Goldwing in the garage

Sledge Hammer wrote:
Be deliberate, don't fear it and you won't have a problem.

Unfortunately, this advise to the wrong person that is unable to do it is often deadly advise. Everyone has limitations, and I sense that he isn't as capable as many old hands at it.

Always good advice and works on the street too. Okay, almost always good advice. :)

fj12ryder wrote:
"Be deliberate, don't fear it and you won't have a problem." Excellent advice.

In the dirtbike world we have a better saying, "when in doubt gas it"!

Just to add more info to the discussion, the Goldwing weights about 998 lbs. But over the years, I found it a tad easier to unload the bike than to load (personal feelings only – a mental thing).

When loading the Wing, with the engine on, I put the front tire right at the bottom of the ramp, with the bike properly aligned with the ramp, and forward looking into the trailer for the front wheel chuck. Then when I start, I use my two dangling legs for balance, but run the bike up with a goal to stop the bike about 1 foot away from wheel chuck, to confirm final alignment. I’m 6 foot 1, so I have no issues of reaching the ground or ramp most of the time.

I also have bolted the extra 60 inches aluminum ramp to the bottom of the extra extend flap ramp (using two ¼ inch bolts and washers only hand tight). I bolt the ramps together because going up the ramp, the rear tire has a tendency to try to spit the ramp away from the trailers ramp, especially if you apply power to the rear wheel, with the front tire way up on the trailers ramp.

To pull the Goldwing out, I start the engine, and use the reverse gear/button to pull the bike out of the wheel chuck, but I don’t use the reverse gear down the ramp (it won’t work). If you use the reverse gear down the ramp, the bike will start rolling to fast, and you’ll be stuck trying to use your brakes (front brake) to slow it down. I also still use my two dangling legs for balance down the ramp, since my engine is one, and I can use my hand clutch/engine to slow the bike down.

Also note that right at the bottom of the ramp, the ground will become harder to reach with your feet. So plan on having the bike roll backward a bit faster, as you reach the bottom of the ramp (with the knowledge that when the bike is off the ramp, you’re normal again and can control the rear speed).

It’s really a piece of cake, but if you like pie, it’s just as easy.

"Be deliberate, don't fear it and you won't have a problem." Excellent advice.

Hey I have a 2008 goldwing . I put it in under power and take it out under power. Using clutch and front brake. I put the rubber bumpers on 6x6 blocks , bought a tri fold ramp to use as a extension. This way the angle is less and the bike don't bottom out at the top of the ramp. Good luck

I ride my Harley Ultra in and out of our 315 Fuzion all the time. I use the front brake and the rear brake when coming down the ramp. I also have it in gear with the engine off and let out the clutch if things get going to fast. Riding it in is a piece of cake. I usually get a little run at it so I am not trying to power up the ramp as it can be slippery when wet. It is not an issue to get stopped as I am not riding fast but do have some momentum to roll up the slippery ramp. Be deliberate, don't fear it and you won't have a problem.

I ride my Honda ST1100 in and out of our Toy Hauler. It weighs about 675 lbs and is top heavy. If you keep torque on the engine and use the clutch there is no problem. Backing out I use the clutch and no braking until I am 2/3rd of the way down and then let in roll backwards. I did drop it once loading on a wet day when I did not carry enough forward speed up the ramp. I was concerned about braking in the garage with wet tires.

I found if you raise the front end up it decreases the ramp angle and makes it simplier.

Enjoy camping and touring on the Wing!

Not really DIRECTLY responsive, buttttttttt......

We have an electra-glide...wife was always asking how we could take it with us on trips...besides the fact that we don't have a toy-hauler nor a truck adequate to pull one of any size, the bigger issue was I am not sure I would feel comfortable riding that beast up or down any sort of a ramp unless it was a really, really gentle slope--which a toy-hauler ramp isn't...

the solution we came up with was, a little 150 cc Honda scooter...the pcx 150...and a three-piece ramp...the little thingamabob fits in the truck bed with the tailgate up, doesn't overload the rig, can hit (barely adequate) highways speeds (except interstate) of a little over 60 mph, and can carry two up....with the ramp, I can ride it up into the truck bed with minimal fear...it's light enough that any tilting can be stopped (as opposed to the 'leaning tower of pisa' feeling when the big bike gets a little over to one side or the other)...

The state parks where we generally camp are not usually right off four-lane expressways, so it's enough to run to headquarters, scoot (get it? scoot? 'cause it's a scooter) into town for a meal or whatever...

put the 'trunk' on it so it'll carry my work bag (even though, as it belongs to DW, I have to ask permission to ride it to my work or anywhere)...with the trunk, and the under-seat bay, it actually has enough storage to be useful while camping...groceries or whatever

just thoughts

I've put my wing in my toy hauler. I have a "beaver tail" so ramp angle is not as steep. The beauty of the Wing is the reverse as it acts like a brake if you engage it but don't push the button. by using the reverse and front brake it goes out real easy. The only concern is the point where you hit the high center as the rear wheel is on flat ground and the front on the ramp. I'm about 6' so it's not an issue but if you have short legs you might have trouble. That and at the top of the ramp as noted.