Why do I stick around?

[hlothery]

I no longer ride a BMW.:doh So why to I stick around here annoying you? I have been thinking a lot about this recently. Since 2003, I have ridden a Road King, an RT, and now my Wing. I have frequented the internet forums surrounding each marque during those years. This post is not a troll, not meant to criticize or flame, it is just my observations, having made this journey. I have found in general, HD forums to be somewhat less articulate, more angry, less varied in interests, and more focused on maintenance and increasing performance. The Wing forums I now frequent are similar in many respects to this one, but seem to lack a willingness to express openly the variety of expertise possessed by the members. I have found this forum, to the contrary, to be a wealth of knowledge and interests. Very diverse, our membership shares a passion for motorcycling (albeit not for Goldwings!), but also many other passions. I learn about food, travel, drink, history, philosophy and a plethora of other topics, all because our variously experienced membership is willing to share with the rest of us. So, I'll be hanging around. Thanks for the info, and thanks for sharing it!:thumb

[Oldhway]

I no longer ride a BMW.:doh So why to I stick around here annoying you? I have been thinking a lot about this recently. Since 2003, I have ridden a Road King, an RT, and now my Wing. I have frequented the internet forums surrounding each marque during those years. This post is not a troll, not meant to criticize or flame, it is just my observations, having made this journey. I have found in general, HD forums to be somewhat less articulate, more angry, less varied in interests, and more focused on maintenance and increasing performance. The Wing forums I now frequent are similar in many respects to this one, but seem to lack a willingness to express openly the variety of expertise possessed by the members. I have found this forum, to the contrary, to be a wealth of knowledge and interests. Very diverse, our membership shares a passion for motorcycling (albeit not for Goldwings!), but also many other passions. I learn about food, travel, drink, history, philosophy and a plethora of other topics, all because our variously experienced membership is willing to share with the rest of us. So, I'll be hanging around. Thanks for the info, and thanks for sharing it!:thumb

So you are saying we are full of it? And willing to dish it out? (info I mean)
:dance

[BubbaZanetti]

thanks for sticking around. my thoughts turn to the ducati side more and more often and since i'm a one bike kinda guy, it'll mean no BMW. but i've already joined the clubs, met the people, mod the forum and write for the magazine. i don't need to get back into that with a whole other marque, so i'll be around for a while too! :thumb

[jamesdunn]

I stick around because I enjoy the magazine and this website. I also find both provide a wealth of information and sources for parts and supplies. I suspect the Harley guys are a lot more right wing then Gold wing ding! So, have no interest in that forum (or the Goldwing site). I miss the Tavern though where my liberal stance often got me trounced, and being a sensitive guy.....I took umbrage!

Like Bubba I like Ducatis but have not bought one as yet. Test rode one though. But I have two Beemers and being a multi bike guy still will have 'em, even if the Duck becomes a reality.

Plus, I have some down time most mornings and this site provides a way to while away an hour or two.

[hlothery]

So you are saying we are full of it? And willing to dish it out? (info I mean)
:dance

Exactly!:laugh

Now if I could just enlighten you about Goldwings.............:whistle

[Mongo]

It's simple really, I hang around because I have friends here.

[Oldhway]

It's simple really, I hang around because I have friends here.

:thumb

[hlothery]

Exactly!:laugh

Now if I could just enlighten you about Goldwings.............:whistle

To wit

[rinty]

Hugh:

I haven't had a bike for 2 years but have kept up my my MOA membership. Each year, I have been fanangling a bike for a ride to the Kootenays, so I'm still riding a bit.

I like the folks here, admire their expertise, the topics are interesting and I still admire BMWs, so I'll stick around.

[Oldhway]

To wit

Let's play Pick a Title for this picture.


My entry.
2008 Goldwing, only ridden to Church on Sundays.
Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[jamesdunn]

:rofl:rofl:roflLet's play Pick a Title for this picture.


My entry.
2008 Goldwing, only ridden to Church on Sundays.
Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Ha ha ha ...:rofl:rofl

[Statdawg]

To wit

So Hugh was that taken at a Wing Rally because I see someone with a gun ?

[AKBeemer]

So, when are you buying a trailer?:p

[jamesdunn]

Hugh, that looks like the Alamo. Is it? Though I was a Texican a long time ago, I have never been there. I have seen paintings and photos though.

[ghostrider1964]

Yep, thats the Alamo. A sacred relic of Texas Independence:thumb

[AKBeemer]

Yep, thats the Alamo. A sacred relic of Texas Independence:thumb

I thought Hugh was the relic...................

