What are the pros and cons of a Goldwing VS a Harley-Davidson Ultra Glide Classic?
sunrayman123 asked:
I am an engineer, swayed by facts and figures. I have had a few goldwings which were super. But after a lady crashed my valkyrie, I am toying with the Harley idea. Any advice? How good is the big TWIN??
I am an engineer, swayed by facts and figures. I have had a few goldwings which were super. But after a lady crashed my valkyrie, I am toying with the Harley idea. Any advice? How good is the big TWIN??
June 13th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
The age old dilemma. A rice burner(no offense) or a harley. I have had both. They are 2 completely different animals. I like both. A Harley is a great bike. I have found harleys to be easier to work on and thats a good thing because it seems that the old legend of them always needing something is still pretty true. Its really no big deal though as most of us enjoy tinkering with the bike. Goldwings are great too. They are dependable and good big bikes. I do my own motor, tranny, and mechanical work where possible. Its really all just a matter of personal choice. Just be safe and keep the rubber side down. Thats the real sign of a good rider.
June 16th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
buy a harley a gold wing will last longer and require less maintenance. but if you don’t buy a harley it will still sell ultra glides sell out every year and ladies love harleys.
June 18th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Well in all honesty it depends on whether your buying a bike or a name. Opinions are what it is based on , and I’m sure your opinion is just as different as others. I like all bikes but they all have their ups and downs. I’m getting older and personally I would rather ride then fix so Honda would be my choice.
June 21st, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I love mine.
I’ve had Hondas. Kaws, and for the last 7 years I’ve had two HD’s.
Nothing feels like a Harley.
The people are the greatest, the parties are the best, the bike is great. I’ve got 54,000 miles on my 02 ElectraGlide Classic. Nothing but oil changes. (I idid put a Vance and Hines True dual exhast and a Mikuni flat side carb on it, along with several look good pieces. I want to see the day this bikehas 250,000 miles. I am convinced, this ismy last bike, no need to look anymore, I’m satisfied.
June 24th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Check out the Road Glide. I think you might like the frame mounted fairing better. You can add all the stuff that comes on the Ultra (Tour pac, cb, intercom etc.) and still come in under the cost of an Ultra. That’s what I did and couldn’t be happier.
June 26th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
The big twin, that sounds like a hamburger, just a joke. I have a C90 and I believe the Ultra has a 88ci engine. These are very sufficient with plenty of power. If you had a Valkyrie you probably know more about the Gold Wing than I do. Hear say tells me they are very well balanced machines, the Harley sales rep told me the Ultra glide is a little top heavy, hard to handle at low speeds. My buddy has a Valkyrie and it is a lot quicker taking off and a little bit smoother than my C90. If it were up to me I would have to stay with the Honda. I just don’t know why we are so intrigued by the HD logo. I am too.
June 27th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
the lady would have crashed your Harley too wouldn’t she?
I’m a Harley guy it sounds like your a goldwing guy. different strokes for different folks. you would probably be happier with what your familiar with. but the fact you bought a Valkyrie indicates you might be interested in the Harley style. as an engineer & gold wing rider you would be most interested in the b engine as it has an internal balance shaft that rotates to dynamicly counter the the low amplitude vibrations inherent to v twins. it comes in 96 c.i. standard 110 c.i. optional. either way see you on the road or as we said in the old days keep the greasy side down & the shinny side up
June 29th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
I’ve ridden both and it depends on what you want to do.
I like Wing-Thing, but the Harley has a ‘look at me’ attitude
No matter which way you cut it the Honda is smooth and sterile, Handles well for a big heavy bike.
The Harley has character but you may need fillings replaced due to vibration.
Majority of ‘new’ HD riders are wannabees because they saw them on TV
You probably need to get an extended road test on a HD before deciding
Crash
The biggest problem is when crank starts to flex at high rpm, its really only designed for 5,500~6,500rpm. Going higher overloads big end bearings at then pushing further flexes crank which destoys main bearing, then case gets ovalised
June 30th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
If you are like me you just want to ride in comfort and safely. May I suggest you take a look at the Yamaha Star Venture or Tour DeLuxe. Both are 1300cc V-4’s, smooth,quick and can pull a lot of weight. Other than oil changes they are maintenance free and as reliable as the Wing. Both have the look and seating height of the HD minus the potato-potato sound. Buying new….You’ll save a ton of $$$ over the wing and HD.
Just putting another option on the table to fuel the fire.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
They are both big, fat, slow pigs of a bike. The Harley was designed about 100 years ago. Get a BMW instead.
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
It’s the same O same O, HD guys will say Harley, Honda guy’s will say Honda, Yamaha, BMW etc. I’ve had 3 bikes, Honda, Yamaha and now Harley. Their all good bikes! You def need to go and test ride for yourself both bikes and decide for yourself what you want to ride on! The harley’s have the thumping motor yes! but at 60 or 120 mph down the road this bike is not thumping it’s very smooth on the run. My wife also has a Harley and on avg we put 500 miles a weekend on these bikes and we def don’t come home rattled. The riding is our theropy to the week long work-week….It don’t matter what you ride just ride!
July 4th, 2008 at 12:42 am
look, buy a harley only if
1. You like women
2. You like your image
Buy a goldwing if
1. You like men
2. If you could care less about your image, and you came out of the closet over a year ago
July 5th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
The Goldwing is low maintenance, dependable, smooth and comfortable. Also the Goldwing comes (top of line) with GPS, Heated this and that, and many stock items that you must then pay more for to add to the Harley. The Goldwing initial price is thousands less for more bike. Therefore Goldwing is ALOT more ” Bang for Your Buck ” to begin with, and the Harley ” Image ” thing just does not compute.