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Most touring-road oriented bikes aren’t comfortable going down trails in the woods. I‘m sure the Wing is a great handling bike. It’s just that my preferred riding “style” changed since back then Tony The last road bike I owned spent the last year of its long, long life exploring dirt and gravel roads that I had flown past for years while looking for the best twisty pavement. It was totally ill-equipped for what I put it through and when the next few bikes allowed me to explore those same roads more comfortably and confidently I was hooked. My bike will still sit at 75 on the highway all day, in relative comfort with the mods I’ve made. It has over a 450 mile range. It has over 11” of suspension travel and more than 10” of ground clearance (great for high curbs entering hotel lobbies in Mexico). And the highest-tech electronics on the DR is my iPhone. No ABS pump or sensors to fail. No fuel injectors to clog or fuel pump to fail. All positives when you live on your bike for extended periods. Like most of you, my longest “trip” was a week at the Gap every Summer. And I am by no means a great offroad rider. In fact, since my leg injury, I’ve turned around on single track and real bad roads more than a few times. When my DR is fully loaded it’s a beast to pick up for me with the bad leg. All luggage usually is clipped off first. Hell I’m thinking of getting a trail jack to help lift it. I can’t imagine trying to lift up a Gold Wing several times in a day. I’m getting antsy now to ride

For a 2-up tourer, I definitely see the appeal of the new GW (or a K1600) For a 1-up tourer, there are many motorcycles I prefer. And 95% of my riding is 1-up.

I'm sure you've read plenty already... sometimes bear spray will only buy you a minute or 2 depending on the species, and the specifics of the encounter. I've had few encounters where I saw the bear, and plenty more where the bear saw me.