Yeah Kenz, my buddy and I talked about that before I went up there. We came to the conclusion that those crash test were done at around 35-45 mph. As you see in the vid, the dummy with the airbag just barley escaped major head trauma, any faster and it would have been lights out. We both agreed that a 50+ mph frontal crash would be the same outcome or maybe even worse with the airbag.
Based on that conversation, I decided to look at the next class lower goldwing which is the ABS model. I figured the airbag would not be of benefit unless I drive a lot in the city and I like the controls layout better without the airbag. The controls for the radio, CB, intercom, GPS, ect are right in front of you on the upper part of the tank. With the airbag there, they moved all the controls to the fairing and you have to reach down and take your eyes off the road to do anything. You still have the CB, volume and CG/Radio channel select on the bars but anything else, you need to reach down.
You also loose one of the storage compartments on the fairing (right side).
But they only had one ABS and it was silver. All the rest of them were Airbag models. I am kinda glad it is there, but I do not have any faith that it will do any good unless you are on a 35 mph road.
I could have bought one of the 2010 models but saving $7000 was worth loosing a glove box and moving controls around.
And just for the shit of it, I found a back road and tested out the ABS. I played with it from 45 mph stopping pretty hard. After I felt pretty confident that I could control it to a dead stop, I stomped on both brakes hard! You can NOT get those wheels to lock up on a dry road! Wet may be a different story but If you ever had to stop a bike fast and lose traction, you know what I am talking about by HARD on the brakes.
I do not feel the need to try that again and I tell you what, that 900 lb beast stops FAST!
I took the wife on the first ride today, first time she has been on it. We rode for about thirty minute and I really could not tell that she was back there. We then took a few mild S curves at low speed and I still could not feel a difference with or without her on the back. That bike is very well balanced. And it is more agile at speed that that Vstar 1100 I has a couple of years ago.
Don't get me wrong, I still know it's 900lbs when I stop at lights or have to back it up but anything over 10 mph it is effortless and responds quickly to my every move.
I rode my buddy's Ultra Classic and that thing, while a Very sexy ass bike, rode like a tank in the corners. I would own one in a heart beat if the deal was right but I am just comparing the two.
Over all I am very impressed with this bike. The only things I do not like are the handlebar height and distance, the tiny diameter grips and that annoying message after you open the saddle bags. The sensors are way to sensitive and you have to tap the lids to make it know it is shut.
The grips I fixed today with a set of Kuryakyn ISO grips. They are the clam shell design and allows me to still have the heated grips but are much larger diameter. I also ordered a set of Kuryakyn handlebar risers that will move the bars up 1.5" and towards me 1.75". That should take care of the sore back from being damn near straight armed while trying to sit straight up and using the backrest.
On the short list are a set of highway pegs so I can reposition my legs on long trips. A luggage rag and bag. And a heal/toe shifter so I wont find that little space between 4 and 5th gear where there is no gear. It has happened twice so far because my boot doesn't fit very well under the shifter and factory pegs.