when all I was looking for was tires for my trusty '86 Venture

Saturday, Nov. 20, 1999:

Stopped into Honda Extreme (3751-99 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6E 6J7, ph. 780-435-9742, fax 436-6200, http://www.hondaextreme.com/) about tires for my '86 Venture - just had it checked over for my Y2K C2C trip and it is in fine shape and the motor sounds "sweet" according to the long term motorcycle shop mechanic and shop owner (John Landa at Top of the Line, 8215 56 St., Edmonton, 780-496-9859), so seriously I was JUST looking for tires. I had however earlier in the year (September) ridden the '99 Venture and loved it, and was brutally hounded by my brother, cousin and others to get a Wing. But no, I was very happy with my Venture and it has 150,000 km's of very good life left in her. Besides she and I had done some tremendously great rides and had many adventures together and she was "dressed and accessorized" the way I wanted her.

Ed, one of the owners of Honda Extreme, had a two-tone Pearl White/ Pearl Green-Grey 25th Anniversary 2000 1500 SE sitting on the floor. Of course he noticed that I went straight for it. Honest, it is a fantastic looking bike.

He asked if he could help and I said I was in looking for radials for a Venture and he pointed to the young fellow (Chris) at the desk - - but - - as he left he told me what the GoldWing was listed at until the end of December and that this price included a promotional GoldWing Anniversary Leather jacket. I drooled. But off I went to ask Chris about tires. I was after radials, namely Michelins but the venture rims are wider than the GoldWing's, so I did not know what to do. I left to do my shopping at Costco, which was on my list of stops and is only about three blocks if that from the Honda shop.

Well I went to the pharmacy and the nice young pharmacist says that will about 10 to 15 minutes, so I start to wander the store. I did have a feast however, with all the pre Christmas demonstrations of cookies, candies, breads, etc., but this pearl white GoldWing was still in my mind - big time.

But I Love my Venture!!!!!.

Coincidence would have it that as I wandered the store picking up every demonstrated food, coffee and candy product going, (some of the food demonstrators caught me coming back for seconds) I met two Venture club members (Ian and Carmen Haywood) and I was telling them about the bike and the price. Ian thought I was fooling and I said no I was not and that I was sure that was what I was quoted, jacket and all.

So I got my prescription and had a slice of pizza. Had a chat with a fellow who sat down with me (it was very busy) and we got talking - had some friends in common in the town of Jasper, but all through the conversation I was thinking I'd have to go back to the shop (three blocks - easy) and have another look at the bike, confirm the price and the details on the jacket.

Well I did.

Ed was helping a couple and their son who were looking at an all terrain four wheeler - mom was on the back. As I went by I told her she looked good on it (very true because she did) and Ed was saying "and which one did you want?". So I knew Ed knew how to close a deal - ask the question!

He was not too long coming over to see me - he confirmed the offer - but the bike had to be paid in full by Dec. 31 to get the jacket. I said I thought it was a very good offer and he just said "It is a VERY good offer and $500 will hold it and we'll keep it for you for the winter." I asked about CB (yes) intercom (yes), he then showed me the foot warmers (adjustable from the dash) and that the turning lights had already been made into driving lights which are on all the time and a 54-watt alternator.

He was called away to the phone so I checked the other things - turned out the bike had 3 km on it, noticed no side lights for the lower saddle bags or on the trunk (only things besides an air horn that I might want to put on it, along with foot pegs so I could stretch out my legs) and he told me he'd give me 15% off any accessories (discount is only available with the purchase of a new bike). I happen to think Honda Extreme are competitive or a bit better priced than any dealer in Edmonton. I mentioned that a friend of mine (Dwayne) was in earlier and he was amazed at how many bikes they have sold - Ed said they were very pleased too - they were #20 in Canada for # of bikes sold this year and that is after three years in business. (Four, really but the first was a start-up year and they were late getting going).

Honda financing is as low as zero down at 8.3%. There was also a $337/mo payment for four years but with a buyout at the end. The zero down over three years however is a bit rich, not that this is what I'd do but I might to close the deal. Any or all of the balance can be paid at any time without a penalty.

I keep thinking that I LOVE my Venture so much. She is a fantastic handling bike and we have done many a corner in the NW while touching or scraping a foot peg - love those Metzler Marathon tires too.

