New Goldwings arrived

[Frulk_imp]

Curious why Honda is putting dated technology in the form of 2 external speakers in their fairings. Almost to a person they are ATGATT adherents. With all the tech now available (WiFi/Bluetooth etc) for helmets it seems odd that they would bother with 70’s technology. At speed with a helmet on can any rider hear these speakers at anything less than almost full volume?

[GoldOxide_imp]

Curious why Honda is putting dated technology in the form of 2 external speakers in their fairings. Almost to a person they are ATGATT adherents. With all the tech now available (WiFi/Bluetooth etc) for helmets it seems odd that they would bother with 70’s technology. At speed with a helmet on can any rider hear these speakers at anything less than almost full volume?

I always thought the amplifiers were for pedestrians at intersections so they would turn their heads toward the [whatever] audio sound and see the Gold Wing. Somewhat like, free advertising, or at least, lifestyle advertising.

[Nortoon_imp]

Curious why Honda is putting dated technology in the form of 2 external speakers in their fairings. Almost to a person they are ATGATT adherents. With all the tech now available (WiFi/Bluetooth etc) for helmets it seems odd that they would bother with 70’s technology. At speed with a helmet on can any rider hear these speakers at anything less than almost full volume?

Honda had headsets with speakers and a microphone in the early 80s when I bought my Aspencade Goldwing. I am sure they are still offering them.

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

For some years now I've had two or three bikes, but I've ended up with two now. My '13 CB1100 is my city/commute/local bike. It's light and easy to handle, with good response. For any distance or multi-day touring, I use my BMW R1100RT. Electric windshield, hard bags, smooth abundant power to get down the road. All good.

[Gone in 60]

I was eating at a sidewalk restaurant in Torrance a few weekends ago. Just south of Los Angeles proper, and the home of Honda HQ. A new Goldwing with a manufacturer plate parked near my bike, and I was admiring it until my vision went to an '80s style cable TV scramble-vision. My brain said "You're not old enough to think that looks good."

[SCCBrider_imp]

I've ridden both of the new Goldwings. Man, set that thing in sport mode and it gets up and boogies. The sound system sounded good, and that wasn't even the upgraded version. The only real complaint I have about it is the right saddle bag. It just doesn't have enough room in it. Honda decided to take up some of that space and put something behind it. Really cuts into your luggage room. Enough so that I wouldn't buy one unless I got a great deal. However, BMW has that B1600. Now that has all the Honda has and is about the same price, maybe less.

[the Ferret]

Ken you can get aftermarket saddlebag lids that increase the capacity.

[Lord Popgun]

And they cost ~$1000

[the Ferret]

And they cost ~$1000

Or about $320 when compared to the cost of a new CB at $8000 vs the $25,000 price tag on a new Wing. How many here spent $320 for an accessory for their CB?

in that vein a single Staintune muffler that cost $800 for the CB would cost $2500 for a Goldwing or $5000 for a pair

[LongRanger_imp]

I'm beginning to see used Gold Wing DCT Tours for sale around here. They're not holding their value -- you can find them for $18,000 - $19,000. But the BMW K1600B is doing even worse -- there are a few around here in the $11,000 - $12,000 range. I've never seen one on the road, which is telling.