DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY
SECOND OPINION
By Ian Buckley
Like a Consul General or Head of State being escorted at speed through the city, the Honda GoldWing has a presence about it that demands respect and wills the rider to disregard all around him. From the lights, the world's most user-friendly clutch launches the 1800cc six cylinder 'Wing like a jet on take off. On the open road, it waits for no man; driving and weaving with power and grace, whilst Led Zeppelin bangs out of the four sensational speakers, thus ensuring that everyone you pass takes a good look 'cos you are faster and louder than them.There is also a good chance you won't get booked on this bike too. This is because men of state are entitled to diplomatic immunity and, let's face it, this is not a bike to be diplomatic on, it is by all definitions above the law.
I used to hate GoldWings with a passion. So much so in fact, that my wife and I nicknamed them 'FlogWings'. This started in 1996 when we were in the U.S. for an extended vacation. We were continually running into the bloody things. Every biking cafe, twisty road, highway, youth hostel, you name it, they were there and I hated both the bike and the people riding them. It turns out I just hated Americans but that is a story for another day. But since I had deemed every 'Wing owner a certified FLOG, then it was best the bike be appropriately christened. You see, every time we came across one, the owner would piss me off with some puerile comment or he would have the friggin' thing embellished with perimeter lights. Yes! Little lights that ran the length of the forks, all over the extremities of the bike, top box, panniers, guards, you name it. It was like the Griswold's Christmas lights on wheels, and I justifiably hated every one of them.
What I was to learn some eight years later was that if you've got one, you can do what you like and the rest of the world can go squat. Call me a flog if you like, but I won't hear you because my stereo is loud, and I am proud.
What's with the FlogWing?
Fast forward to 2003 and I am working for Honda's car division. The motorcycle division made one available on a joint in-service we had. Still embittered towards the model, I promptly laid a nice blacky on the way out of the car park with the secretary on the back. I had recently watched Wayne Gardner do the same out of the pits at Eastern Creek on his way to lapping the thing at 2:09. Since it was still a Flogwing in my mind, I thought it best I flog it senseless and frighten the secretary. Apart from grinding the foot pegs with regular monotony, the bike gave me few reasons to complain. The secretary was another story.
Three months later, the GoldWing came my way for a month and non-fussed, I fed it to the HART instructors, who devoured it and sang its praises relentlessly. So enthusiastic were they, that I pinched it for a weekend to prove them all wrong. Imagine my wife's reaction when I rolled up all keen and embarrassed.
"What's with the Flogwing?"
"It's all they had.""You liar, there's fifty bikes over there!"
"Yeah but I have a big trip ahead?"
"Hahahahah! You are so full of it, let me get the camera".
I was thinking that long-term relationships do have their downsides, as she ran off to capture the moment. Next day I shot off at 5am in the pouring rain and as I rode down the freeway with the cruise control on and the stereo blaring, I couldn't wipe the silly grin off my face. This was living.
Back to the Future
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Steve: Bad To The Tea Shop |
The opportunity to get our mitts on the 2007 model GoldWing had the BIKEME! team all giggly and chatty like a bunch of schoolgirls. We all knew exactly what it meant and we all loved the model immensely. It turned out that all of us had hated the same bike right up until we actually rode one. Then we loved it. You only have to look at the BIKE ME! forum to see the number of detractors, but none of them have ridden one, so SHUT UP! This bike is a wonderful piece of kit and if I think about why I had a dislike for them other than the owners, it is most likely because it looks cumbersome and ill-handling.
The anticipation prior to riding one can do serious kung fu to some people's heads, but get rolling and this bike bangs. Americans make them and they are good low speed rollers. In fact they regularly get used for escort work and to do so need to track nicely. The two most impressive motorcycle features are simply the clutch and the back brake. Use these and they are a snack. Grab the front whilst manoeuvring and then you will need a hyab cos you won't pick it up real soon. Trust the controls and it will turn on a dime.
