Hiya,
Today we moved from Marco Island to Clearwater.
On route we called at a couple of Honda dealers to take another look at the 2012 bikes.
We’ve finally decided on a colour and will be ordering one soon.
I thought you might like to see them for yourselves too so here they are,
What’s your favourite ? -
Celia
The black one looks like you have had to replace the side panels because it has been laid down, a bit like the chrome mirror backs we all have!!! As we are always following you I have to say the white bike looks best from the rear! . There is a photo of the white bike on its own I would say the choice is made- White. But…. which colour does Denise like best?
Roy steventon
I would tend to agree with Celia, the Black one looks like its had some bits at the front replaced, the white one accepts those bits and it does not look out of order, plus it dont take as much to clean. So I would say that you will be going with the white one, but if you do go for the black can i borrow it sometimes for my job? ha ha.
Nigel White
why not go for the pair?
I think our next one maybe White too……..wanted one last time but got distracted by the Deep Blue!
Nige n Lynne
IanC
Sorted !
I’ll have a Black one and Denise can have the White – all she needs to do now is get a license
Mike Cox
I also like the look of the black one.
Alan y
What is the fastest colour, that’s the important question!!
As we all know it used to be red.:-)
Alan Y
joe
The blue looks nice.
Joe
Richard and Christine Chatham
We both think the white is the best colour with the compulsary silver panel but of course all silver would of course be FASTEST !!! Ricardo
Ian C
I still think our existing model is the prettier of the two bikes. On the new one the panniers look like they’ve been nicked from something else and just stuck them on the Wing. Maybe the ‘look’ will grow on me – I hope it does because there isnt any other bike that comes close to the Wing for luxury 2 up touring .
Just my thoughts
Ian C.
Ian C
Its a WHITE one. Should get it sometime late January and be registered for March 01st 2012.
What finally made my/our mind up on colour was the 4×4 that we’ve got over here. Its Black and it shows every bit of dust and water mark. I’d forgotten just how much work goes into keeping a black vehicle looking good.
Coming home this weekend – I hope the weather has got a bit milder for you all
Sorry to be leaving this sunshine behind and I wish we could bring it with us.
Best wishes.
Ian & Denise.
Ian C
Hi, I got a delivery news update today.
My dealer told me the eta of our new bike “has been put back a week or so”, its now due “sometime early Feb” !!
Alan y
How many of us are still out riding?
at the moment i still am, but when it get salty and snowy is the time i stop.
Alan y
Ian C
Hi Alan,
I dont mind riding at this time of year. The only time I DONT go out on a Saturday is when its snowy/icey, very high winds, or Foggy.
I must admit to using – heated grips, heated seat, heated gloves, heated jacket and the bikes ‘Foot warmers too – what a whimp !!
I always give the bike a really good clean and wash down the underside everytime I get home.
Cheers,
Ian C.
admin
Hi Ian – I’ve been working under the assumption that you ordered your new bike from Florida, but I’m told that’s not true. I thought you always bought a US spec?
Ian C
Hi Nigel, you’re correct about me always having a US spec bike – ALL the Goldwings we’ve ever owned, including our first one (1500SE) have been American bikes.
Things have changed now that the bikes are made in Japan. The spec difference is very small, and I believe some of the things on the UK bike are actually preferable to the US one eg-
1. The US bike now has Tire Pressure Monitoring as standard and the UK doesnt – I prefer not to have TPMS because it prevents the use of Ultraseal.
2. The UK bike now has the same SRS radio, with 6speakers and Amp, as the US bike BUT it also has RDS too
3. The US bike lighting has now been down graded to the same as the UK bike – I had to rewire the rear lights on Dereks new US 1800 just like I’ll have to do on our new one – (the US bike has no advantage anymore)
4. The GPS system on the new bike is much more sophisticated than the old one and updating the maps has been a bit of a chore on Dereks bike – I think it might be easier to stick with the UK bikes European mapping system.
5. The US bike doesn’t have HISS as standard – which has never bothered me before BUT now that the bikes have increased in value to well over £24,000 the insurance companies are getting nervous and are wanting a Thatcham Class1 alarm installed on the US bikes.
6. There isnt any colour available in the US that we like and cant get here in the UK
7. The US doesnt have a warranty – not a big consideration for me but it is a slight UK bike advantage anyway.
All things considered I decided to go for the UK spec this time. I hope I’ve made the right decision
Nigel Mackintosh
Thanks for the detailed explanation, Ian – you’ve clearly done your homework!
Ian C
Our new ’12 bike has arrived. Its a white one and its growing on me.
I didnt like the rear of it at first but the more I see it the better it looks and the extra space is very welcomed.
The mechanicals appear to be the same as the previous model.
I say appear because, according to the owners handbook, the service schedule has changed dramatically.
It now only needs a service every 8000 miles, the air filter change has gone to 16000, Coolant and final drive oil have changed to 3years and brake/clutch fluids are now 2years with no mention of mileage.
My Honda workshop manual hasnt arrived yet but its on its way so I’ll check the details when it arrives.
The upgraded electronics are good – sound system is even better than the US bike (6 speakers and RDS too )
The iPod/USB stick facility is great and the Satnav now has 3D view, etc just like the Zumo.
Maps that came with it are CityNavigator Europe NT2011.4 – I haven’t looked into updating them yet but I’ll let you know when I do.
I’ve got it stripped down now ready for the Suspension upgrade, panels are at the painters and the wheels are almost ready for the powder coaters.
I’ll post a pic or two when its finished.
Cheers,
Ian.