goldwing on the dragon?

[mikeb]

http://videos.streetfire.net/hottest...14ADDCA774.htm

maybe old but...

[jwm2k3]

Super impressive isnt it?

Those things are like 900 lbs and thses guys just toss em around!!

[RandyO]

Originally posted by jwm2k3
Super impressive isnt it?

Those things are like 900 lbs and thses guys just toss em around!!

wings are prolly the best balanced bike ever made, and their geometry is that of a sportbike, they actually flick very easy just by pushing on the bars

[JeffL]

That rider posts as "Yellow Wolf" on another board I'm on. He just started a business where he will lead tours through the Gap and video tape the whole thing for you, so you can get video of yourself riding it. Hes pretty amazing on that Goldwing through there.

[TTD]

Yeah... when I had my wing I used to be on several boards that he posted on.

He is definitely a competent rider.

He pushes harder than I would on the street, but then again... who doesn't?




As for the goldwing, if you could just figure out a way to add some ground clearance... you would truly have the PERFECT BIKE.

It is completely stable while dragging parts, but the fact that parts are dragging means you're out of lean angle.

The bike is obviously capable of far greater lean angles than the parts allow.

If you removed the engine guards, raised the pegs an inch, and stiffened up the suspension... a competent rider could hang with just about anything on set of twisties...

all the while listening to tunes, checking out the on board GPS, sipping a latte, conversing with the passenger over the intercom, and carrying a couple weeks worth of gear since you'll no doubt want to travel cross country with it.



I've sold my 'wing, but if I get another street bike... it will most likely be another 'wing.

It would be great if honda made a Goldwing and a Goldwing 'S' model that does the items I mentioned above.

[Paul_E_D]

I can't imagine the geometry being close to a sportbike. The weight bias alone would have to be radically different. I suspect that if you gained some ground clearance, you would quickly find some shortcomings in the bike. I know they are very easy to ride, even at low speeds, and handle well in curves, but the limited clearance is likely masking issues.

If the suspension could keep that boat in the sweet spot going as fast a a sportbike is capable of, then they are saving the goods for the old wingdingers? ALL bikes handle pretty good up to 30 degrees of lean. It's those last 15-20 degrees that are so difficult to achieve with grace.

Best to keep it like it is methinks...

[SVRACER01]

that guys gonna need new floorboards thats all that pretty much hits. the neighbor has one that style and the clearance is decent except the boards. that flat 6 engine makes the COG very low and the fuel being under the seat doesnt hurt either. an "S" model? HELL YEAH!! that guy in front was almost dragging knee

[TTD]

no floorboards on new wings.

[Tricky Mike]

[RandyO]

Originally posted by Paul_E_D
I can't imagine the geometry being close to a sportbike.

underneath, all that plastic, rake & trail are much closer to a sportbike than a cruiser, as heavy as they may look in the back, the flat 6 makes the weight distribution more proportionate to a sportbike also.

[TTD]

Goldwing Frame, etc

[benVFR]

Hard #s:

CBR600RR:

Rake: 24 degrees
Trail: 95mm
Dry weight: 361lbs
Wheelbase: 54.7in
Seat height: 32.3in

VFR:
Rake: 25.3 degrees
Trail: 100mm
Dry weight 470lbs
Wheelbase: 57.4in
Seat height 31.7in

ST1300:
Rake: 26 degrees:
Trail: 98mm
Dry weight: 650lbs
Wheelbase: 58.7in
Seat height: 31.1in

GL1800:
Rake: 29 degrees
Trail: 109mm
Wheelbase: 66.5in
Seat Height: 29.1in
Dry weight: 822lbs

VTX1800 models:
Trail: 31.45 or 32.0 degrees depending on model
Trail - around 163mm
Wheelbase: 67.5in
Seat Height: 27.4in
Dry Weight: 750lbs

Sounds like the Wing is closer to a scaled up sportbike to me, only # that isn't in line with that is the seat height.

They also moved the rider 50mm forward going from the GL1500 to the GL1800... that's a lot.

[RandyO]

Originally posted by benVFR


They also moved the rider 50mm forward going from the GL1500 to the GL1800... that's a lot.

that's been the biggest complaing among taller wing riders

not as much room for the rider as the pillon seat in the 1800s

[TTD]

Yeah... I am 5'8" and the wing fit me perfect.

Any taller, and I think my knees would have hit the fairing, etc.

Then again... lots of over six footers out there racking up lots of miles.

[Paul_E_D]

29 degrees of rake puts it much closer to a cruiser than a sportbike. I'm just not seeing the comparison. Trail is a bit closer. Is that what people are referring to?

[RandyO]

Originally posted by Paul_E_D
29 degrees of rake puts it much closer to a cruiser than a sportbike. I'm just not seeing the comparison. Trail is a bit closer. Is that what people are referring to?

ride one, you'll understand

[Paul_E_D]

I have. As I said, I think they handle great. I just don't see the comparison in geometry with a sportbike. 29 degrees of rake is more like a dirtbike! Those handle well too!

[benVFR]

It's got geometry appropriate for it's size & purpose.

It doesn't look like you can build a bike with a 25 degree rake with that wheelbase, it'd be a mess. Rake seems to scale up with wheelbase, trail does not scale up the same way.

Other cruisers also vary all over the place, maybe you can't nail down exactly what makes cruiser geometry.

Sportster - 30 degrees, 120mm
Dyna Wide Glide - 34 degrees, 130mm
Super Glde - 29 degrees, 120mm
Fat Boy - 32 degrees, 147mm
V-Rod - 34 degrees, 100mm