Stop for No Man
As soon as I picked the 2007 'Wing up from HART, I took it home, grabbed my E-Tag and zip-tied it to the vents in the screen. I am strongly of the opinion that when you ride a 'Wing, you should stop for no man, and that especially means the toll booth. So with my electronic debit card in place, I headed to work. Nothing had changed and apart from the colour, the 2007 model is essentially the same as the 2006. The U.S. model comes with some goodies like satellite navigation and an airbag, and Australia is tipped to get these next year. With bikes like the GoldWing, it never disappoints because you know you are in for a pleasure ride. As I shot through the E-Lane on the M2, all I wanted to do was put the cruise control on, let go of the throttle and turn the stereo up to 11.
Don't Be Late
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Steve felt the combination of moustache and GoldWing threatened his heterosexual mojo |
My email to Steve read: "Pick you up at 4pm. Have bike for long trip."
"What sort of bike?"
"Just be ready."
"Where to?"
"Stop asking questions. Don't be late!!!"
Steve is a Honda man through and through and had never ridden a 'Wing. When I turned up bang on 4pm, he was on the verandah with a smile a mile wide, as I turned the stereo up one more notch."There's a big storm coming". So what, it's a 'Wing, you don't get wet on a 'Wing! "Look at the wind!" he cried.
"Shut up and get on you sook."Sydney was doing its best to deter even the most hardened rider. The wind was blowing at a rate of knots, and one hell of a storm was brewing. In between spits of rain and flashes of lightning, gusts of wind were trying to make us change lanes. A great aspect of this bike is that it is not influenced by the elements like some bikes. You would be excused for expecting to have to wrestle such a big bike as the wind uses the fairing as a sail, but the GoldWing slices through it all un-deterred. A more stable bike in the elements I have yet to sample.
Pillion in a Million
I have known Steve for near thirty years and he gets being a pillion. He was stunned at how comfortable it was, not to mention "the luxuries". When we got to the top of the Blue Mountains we knew not to proceed any further because the radio said the Bells Line of road was blocked indefinitely due to bush fires. Just another good reason to have a radio on a bike, say I.Pillions do not hurt the handling of this bike at all. I have never been on the back of one, and there are very few people I would accept as a pilot with me on the back. Steve is one of those few. I handed the keys to him over a coffee and suggested he take us home. Naturally, he took the longest way possible, and was impressed how compliant the bike was with a mammoth like me at the rear.
Preaching to the Converted
I was interested to hear what Steve had to say, not only because he gets bikes, but also because I also knew this would be the last bike he would ever consider. It is so much more than an exercise in indulgence. The GoldWing was a revelation for Steve, as it is for all newcomers. It is everything you don't expect, yet everything it should be. Thirty years of developing this model shows in all its detail. BMW have tried, but failed dismally in the motor department. No one, but no one can match this for its singular unchallenged dominance in the super tourer bike stakes. Do all you can to ride one of these sometime in your life. If you have ever lusted after one, and thought you might like one - buy it, you will not be disappointed. If you hate them, ride one anyway; it never hurts to be proven wrong.As I rattled on about the bike to Steve, he looked at me and said "Yeah, I get it". Clearly I needn't have bothered trying to sell it up because I was already preaching to the converted.
