Motorcycle Trade

[dgs49]

One of my most pleasant days ever on a motorcycle was the day many years ago when I rented a H-D E-Glide Ultra, and took a long, Autumn ride with my wife through the northwest quadrant of Penns' Woods (aka, "Pennsylvania"). The comfortable seats, the great stereo, and the smooth power of the V-twin provided the perfect platform to see the trees in full color. The crisp Fall air made for a totally invigorating experience (there is a lot you miss in a car, especially the smells) that I have often thought of in the intervening years.

So over the past six months or so, I've been looking around for some sort of "touring" bike that I could, in effect, trade for my mega-cruiser. I really don't want to spend any more money at this time. I looked at Yamaha R.S. Venture's, E-Glide's, and BMW K1200LT's, all selling in the $7-8 thousand range, and there are a good number of them out there, even with low mileage and in apparently-excellent condition. I have never been a fan of Goldwing's - they just look too big and bulky for my taste, but I spotted an ad on Craigslist for a '99 model that had low miles, all the Goldwing goodies (it was the "SE" model), and was a color that I liked (white). The last line in the ad read, "Might trade for a Harley." Hmm.

My Kawasaki 2000LT was (I checked) approximately the same value as this Goldwing, so from that standpoint I might have something to talk with this guy about. I called him and told him my thought process. My cruiser is at least equivalent to any standard cruiser that H-D makes, and comes very close to the Roadking Classic in appearance and concept. He sounded receptive, if not enthusiastic.

When I saw the Goldwing up close, I was tempted to just tell him to forget it, because it looked so big and heavy - top-heavy, in fact. We started conversing about what he had been using the Wing for (vacations with his wife), the equipment it had, the extra stuff he had added (some chrome, lights, wind deflectors, crash bars, etc). I suggested that we go to a parking lot (it was a Sunday) so I could ride the Wing and he could take mine out for a spin. Long story short, I loved the GW and he loved my bike, and a few days later we met at the local AAA and traded titles - no cash involved.

After putting a couple hundred miles on the Wing (half with my wife in the back seat), I've concluded that this bike is everything that E-Glide was and more. With the adjustable suspension, I was able to dial in the perfect settings for the two of us, and as soon as I get the helmet hardware installed (maybe an hour's work) it will be the perfect two-up touring bike. It is not currently wired for MP3, but that shouldn't be any problem. I hope it holds up. This weekend we intend to ride up to the Lake Erie wine country and tour a few wineries. Not too chabby.

[Guinevere]

Kudos to you both for being willing to test and try, and not get stuck in your preconceptions. Enjoy the touring and safe travels.

[Jarlaxle]

I am again reminded how much I want a Burgman!

[MajGenl.Meade]

Where will you go Dave? We used to enjoy Harpersfield (yummy oven bake flat bread and some good wines). Markko; but their best wine maker Jim Thingie went to Va and created Linden (by far the best down that way). Also St Joseph if you can stand 33% of your Pinot turning. The ones that didn't were great. There are the popular crass ones that aren't worth a light.

Let us know
Meade

[dgs49]

I don't have any particular wineries in mind. The weather is getting "iffy" now, so we will have to choose any day that looks good, weekend or not.

Jarlaxle, I've ridden a Burgman because on paper they seem to be a very viable option, but I had the feeling of riding "on" it rather than "in" it, as I do with a MC. I found it disconcerting and didn't pursue it. But certainly, it is everything it is supposed to be. All it needs is a good stereo/intercom for 2-up touring.

[Jarlaxle]

It's a scooter...which I already ride. I don't need an intercom...Liz also rides, though not lately. In fact, she wants a bike now.

Currently, she's riding a loaner...my stepfather's Suzuki LS650.

[oldr_n_wsr]

I am soooo jealous of you main-landers. Here on LI there are very few "cruising" roads. Most roads are made to go from point A to point B as efficiently as possbile (if not always very timely). The best I have found around here is North Country Rd that runs along the north shore and goes out to Orient Point. The south shore road it's pretty much Montauk Highway that takes you to Montauk via the Hamptons. There are some back roads but after 15 minutes you are either back on 25, 25A, the LIE, Sunrise Highway or Montauk Hwy.

To get off this sandbar one has to venture across one of the bridges to the mainland which is usually at least an hour before you get across. Then another hour to get to a nice road to ride.

One day I do want to take the bike out to Orient and catch the ferry over to New London Conn and spend the day riding in Conn/RI.

ETA
Good luck with the bike dgs49 and ride safe.

[Jarlaxle]

You need to move.

[dgs49]

Not to be a malcontent, but I am not entirely thrilled with the handling of the GW. Maybe I got used to the feel of my big cruiser, which feels "planted" on the road and doesn't move for anything, but the GW does move a bit in crosswinds (mainly when approaching an 18-wheeler from behind), and I have found it a little bit disconcerting. I took it to the dealer's last night and talked about it. We set the tire pressures and suspension (front & rear) per the Owner's Manual, and the shop tech took it for a ride on the highway, and it seems that this is the normal feel for a Goldwing. I will just acclimate.

Gas mileage stinks - about 32mpg for the first couple tanks. Fortunately, it runs fine on 87 octane.

But everything else is just what I was hoping for. It is comfortable, weather protection is excellent, and the suspension can be set easily for one-up or two-up riding. Stereo and cruise work perfectly. I haven't turned on the CB radio yet, and I haven't installed the hardware in the helmets for the intercom, but I'll do that shortly.

I'm just watching the weather forecasts for the remaining good days this year.

[Jarlaxle]

32mpg? Dear lord, that is AWFUL!

[dgs49]

Last fill-up was close to 40mpg (160 miles about 4 gal). Maybe I ride it a little easier than the previous owner.

[oldr_n_wsr]

From what I have seen of GW's (never road one) they sit higher than your typical
"cruiser". That will cause some of the handling differences that you are describing.

[Jarlaxle]

They have to...that engine is huge.

[MajGenl.Meade]

Never mind all this dull motorcycle talk - what about the wine Dave? What about the wine?

[Guinevere]

Never mind all this dull motorcycle talk - what about the wine Dave? What about the wine?

Amen.

But I'm pretty sure there are better vineyards in South Africa than in Ohio . . .

[oldr_n_wsr]

We have vinyards on long island. Mostly on the north fork of the island.
I am as big a wine drinker now as I was in the past.

[MajGenl.Meade]

Never mind all this dull motorcycle talk - what about the wine Dave? What about the wine?

Amen. But I'm pretty sure there are better vineyards in South Africa than in Ohio . . .

Be certain. Be very certain.

C'mon Dave - give it up!

[Guinevere]

We have vinyards on long island. Mostly on the north fork of the island.
I am as big a wine drinker now as I was in the past.

We spent a weekend touring the LI vineyards for my 40th birthday. It was lovely!

[Jarlaxle]

But that was, what...twenty years ago?

*ducks and runs*

[dgs49]

I'm afraid I'm not the one to assess the quality of any wine. My personal preference is M/D 20/20, aka "Mad Dog."

Wine that others classify as "good," tastes to me like liquid dust.

We did pick up a Chardonnay, but I only tried a sip and dinna like it.