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HeliBars Gen 2.0 handlebar risers for Goldwing 2018 plus

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I love riding Sherbert and experience backache. As a sports-tourer, Shadowfax did the same. Fitting the Bike-Quip handlebar risers  eliminated most of my discomfort. It's natural to expect the same outcome from fitting handlebar risers to Sherbert. I chose the HeliBars Gen 2.0 handlebar risers against a field of cheaper alternatives and imitations. Everyone reviewing the Performance Handlebar Risers for 2018+ Gold Wing gave a positive outcome. They listed the following benefits, which matched my needs: Improved low-speed control Relaxed arms with improved reach Exceptional quality Proven manufacturer's record So, how did that turn out? Fitting the HeliBars Gen 2.0 handlebar risers The HeliBars arrived from WingStuff in a cardboard box containing labelled bags with the risers, the bolts, a pair of covers, and two small zip ties. An instruction booklet came with them. Preparation includes protecting the bike's surfaces. I used masking tape and blankets that survive from my...
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Traxxion Dynamic's Goldwing belly pan

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We've wanted the Traxxion Dynamics belly pan since collecting Sherbert from Germany.  I know many owners have done thousands of miles and "never" had a problem with debris breaking the engine. I've covered some miles on STs and Sherbert and not had a problem with debris either. I also know countless eye witnesses on the news telling us they've "never" seen a tornado, earthquake, flood, or other disaster like it. Anyway, a good friend in the USA helped to save me a 50% price hike on postage. It's still way more expensive than I believe it needs to be at $315.97 and there's the market for you. Fitting is easy enough when you know to follow the instructions on the bolt packets and watch all the videos to prepare. Cruiseman's video is OK and after watching Max McCallister's hesitant voyage of instruction it was obvious that Chris made an error. Although correcting the error, I'd have edited it out. Anyway, it’s now fitted and ready to r...
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No Goldwing Homelink loom in Europe

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It's a fair let down to discover the $235 Honda Goldwing Homelink kit isn't catered for in Europe.  Sure, the adverts claim we can fit Homelink as an option and how? There's no loom and no connection to the dashboard display. I discovered this after spending too long installing the Homelink transmitter and loom supplied in the kit. This takes some time feeding the cables down the back of the pannier and then accidentally pulling the grommet all the way through the purpose-made hole. The instructions are easy enough to follow in the Wingstuff video with Fred Harmon on YouTube. There was much cussing and silicone spray trying to reverse that situation and quiet elation when finally all done. Imagine my dismay when my extensive search for the on-bike loom turned fruitless. I messaged on Facebook and owners were helpful in directing me to where the connector should be.  I only found a boot concealing a 3-pin connection.  I found out the bad news from a French Goldwing owners ...
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Vantrue F1 dashcam install Goldwing 2023

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I installed the Vantrue Falcon 1 motorcycle dash cam on Sherbert the Goldwing 2023 today. It took a while longer than I expected, and when you consider my learning to strip a part or two, then that's OK. If you are an expert with the Goldwing's skins, then you can take much less time. This walk through will help too. Research Before running any cables I watched the following three YouTube videos from Chris Dickman, Robert White, and Larry Ryan. Chris Dickman (Cruiseman's Garage) Don't Buy A Motorcycle Dash Cam Until You Watch This | Vantrue F1 | Cruiseman's Reviews Chris highlighted the need to mount the camera off-center to avoid being struck by the front fender. Robert White VanTrue F1 Dash Cam, Install Robert installed the rear camera on the licence plate light cover. He drilled a hole for the cable off to the left of the cover and taped the cable to the rear fender. I didn't like that bit although he does give the best hint on "finding daylight" t...
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Picking up Sherbert

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To recap, we'd been awake and travelling to Offenburg, Germany since 2:30 am. Bikemoto's offer of a free coffee felt overwhelmingly generous while we waited for Sherbert's paperwork to be readied. There was a hire agreement to cover our ride back to Ireland, the ownership documentation, Certificate of Compliance, manuals, sales agreements, and more. It all took time. All the time I was taking stock of the enormity of the day and second-guessing the plan. Self doubt I'd not ridden for nearly 5 years since fixing Arod's speedometer sensor and finding his fork seals were leaking. COVID 19 and working from home were little motivation to set things right. Now I am about to ride a new-to-me model of bike I've not ridden before. Sherbert is heavier than an ST1300, a weightier insurance liability, and has a dual clutch transmission (DCT). He's extra expensive to buy and more-so to fix. I'm riding on the right side of the road in Europe and with my wife rid...
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To Offenburg from beyond

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Offenburg is a couple of hours south of Frankfurt.  Initial plans were to fly to Frankfurt, catch a train to Offenburg, and then a taxi to the bike shop. Unfortunately, RyanAir fly to Frankfurt Hahn airport and don't hint at the fact Hahn is two hours west of Frankfurt. We discovered that gem after booking the flights. No plan survives first contact, right? So we adapted and hired a car to drive the 3 hours to Offenburg. Adapt or fail We learned that RyanAir will only allow helmets on spare seats–one helmet per seat by the read of it. Otherwise your life-saving equipment needs to go in the hold to be crushed, battered, and invisibly compromised by damage. Our new Shuberth C5s had arrived only a couple of days ahead of the flight in two smart boxes within a single purpose sized box. Mrs G called RyanAir and confirmed a 'suitcase' can be a box and what the maximum dimensions can be.  The box fitted the bill. Into Hahn Typically, the Friday flight out was at around 6am and w...
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Germany?

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Yes. Germany. We looked at buying a GoldWing from Ireland and found the mileage and used prices were higher than brand new bikes in the UK. A new GoldWing DCT with airbag is listed near €41,000 and a used 2023 with 18,000 Km was listed at €38,000. A 2018 on the same forecourt commanded €32,000. They all felt too used and too rich. The younger 2023 was scuffed up and black too. The options were otherwise 'baggers' and pretty as they can be I really wanted the tourer for two-up riding. Importing even used vehicles from the UK is made near impossible following Brexit. UK imports attract 23%VAT and Duty at 10%. Then there's the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) that Europe told Ireland to drop years ago. VRT for bikes is €2 per CC to 330cc and then €1 per CC from there. It al adds up to a plus 40% on purchase price–albeit you can claim back any VAT paid to a UK dealer. There's a little discount when you import a used vehicle. That's one with 6,000 Km on the clock and ov...
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