You know the deal breaker or deal maker? Ed would not change the tires and put on Michelins on for the price quoted so I knew he was firm. Ed said he'd sell me the Michelin's tires for 15% off and would sell the other ones for me. However, Ed knows a fellow with 23,000 km on factory tires and has more mileage left and a friend of mine got more than that with the factory tire. She told me that 12,000 km of that milage was pulling a trailer. Also in conversation heard of a third person who got well over 20,000 km on the original tires. So I decided to keep the Dunlop K 177 P's.

Well. . . . . . . .

Any how I LOVE my Venture and she had been a fantastic bike for me but this GoldWing is a "very" nice bike and it caught my eye.
All for now,
Cliff

PS: This GoldWing probably goes with my white Nolan helmet.
PS2: remind me again of the little annoyance things you do not like - taking the cover off to check the oil. .......
PS3: went in looking for $400.00 tires and looked at spending many thousands on a new bike. DAMN ANY WAY

From John Goff - RCMC Portland OR - Sunday, Nov. 21, 1999:

I just called Beaverton Honda(BH), and $18,099.00 US is the current MSRP on the floor at BH.

You can use the Internet to contact BH and their 1-800-number:1-800-929-1044 to contact them directly for reference information - http://www.bhy.net/

It is not uncommon for non-RCMC people to buy a new SE here so that the SE + accessories exceeds $20,000 to $22,000 US dollars. So from my rather distant perspective, the Canadian price + that leather Honda Jacket for the basic SE sounds like an excellent opportunity there. And I'll bet the same model bike will _NOT_ sell for the same Canadian dollars there after the snow melts! ;-)
Please do keep me posted on this. :-)
John

Sunday, Nov. 21, 1999 - E- mail to my friends:

Well. . . . . . . .

Any how I LOVE my venture and she had been a fantastic bike for me but this GoldWing is a "very" nice bike and caught my eye.
All for now,
Cliff

PS: The new 2000 SE includes a Honda Anniversary Leather jacket and I forgot to tell you that in the last note - retail value $450.00 CDN. Have not seen it but they list all the sizes and I am to get a large (44) tall, so they are serious about having sizes to fit folks - - they are available from Honda for the $450.00 CDN
Bonus

Sunday, Nov. 21, 1999 - e-mail from John Goff - Road Captain, RCMC:

Hi Cliff! :-)

Now let me see if I have this right.... You want me (an enthusiastic SE fan) to talk you "out of" buying a new SE? Is that right? There just might be flaw in this plan, Cliff.

And about having to remove a panel to check the oil - I don't check my oil. GoldWings don't consume oil. I use synthetic Honda HP-4 oil and change it every 6,000 miles. It's just one of those things I don't have to worry riding a GoldWing. (hint, hint)

However, I have had some recent experience in GoldWing "counselling" with fellow RCMC member Ralph Lewis (who is having a bout of new bike fever REAL bad these days).

So as it happens, I just happen to have a prepared list of optional accessory equipment that I think you (or Ralph) should have. So I have taken the liberty of attaching the Ralph Lewis file.

PS - Here is the URL web site address for Russell Day Long Touring Saddles down in Fall River Mills, California (down by Mt. Shasta). If you going to buy this new GoldWing for this once in life time C2C Y2K trip of yours, you really should treat yourself to a Russell Day Long Touring Saddle. ;-)http://www.day-long.com/

Best Wishes on your new GoldWing! :-)
And _DO_ let know how this turns out! :-)
John

Monday, November 22, 1999: Email to friends

Bought it for the offered price CDN. Pearl white/pearl green gray.

Things I am having put on (15% off and free installation) are:

LIGHTS:

1. Fairing side lights
2. Saddlebag lights
3. Saddlebag turning lights ( will have two signals lights per side - one on the trunk - now one on the saddle bags)
4. Trunk lights
5. Rear centre reflector lights
6. Trunk LED modulator

1. trunk rack
2. plastic cover on the head lights and signals (Dealer owner has put this plastic on his sport bike anywhere a rock or boot heel would hit - you cannot see it unless you really look and look
   hard - it is a third party is putting it on so there will be an installation charge)
3. trunk interior light and mirror
4. front chrome fender extender (only thing they will NOT put on free or at all - they have had too much problem putting them on - Dwayne took his back for the same reason)
5. Ergo Cruise Dually Kuryakyn foot pegs
6. Heavy front fork reinforcement super brace
7. Yellow and white Tulsa lights - two switches

