The Goldwing in its earlier iterations was a better machine than the Electra glides, Harley has reduced the differential advantage since they introduced water cooling their V twins, in warmer climes its less a case of the potential of heat exhaustion and burnt inner calf's from the proximity of the rear cylinder. The lifestyle of a Harley is interesting having had a succession of Harleys from FXRT, Dynaglides, Electraglides, Fatboys' Springer etc. its more the people you meet, facilitated by the Harley HOG network that puts colour on the myth.
I had 3 Harleys in the garage when I eventually gave up riding, and from my many decades of riding experience there are equally interesting people who ride all sorts of other bikes, that create an equally rewarding form of lifestyle experience and interaction outside of Harleys and their cult.
To put in some form of context I remember in 1991 chatting with a Goldwing owner that sailed up the Susten Pass, where my Harley struggled to get up the pass, whilst I was doing a tour of Italy and Switzerland he was doing a world tour on the Goldwing having already done the North an South America and now working thru Europe, now that was a true biking experience and done in much more comfort and ease than on my Ultraclassic Electraglide, The Harley myth wears a bit thin when you are saddle sore after only a few hundred miles. many of my miles across the USA in 93 have me sitting on a square of leather on top of my leather sundowner seat, trying to deflect/deal/cope with the engine heat.
Last edited by JohnHarris; 07/01/23 02:17 PM.
