If you’re an avid Honda Goldwing rider, you understand the importance of a smooth, comfortable ride, especially on the highway. One of the critical elements contributing to your bike’s performance is its suspension system. You might be considering upgrading your suspension, particularly if you predominantly ride on highways. But is it worth the hassle and cost?
The Impact of the Suspension on a Bike
Before dwelling on whether or not it’s valuable to upgrade the suspension on your Goldwing, let’s first understand the role of the bike’s suspension. It is one of those hidden heroes that often goes unnoticed, unless something goes wrong. The primary purpose of the suspension system is to isolate the rider and the bike itself from the roughness of the road. It’s the bridge between the rider and the road, tempering the bumps and potholes, to offer a smooth and comfortable ride.
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The suspension system on a bike typically consists of the front fork and the rear shocks or springs. The front fork absorbs most of the shock from the front wheel, whereas the rear springs effectively handle the weight of the bike and the rider. The suspension system in Honda Goldwing models, especially, is designed to perform exceptionally well under different riding conditions. It includes a stock spring setup that manages both compression and rebound damping.
Upgrading the Front Fork Suspension
When you’re considering an upgrade, the front fork suspension is the first thing you’d probably look at. While the stock suspension on a Goldwing is decent, upgrading the front forks can transform your riding experience. Do remember, however, that not all upgrades are equal, and it’s important to choose the right one that fits your needs.
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Upgrading the front fork suspension will improve the bike’s handling, stability, and braking performance. It will also reduce dive during braking, which is a common issue with the stock setup. You might want to consider upgrading to a beefier front suspension with larger diameter forks. In addition, a fork with adjustable preload and damping settings is a great option as it allows you to tailor the ride to your preference.
Goldwing Rear Suspension Upgrade
Now, let’s talk about the rear suspension. The Goldwing’s stock rear suspension is quite robust, but an upgrade can add a new level of comfort and smoothness to your ride. The rear springs in a Goldwing are designed to manage heavy loads, and this is where you might feel the most improvement with an upgrade.
Upgrading the rear suspension improves the bike’s stability, particularly when you’re riding with a passenger or heavy luggage. It will also enhance the bike’s handling and responsiveness, especially at high speeds on the highway. A rear suspension with adjustable preload is highly recommended, as it allows you to set the suspension according to the load on the bike.
How the Upgrade Impacts Highway Riding
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of upgrading both the front and rear suspension, let’s focus on how these changes can improve your highway riding experience.
When you’re out on the open road, you want to be as comfortable as possible. Upgrading your suspension can help reduce rider fatigue, especially on long rides. This is because an upgraded suspension system absorbs more of the road’s irregularities, providing a smoother ride.
Furthermore, highway speeds require stable and predictable handling, and an upgraded suspension can provide just that. It will improve your bike’s stability at high speeds, making it less likely to be unsettled by wind gusts or road imperfections.
Finally, an upgrade will also improve your bike’s braking performance. At highway speeds, braking distances can be quite long, and an upgraded suspension will reduce these significantly. This is particularly important when you need to make an emergency stop.
The Bottom Line: Is it Worth It?
So, after weighing all the pros, is it worth upgrading the suspension on your Honda Goldwing? It all circles back to your personal preference and how you use your bike.
If you predominantly use your bike for highway riding and long journeys, then an upgrade could be a valuable investment. The improved comfort, stability, and braking performance will certainly enhance your highway riding experience.
However, if you use your bike mainly for city riding, an upgrade might not make a significant difference. The stock suspension on the Goldwing is more than adequate for city riding conditions.
In the end, the decision rests with you. But as you weigh your options, remember that an upgraded suspension can make your Goldwing ride as smooth as gold, providing comfort and assurance on your road journeys.
The Role of Specific Suspension Components in a Goldwing
Let’s dive a little deeper into the role of specific suspension components within your Honda Goldwing, beginning with the damper rod. Located within the front fork, the damper rod plays a critical role in controlling the bike’s anti-dive system. It works in conjunction with the fork oil to manage the compression and rebound of the front wheel over road imperfections.
An upgraded damper rod can offer improved suspension action, reducing the harshness felt over rough surfaces. The same applies to the cartridge damper, which controls damping in a similar way. Upgrading from a damper rod to a cartridge damper can provide more consistent fork action and better overall performance, particularly at high speeds characteristic of highway riding.
Next, let’s consider the rear shock and rear spring. As part of the rear suspension, these components work together to manage the load of the bike, including the rider, passenger, and luggage. They absorb shock from the rear wheel and maintain the bike’s stability. Upgrading the rear shock and spring can improve the bike’s weight distribution and responsiveness, especially when loaded down for long trips.
Finally, it’s worth noting that regardless of the model year, every Goldwing valkyrie comes with an anti-dive system. This system reduces the bike’s tendency to dive forward under braking, contributing to a more stable ride. Upgrading the anti-dive system can improve the bike’s braking performance, making for safer and more controlled stops.
Final Takeaway: To Upgrade or Not?
When all is said and done, the choice to upgrade your Honda Gold’s suspension comes down to you and your specific needs as a rider. If you’re frequently hitting the highway for long, high-speed rides, an upgrade could be a wise investment. The improved comfort, stability, brake performance, and handling offered by upgraded components like the damper rod, cartridge damper, rear shock, and rear spring could significantly enhance your riding experience.
However, if you’re a city rider, the stock suspension of your normal Goldwing may serve you just fine. Upgrades may not significantly improve your experience in city traffic as the stock setup is already designed to handle the stop-and-go nature of urban riding.
Be it as it may, if you do choose to upgrade, be sure to select components that will best meet your needs. Companies like Traxxion Dynamics offer a range of suspension upgrades specifically designed for the Honda Goldwing. From front fork springs to rear shocks, they have components that can transform your ride from a regular Goldwing to a Goldwing Valkyrie.
In conclusion, it’s your ride – make it the best it can be! Remember, an upgraded suspension system on your Goldwing can make your highway rides smoother and more enjoyable, lending the edge of comfort and assurance that you need on the open road. Happy riding!