I've never ridden a GW. The folks I have talked to that own them seem to be incredibly loyal to that model- almost cult-ish. Not to mention that it's hard to find a Honda (anything) that's a piece of junk, with a very high dollar : value ratio. I read on another thread several people that converted over to the RM from the GW. I am lucky enough to have an RM, so I don't need you to sell me on the idea of getting one. Just curious to find out what the motivation was to drop the GW for the RM?
Thanks @Gator Mcklusky A) I’ve wanted an Indian since I was a kid. B) I test rode an RM at our local dealer and was convinced. 3) I’m not a GW cultist...lol. But I know a couple.
I had my 1st Goldwing in 1977.... on my 3rd now, a 2008 Goldwing Airbag model. I had my 1st close up look at a Road Master (any Indian really) at a trade show in Spokane , spring 2018. The dealer had the bright blue Elite model on a stage with blue lighting above it. It was incredible! That started me tracking Indian motorcycles and this forum. The Wing has been rock solid, but I think I am just ready for a new m-cycle experience. After following this website and test riding a few times I almost purchased. But .......then the Challenger rumors started and it was finally released and I am leaning that direction for that new engine. Now I have a few things to sort out before I can purchase and want to give the Challenger time to sort itself out as well. Hopefully 2022 will bring a full blown tour model including, tour pack, RM style seat, heated grips and seat. Indian.....are you listening.
Goldwings to me are like Modern Cars and talking working on them not riding them .. Everything is fine until something fails then takes a rocket scientist to figure it out .. I do have a code reader for all my 4 wheel Vehicles and it helps but many times when get a code it could be this that or the other .. While they are well built and with proper maintenance might do 100,000 Miles without a problem, for the price of a new one just not for me this late in life ..
Rode a Goldwing for 6 years and 111k miles trouble free. Traded it in for a RM and yes there are big differences. The wing is a solid bike. The RM i am getting use too. Time will tell as well as the miles. So far the gas mileage is better, the wind doesn't effect it as much, it handles better on washboard gravel roads and it looks incredible. I have no regrets. Having said that, comparing a Goldwing to a Roadmaster is an apple and orange thing. To completely different bikes.
Experience makes us who we are....I stopped judging the imperfect many moons ago when I suddenly and abruptly realized I wasn't perfect......since then I've met none perfect people