I've been kind of amused by Dave's rants...
He clearly has absolutely no sense of History, and even less patience. :shocked: Poor guy! :shocked:
Yes; we all know that GoldWings are one GREAT Horizon finder. Honda has gone to great lengths to make sure that their Fllagship vehicle is one to be proud of... :thumbup:
But, they've been building and selling them since 1975.
How many of you can remember the GL1000s?
let's see:
Busted timing belts, bent valves, questionable brakelines that ballooned under pressure... rough suspensions, NO low-end power!
Did you ever ride one? They were pretty crude; even for the time.
Let's add the 1100s...
Stators, stereo channels, The Comcast wheels that would fall apart... weak-kneed suspension systems...
(I HAD one of these and put 50,000 wonderful miles on it!)
Even in recent years, they had an issue with frames breaking...
Now; my point is NOT to knock Honda; they build great stuff!
I'm just pointing out that getting it right is a process that takes time and development...
BRP will get it; just as Honda did before them... :thumbup:
Now; excuse me... I'm late for the MENSA meeting! They need me there to serve as a bad example... :roflblack:
I'm not going to knock the GW either, but want to complete your list.
The GL1800 was introduced in late 2000, early 2001, right about when everyone had settle in nicely with the GL1500. The 1800 gripe session included the following:
Radiators - Moved up to give the bike a slimmer look, but not as effective at cooling. Traffic stops would bury the temp needle into the red, as the fan would turn off and not turn back on. 13 service bulletins later, the issue was resolved Hot leg complaints began and still continue to this day. The fix is Baker air wings and heat shielding.
Engines - valves went to shims, instead of hydraulic and timing chains, instead of belt. While the increased power was welcome, the engines were noisier. The fix....turn up the radio
Tires - New Bridgestones cupped at 3000 miles.
Plastics and panels - Thin and cheap feeling. Much grumbling about quality control. Rubber grommets would push in when trying to reinstall.
Exhaust - Looked and sounded great, but mounting points would break.
Frames - Much improved with fewer parts, but some impacted by failings.
Kill switch - Would kill the engine at inopportune moments.
Hot start issues, final drive failures, heated grip failures, squeaky breaks, head bearing issues, latch failures, etc., etc.
Honda has released countless service bulletins for their much refined flagship product as well. It took time and patience to get the GW to where it is now....even the current model.
There are still steady streams of inquiries regarding roasting legs and chestnuts. Uncomfortable saddles and peg positions and just about everything else being added for comfort on the wings as well. Our friend Dave simply refuses to accept fact.
There's talk about big changes to their 2015 line, including a factory built trike. It most likely will include some pain for owners until refinements, bulletins, etc. take care of those issue. To some, that will be unacceptible and will prove the loss of direction for Honda and the demise of the company, while others go out and enjoy their new rides. Glad Dave's buying a 2013.
hyea::dg1::dg2:
