Goldwing may not be so golden?
I just passed the Adrian, Michigan MSF and have one more test at the Secretary of State to pass in order to be street legal! South-East Michigan watch out! However, there's a dilemma. My parents acquired a 1995 Honda Goldwing a few years ago for a change from their cruisers. Since both of them are willing (brave, brave souls) to let me use it as my bike I was more then happy. However, after taking a class full of nice, light Suzuki tu250x's, the size of the Goldwing scares me. It's twice the weight and faired with shiny, super-ultra-mega-expensive plastics. My father says the engine placement, low, almost below the rider, helps cancel the 300 lbs difference. He also says that the weight will help with the 100 HP and loads of torque. Due to the fuel pump deciding to quit, I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but I can flat-foot it and balance it somewhat well for my scrawny frame. I guess I'm just looking for an answer I'll have to discover for myself eventually: Is it a good first bike? Will the torque be too much for someone with only MSF basic rider experience? Is it just too much bike for a first time rider? Any first-hand experience of touring bikes would greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Goldwing is big
The Goldwing is really too big for a beginner, unless you are going to stay on the straight interstates all the time. Its weight is low, which makes it corner better than most 800 pounds plus bikes, but you are more likely to drop it at slow speeds compared to something lighter like the 500cc Ninja or Vulcan.
Wow, I hesitate to contradict
Wow, I hesitate to contradict your father as that would be disrespectful, ...does this statement make any sense 'It's easier to parallel park a fully loaded transport truck because the extra weight helps tame the 700 HP and 1850 lb-ft of torque.'
The answer to "is it a good
The answer to "is it a good first bike" is obviously a no. Any bike can be a first bike but you are really making life MUCH harder for yourself the more weight and power you add on. Don't underestimate how many silly mistakes you will make as fumble around with clutch/throttle/brakes at low speed. At those times the weight of your ride will very quickly become evident as you try to stop it from falling on the ground after making a mistake. And that WILL happen.
Other thing to consider when you have a heavy bike with expensive plastics is the fear of dropping it puts a mental roadblock in your way. That can really hinder you when trying to learn u-turn's. My first 'bike' was a 550lb scooter with lots of plastic and I really did not want to drop it. It took me a long time to work up to getting the thing to turn as quickly as it could. I would certainly have learned quicker on a smaller lighter bike. Even now I would be hesitant about doing the same on a Gold Wing but make no mistake, those things can turn on a dime in capable hands.
If finances allow I would recommend getting a 2nd hand bike to learn on. When you've mastered the basics it might be time to move up to the Gold Wing but even then that's still quite a jump.
Good luck.