Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
A Gold Wing with training wheels - amazing... A Gold Wing with training wheels - amazing...
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 May 2015
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
A Gold Wing with training wheels - amazing...
After 40+ years and hundreds of thousands of miles of riding motorcycles, I thought I had seen it all, until I parked beside this thing a couple of days ago in southern Spain.

It's a Gold Wing with hydraulically operated training wheels on it. I guess Honda has finally made these things so heavy that they cannot be picked up if they fall over without assistance from a tow truck or mobile crane - hence the need for the training wheels to keep it upright.



Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
I would presume they are instead of a centre stand because it's too heavy to lift onto the stand
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
This isn't OE as far as I know. They pop up on the sidecar forums occasionally. I think they are done by a company in Florida (where else!) with a target market of riders too old to hold the monster up at traffic lights and lacking the mental agility to switch to an outfit or small bike (choice of which is close to non-existent in the USA) . They drop based on a speed signal.


I'd be torn as to an opinion. On one hand it keeps people riding. On the other I regularly have decrepit old fools who think it's 1959 try and kill me. If they were fitted to a CB500 or Bergman I might feel a little more charitable to them.


Edit to add: The extra footboards scare me more. They'll limit the lean angle to less than that of an actual car!


Wonder if you could fit ski's to them in winter?


Andy
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Wow, outrigger wheels !! How do I get a set of those for my Wing? Do Touratech do them, or if not can I modify GS ones Can't have too much bling. I'll just bolt them on and Starbucks here I come.

It just amazes me how heavy a bike can be and still be viable to ride. The Wing specs are not far off of my late 60's Lotus Elan - roughly the same engine size, roughly the same power output and with a couple of people on board roughly the same weight. The only difference was two wheels vs four but now there even seems to be a way round that.

The Wing is no harder to lift onto the stand than many other uber tourers but with all that weight it's not something you want to try unless you're on level tarmac. If it fell over because you got the balance wrong the impact would register on the Richter scale.

I thought the original 70's Wing was something that crossed the line between motorcycle and parody but here I am 30yrs later owning something that looks like its supersize me and fattened up for Christmas descendant. You never quite know how life is going to work out, do you
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 May 2015
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Couple of misunderstandings here I'm afraid.

The 'Wing in the picture is the Gl1800 - it's actually lighter than previous model GoldWings (alloy frame for starters) and is surprisingly easy to put on the centre stand - much easier than my Burgman. It is also surprisingly nimble to ride around town and will give many sports bike riders a bit of a shock when the roads get twisty.

Second, the foot peg is only modified on the left, which suggests the rider has some form of injury to his left leg - possibly an amputee who needs an appropriate platform to 'perch' their prosthesis on. This would also explain the outriggers as the rider can't support the bike unaided, nor raise it off the side stand.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 May 2015
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Quote:
Originally Posted by farqhuar View Post
...the foot peg is only modified on the left, which suggests the rider has some form of injury to his left leg - possibly an amputee who needs an appropriate platform to 'perch' their prosthesis on. This would also explain the outriggers as the rider can't support the bike unaided, nor raise it off the side stand.
A very sharp and thoughtful observation Farqhuar - now I feel bad about ridiculing the stabilizers on that motorcycle.

I didn't notice the difference between the left floorboard and the right footpeg, but now that you mention it, it is very obvious that an adaptation has been made to allow for some form of disability (asymmetry) of the owner.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 May 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by farqhuar View Post
Second, the foot peg is only modified on the left, which suggests the rider has some form of injury to his left leg - possibly an amputee who needs an appropriate platform to 'perch' their prosthesis on. This would also explain the outriggers as the rider can't support the bike unaided, nor raise it off the side stand.
Hi, yeah i thought that at first as it seemed as though the left side footpeg was missing or removed, however on closer inspection i could see that it is in fact still there. The images don't show if there is a 'cruiser peg on the right but i suspect there is. So still a mystery as to why this particular individual fitted landing gear!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post

It just amazes me how heavy a bike can be and still be viable to ride. The Wing specs are not far off of my late 60's Lotus Elan - roughly the same engine size, roughly the same power output and with a couple of people on board roughly the same weight. The only difference was two wheels vs four but now there even seems to be a way round that.
not if it's 2 Americans riding the 'wing
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 May 2015
Kayjay's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: India
Posts: 303
Wow thats suberb. Thanks for sharing. Some day want to buy or ride one.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Yamaha XT 600 SM / Enduro wheels for sale Zergman TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 19 Feb 2015 13:02
No More R100gs Wheels elray245 BMW Tech 7 1 Nov 2014 18:37
spoke wheels vs mag wheels for offroad robson Tech 4 10 Jun 2014 15:54
Black Desert Training, off road training school. holodragon Equipment Reviews 1 27 Jun 2013 23:55
Pulling Trailer with 82 Gold Wing GL1100 in South America QuiQue Which Bike? 31 6 Aug 2012 08:40

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:41.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top