1. headlight modulator for the GoldWing (used on my Venture)
2. electronic ultra-sonic broadcaster
3. Bike cover that I bought at the Bremerton WA, Governors Run - light and compact -Honda ones are heavy and large to pack (from Wingman)
4. three bags - one for each saddle bag and the trunk - came with the bike

1. saddlebag rails - general protection for the bags
2. Progressive front springs ($100.00 CDN)
3. bra (dealer said they have never sold one in four years)

1. back rest (likely get sometime)
2. passenger arm rests (not likely as I do not often have a passenger)
3. auxiliary fuse bus (do not know)
4. hand grip warmers (definitely - a must in my books )
5. yoke mounted ambient temperature and volt/amp metres (do not know)
6. passenger audio remote controls (do not know)
7. air wings (not likely)
8. any trailer related items - hitch and electrical (not likely)
9. road hazard insurance (Have AMA- auto club - may go to the "plus" membership)

INSURANCE:

I went to Greg Rice at W. D. Sadler Insurance (780-433-4426), the broker whom I have used for insurance on my Venture. On motorcycles they recommend "Jevco", who specialize in motorcycles and quads - rec. vehicles. With $25,000 replacement insurance for all perils and $250.00 deductible, I pay a whooping $656.00 per year for 365 day coverage. I told him I was prepared to pay more - thought it would be over $700.00 year and for $500.00 deductible, not $250.00.

DEALERS FASTEST DEAL SO FAR ON A WING:

Went in at 9:00 A.M. and left at noon with "everything done" - insurance, financing via Honda Finance, registration and license transfer (Honda Finance took less than one hour from when Ed faxed it to Richmond, BC till he had a fax back with approval). Ed, co-owner told me it was the fastest GoldWing sale he'd done to date.

WOULD I recommend Honda Extreme? Yes I would very defiantly recommend Honda Extreme for price, courtesy, and service - YOU BET! "Honda Extreme, 3751 99 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6E 6J7, ph. 780-435-9742, Fax 436-6200" URL: http://www.hondaextreme.com/
Cliff

Monday Evening Nov. 22, 1999: Response to a friend asking about delivery, etc.

They'll (Honda Extreme) deliver it when they get the lights etc. put on. Probably a couple of weeks. There is too much snow and ice on the roads and in the back alley to the garage to ride it home. I told Ed no rush but I'd just as soon not like to get the bike marked up.

I think everyone is more excited than I am. My parents (both of whom are over 80 years) from BC, just called and asked "What's new Cliffy" - of course Bob (brother) did not tell them but from his excitement they thought it might be another bike, never guessing it would be a new 2000 SE. They are "very" happy for me. They wanted to know what it looked like and I said like my brothers '97 GoldWing except it is white rather than candy apple red. I'll send them a picture as they live in a remote area in the BC interior and do not have internet service.

Exciting is not the word - I cannot believe I actually did it but it is a done deal - like Chris at Honda Extreme says there is one left in the crate - it is red - better go and put $500.00 down and hold it - must be finalized by Dec. 31 to get the $450.00 Honda 25th Anniversary Jacket.

Any how thanks for the congratulations - appreciated.
Cliff

Tuesday, November 23, 1999: From John Goff - RCMC -

I had asked about "flickers" "flickers" are a simple (short) wiring harness insert that creates an alternating ground without any moving parts that might otherwise wear-out or become problematic. After you have installed all of the lights that Honda has made provisions for (but not included in the basic bike), "flickers" make you fairing side lights flash alternately with your turn signals, and your trunk side lights, and your saddlebag lid lights. You will need a total of three sets of flickers to accomplish all of that. And it looks _REALLY_ cool! Also be aware that your trunk lid is an assembly of two parts (an outside and an inside shell) bonded together with an "air" space in-between. This means that you cannot (should not) cinch down the trunk rack bolts without risking cracking the lid (a $350 replacement part). Trunk lid cracking is common. Bill Flannery has come up with a solution which cures this common problem (And one of the very few.). Polished stainless steel re-enforcing strips 1 " wide x 12" inches long that go both on the underneath side and on top of the lid under the trunk rack mounting feet. When I make some up for Char and I, I made some extras and you will probably want a set.

The Superbrace front fork brace is something that you will definitely want to do. And if you order from Tim Brunkow at Wingman http://www.wingman.com you'll will be much happier with price. In fact, that would be true of many of your accessory possibilities.