[hlothery]

All this humor, while I was away at an appointment!!!:dance

I only did 240 miles last Sunday, two-up.:violin

That is indeed the Alamo, and the guy with the gun is a Park Ranger, one of whom is present 24 hours a day, and will be quick to tell you to remove your hat because you are on sacred ground. ( need a Texas flag emoticon, here)

I do have a trailer.......if you look closely, you can see the trailer hitch ball just behind the exhaust.:p

I did turn 60 this month......guess that qualifies me for relic status for sure. :gerg

Nice to have all these friends.........I think.:scratch

[Rapid_Roy]

The Alamo? I hear the basement is great.


:hide

[DRUDOLPH148006]

Do you own all of these bikes currently or are they bikes that you have owned
at different times? I've got enough room in my garage for one bike. Somebody
is jealous.

[hlothery]

The Alamo? I hear the basement is great.


:hide

Never seen them. I don't think they've ever performed in San Antonio. ;)

[hlothery]

Do you own all of these bikes currently or are they bikes that you have owned
at different times? I've got enough room in my garage for one bike. Somebody
is jealous.

If you're asking me.....I think you are.....I bought an Anniversary Road King in 2002, sold it to my brother-in-law in 2005, and he still rides it (so I also get to occasionally. Great bike) I bought a 2005 RT just after they were introduced, just traded that in on my new (but 2008) Wing, which is the best for what we do - two-up and towing a trailer. Wish I still had all of them, because I loved every one. My garage is packed. ( and my wife's heels are now firmly dug in :dunno)

[535is]

Let's play Pick a Title for this picture.


My entry.
2008 Goldwing, only ridden to Dairy Queen on Sundays.
There. Fixed. ;)

So, Hugh, what makes you think we're gonna let you stay?

[hlothery]

So, Hugh, what makes you think we're gonna let you stay?

What if I get one of these......the 2011 Goldwing S?

Keep in mind.... I still ride, and drive a boxer!

Oh, please, let me stay!!!

[rinty]

What makes you think we'll let you stay...535is

If he gets the punt, he'll have to re-consider whether to join the Wing Nuts.:)

[nplenzick]

So Hugh was that taken at a Wing Rally because I see someone with a gun ?

Can't be at a wing rally because I see no one dressed with their vests and all of their merit badges :laugh

[Rapid_Roy]

Never seen them. I don't think they've ever performed in San Antonio. ;)

Dang, that is the last time I believe a Pee Wee Herman movie.
Luckily, they don't happen much anymore.
:ha

[jamesdunn]

Yep, thats the Alamo. A sacred relic of Texas Independence:thumb
Thanks for the confirmation.:)

[jamesdunn]

Never seen them. I don't think they've ever performed in San Antonio. ;)

The 'Basement" is an underground rock band?:brow

[hlothery]

Dang, that is the last time I believe a Pee Wee Herman movie.
Luckily, they don't happen much anymore.
:ha

Pee Wee is not to be trusted.......just ask Ms. Yvonne.:)

[hlothery]

The 'Basement" is an underground rock band?:brow

Non-traditional theater.......whatever that is.:dunno

[kgadley01]

I got to ride a 'Wing" at this years National. not bad... not bad at all.:thumb

[hlothery]

I got to ride a 'Wing" at this years National. not bad... not bad at all.:thumb

It is very different from what you would imagine, isn't it? Not having ridden one before, I was amazed at the nimble feel, and the raw power and torque. YMMV, but I am very happy with my choice.

And, Dairy Queen has some great ice cream, BTW.......

[Voni]

What if I get one of these......the 2011 Goldwing S?

Keep in mind.... I still ride, and drive a boxer!

Oh, please, let me stay!!!

Well, it is RED. :wow

You've got my vote ; )

Voni
sMiling

[hlothery]

Well, it is RED. :wow

You've got my vote ; )

Voni
sMiling

It's actually a concept bike, not sure if it will ever see production. However, my Cayman is Guards Red

[kgadley01]

It is very different from what you would imagine, isn't it? Not having ridden one before, I was amazed at the nimble feel, and the raw power and torque. YMMV, but I am very happy with my choice.

And, Dairy Queen has some great ice cream, BTW.......

I have an 04 Electra Glide Classic, and a 99 R1100RT. I was suprised at the seat height of the Wing. I thought it would much higher. If I get a Wing, one of my present bikes must go (wife's rule) I have a custom made Diamond seat on the Harley, so its great for the long haul. but I have a Russell Daylong on the RT, which works well also. I could sell both the Harley and the RT, buy a new Goldwing and a good used old Airhead. something to think about....

