1st Ride, Cee Bailey windshield, Russell Seat

It finally got warm enough to melt the ice from my driveway/private road so I got to ride the Wing for the first time yesterday. Before buying it in December I had only ridden it about 4 miles on a test ride. This time I got an 85 mile ride around Flathead Lake in 45 degree temps, felt great to be back on 2 wheels. Some thoughts/impressions:
-I like the Cee Bailey +2" windshield. I can easily look over it and there is no buffeting.
-The Russell seat is a dream. Why the hell did I wait this long to get one? And why did I buy those damn Corbins for my other bikes?
-The Wing is much faster than the Helix (duh). There is a 25 mile stretch on the east side of the lake posted 50 mph and often patrolled with radar. I'm going to have to be careful there.
-In motion the Wing doesn't feel much bigger than the Helix though once in the garage it is very noticeable.
-I think the Helix is going to remain my grocery/po/general runaround bike, just easier to deal with.
-I'm already planning a few 600-1000 mile getaways for the Wing.

All in all I am very happy with the Wing. I looked at the big Burgman but its size and complexity scared me off. Thanks for all of the post here, they helped a lot when I was in the planning stage.

Hey,

I bet it was nice to finally get back on the SWing. Can you take a picture sometime of your bike so we can see your screen and seat? Where do you plan go ride for those long rides?

JeffR- I'll get some pix up in a few days. I went with the Cee Bailey as I was impressed with the one I put on my Helix, seems like a good product and I like a smaller shield.

As far as trips I'm about 90 miles from BC and there are miles of great traffic-free roads around the lakes o the Columbia River system up there. I also want to do my Lake Louise/Icefields Parkway/Valemont loop. In Idaho I'll head south on 93 and cut down to near Boise then back up the Snake River side of the state. There are tons of possibilities around me, all little traveled 2 lanes.

That would be great when you get time to post a pic. I don't think I have ever seen a Cee Bailey on a SWing. It is usually the stock, Givi, & Clearveiw that I see. But I hear they are really good screens though. And it sounds like some nice riding up in your neck of the woods. I wonder if there are any Canadian riders somewhat close to you.

JeffR- I forgot to thank you for the windshield pictorial. I managed to do the swap without dropping/losing anything and with almost no cursing. Just at the little dash screws, hard to see them line up right.

realbtl,

Your welcome and I'm glad they helped you.

JeffR_ wrote:

I don't think I have ever seen a Cee Bailey on a SWing. It is usually the stock, Givi, & Clearveiw that I see. But I hear they are really good screens though.

I have one on min and have found it comfortable and well made.

Here are a couple of not-very-good pix of the Cee Bailey windshield.

Nice to see your Helix sitting quietly in the background, it's been 8 years now and I still miss mine.

I'am ready to buy a replacement windshield, Cee Bailey vs Airflow, the C.B. is less expensive than Givi, but does it give same amount of protection? Anyone have any opinions? Ride Safe.

Robert

robert wrote:

I'am ready to buy a replacement windshield, Cee Bailey vs Airflow, the C.B. is less expensive than Givi, but does it give same amount of protection? Anyone have any opinions?

The Cee Bailey is shaped very similarly my Clearview windshield with Goldwing vent (Clearview is wider ... it is so wide it bolts above the glove box into existing bolts). Since I ride year round, I can vary the position of my hands during colder/warmer riding and use the vent during the hot summer riding.

I believe one key decision would be what seasons do you ride?

If you ride primarily in warm/hot weather (right now) the Givi Air provides the best ability to adjust for comfort (especially the hot weather).

If you have the Cee Bailey and needed more air during the hot weather, you could cut holes in the windshield and add "snap vents".

The key decision will be your comfort.

Thanks for your thoughts Bill, you have me leaning towards the Airflow, because it does get hot here in Az.

Robert

Post some pictures of your seat. I really have "numbing" issues if you know what I mean. Is it really a big improvement over stock? thanks!

creeksidemonkey wrote:

Post some pictures of your seat. I really have "numbing" issues if you know what I mean. Is it really a big improvement over stock? thanks!

I too have numbing issues. But it's my brain and work that are the causes!!!!

Sorry, I've been side tracked by a new-to-me Suzuki S40 650cc single street bike I picked up recently. I just had to have one shifty in the fleet.
If the rain ever stops I'll get some pix of the seat up.

I haven't taken any long rides yet, max was about 80 miles but so far I love the Russell seat. Very comfy, lots of room to move around. It doesn't look sexy but hey, it's a scooter. My only complaint is that the driver's backrest leans back more than I like though I probably sit more straight up and down than most, in the car or wherever. I have temporarily fixed this by turning the stop that controls tilt upside down. I'll likely send the backrest back for some changes but that can wait until next winter, I want to ride now.

It's still a little drizzly out but here are a couple of pix of the Russell seat. I put a 12" scale on it for reference.



As you can see it's wide so I need to slide forward when stopping to flat-foot the scoot. I'll gladly put up with this for the comfort and support.

realbtl wrote:

It finally got warm enough to melt the ice from my driveway/private road so I got to ride the Wing for the first time yesterday. Before buying it in December I had only ridden it about 4 miles on a test ride. This time I got an 85 mile ride around Flathead Lake in 45 degree temps, felt great to be back on 2 wheels. Some thoughts/impressions:
-I like the Cee Bailey +2" windshield. I can easily look over it and there is no buffeting.
-The Russell seat is a dream. Why the hell did I wait this long to get one? And why did I buy those damn Corbins for my other bikes?
-The Wing is much faster than the Helix (duh). There is a 25 mile stretch on the east side of the lake posted 50 mph and often patrolled with radar. I'm going to have to be careful there.
-In motion the Wing doesn't feel much bigger than the Helix though once in the garage it is very noticeable.
-I think the Helix is going to remain my grocery/po/general runaround bike, just easier to deal with.
-I'm already planning a few 600-1000 mile getaways for the Wing.

All in all I am very happy with the Wing. I looked at the big Burgman but its size and complexity scared me off. Thanks for all of the post here, they helped a lot when I was in the planning stage.

Come on over and join a very friendly group of Goldwingers at:

http://www.goldwingowners.com/

Consider the GWRRA group for riding buddies in your area. I am going to be at Glacier this summer with some buddies I met at the Goldwingowners.com group I mentioned earlier.

I would meet for a cup of coffee when in your area.

realbtl wrote:

It's still a little drizzly out but here are a couple of pix of the Russell seat. I put a 12" scale on it for reference.



As you can see it's wide so I need to slide forward when stopping to flat-foot the scoot. I'll gladly put up with this for the comfort and support.

Nice looking seat. I have a Corbin and like it.

Nice Seat! OMG, I must be a real biker - I am saying that about an actual bike seat and not a woman....

I am wondering how the custom seats compare with an add on cover like the Airhawk?

Larry in Seattle- I PM'd you re: coffee.

Wow ! that's some fancy seat

Looks like something out of a 60's Cadillac