I purchased the bike with 4300 miles. I have ridden another 4000 miles and the oil change is due.
First oil change
Center Stand Install
I spent a good part of the afternoon installing the Honda OEM center stand. I also replaced both oil filters and oil.
The center stand kit is very basic and the instructions are minimal to say the least.
The center stand installation is not that difficult. The part that was most difficult was the tension spring that retracts the center stand from the down position to maximum height, tucked under below.
The spring used for retracting the center stand is is very stiff making the installation instructions call for a two person job. This precaution is mainly to prevent pulling the bike over to the right side while trying to install the spring.
Every bit helps trying to get the hook over the stub. I had to insert washers and coins in between the spring coils to expand the spring’s tension. This technique was needed in order for me to get the installation completed.
The main reason for me to get this upgrade done was to allow me to do an oil change on the ground. I also knew it would be needed when I replaced the rear tire.
If it wasn’t for the spring this would have been an easy upgrade. If I had a spotter it would it probably would have gone quicker too. I was hesitant pulling hard on the spring and toppling the bike over.
Uber eats
Not really, I picked up some dinner grub on the way home. The Saddlemen luggage rack barrel bag is working out great.
I wasn’t too sure at first using the larger bag due to the aesthetics. After seeing how well it worked for a two meal order I’m sold on it. I think I’ll use the smaller T-Bag on occasions. I just haven’t figured out when that time will be.
Bagger +1
I’m using a removable barrel bags for different scenarios. The original bag I got was a T-Bag setup with the large pack and a barrel bag that can placed on top. The main bag is too big to be used daily. I don’t lug any large during my commute. The barrel bag that comes with the rig is just the right size for my daily commute gear but is not large enough for the instances I stop and grab a food to go on the way home from work.
I researched and found a couple of other bags. I’ll post the various manufacturers and models I ended up getting and in one case will not use.
One thing I have found to be limiting is the side hard bag’s capacity. I get they needed to down size the non-touring models bag capacity but it is really small compared to what I am used to.
Rode to work 6 days straight
I have ridden the sled 6 days in a row. I’m racking miles quickly. This means I need to really keep an eye on the mileage as it will accumulate rapidly and require more frequent oil changes.
First ride of the year 2025!
I took the Goldwing Bagger to work this morning. In the past I would go for a ride the first day of the year. The last few years I haven’t been able to carry on that tradition due to participating in an annual Lowrider event held at Sacramento California. It’s an all day event so there’s not a chance for me to ride when I get home, unload the CaDually.
It was a very nice ride home. I have all the gear to ride in most weather conditions I will encounter in during my short 110 mile daily commute.
One of my favorite views coming home. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees located around the shop. I had to blow off the leaves daily for about a month. As nice as the leaves look on the ground it acts as a slippery surface when moist or wet. The sled doesn’t have any issues, it’s when I plant my foot down.
Last ride of 2024.
Another year has come and gone. I must have set a personal riding record for consecutive days ridden.
I heard a report on the radio stating 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded for our area. I do remember stretches of 100 plus degrees temperatures.
I can say after riding the sled for about 3000 miles, almost every day of the week.i have a good idea on the positives and negatives.
It definitely got interesting the last few months of year. was in a bad wreck and I spent weeks visiting the doctor’s office for wound repair. In a nutshell I had to counter steer off the side of the road to avoid a head on collision.
Winter Solstice
The days have definitely gotten shorter. When I leave for work it’s completely dark. When I get home from work it’s the same.
I’m still trying to gage if I am riding drier on the Goldwing Bagger or the 5th Generation Goldwing tourer model. Even though I’ve ridden in the rain on the Goldwing Bagger I don’t think I have hit the extreme storm levels I experienced on the 2015 Goldwing.
Both bikes have the Klokwerks flared windshield. In the baggers case the windshield is adjustable to varying heights.
Winter riding
It doesn’t matter what the weather is I’ll be out riding. The one thing that is not so fun is washing the bike afterwards.
It seems the front of the engine area takes a lot of road grime from the front wheel. This is also why you can purchase a front fender extension kit. I’ll be looking into the Show Chrome product, I haven’t seen anyone else that offers the same kit.
After a bit more research I discovered there are rear fender side fillers too. I am aware of these for the Harley Davidson baggers but never heard of them made for a Goldwing.
Side by side baggers
I have to say these are a couple bad ass baggers. A 2002 Harley Davidson Softail Fatboy and a 2022 Honda Goldwing DCT.
If you know anything about old school Harley baggers and 6 generation Goldwing’s you would know these two sleds are so different in every way imaginable.
The only way you can ever know the difference and enjoy it, you need to own it. Reading about someone’s opinion online is not going to cut it.
I sometimes reads these guys on the forums responding to a post and they offer an opinion based on no experience. Yes, there are a few that do own several sleds but these guys are like me and just sort of lurk and be entertained.
The lighter material seat cover really stands out in this photo even though it’s not a focus point.