[DRUDOLPH148006]

thanks for your reply, the question was directed to Ghostrider1964, who lists
14 bikes, wondered if he actually owned all of them at once. That would be
an interesting thread to start; Whats the most bikes you have had at one time?

[AKBeemer]

Okay, Hugh, after the respectful, sensitive and upbeat manner in which I've responded to this post :brow, I'm sure you'll be eager to answer this one serious question. Did you consider the K1200LT? If so, then what sold you on the Wing as compared to the LT?

[rinty]

Hugh only rides/drives boxers.:)

...Guards Red...

Very nice; almost as nice as Arena Red. :D

[hlothery]

Okay, Hugh, after the respectful, sensitive and upbeat manner in which I've responded to this post :brow, I'm sure you'll be eager to answer this one serious question. Did you consider the K1200LT? If so, then what sold you on the Wing as compared to the LT?

I did consider the LT, even looked at a new one in the showroom. No offense to anyone, but I do not like a black motorcycle (my Road King was the gun metal colored one), and black was the only color option this year. The LT was reported to be underpowered (and I pull a trailer frequently), and it felt much more top-heavy than the Wing. The dealer, as usual for BMW, was totally disinterested in helping me with a trailer hitch. Then there was the dearth of dealers and the worries about the FD. Once I rode the Wing, I was sold. For me, the seating position was perfect, the bike was much more powerful than my RT, and felt more stable in corners and on the road. Like I have said, it is surprizingly nimble.......not anything like the frequently stated misconception of a lumbering behemoth. The installed hitch and lighting were part of the delivery deal. Then there was the Dairy Queen thing......:brow

[xp8103]

I just like having a "like mind" around! ;)

[hlothery]

I just like having a "like mind" around! ;)

Careful........some would say I'm crazy!!!:wave

[brewmeister]

I no longer ride a BMW.:doh So why to I stick around here annoying you? I have been thinking a lot about this recently. Since 2003, I have ridden a Road King, an RT, and now my Wing. I have frequented the internet forums surrounding each marque during those years. This post is not a troll, not meant to criticize or flame, it is just my observations, having made this journey. I have found in general, HD forums to be somewhat less articulate, more angry, less varied in interests, and more focused on maintenance and increasing performance. The Wing forums I now frequent are similar in many respects to this one, but seem to lack a willingness to express openly the variety of expertise possessed by the members. I have found this forum, to the contrary, to be a wealth of knowledge and interests. Very diverse, our membership shares a passion for motorcycling (albeit not for Goldwings!), but also many other passions. I learn about food, travel, drink, history, philosophy and a plethora of other topics, all because our variously experienced membership is willing to share with the rest of us. So, I'll be hanging around. Thanks for the info, and thanks for sharing it!:thumb

You could have a nice old airhead in the garage for nice sunday drives!(:(:(:

[kgadley01]

Careful........some would say I'm crazy!!!:wave

hlothery..FYI a Goldwing still holds the time record at the Dragon (Deals Gap). unless it got broken this Summer...

[rinty]

And I've read that they've got enough power to lift the front wheel, going into second.

[kgadley01]

And I've read that they've got enough power to lift the front wheel, going into second.

I can beleive that. I've Had my Electra Glide up twice...

[Maylett]

I have found in general, HD forums to be somewhat less articulate, more angry, less varied in interests, and more focused on maintenance and increasing performance.
I can understand why, out of necessity, Harley-Davidson forums might be heavily weighted toward maintenance issues. But performance? I mean, if they want performance, why are they riding Harleys?

[kgadley01]

I can understand why, out of necessity, Harley-Davidson forums might be heavily weighted toward maintenance issues. But performance? I mean, if they want performance, why are they riding Harleys?

not all Harleys are slow... at least Harley does offer kits for more horsepower if you want it. BMW offers nothing. I have a stock 04 Electra glide that will run in excess of 125 mph. My RT will barely get to that speed. and don't get me started on dependablity. in the last 30 years BMW and Harley have swapped places. I've never had to do a spline lube, adjust valves, snyc throttle bodies, or worry about the final drive on my Harley.

[hlothery]

You won't find me lifting any wheels on my Wing, but I swear it corners better than the RT. Maybe my butt dyno is just optimistic.

