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Motorcycle User Reviews - 2007 Honda Gold Wing GL1800

Let me start this review off by saying I have wanted to own a Gold Wing ever since I saw an ad in 1984 for a Honda Aspencade. It took 23 years but I finally have my Wing. On the 14th of April I drove off the lot in a new 2007 GL1800.

I purchased the Comfort/NAVI model in the dark red metallic color. In addition, I also added the factory CB.

Prior to ordering the Wing, I owned a 2006 Yamaha Royal Star Venture. The Venture was my first fully dressed bike. Now I am only 5'-7", and found the Venture a bit rough to handle at slow speeds, a bit top heavy to say the least. I always heard the Wings were well balanced, but let's face it, an 800 pound bike: how balanced can it really be?

In February, I stopped in my local dealer, while getting a new pair of gloves, I happened to look over a new Wing they had on display. I sat on the bike and was about to stand it up and mentally prepared to have a heavy lift. To my surprise, it felt as if it was half the weight of the Venture and I was able to be flat footed, even without my extra thick sole boots I needed for the Venture. That was it, I ordered a new Wing. I sold the Venture and waited for my new Wing.

So let me break it down this way:

Handling: Besides the weight distribution design, which makes the Wing seem lighter, the handling aspects are great. Unlike most fork mounted fairing bikes I've ridden, I didn't have to fight the weight the fairing added to the wheel assembly. For a small guy like me, making it easier to steer is always a good thing. I have a 30 inch inseam. The bike has a lower seat height than the Venture according to the specs set at 29.1 inches, which allows me to be flat footed, a plus when stopping. The braking system is smooth and easily stops the bike. Recently, I took it for a ride along some local country roads. It was one of the best rides I have had since riding bikes. The ease by which I was able to take curves was so different from my experience with the Venture I had to pinch myself to make sure I was not making it up.

Power: The power and ease at which it can be applied is astonishing. I have to be careful cruising around. The ease that power can build can have me in a split second flying down the road. The engine is smooth and purrs through the gears. I personally am not fond of loud engines and pipes, so the quiet but strong engine sounds that the Wing generates makes it enjoyable to ride.

Audio System: The 2007 comes with the premium audio package. Front and rear speakers sound great. Now I enjoy listening to music and I fully enjoy what comes out of the audio system. I didn't order the CD changer. Didn't need to. The Gold Wing supports the MP3 players through its AUX configuration. So away I go with my iPod. The integration between the Audio, CB, Intercom and Navigation system is tight. With the exception of the Intercom system, you have the ability to route different components through either speakers or helmet system. The intercom can only run through the helmet system. The controls are easy to handle both on the center console and handle bar. It provides a wide array of sound controls: fade, bass, and treble. You can also set ambient sound, so as more noise is generated around you from traffic, the audio sound level increases to match, so you never have to adjust the sound volume.

Navigation System: The GPS system is a nice feature that I got spoiled with from my vehicles, so when I heard the Wing had a model with an integrated GPS how could I pass that up? The NAVI is manufactured by Garmin which happens to be the same brand my personal GPS system is manufactured by. The system's controls are located on the lower right side fairing. If there is a short fall in the bike I would say the GPS system is it, only because it doesn't have everything that I have come to expect in other Garmin GPS systems. I wish it would provide an actual name to turn on, other than in 500 feet make right turn. However, that is a personal thing. I must say I appreciate the design feature that turns off the GPS controls while in motion, preventing the temptation of the rider to fool around with the knobs and possibly lose control of the bike and end up in an accident because you are tinkering with GPS controls while in motion. The color screen is large enough to make quick glances while you're driving. Even with sun light behind you, it does not wash out the screen. Honda also integrated other informational screens within the GPS system. So not only can you display the mapping system, you can also display audio system features. So not only can you see where you are going, but what radio station you're listening to, and what the odometer and trip meter are reading.

Gauges: I totally enjoy the fact Honda kept away from fully integrating the speedometer, temp, RPM and Gas gauges into a digital format. The Analog gauges make it easy to quickly scan and keep track of.

Luggage: The Wing has more than ample space among the trunk and saddlebags to carry whatever you need. I also enjoy the fact the Wing has remote locking features. I almost laugh every time I walk up to the bike and pop the trunk with the remote.

Overall, I am very happy with my Wing and look forward to many years in the saddle. -- Luis

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