Not on a Goldwing but on a big bike, Peter and Kay Forwood on a Harley.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/index.shtml

Over half a ton - Hmmmmmmmmmmm!

Can't wait to see the write up.

Go for it what a great story - can't wait for the trip report from the highland way try out

there was me thinking my Tenere can be a pain in the ass off road when it needs lifting.

Stay within your limits and you will be fine - I don't envy you in any ruts though so try to stay out of them.

I do envy the fact that you can cruise with the radio playing

off out for a ride I am inspriered again

All the best

If you are intent on doing this ride, on a Wing I think you should consider going with a car tire on the rear. A snow tire would make the Wing handle the gravel and dirt much better and will also last longer. It will also be safer if you have to plug it because of a flat.

I wish you the best of Luck!

Many years ago I had one of the early four cylinder Wings, which weigh a lot less than the current ones, and found that difficult to manage off the tarmac. I'd think you'd probably be ok on graded pistes but ruts or, God forbid, sand will really test your riding skills.

The early Wings had weak clutches - not good for off road, but I presume that's been sorted in the various versions that have come and gone since. It's the weight though - over 600kg with you on it. I have a car that weighs that much and there's no way I could haul that out of a ditch on my own.

Winging it along the route you mentioned really will be taking the road less travelled. I'm not sure there will be much value left in the bike by the end of it but it's an interesting enough idea that you might be able to recoup some / all of it with a good write up. Good luck - and enjoy it!

No you're not mad, a bit eccentric perhaps.
Have a look at this guys ride report, it makes me want to go out and buy a Wing.
It's a long post, but well worth the read.

Amblin' about North America - half a year with a 2-wheeled home - ADVrider


Trophymick

thanks to you all.
West highland way completed. Not much fun..
Dropped 4 times.. Bloody heavy

Thanks for the car tyre suggestion. This made a big differance to the bike off road. But not to sure when on the twisty roads around Glen Coe and Kinlochleven. ( bum doing rabbit poo inpersonations) but exellent off road.

Items I forgot.

Camara and sleeping bag. Thank god I was not on my rtw trip. longway home. (sorry)

Will I do it on a goldwing?? Why not, it will be lots of fun and lots of picking it up and I will be very fit at the end..

Only concerns now are secure parking,repairs,tyres and cost of parts when I break down and can I fix it..... But these are only small worries as I have now given myself a longer time limit for the trip (say 4 years plus).

I will be doing more of these trips over winter and hope for lots of snow so I can ride and test the bike with the car tyre on.

I think I have now answered my own question on A'm I mad? ANSWER IS NO BUT I HELPS.

Thanks to all who have given advice and links to other rider sites..

Ps cost of damage to bike from the drops £362. (its only money and you can earn it back. but you only have one life so use it to the fullest and only leave a broken used up f&^%ed body behind when you go.)

web site is under construction and will be oneworldbiker.co.uk

will up date training and progess here.. So lets have fun and ride.

Can I just ask how you managed to go off road up there and what route you took? Is there a way anyone can go off road or did you have special permission?


Wow, £362 to repair damages from dropping it? I'd take several rolls of duct tape with you!!

__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

I had to get permission from the land owners and the forestry commision..

I also had to inform the police stations en-route and check in with the mountain rescue. (this was for my own safty.

there were a couple of germans from Koblense I think from thier reg marks. I know they did not get permission and had no problems at the devils stair case.

The route I took was the old military road ( general wades road). I know this route very well from doing the scottish 6 day trial. this is also the best time to be in fort william as all the foresty roads are open.

YES! For all reasons already written. Is there a particular reason to take it except from 'why not? or 'I already got it?'

cheers,
Sander

__________________
http://sanderonasingle.blogspot.com/

Good luck with your plans. I've already discounted using my Harley for such a trip but I'll follow your story with interest.

__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.

Two things about running a car tyre on the rear of a goldwing, if I may. There's a video out there somewhere that shows just what happens at various speeds on a Goldwing with a car tyre on the rear, it ain't pretty. Second thing to be VERY aware of is that with a car tyre on the rear a) you are breaking the law because it's not a correct fitment and b) you are NOT insured (unless you have a VERY understanding Insurance Company and you've got it in writing). Just thought I'd mention these two little details.

__________________
Graham & Elaine

GL1800 Motor Trike 2+2, one here, one there.

http://www.mayflowermcc.co.uk/butlers/

Cheers for that link Trophymick.... Absolutely great read - been reading it every evening this week..... Soopa Doopa

well after contacting honda and receiving this reply:-

Thank you for contacting Honda UK Motorcycles.
In answer to your query, Honda UK do not hold a list of details for dealerships from around the world, however, these can be found on the Honda Worldwide website of which I have supplied the link to below.
http://world.honda.com/
With regards to your question on which parts will wear fastest, this is something we would not be able to comment on solely due to there being too many factors of which can effect a motorcycles performance. Also, with the motorcycle being used throughout different countries and climates of which it has not been designed to be ridden in, this may cause components to fail. This is down to our products being manufactured to operate at our particular climate and weather conditions.
I do wish you the best of luck with your journey and hope all goes well.
Kind regards


It seems that i'm now definatly MAD. So will I take my lovely wing around the world??????????????:confused1::confused1::confused 1:. YES, YES, AND YES. Cos if I listened to every body I would stay at home, lock the door and leave the big bad world outside.So I am now going to prep the bike and have some fun for the next 2,4,8 years. who cares how long I will be out there.

Website is now being built. and full route being worked out. and now looking for sponsors. May call the website mad winging it around the world.:funmeterno :

Great to hear your MAD defiance....... Can't wait to read your adventures......