Honda has stopped production on the Gold Wing?? Not enough old bikers out there to keep them going??

Just U.S. production.

Just U.S. production.

They've never made them anywhere else... and there are no announcements about a 2011 model yet..

Figure it would take awhile to build or re-tool a factory to make them.. and you'd think if they were going to go through all that trouble they'd be developing producing an entirely new model..

Lot of 09 and 10's on the lots, people are thinking they are holding production until they sell down their current stock.

Just U.S. production.

Have to wonder what happened that it made it a better financial decision to make them in Japan and ship them here?

Seems they'd save a buttload of money making them and selling them here like they've always done.

Hadn't heard that. I do know that if (when) I get another, it will probably be the CanAm.

I'll be stopping at Motovation later this week, I'll ask what they have heard.

Honda has stopped production on the Gold Wing?? Not enough old bikers out there to keep them going??

No. They've stopped producing them in the US in 2009 (more lost jobs for Ohio) and moved production back home to Japan.

I know Harley guys who refuse to test ride one because everyone they know, HD people, who did, bought one. My bike was traded in on one. A couple I ride with absolutely love theirs.

If only they made some noise. :lol:

New Japan GW facility to open next year.

Supposedly, this was an efficiency move and the motorcycle plant will become involved in the next door auto production. :shrug:

I cant see them selling very many of them in Japan, the graduated pricing for owning big engines makes an 1800 a bit steep. But, I wonder if perhaps, knowing the Boomers are aging out, combined with maybe the ability to sell a bunch in other Asian markets, including China and Russia, made it the right thing to do.

I cant see them selling very many of them in Japan, the graduated pricing for owning big engines makes an 1800 a bit steep. But, I wonder if perhaps, knowing the Boomers are aging out, combined with maybe the ability to sell a bunch in other Asian markets, including China and Russia, made it the right thing to do.

I can't find the details anywhere but, I suspect that this was, drum roll, please, a business decision; it was cheaper to build a new, more efficient plant in Japan and cheaper labor, regulations, what have you, than to continue in OH.

I would suspect the vast majority of Wings are still coming here.

I know Harley guys who refuse to test ride one because everyone they know, HD people, who did, bought one.

If only they made some noise. :lol:
:lol: that's why I won't ride one.
Sport bike acceleration and handling, small car cargo capacity, barko lounger comfort, kick ass tunes and extensive aftermarket support to modify it to suit.
I do know a guy with an aftermarket exhaust and it sounds a lot like a Porsche when he revvs it
I cant see them selling very many of them in Japan.
How many left hand drive cars do they make and how many do they sell in Japan?

If only they made some noise. :lol:


I do know a guy with an aftermarket exhaust and it sounds a lot like a Porsche when he revvs it


I have Jardines on mine. Ask Pete what they sound like... He said something about it sounding like an Indy racer instead of a sewing machine... :lol:

I wonder if it has anything to do with labor cost and the threat of impending tax increases on business from the bammy admin.
if they can cut their production cost by a reduction in taxes and labor, shipping only what they can sell here in the states might actually be a cheaper way for them to go. The shipping cost would be combined with other products so that would not be as bad as one might think.

In business, bottom line rules the decisions. No company moves out of the country because they want a smaller bottom line.

How many left hand drive cars do they make and how many do they sell in Japan?

My point is that buying a larger CC bike in Japan costs huge. but, of course, they are surrounded by countries where left handed driving is the norm. Looks like the former Goldwing plant is becoming part of the carmaking biz.

Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., Marysville, Ohio - Press room (http://www.ohio.honda.com/pressroom/View_Release.cfm?articleid=193)

Honda ended motorcycle production in Marysville, Ohio, last June and is focusing its local operations on automobile and powertrain production. Construction is under way to transform the former motorcycle plant into a consolidation center to deliver automotive parts and components directly to assembly lines at the Marysville Auto Plant. Locating this consolidation activity adjacent to the plant advances quality and efficiency by significantly reducing parts handling and shipping. The new center also has a pronounced environmental benefit by reducing truck traffic and resulting CO2 emissions.


