a little older and doesn’t ride much and has lost some of his confidence in riding and wish he had a standard shift. The dealership has one of each in stock and said I could test ride both. I have another friend that has an older GL1800 that I can also test ride. So I’m glad I have some people willing to help me make a decision. My friend did say when making slow speed turns on a DCT with 2 up can be scary. I kinda really want the DCT because I can get it with an airbag but don’t want to regret a $33K decision.
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Isn't the 6spd manual also available with an airbag?
As far as the GL1800, I think you'll see and feel it's potential...but be underwhelmed with it's brakes and suspension...which is why I'm redoing mine.
I would like to have the new GW too, I just can't personally spend that on a bike at this point, but you can, so I say this...
Remember, here at the org, we love helping encourage others to spend money on bikes and parts, lol, and if it were me personally, I would have to go with the manual.
But, ride both and let us know, I'de like to hear what you think.
 
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60+ Busa Rider said:
Yeah I was actually a little intimidated the other day when I sat on a new Goldwing and stood it up. I wanted to lean it over some so I could get the feel but I was afraid and I’m 260 pounds and spent a lot of years in the gym and still intimidated by it’s size.
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Lmao
This is funny, because you posted a zx11 pic before, and you are quite a big brute, lol.
The new Goldwing is 90 lbs lighter than the GL1800 like I have too.
I'm 5'10" 172 lbs, in good shape, and workout regularly...and am no powerhouse by any means.
But, I have purposely laid my GW on the side, and lifted it back up.
Yes, I had to put forth some effort, but it wasn't awful either.
And, literally as soon as the bike is moving, it's a feather weight.
My Gen2 Busa's suspension was dialed in, and I drug knees on it...and my GW flicks side to side quicker, and with no effort, and that's with too heavy fork springs and anti-dive disabled.
All this tells me that regardless what the left to right weight on the new GW feels like seated, that the moment you ride it, you will laugh at yourself.
The GW is a misunderstood motorcycle, it is not the clunky monster so many of us thought it was.
Full suspension on mine, and then I will hunt for sportbike feelings to hurt along my way, lol
 
sixpack577 said:
Lmao
This is funny, because you posted a zx11 pic before, and you are quite a big brute, lol.
The new Goldwing is 90 lbs lighter than the GL1800 like I have too.
I'm 5'10" 172 lbs, in good shape, and workout regularly...and am no powerhouse by any means.
But, I have purposely laid my GW on the side, and lifted it back up.
Yes, I had to put forth some effort, but it wasn't awful either.
And, literally as soon as the bike is moving, it's a feather weight.
My Gen2 Busa's suspension was dialed in, and I drug knees on it...and my GW flicks side to side quicker, and with no effort, and that's with too heavy fork springs and anti-dive disabled.
All this tells me that regardless what the left to right weight on the new GW feels like seated, that the moment you ride it, you will laugh at yourself.
The GW is a misunderstood motorcycle, it is not the clunky monster so many of us thought it was.
Full suspension on mine, and then I will hunt for sportbike feelings to hurt along my way, lol
Click to expand...
Six, thanks for the compliment and words of encouragement. I am surprised to hear you say the GW is very flickable but I’m glad to hear that, although I’m 100% sure your riding skills far exceed mine. You laugh at a mile long wheelie and I crap my pants more than 10 feet lol. Several videos out there agree with you saying how well it handles. I found a new leftover 2023 red GW 117 away at a dealership I’m going to try and look at Saturday. I’m not wealthy by no means but I figure we never know how long we have left so I want to enjoy what little I’ve saved haha.
 
sixpack577 said:
Lmao
This is funny, because you posted a zx11 pic before, and you are quite a big brute, lol.
The new Goldwing is 90 lbs lighter than the GL1800 like I have too.
I'm 5'10" 172 lbs, in good shape, and workout regularly...and am no powerhouse by any means.
But, I have purposely laid my GW on the side, and lifted it back up.
Yes, I had to put forth some effort, but it wasn't awful either.
And, literally as soon as the bike is moving, it's a feather weight.
My Gen2 Busa's suspension was dialed in, and I drug knees on it...and my GW flicks side to side quicker, and with no effort, and that's with too heavy fork springs and anti-dive disabled.
All this tells me that regardless what the left to right weight on the new GW feels like seated, that the moment you ride it, you will laugh at yourself.
The GW is a misunderstood motorcycle, it is not the clunky monster so many of us thought it was.
Full suspension on mine, and then I will hunt for sportbike feelings to hurt along my way, lol
Click to expand...

Check this out. May give you some ideas. I mean, who doesn’t want arm rests? :)

 
A friend of mine just sent me a picture of his wing, a 2008

Resized_Screenshot_20240524_194546_Chrome.jpeg
 
I have over 30,000 miles on a DCT Africa twin. And I think that it is the funnest bike I've ever ridden and does everything so well It might not have as much power as the other bikes but the DCT sure makes it really quick 0 to 100 it stays with anything after a hundred the bigger bikes will take it. I would rather have a clutch doing the slow technical stuff but I'm rarely doing that anyway so the DCT is way better for me
 
60+ Busa Rider said:
Thinking of buying a 2024 Goldwing for me and my wife, I’m asking your thoughts on automatic transmission vs standard, pros and cons on the automatic transmission as far as riding characteristics. What do you like and dislike. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
They’re terrific! However, I’ve always liked the clutch lever. That new wing clone from China has an 8 speed DCT.
 
60+ Busa Rider said:
Thinking of buying a 2024 Goldwing for me and my wife, I’m asking your thoughts on automatic transmission vs standard, pros and cons on the automatic transmission as far as riding characteristics. What do you like and dislike. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
I've long thought the reverse feature made sense on heavier machines.
 
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