Goldwing, best years?
- Thread starter Mak10
- Start date
Don't have one but have ridden a few. Much 1uicker and handles better than I would have expected. "I" would go 5th Gen ('01-'17) For me, with this kind of bike, more is better. My neighbor has one and talks about how his wife has slept for miles/hours in the back seat.
5th Gen: 118hp/123lb ft. 898lbs. 6.6gal fuel. 5-spd manual.
6th Gen: 125hp/130lb ft. 805-844lbs 5.6 gal fuel. 6-spd manual/7-spd DCT
5th Gen: 118hp/123lb ft. 898lbs. 6.6gal fuel. 5-spd manual.
6th Gen: 125hp/130lb ft. 805-844lbs 5.6 gal fuel. 6-spd manual/7-spd DCT
gv550
Well-Known Member
Early 5th generation had frame cracking and overheating problems, 01 to 10 had transmission problems. 12 to 17 would be best. Do some lurking on gl1800riders.com for lots of information.
Hey, @Cycledude. What year is yours? With 600k miles, I'm thinkin' that's probably a good year.
Cycledude
Well-Known Member
The transmission issues are pretty rare but very expensive to fix if you happen to get stuck with one.
2006 and newer have slightly bigger radiators so if I was buying that’s most likely what I would look for but there were lots of minor improvements over the years.
My 2002 still runs like new with 608,000 miles and I highly prefer riding it over the Tenere.
I’m hoping to upgrade to a 6th generation maybe next year, I would like a 2021 or newer because they have a bigger trunk, I want a DCT. The new suspension on 6th generation makes the older ones feel almost like they have no suspension.
2006 and newer have slightly bigger radiators so if I was buying that’s most likely what I would look for but there were lots of minor improvements over the years.
My 2002 still runs like new with 608,000 miles and I highly prefer riding it over the Tenere.
I’m hoping to upgrade to a 6th generation maybe next year, I would like a 2021 or newer because they have a bigger trunk, I want a DCT. The new suspension on 6th generation makes the older ones feel almost like they have no suspension.
Cycledude
Well-Known Member
Lots of advantages with 5th generation, better seat, much better tip over protection, much more storage space, better wind protection.
03A3KRH
Active Member
I owned a 2003 Gen 5 and now have a 2023 Gen 6. The Gen 5 had much better weather protection, but I didn’t like it in the heat and humidity areas during the summer. Too much of a good thing. Gen 5 had a much higher top end speed. Gen 6 is governed to 112 mph ish (I’m told). Gen 6 is lighter, easier to handle moving around the garage and I get better fuel mileage. Gen 5 cupped out the front tires faster than the Gen 6 due to the additional weight the front tire carries. I like the cockpit better on the Gen 6, with adjustable windshield, Apple car play and better speakers. DCT makes for a very relaxing touring experience. A late model low mileage Gen 5 is a value buy, I’d say take both for a test ride and see what suits you.
Donk
Well-Known Member
Gen 5 F6B have to be a 15 or newer with cruise and heated grips. Wicked cool bike feels much sportier than the regular GoldWing. Trying to talk myself into or out of buying one right now.
I bought a Gen 6 in 2018. It's a DCT model and like it so much so that I eventually sold my Tenere. When looking I sat on an older gen and all the buttons and too tall windshield turned me off. Maybe because I am an old FJR guy and like the control of the windshield to fit my height and not all the plastic to look through. Also the features on the new gen Goldwing is nice.
Cycledude
Well-Known Member
This is an excellent time of year to find great deals on motorcycles new or used !
Arkyrider
Active Member
I have a 2018 Goldwing, non tour, and I don’t see getting rid of it anytime soon. If anything I’ll trade/sell it for a newer version. I really do like the handling, comfort, and power. IMO it handles more like a sports routing bike instead of a tourer, but that’s taking into consideration that mine is the bagger version. I really did like my Tenere but I think overall that the GW is the better bike for me.