Tweet
Best Safety Product
Kisan Electronics pathBlazer
I have been using the Kisan pathBlazer headlight modulators on my Goldwings since 2006. It is the one safety product that I know has saved my butt on more than one occasion. The pathBlazer will cause the high beams to flash rapidly whenever the high beams are turned on during the daytime. When it gets dark out, the high beams function normally. I use the pathBlazers sparingly, only when I am approaching an intersection where I see an oncoming vehicle in the left turn lane, or, if I see a vehicle about to enter the roadway to my right from a perpendicular roadway. I have seen vehicles start to pull out in front of me and as soon as I hit the high beams, they stop in their tracks! It is also valuable to use when in parking lots at slow speeds to increase conspicuity. In my opinion, the pathBlazer is one safety accessory I will not ride without. Kisan installation videos on YouTube.
Runner Up: Kisan tailBalzer brake light modulator, Muth LED signal mirrors
For more information, go to www.kisantech.com
Best Comfort Product
Baker Built - Baker Hand Wings
This category was a little tougher because I really do like my Utopia backrest. But, if I had to get rid of it or my Baker Hand Wings, the backrest would have to go. The Baker Hand Wings keep the cold off your knuckles in the winter, and direct airflow for better cooling in the summer. For the price, they are the best comfort product I have on my Goldwing.
Runner Up: Utopia Backrest
For more information, go to www.bakerbuilt.com
Best Lighting Accessory
SoCalMotoGear.com - GoldwingHIDs Plug-N-Play Lighting Kit
If you are looking for a way to improve the nighttime visibility, the HID light kit from GoldwingHIDs.com is the only way to go. This is a true "plug-n-play" kit that is much easier to install than some other HID products on the market. The low-beams cast a bright white light much farther and brighter than the stock halogens.
For more information, go to www.GoldwingHIDs.com
Best Handling Improvement Product
SuperBrace - SuperBrace Fork Stabilizer
The SuperBrace is a relatively low cost, easy to install way to improve the handling of the Goldwing. Anything you can do to stiffen the front forks is an improvement in my book. Some spend thousands on exotic aftermarket suspension systems, which are good. But, for the money, nothing improves the handling as much as a SuperBrace. SuperBrace videos on YouTube.
Runner Up: Dyna Beads
For more information, go to www.SuperBrace.com
Best Honda Aftermarket Accessory
Hondaline - Trunk Spoiler
A Goldwing just does not look right without a rear spoiler. The integrated LED tail light is another safety item that no Wing owner should ride without.
The spoiler does take a little effort to install, but it is a job that anyone with an electric drill and a little patience can do on their own.
Best Way To Stay Cool
Veskimo Personal Cooling Vest
The Personal Cooling Vest from Veskimo makes riding in the summer heat cool and comfortable. I tested this product on a 700-mile ride to/from Midland, Texas in August. The vest circulates ice water through flexible plastic tubes pumped from an attached ice water chest. If you are looking for a way to cool off on those long, hot, summer rides, check out the Veskimo! Read my full review.
For more information, go to Veskimo.com
Best Cheap Fix
WingStuff.com - Easy Mount Seat Bolt
At some point, you are probably going to need to remove your seat. Maybe to install a new accessory. Whatever the reason, you soon learn that getting the seat bolts back in is a real chore and often results in cross-threaded bolt holes in the frame. Not fun! For about $15 you can make this task much easier. These bolts are tapered making them easy to "find" the threads on the frame.
For more information or to order, go to WingStuff.com
Best Tool
Speed Bleeders
If you are going to do your own brake and clutch fluid flush and bleed, and you don't have someone else to help, Speed Bleeders are a must. Simply replace your existing brake and clutch fluid bleeder valves with the Speed Bleeders before your next bleed job. Attach a hose, crack them open 1/4 turn, and pump your brake lever or clutch lever. The Speed Bleeders have a built-in one-way check valve to prevent dirty fluid and air from re-entering the system!
Best Communication Product
Mic-Mutes - Mic-Mutes
There is nothing more frustrating that having wind noise coming through the headsets when using the intercom on the Goldwing. Mic-Mutes is a cool device that lets you turn off the microphone when not in use. This is one of the coolest products for the Goldwing, and honestly, it should be built into the factory sound system. Watch my Mic-Mutes install video on YouTube.
For more information, go to www.mic-mutes.com
Best Bike Protection Product
Belly Pan
The first thing I install on a new Goldwing is a belly pan. In my opinion, it is the cheapest, easiest way to protect your engine from serious damage. All it takes is for one rock or piece of road debris to attack the underside of your engine casing and you are out thousands of dollars. There are various manufacturers of aluminum and stainless steel belly pans and any of them are better than no protection. Read my review of the MacGyver Belly Pan.
Best Maintenance Product
Cruiseman's Garage - Goldwing Basics DVDs
Come on, did you really think I was not going to take this opportunity to plug my own DVD set? I am a big believer in working on my own bike whenever possible. First, I save the labor costs charged by the dealer, about $100 an hour. And, I get the satisfaction of knowing the job was done right. I just don't trust my bike to some 19 year old at a dealership. You can easily save $600 a year in labor costs by performing routine maintenance yourself. My DVDs are one purchase that will pay for themselves over and over again.
For more information, go to www.CruisemansGarage.com
Honorable Mentions
There are many other products that improve the safety and enjoyment of riding a Honda Goldwing. And, every owner has their own favorites. Here are some other accessories that, while not picked as "BEST" in any particular category, I would gladly recommend to others:
Muth LED Signal Mirrors - I have had the Muth mirrors on every one of my 3 Goldwings, and I will have them on my next Goldwing too. Anything that increases the visibility and communicates my intent to drivers behind me is a good thing. I love the new Muth system that integrates the brake light (red) with the turn signals (yellow). www.MuthCo.com
Utopia Backrest - The Utopia backrest is one of the best things you can do to improve the comfort of your Goldwing seat, especially for long distance touring. The Utopia is a bit tricky to install (watch my YouTube video for assistance), but it looks like it came from the factory. It is well engineered and well made. www.utpr.com
AMA Luggage Rack - Honestly, I do not use my luggage rack very often. But, when deciding on one, I wanted the best one on the market. Unquestionably, the rack from American Motorcycle Accessories is the best one I have found. The rack is sturdy and the chrome plating is guaranteed. And, it is made in America. www.AmericanMotorcycleAccessories.com
