Going from GL1100 to VTX1800?

[elementalg20]

My father in law told me the other day he is seriously considering selling his GL1100 to buy a VTX1800. He does everything from commuting to 2up long distance touring. He doesn't go for huge miles, usually not more than 500 miles a day(He's a truck driver and says anything more is too much like a day at work).

I'm sure he's looking at one loaded up with a fairing, bags etc and it may be a great step up for more power, efi, and just an over all much newer bike but for some reason I was kind of shocked to find out he wanted a vtx18. Does anyone have any experience going from one to the other? He likes the old wing other than no windprotection on his hands, and needing some suspension work that he'll likely do before he sells it anyhow. He mentioned wanting a batwing style fairing on the vtx to gain hand protection as well.

If you all want to suggest other machines to pass along I'll gladly pass some advice along, I had mentioned the valkyrie but he'd like to have efi.....

[rs42sport]

Check out vtxcafe.com for more info on the 1800... I had the carbed 1300 vtx it's a great bike price wise and damn near bulletproof...

[txwanderer]

It sounds like the man knows what he wants. I guess I don't understand your question. I take it he has ridden one, and done his research.
It kinda sounds like YOU think it a poor decision. Not pointing fingers, just saying. Go to any VTX site and check around. I can't see it being a "bad" choice.

[elementalg20]

He hasn't ridden one, at least not yet. He has done at least some research, although I'm not sure sure how much. He always wanted a wing' and for 2up touring it seemed like the ticket. He just bought it last year, and hasn't done any "big" trips with it yet. I have to agree kind of pointing my finger at him in fear of him making a mistake, but hell we've all done that at some point. His biggest single complaint with the wing is he doesn't like to look at it. To be honest I get that, I'll never own an R1100c for that reason, it's not for me lol.

I'll do some of my own searching to help him out, I intend to do some traveling with him this summer. I'm sure some place there is plenty of info on doing 2up touring on the vtx and likely comparisons with similiar bikes as well. Time to do some leg work. Just trying to help him out...although you all are probably right if you think I don't need to be.

[txwanderer]

A GL1100 is pretty outdated and could have come in a few configurations, not that it would make a hill of beans as compaired to a modern machine.
Coming off a Venture (2nd generation) and going to a Wing was a big change. I miss the Venture, but the outdatedness was too much for me to overcome. Great engine, and I don't think carbs are a bad thing, but a lot of other things are in need.
The wing was just never a close companion, and always hurt my back. I put a lot of miles on it but just never got cozy.
I went to a Victory XCT, now there is a jalopy. It is comfortable though. If it turns as reliable as the Venture or Wing, it will be a winner for sure. I miss the drive train of the previous 2 bikes, but the Vic has its own feel, even though a lead inchworm could outrun it.
There are lots of reasons for owning a certain bike especially if one uses their head instead of their emotions to buy it. Make your suggestions and be supportive. You'll end up with a better relationship in the long run and may even get a glimpse into something new.
Best of luck to both of you.

[elementalg20]

That's a very good point. We do always tend to at least do a short trade off. He rode my trophy 1200 for about 35 miles and deemed he was too old for it, but had a blast. I rode his wing a very short distance and don't think I'd fall in love with it either. I'd be more than happy to test out a vtx come to think of it, never rode a cruiser I liked much, but I haven't ridden but a couple. I do have a hankering for a guzzi some day....

[JerryH]

I have put over 50,000 miles on an '82 GL1100 Interstate. They are great bikes, but parts are becoming impossible to find. I went to a '95 1500 because of the parts situation. My 1100 had well over 200,000 miles on it and I didn't trust it anymore. The big difference in going from a GL1100 to a VTX1800 is size. The VTX feels 3 times bigger than even the Goldwing with a fairing. The VTX is a great long distance highway cruiser, but they are HEAVY. The VTX feels even bigger and heavier than the 1800 Goldwing. Just the gas tank feels as wide as the whole fairing on the 'Wing.

[ST-DocLizard1]

I went from a '81 GL1100 Interstate with 146K to an '04 ST1300A. I miss my GL and it's simplicity of maintenance, but the ST was a good move for me overall. Not ready to "cruise" just yet.

[kirb]

The vtx isn't great with corner clearance, a tad harsh suspension...it can be a cool bike that are cheaper than most. Going from the wing may require a test ride first.

[Margarita Machine]

Folks,

The GL1100 is a great bike I hear; however, I went from a 2008 XR650L to a 2003 VTX 1800S, loaded out to the equivalent to a VTX 1800T. It's a great Touring bike as I am approx. 170 lbs, 5'11". Two weeks ago a few of us traveled from Houston, Tx. to Llano, Tx. and back for a total of just over 600 miles that day. As we rode the first 300 or so miles like we were on Crotch Rockets I can only say that I was beat when we arrived in Llano, Tx. These bikes are for Cruising and they do it VERY well as I have done several 3 day trips which cover just over 1000 miles; however, as a Crotch Rocket I was very pleased in the performance, on back-roads, with curves and all, but I was really worn out after 300 miles of pounding the beast thru all of that.

I'll do the same trip, in a few months, like I'm riding a Cruiser. The VTX 1800S, modified to a "T", is excellent!

I'm really pleased with the bike as a Cruiser and it's nice having the power to play with on occasion or just to jump away from any traffic which you may want to quickly get away from for safety concerns.

Regards,

Margarita Machine