Honda announces 2012 Goldwing

Wow, not quite what I was expecting since the current model is 11 years old. I think BNG would have been a smaller letdown.

Agreed. I was looking for a bit more of something. Looks like they changed the seat covering (I am hoping it's genuine whale penis leather), stroked the interior luggage compartments a few mm's, and updated the Nav and added ipod capability. Kind of a letdown in my opinion.

I don't recall any mention of CB or GMRS capability. Every one of the Wings in that video have only one antenna so there's no CB on those models. I have to say, group communication is one of the best things out there, and for them to drop that is a major screw up. My dad's wing had no CB, and we ended up paying the full boat (~$900) to get it and have it installed. It's that important when you are out cruising around all day. You can make do, but it's so nice to have this integrated. Nice enough for us to consider paying about 1800% more than we should have for a CB radio...

I really though they would have a DCT option on the next version. I know my Dad would like that, so I'd have to assume a lot of other Goldwingers would too. As for communication, It seems that CB and/or GMRS style radio would at least be an option, they must be...

DCT? BNG? Help an old fart out here. I have no idea what you are talking about.

Well, I've enjoyed both the Wings I've owned, but I've got to say that I prefer them without the dual clutch transmission, and I sure as heck don't want to get saddled with their nav system, which will be obsolete before the bike is paid for. The other issue I have with the 2012 is that unfortunately I just don't think it's pretty.

Maybe it'll grow on me.

Seems like everything listed would be a big feature for long range touring people on a bike that is pretty darn refined for that purpose already. I agree on the integrated GPS, I don't like them in cars either. I have had a SIRF and upgraded to a SIRFIII and WOW! so it is not just the data that needs to be updated always.

I don't think the DCT should be standard, but I thought the option would be good. I just figured that the Goldwing was the logical next step, I figured there would be a fair number of goldwing riders that would consider it.

I know the current wing is super refined, I'm just afraid that it's going to loose it's reign as ultimate luxo-tourer once the new BMW 1600 hits the roads.

It might as well, since the world's supposed to end anyway.

I don't have a problem with DCT being optional; I just don't think I'd choose it. The Wing may lose its reign, but people thought that when the K12LT came out, and it didn't really work out that way.

How about instead of DCT, a sixth gear. My 1500 and my Dad's 1800 both ride around 3k rpm at about 60mph. With highways in TX where the speed limit is 80 in parts, that's almost 4k rpm you are turning with a 5500 or 6k redline. Don't remember. My 929 turns about the same, just a little more but has twice the redline. With the torque these things have, a sixth gear, over over drive would be feasible.

They should have put some kind of bluetooth connectivity to a phone and mp3. I am complaining here, but only because these little things are what bug me now about mine. Otherwise it's an excellent touring machine. You can do hundreds of miles and get off it without even realizing you were on a motorcycle. I rode the CBR the other day and realized that you are out there in the wind. I looked down at the ground doing the same speed as I do with the wing, and it just seems so much more like you are in a dangerous position. On the wing, it's truly like you are riding a couch. An 80mph couch..

I agree with the 6th gear. What always confused us is how my parents Accord gets better highway fuel economy than their Goldwing. The 'wing isn't the most aerodynamic bike out there, but for it's moderate power output I think 40mph highway should be achievable. And now his Spyder gets even slightly worse fuel economy than the wing did. Doesn't compute.

you want a whale penis jabbing you in the butt?

GENUINE whale penis.. Not that imitation stuff.

not mine. Fig's seat is the one made out of a penis.