She is a beauty. Metallic blue, sleek, powerful, and with all the comforts that a modern motorcycle can deliver. And she is now just a few weeks away from experiencing many more kilometers than she has recorded to date.
The picture you see shows a 2007 Goldwing, with 1800 cc's, GPS, seat and handlebar heaters, AM/FM radio, power trunk and side bag lock, and only 5500 kms.
I can sense the jealousy that my 1993 Goldwing must feel as I leave her parked in the garden shed behind the house and drive off on the new machine.
While I was confident that my older motorcycle would have made the trip in fine style without any difficulty (a Goldwing is just broken at 120,000 kms), Renae has been suggesting for some time that I consider getting a new bike for the trip. But it was not until George, my 4 corners journey partner, saw the Big Blue at the Harley-Davidson dealership (who could imagine trading in such a beauty). He encouraged me to see it for myself. I could not quarrel with the merit of getting something newer.
It drives so smoothly and handles like a bike half its weight, accelerating with power that my 1500 cc bike could not match. I know that driving the new machine will make the trip that much more enjoyable.
So if someone reading this wants a well-maintained, slightly older but very nice motorcycle, please let me know. Having just put brand-new tires and a brand-new windshield on it for the trip, it will inevitably be a good buy.