With your long legs, your needs are probably similar to my own. I would suggest highway pegs that will allow you stretch your legs straight-out in a "resting" position. That's something that highway boards just don't accomplish.
Hot Grips Mfg., Inc. (603) 448-0305
166 Methodist Hill Rd.
Plainfield, NH 03781
http://www.hotgrips.com
E-mail: hotgrips@cyberportal.net

They also offer a variable heat controller, as an option.

Feel free to ask questions any time. :-)
And Congratulations! :-)
John

Wednesday, November 24, 1999 - from Tim Brunkow at Wingman responding to my questions about the items I wanted and had seen on their web site (knew Tim and Becky from when I lived in Vancouver WA) and know they run a first class bike shop and that they cater to GoldWings and other cruisers:

To answer a few questions:
# 7330 Offset Dually Pegs....Pegs are most more flexible for riding comfort than any boards available. As far as weather protection..there is a minimal amount of protection from the board vs. the peg. I haven't sold any of these in the past 18 months or so, since they brought out the new line of Offset Cruise Pegs and Ergo Tour Pegs. They introduced these in the late summer of '98 and they took over the market. I mean that even Markland sales dropped off to nearly zero. You can see these on both our web site and the Kuryakyn site. Part numbers are # 7976 and # 4050.

Super Brace (the original) is still $ 69.50. Actually, it is $ 68.00 on the Xmas ad.

Tulsa driving lights, D61218 ....FOG / SPOT combo....has two (2) switches, on special for $139.00 We have one set left, at present. These are the same as John and Char (RCMC) have on their wings.

Map Case....called the Tour Pac...built be M&S Enterprises. Saw it a Wing Ding in Billings a couple of years ago. A VERY HOT SELLER......Fits around the yoke hangs over the radio area...Clear map case on top about 1" thick with great storage inside. Comes in Dark brown or black. $ 38.00 Ad price Taxes into Canada? I don't know what they are.....you live there...
Sorry.
Thanks for all the inquiries...
Tim

Wednesday, November 24, 1999 response to Tim, with "inserts of his response" to several of the items:
Tim thanks for the good turn around.

1.) Pegs: Will take one but not knowing the pegs 7976 or 4050 I do not know the advantages of either - can you recommend one (price is not a factor as both are better priced than we can get here). Would like the one with the most flexibility as I do need to stretch out fairly frequently. Seriously I'd be happy with either - looking for the most functionality. Both fit a 2000 AOK?

Tim: I would (and have on my bike) pick the # 4050. These have up to 9" of flexibility front to back. These are 2000 okay... At $149.99 on ad....
2.) Super brace - will take it for $68.00

3.) Tulsa driving lights - will take them too $139.00 (oops - do you recommend, knowing the turning lights on the 2000 are already driving lights?)
Tim: Okay..I would still use them as daytime lights; but you can also turn them off, when you want to.
4.) Map case: will take one too ($38.00), will let you know tonight abut color but sure I'd want black.
Last, here is my visa # (XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, 10,02) which I authorize you to put this stuff on - Do you need any ID as I am in Alberta and no sales tax?
Clifford F Wulff
Can you agree to hold the stuff till I figure out what is the best way for me to get it - holding means for up to two week max. - OK?
Thanks a million (not that much on the card please) - again thanks
Cliff

Thursday, Nov. 25, 1999:
Tim: Let me know how and when you want it. The US Post Office does the best job / least costs / least paperwork into Canada.
Cliff: OK, lets do as you suggest 4050 pegs (sound great), brace, Tulsa lights, and black map case.
Tim: We thank you for the order........Will enclose some catalogues, if I can remember it.
Thanks again,
Tim

Cliff: Talked with Canada Customs today (Thursday Nov. 25^th 1999) - no duty on motorcycle parts and accessories (if made in the US) only the federal GST which is 7% of retail.
NOTE: Can you add a tail light modulator for the 2000 SE. (from my brother for Christmas )
Then Please go ahead and ship it as you mentioned - mail

Tim: The tail light modulator of choice for the SE model is the "LED Unit" that flashes the light bar only. They are extremely easy to install and make the ride very safe.
Will put it all together for the mail.............might get out tomorrow or Saturday. (Nov. 27^th 1999)

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1999

The package of "goodies" I ordered from Tim and Becky at Wingman in Portland and which was sent Saturday, November 27^th arrived Wednesday, December 1^st via Priority Post/Mail and the Canadian Postal system. The GST tax was $51.00 CDN. I paid it, showed some ID and I had my things in five minutes. Great services all around. It all arrived a scant five days in total with NO paperwork HASSLE.
Cliff