| Specifications |
| Model: GL1800
Engine Type: 1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder Bore and Stroke: 74mm x 71mm Compression Ratio: 9.8:1 Valve Train: SOHC; two valves per cylinder Carburetion: PGM-FI with automatic choke Ignition: Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping Transmission: Five-speed including Overdrive, plus electric Reverse Final Drive: Shaft Suspension Front: 45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system; 5.5 inches travel Rear: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring preload adjustment with two memory presets; 4.1 inches travel Brakes Front: Dual full-floating 296mm discs with LBS three-piston calipers; Optional ABS Rear: Single ventilated 316mm disc with LBS three-piston caliper; Optional ABS Tires Front: 130/70R-18 Rear: 180/60R-16 Wheelbase: 66.5 inches Rake (Caster Angle): 29.15 Trail: 109mm (4.3 inches) Seat Height: 29.1 inches Dry Weight: 822 - 860 pounds depending on option packages selected Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gallons Colors: Metallic Black, Dark Blue Metallic, Metallic Silver, Dark Orange Metallic, Dark Red Metallic
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| Other Bumpf
Unique Features - Foot-warming system channels engine-heated air over the rider's feet and is controlled by a fairing-mounted lever. State-of-the-Art Premium Audio System - 80-watt-per-channel power amplifier provides clear, crisp sound at all highway speeds. - Six-element speaker system includes two rear speakers and a pair of front tweeters for a rich, full sound quality. - Tuner features auto bass control combined with auto volume control. - Standard on all Gold Wings Engine/Drivetrain - Fuel-injected 1832cc six-cylinder engine produces 118 bhp and 125 lb./ft. of torque. - Parallel two-valve cylinder-head design utilizes direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation and requires no 600-mile service; the first valve clearance inspection is at 32,000 miles. - Silent-type camshaft chains with automatic adjusters provide reliable, maintenance-free operation. - Two 40mm-diameter throttle bodies deliver air to six specially designed Keihin 50-psi high-pressure programmed fuel injectors (PGM-FI). - - Electronic control unit (ECU) provides two digital 3-D fuel-injection maps for each cylinder and one digital 3-D ignition map for each cylinder. Knock-control sensors monitor ignition advance throughout the entire rpm range. - ECU closed-loop emissions system utilizes two oxygen sensors to constantly deliver a precise air/fuel mixture, while two exhaust catalyzers further reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. - Rotary Air Control Valve (RACV) maintains precise idle control under widely varying engine loads and operating temperatures. - Compact water pump is mounted behind the engine and is driven directly by the crankshaft, contributing to quicker engine warm-up. - Engine cooling system features a series-flow coolant pattern that offers cold-start rideability and provides rapid engine warm-up. - Two side-mounted radiators use low-air-pressure areas created by side cowls to draw cooling air through the radiators and beyond the rider at highway speeds. - Sturdy eight-plate clutch with maintenance-free hydraulic-assist. - Stainless steel six-into-two exhaust system produces a pleasing, powerful sound. - Powerful 1300-watt alternator uses a fluid damper system to minimize alternator noise. - Precise-shifting five-speed transmission includes Overdrive Fifth. Chassis/Suspension - Aluminium frame is engineered for "optimum rigidity with tuned flex". - Gold Wing engine also serves as a tuned stressed frame member. - The Gold Wing's rigid Pro Arm single-side cast-aluminium swingarm provides simplified servicing of the rear wheel and tire while ensuring optimum handling. - Dual full-floating 296mm front discs with Linked Braking System (LBS) three-piston calipers and a single ventilated 316mm rear disc with one LBS three-piston caliper. - Honda's LBS features a second master cylinder and a three-stage proportional control valve to couple the three-piston calipers of the dual-front and single-rear brake discs. Using the front brake lever activates the outer two pistons of the front right-side caliper and the centre piston of the front left-side caliper and, acting through the secondary master cylinder and an inline proportioning valve, the outer two pistons of the rear caliper. The rear brake pedal operates the centre piston of the rear brake caliper, the centre piston of the front right-side brake caliper and the outer two pistons of the front left-side caliper. A delay valve sensitive to the rider's pedal pressure smooths front-brake engagement. - 45mm front fork houses a cartridge damper in the right leg with 5.5 inches of travel. - Anti-dive system minimizes front fork dive when braking. The system utilizes brake