Canopy Road Cruisers

Welcome from the Canopy Road Cruisers, the local chapter of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA). The GWRRA is an organization of dedicated owners and riders of the famous Honda Gold Wing touring motorcycle.

Frequently Asked Questions:

There are no local dues. All bikes are welcome! Just join national GWRRA, participate in Chapter FL1-A2, and you are a member! Simply fill out the GWRRA application.

The Gold Wing Road Riders Association is composed of a series of individual chapters supported by a national headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The Association publishes a monthly magazine, "Wing World," sponsors various national and state motorcycle rallies, and otherwise supports the chapters with training programs and other activities.

These motorcycles are powerful enough to travel at turnpike speeds for many, many miles. They also are comfortable for both the driver and the co-rider so that day-long trips are easy to accomplish. A "street bike," on the other hand, would be useful for city driving but not for riding long distances.

No. The current model is known as a GL1800 series because the engine is 1800 cc in size. Earlier versions came equipped with engines of 1500cc, 1200cc, 1100 cc, and 1000 cc. Each of these was correspondingly lighter and somewhat smaller. All are still regarded as being touring bikes.

Yes. A GL1200 series will get about 40 miles per gallon while a GL1500 will usually reach 35 miles per gallon. Regular grade gasoline is used with either engine.

An owner can convert a two-wheel Gold Wing to a three-wheel trike for about $5,000. The front end of the bike retains its original components, but the rear end is specially designed from automotive parts. The trike is quite stable in driving although the gas mileage suffers a little.

New bikes of this size will cost around $18,000 without extra accessories and special chrome. There is no limit to the amount of money that can be spent improving the looks and features of a Gold Wing. For comparison purposes, a used 1988 Gold Wing 1500 would cost about $7,000. A used 1984 GL1200 series can be obtained for about $3,500.

If a Honda Gold Wing is properly maintained, it will remain in good operating condition for 200,000 to 300,000 miles. Maintenance is very important for a motorcycle, not only to make it last a long time but also to keep the riders safe. Tire pressure, for example, must be checked every day the bike is ridden. Low pressure can lead to accidents. Many owners pride themselves on doing their own mechanical work. Others will take their bikes to a local dealer or repair shop for service.

Well, it depends! Riders usually carry two-piece rain suits with them. When riding down the road, the wind carries the rain right over the bike. Riders always strive to avoid weather that is so severe as to threaten one's safety.

The usual Gold Wing is equipped with an AM/FM radio and cassette player. A citizens band (CB) radio is used to talk between riders or drivers of other vehicles. The rider and co-rider can talk to each other through a special intercom. Additionally, bikes usually have cruise control, adjustable shock absorbers, and extra lights. Some riders add geo-positional receivers, cell telephones, or CD players in the trunk.

Yes! There are several designs of beautiful matching side cars that can be added to a Gold Wing. Many owners with side cars take great effort to equip their side cars with a maximum of comfort, including an intercom to the driver and even a portable television set. Some side cars are designed for two riders.

As with the side car, there are many different types of trailers that can be attached to a Gold Wing. Some just carry cargo, but others are actually pop-out campers complete with a living room and cooking facilities. Some owners take great pride in designing and building their own trailers.

Not any more than a car would be. Owners ordinarily want their bikes to be clean and polished. The bike will last longer and is a thing of beauty when it is all shiny and bright!

Let's be honest about this question. The bike weighs over 850 pounds, and you have to treat it with respect. Experience helps as do the GWRRA driver training classes. If you have ever ridden and enjoyed a medium size motorcycle, you probably can handle a Gold Wing! The GWRRA offers Rider Education courses for members to teach them road skills, accident avoidance procedures, and slow speed maneuvers. There are even courses for the co-riders so they can help keep the bike operating safely! Florida offers the Basic Rider Course and Experienced Rider Course; check Florida SafeRider, Inc. for more information.

A rally is simply a gathering of motorcycle riders. Rallies are usually sponsored by a GWRRA chapter and are attended by not only Gold Wing riders but also by owners of other models of motorcycles and trikes. Vendors attend and offer sales of accessories and various mechanical services (e.g., new tires). Participants might enjoy motorcycle riding courses, first aid courses, classes on managing a local chapter, dinners, and special rides through the local region. Click for information on the annual GWRRA Wing Ding.