Welcome to GLcruzn
"All I need are big dreams and open highways"
The latest sled in my stable a 2022 GL1800BD Goldwing Bagger (non-tour). I was on the fence to either purchase a 6 speed manual or the Dual Clutch Transmission 7 speed model (DCT). I didn't even bother asking for a test drive, I figured I'd learn how to ride the DCT sled when I drove off Specialty Motorsports parking lot.
I have to say, I had concerns at first but that was completely forgotten once I started putting on some miles. This technology really amazing. I've found that I will let the DCT do it's thing for upshifting and I control some of the downshifting with the paddle, especially riding the hillsides.
There was a time when I had a very cool collection of scoots. I've always been a Honda Motorcycle enthusiast but I have owned Susuki, Yamaha and Harley Davidson bikes in the past. The stable below was a timeframe when motorcycles had become a complete lifestyle.
For a period I commuted 110 miles a day back and forth to work, rain or shine it didn't matter. I did that for 4 years straight. That coincided with our daugter taking my commuter car off to college when her jeep broke down. LOL!
During this time I never complained about the ride. It was a way of life and the experience I gained riding the seasons kept me sharp when taking off on long touring rides. Everything about riding a motorcycle became second nature. This included reading the weather conditions and cagers eyes on the road (watching their mirrors).
I believe rider confidence will make a journey more comfortable for both the rider and passenger. I also believe you can't gain confidence by riding to the local grocery market or pub only on a sunny weekend. During the 4 years of bike commuting I was also putting a lot of miles on the weekends, sometimes more than I did going to work that week.
I purchased the 2003 Honda VTX 1800 Retro model right from the dealership showroom floor. It was completely stock and had gone through the transformation of being outfitted as tourer into fat tire street rod.
The 2003 Harley Davidson 100 Year Anniversary Roadking lasted about a month before it transformed into a boulevard low rider bike.
The 2005 VTX 1300 Retro model didn't last long as I stock bike before it was transformed into a slammed trike.
The 2005 Goldwing GL1800 had the standard chrome and electronic upgrades. This Goldwing opened the long distance touring doors. Once we figured out we could ride for hundreds of miles a day we started looking into how far away from our home could we travel and what states we could go visit. You can check out our iRIde Page to see our trip across the country and back. It was an 18 day "D-Loop" that covered this beautiful country's Southern Belt.
2013 Harley Davidson Roadglide - black on black powdercoated
. Satin finish matched my 1970 Mustang Coupe.
1st Goldwing August 26, 2006.
I purchased my first Goldwing (2005 model) on August 26, 2006 at a motorcycle dealership located at Roseville California. At the time I also owned a Honda 2003 VTX1800 Retro Model. My wife and I have taken the VTX on rides that covered most of California. For the most part we were satisfied with the comfort level and performance the VTX offered.
I estimate around 2005 I started looking into distance touring. The thought of interstate riding sounded appealing and challenging. At the time I figured we’d use the VTX and didn’t give much thought on trying another motorcycle. As I spent more time researching and evaluating how we currently traveled on a bike, it became obvious a touring bike would be the best route if we wanted to travel longer distances.
2nd Goldwing December 29, 2014.
I had bought this 2007 Sunburst Orange Goldwing from a long time tourer. He and his wife were at the point riding the large Goldwing was becomming more difficult. We did a short rides to the Grand Canyon, Southern California, Laughlin, Las Vegas, Monterey etc. This bike became a daily commuter for me. One note, I was rear-ended by an uninsured individual texting and driving. The bike was not salvaged, it required new bags and miscellaneous tupperware but other than that it was a keeper.
3rd Goldwing August 23, 2021.
Due to physical ailments I stopped riding motorcycles. The 2007 Goldwing had been sold off and I figured riding was no longer in the future for me. I've always messed around vintage cars and trucks so while I was not riding I switched focus on restoring or building classics rides.
After 11 months of no 2-wheel adventures it got to me. I missed riding a motorcycle and figured what the heck. If it caused a lot of physical pain I would deal with it if and when the time came. My 3rd Goldwing is a 2015 model, it had been listed in the Central Valley California Craigslist and I was fortunate to make a purchase before it was sold off.
The seller was meticulous in keeping up with maintenance and had upgrades that were both mechanically functional and added to the touring experience. My wife and I plan on putting a bunch of miles on this Goldwing, at our age it will more than likely be the last of the two wheel sleds.
Regardless of what sled you own or ride it's all about traveling beyond your comfort zone and setting out to create new adventures and memories. A good plan, preparedness and precise execution is the proper recipe for a successful ride. That being said, we spend 18 days riding across the counry literally "winging" it.
No preplanned hotel registrations or commitments. We literally hopped on the Goldwing in the morning and jumped off for the day wherever and whenever we felt like it. That to me is the ultimate riding experience.
Many years ago while pumping gas at a station I met an old biker riding a HD hard tail. We got to talking and he shared his experience riding from Northern California to Washington DC to join the march in 1963. After our conversation, I told him to have fun and ride safe. He looked at me, winked and said "Young Brother, all I need are big dreams and open highways" and off he went.