Very interesting PDF about Honda motorcycle business info for 2008 and 2009, and where its going.

http://world.honda.com/investors/annualreport/2009/pdf/2009-page18-23.pdf

I always thought those bikes were too big and looked ugly. Cant wait to see whats going to happen to Honduh :otter:

I always thought those bikes were too big and looked ugly. Cant wait to see whats going to happen to Honduh :otter:

You get the M endorsement yet?

Honda has stopped production on the Gold Wing?? Not enough old bikers out there to keep them going??

:cds::cds:
Say it isn't so!

That's my next bike! :bawl:

:cds::cds:
Say it isn't so!

That's my next bike! :bawl:

Not being a wise guy or anything, but how tall/how much do you weigh? I'm a big guy and the GW fatigues me after a day's riding. It's heavy.

Not being a wise guy or anything, but how tall/how much do you weigh? I'm a big guy and the GW fatigues me after a day's riding. It's heavy.

really. I'm 5'4" and I weigh too much. But all of my power is in my legs.
You're not the first person to tell me this, so I'd better get this thought out of my head and stick with my Shadow.

really. I'm 5'4" and I weigh too much. But all of my power is in my legs.
You're not the first person to tell me this, so I'd better get this thought out of my head and stick with my Shadow.

Look at a shortened BMW RT either 1150 or 1200 RT..

They shorten the suspension and then add a shorter sitting seat. At less than 500 pounds, very doable.

Look at a shortened BMW RT either 1150 or 1200 RT..

They shorten the suspension and then add a shorter sitting seat. At less than 500 pounds, very doable.

thanks, Bob. I will check it out, but BMW means lots of bucks, $$$ right

thanks, Bob. I will check it out, but BMW means lots of bucks, $$$ right

RT is cheaper than a Gold Wing.

Oh...I like this one. K 1200 LT

Oh...I like this one. K 1200 LT


My brother has had one for almost 10 years. Tows a color matched Uni-GO trailer behind it.


You're going to start finding those cheap, as current riders are turning on to the new K1600 touring bikes.

K1200LT is a lot like the Gold Wing. It's HEAVY, and hard to maneuver at low speeds. IF the Gold Wing is the Cadillac of touring bikes, the K1200LT is the Mercedes, the RT a Jaguar.

Nice, huh!

Nice, huh!

Mix the two favorites..

My RT on the Right.

really. I'm 5'4" and I weigh too much. But all of my power is in my legs.
You're not the first person to tell me this, so I'd better get this thought out of my head and stick with my Shadow.

You don't have to do that... :lol: Just keep your eyes and ears open. Some of the options Bob talks about are good, but if you really like and desire a Goldie, a trike version might be more to your liking. Far more stable, less fatiguing, you don't have to worry about reaching the ground when you stop!

This is my GL1500, just to give you an idea on size....

You get the M endorsement yet?
Haha nope. Not enough moola for a bike so its not worth my time to get the license yet.

Cant wait to see whats going to happen to Honduh :otter:

http://world.honda.com/motorcycle-picturebook/DCT/

I always thought those bikes were too big and looked ugly. Cant wait to see whats going to happen to Honduh :otter:

WEll after the GW the next step would be to make midsize cars and light trucks..


oh.. wait..

http://world.honda.com/motorcycle-picturebook/DCT/
Wow talk about Honda catering to the lazy!

Well after the GW the next step would be to make midsize cars and light trucks..oh.. wait..
The GW is just about the size of a small car! :killingme

I'm a big guy and the GW fatigues me after a day's riding. It's heavy.

I was wondering how much energy putting it in 'R' was costing people over the course of the day.


:lol:

thanks, Bob. I will check it out, but BMW means lots of bucks, $$$ right

Same league as a g wing. :shrug:

Same league as a g wing. :shrug:

Not really.. Gold Wing BASE price is $23k, BMW RT Base price is $17K.. You can get a fully loaded RT for less than the base price of a Gold Wing. Fully loaded Gold Wing you're pushing $30 - 33k.

She makes me so proud..

30K for a bike... are you forking kidding me?!

30K for a bike... are you forking kidding me?!

CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide
Starting at $36,499 (http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Motorcycles/cvo-ultra-classic-electra-glide.html)

Goldwings start between $22,899 and $27,999 (http://powersports.honda.com/2010/gold-wing/options.aspx)

Not really.. Gold Wing BASE price is $23k, BMW RT Base price is $17K.. You can get a fully loaded RT for less than the base price of a Gold Wing. Fully loaded Gold Wing you're pushing $30 - 33k.

Right but, Nanny Pam was thinking BMW's were more expensive. I was saying they are in the same league and, you are right, GW's are even higher so, we're making the same point, you more accurately than me.

I've seen GW's on the floor for low 20's and bobs has (had a loaded k1300 LT (or GT?) GORGEOUS machnine) in the low 20's. It's kinda close. :lol:

:buddies:

Right but, Nanny Pam was thinking BMW's were more expensive. I was saying they are in the same league and, you are right, GW's are even higher so, we're making the same point, you more accurately than me.

I've seen GW's on the floor for low 20's and bobs has (had a loaded k1300 LT (or GT?) GORGEOUS machnine) in the low 20's. It's kinda close. :lol:

:buddies:

But K bikes aren't REAL BMW's... If it doesn't have BIG jugs.. NOT a REAL BMW.. :jerry:

But K bikes aren't REAL BMW's... If it doesn't have BIG jugs.. NOT a REAL BMW.. :jerry:

Is that right? So, even among the elite-ism and snobbery of BMW world, there are ever more prejudices within that rarefied community? :lol:

Is that right? So, even among the elite-ism and snobbery of BMW world, there are ever more prejudices within that rarefied community? :lol:

Yep.. I've been to 10 or so tech days, and have NEVER seen a K-Bike at one. K bike riders are HUGE snobs.. (that or their bikes are too technical to have anyone but the dealership do the work).

R Riders are humble, and very cool.. that or they are just too damn cheap to have their bikes serviced at a dealer.

Yep.. I've been to 10 or so tech days, and have NEVER seen a K-Bike at one. K bike riders are HUGE snobs.. (that or their bikes are too technical to have anyone but the dealership do the work).

R Riders are humble, and very cool.. that or they are just too damn cheap to have their bikes serviced at a dealer.

:lol:

I just snorted

30K for a bike... are you forking kidding me?!

Just like cars, you get what you pay for. You are paying for engineering and capability.

Is that right? So, even among the elite-ism and snobbery of BMW world, there are ever more prejudices within that rarefied community? :lol:

:lol: when the rotex singles with chain drive came out there was wailing, rending of aerostich suits and predictions of the end of days

:lol: when the rotex singles with chain drive came out there was wailing, rending of aerostich suits and predictions of the end of days

I wish I had a picture of the thing that rolled by me yesterday afternoon.

This thing looked like it was hand made by Snuffy Smith in a junk yard. Rusted, disjointed, just home made looking. And the rider looked like a relative of Snuffy's. :lol:

Larry you didnt see it on Rt5 did you? I saw one heck of an old junker yesterday on 5. Looked like early Harley or BMW maybe.

Larry you didnt see it on Rt5 did you? I saw one heck of an old junker yesterday on 5. Looked like early Harley or BMW maybe.

Nah, I'm not a flat lander. I'm up here in Fredneck looking down over my kingdom and you swamp dwellers! :lol:

This thing, I swear to god, he got a sprocket off a chain saw, put some rusty tubing together, tires off a '65 Veedub, wheels off a farm implement of some sort, taped a flashlight on, no fenders, axe handle for bars, a chain from someones bicycle and maybe the seat off a pogo stick. :lol: Definitely a hard tail.

Amazing.

Nah, I'm not a flat lander. I'm up here in Fredneck looking down over my kingdom and you swamp dwellers! :lol:

This thing, I swear to god, he got a sprocket off a chain saw, put some rusty tubing together, tires off a '65 Veedub, wheels off a farm implement of some sort, taped a flashlight on, no fenders, axe handle for bars, a chain from someones bicycle and maybe the seat off a pogo stick. :lol: Definitely a hard tail.

Amazing.

R1200RT?

Is that right? So, even among the elite-ism and snobbery of BMW world, there are ever more prejudices within that rarefied community? :lol:

:killingme

:killingme

I'm mad at you. You hurt my feeling.

:drama: