Originally Posted by Mickey D

What are you up to here buddy? Trolling for Blue Rondel patriots to stir up some shite? Trying to get the Teutonic legions to start marching and saluting? Careful, the Rondel Youth will report you to list Police! Don't you know its forbidden to critic BMVee? You need a permit to do this!

But on the other side ... I don't think too many HUBB'ers give a Rat's Ass about your Gold Wing either ... they just think you're cracked is all.

No worries, continue on anyway, enjoy the trip. I doubt anyone would try to talk you out of going on the Wing. Should be a good laugh!

Have you ever seen a Gold Wing after it's flipped on down the highway?
I hope you never, ever have an off on that monster. They do not crash well. That alone would give me pause about owning a Gold Wing.

I recognize the many faults BMW GS's have, but having witnessed TWO crash in front of me ... at speed .... I must say GS's crash very well for a big, heavy bike. Both times riders went to hospital, bikes were fine, ride- able.

Being from Scotland I'm not sure you've ridden your Wing in truly high temps with high humidity. If so, Where?

I've ridden my buddies Wings ... both times it was in the mid 80's. Not really hot by our standards. First thing I noticed being behind that motorhome-like shield/fairing was the massive about of heat coming up and the TOTAL lack of AIR FLOW. Not enough fresh cooling air. In slow going I could see this being nasty.

A well set up GS will go about anywhere on most roads and a skilled rider can do quite a bit of nasty off road. No, the GS would not be my 1st choice as a dirt bike but sometimes traveling you end up having to ride on really crap roads, lots of mud, ruts and such. The GS can do it if you can.

Have you thought about what your plan is for the Wing in those conditions?

I'd do a quick run down to Spain or Portugal during a serious heat wave.
July or August may be a good time. You should be able to ride there from Scotland in a few days on the Wing. 700 mile days easy. I'd be interested to know how you get on in 100F plus heat. Next try out some dirt roads (plenty in Portugal) where you can only go about 25 mph. Let us know how you get on. Now imagine riding ... ALL DAY ... going slow, in even higher temps .... now add 90% humidity. India, parts of Asia, parts of Africa all can offer such conditions.

Those GS's sure can have issues, but if your Wing goes down my guess is you could be stuck a while awaiting parts. While you're waiting for your son to graduate ... I'd take off on some shorter trips.