fluid pressure generated in the secondary LBS master cylinder mounted on the left fork leg and is activated by input from either the front brake lever or the rear brake pedal. - Pro-Link-mounted rear shock provides 4.1 inches of plush travel for relaxed touring or sport riding. - Computer-controlled adjustable hydraulic rear suspension preload is set by the rider with push-button controls, and features a two-position memory. - Driveshaft-damping system utilizes a double-pipe structure with a rubber-bonded coating applied to the inner pipe to absorb road shock and engine torque. - Final gear case assembly design in the Pro Arm eliminates wheel alignment splines and ensures accurate alignment of the rear wheel after servicing. - Cast-aluminium 18 x 3.5-inch front wheel and 16 x 5.0-inch rear wheel are lightweight and strong. Radial touring tires are specifically engineered for the Gold Wing. Touring Features - Slow-speed electric Reverse system is engaged with the simple push of the thumb controls on the right handlebar. - Lightweight electronic cruise-control system utilizes a 16-bit ECU-controlled, motor-actuated throttle mechanism. -A manual windscreen-adjustment system provides six settings over 4 inches of travel. - Adjustable and closable windscreen vent routes fresh air to the rider's face or chest. - The Gold Wing trunk provides 60 litres of storage capacity with an additional 5 liters of storage available if the optional CD changer is not installed. Two full-face helmets will fit in the trunk. The saddlebags provide 40-plus liters of storage each, resulting in a total of 147 litres of storage space. - The saddlebag lids feature hydraulic dampers. - Specially designed luggage features a remote-control key lock, permitting pop-open rear trunk operation; remote lock/unlock for the trunk and saddlebags; and horn-actuated bike locator. If remote locking is attempted while a lid is open, the emergency lights flash to alert the rider. - Storage pockets are located in the fairing and rear trunk for easy-access storage. - Instrument cluster includes white-on-black analogue displays for speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel level, plus features adjustable backlighting and high-luminescence red pointers. Indicator/warning lights are provided for Reverse, Neutral, Overdrive, oil pressure, fuel injection, high beam, side stand, cruise on, cruise set and low fuel. A high-resolution LCD housed in a separate module is visible in all lighting conditions and displays the odometer, A/B tripmeter, ambient temperature, audio modes, CB, rear-suspension setting, trunk/saddlebag-open indicators and a clock. -Motorized headlight-aiming system is operated by a dial switch and provides 2.5 degrees of adjustment from level. -Large 6.6-gallon fuel tank houses the PGM-FI fuel pump and provides excellent long-distance cruising range. Additional Features - Headlight system features two 55-watt H7 low-beam and two 55-watt H7 high-beam bulbs - Engine and saddlebag guards help protect the Gold Wing's bodywork in case of a tip-over. - Maintenance-free features include automatic choke, RACV automatic idle, programmed fuel injection, automatic cam-chain adjusters, sealed battery, electronic cruise control and computer-controlled hydraulic rear spring preload adjustment. - Adjustable brake and clutch levers. - Self-cancelling turn signals. - Illuminated handlebar and radio switches. - Dual electric horns. - 20-amp YTX maintenance-free battery. - Dual helmet locks. - Fold-down antenna for easy storage. Available Accessories (You won't believe this!) - Audio Accessories": Six-Disc CD Changer, CB Radio Kit, CB Antenna, Audio Headsets (for open- and full-face helmets), Passenger Audio Controller. - Air Management Accessories: Tall Windscreen, Windscreen Side Air Deflectors, Fairing Side Air Deflectors, Rear Spoiler (color-matched) with LED Brakelight. - Functional Touring Accessories: Chrome Heated Grips with Thermostat, Foglight Kit, 12v Accessory Socket Kit, Passenger Armrest, Coin Holder, Saddlebag, Saddlebag Cooler. - Touring Convenience accessories: Removable Saddlebag/Trunk Liner Set (available in standard and deluxe types), Trunk Net, Saddlebag/Trunk Mat Set, Seat Weather Cover, Cycle Cover, Front Nose Mask, Trunk Vanity Mirror with Light, Trunk Inner Light, Inner Trunk Pouch, Trunk Lid Organizer, Saddlebag Lid Organizer, Fairing Pouch, Owner's Manual Folio. - Chrome Appearance accessories: Front Lower Cowl, Front Fender Ornament, Front Fender Extension, Front Disc Cover, Passenger Floorboard Covers, Passenger Floorboard Lower Covers, Side Fairing Accent, Windshield Garnish, Trunk Rack, Front Fender Rail, Saddlebag Scuff Pads, Saddlebag Molding Kit, Trunk Molding Kit, Sidestand, Exhaust Tips (two styles), License-Plate Frame, Swingarm Pivot Covers, Handlebar Ends, Trunk Handle, Rear Spoiler Accent.
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