It is amazing on the HD sites how these guys buy a brand new HD and immediately install new cams and heads. Some even split the cases for a new crank and bearings to change the stroke, all in the quest for horsepower. I just pick out what I like on the showroom floor, and ride like hell.

To each his/her own.

[kgadley01]

You won't find me lifting any wheels on my Wing, but I swear it corners better than the RT. Maybe my butt dyno is just optimistic.

It is amazing on the HD sites how these guys buy a brand new HD and immediately install new cams and heads. Some even split the cases for a new crank and bearings to change the stroke, all in the quest for horsepower. I just pick out what I like on the showroom floor, and ride like hell.

To each his/her own.

me too, I like to leave them stock. but as Yamaha said back in the 70's "different strokes for different folks"

[Maylett]

not all Harleys are slow... at least Harley does offer kits for more horsepower if you want it. BMW offers nothing. I have a stock 04 Electra glide that will run in excess of 125 mph. My RT will barely get to that speed. and don't get me started on dependablity. in the last 30 years BMW and Harley have swapped places. I've never had to do a spline lube, adjust valves, snyc throttle bodies, or worry about the final drive on my Harley.
My post was mostly tongue in cheek, but...

Horsepower and top-end speed are not equivalent to performance — except to muscle car fans and, from what I'm inferring, some Harley owners.

There's little question that HD has improved its quality control in recent years, but there are still boat loads of older Harley's filling people's garages that are loaded up with questionable after-market add-ons. These, um, "classics" and their ongoing breakdowns provides plenty of material for endless HD forum maintenance discussions.

As I said, though, my post was mostly tongue in cheek — I have plenty of design and engineering gripes about my RT. Also, it's quite possible that Harley riders are just more prone to get grease under their fingernails than BMW riders.

[jamesdunn]

me too, I like to leave them stock. but as Yamaha said back in the 70's "different strokes for different folks"

Yes, but Harley is all about aftermarket. Sell someone a Harley and then sell that same buyer a lot of accessories. That is where the money is!

As to performance mods after the purchase. Same thing. Sell the 6 speed tranny or pricey aftermarket exhaust. Get that customers cash. Pronto! Thing is though, Harley riders are only looking to have "bragging" rights, among their peers. They know they are not gonna outgun a sportbike.

And all those add ons? Will not add even a dime to resell value.

I saw an old stock Harley recently that had a patina of use, some rust, and wear here and there. Downright refreshing! better than any of the chromed up examples; by a long shot!

[kgadley01]

My post was mostly tongue in cheek, but...

Horsepower and top-end speed are not equivalent to performance — except to muscle car fans and, from what I'm inferring, some Harley owners.

There's little question that HD has improved its quality control in recent years, but there are still boat loads of older Harley's filling people's garages that are loaded up with questionable after-market add-ons. These, um, "classics" and their ongoing breakdowns provides plenty of material for endless HD forum maintenance discussions.

As I said, though, my post was mostly tongue in cheek — I have plenty of design and engineering gripes about my RT. Also, it's quite possible that Harley riders are just more prone to get grease under their fingernails than BMW riders.

OK, we're good!!! LOL

[rinty]

I rented a 96 inch Low Rider last year, and it was plenty fast. It's also a turn key bike.

Well, almost. You would need a windshield and bags if you were going touring. But the stock exhaust system is now rorty enough to obviate the need for aftermarket pipes, and the stock engine has more power than most riders will ever be able to use.

[BubbaZanetti]

You won't find me lifting any wheels on my Wing, but I swear it corners better than the RT. Maybe my butt dyno is just optimistic.

It is amazing on the HD sites how these guys buy a brand new HD and immediately install new cams and heads. Some even split the cases for a new crank and bearings to change the stroke, all in the quest for horsepower. I just pick out what I like on the showroom floor, and ride like hell.

To each his/her own.

just a keeping up with the jones thing IMO, it's always been a baffling to me. probably a great boon for the dealers though as they make a ton of overhead in doing this modification work.

i like riding slow bikes fast, so i'm weird.

[hlothery]

Yes, but Harley is all about aftermarket. Sell someone a Harley and then sell that same buyer a lot of accessories. That is where the money is!



Funny, true story. I was sitting at Specht's Store, a local eatery on a back road, about 6 months after I bought my Road King, having a drink. Two "seasoned" HD riders pulled up and began to look my new bike over. One immediately began to berate me because "You haven't done a thing to that bike.......you haven't even done a Stage I kit!". I replied that all I had done was put 11,000 miles on it. I'm not sure why, but that was a conversation stopper.:dunno