Is this Bike a Threat to the Honda Gold Wing?

My two cents on the new SOUO S2000 touring bike from China and its implications for the Honda Gold Wing.
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Music in this video:
- Running Errands by TrackTribe
- Jane Street by TrackTribe
- On The Rocks by TrackTribe
Stock video from pixabay.com.
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[@MakeFixEngineer]

Here's a version of this video with no music track. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnzUYqJ6eJaVrLc

[@richardadams6853]

No parts suppliers, no dealers, no track record...no thanks Chinese knockoff

[@paseandoconhonda]

Buying a Goldwing is not just buying a motorcycle, you are buying a brand, a legend, 50 years of evolution in 6 generations. That Chinese motorcycle only represents "I want to and I can't." Does not exist.

[@thomasgarrison3949]

Thanks for the video. I won't be buying a SOUO S2000 touring bike from China, I wont be alive when it has had 50 years of testing like the Honda Gold Wing.

[@Jodyrides]

that front end suspension design is the reason I sold my BMW. I tried for two years to get used to that front end that does not absorb breaking force energy. It makes a heavy bag feel heavier at slow speeds. My BMW K 1200 LT is the only motorcycle I ever dropped twice in parking once over the past 40 years because of that weird Front end when you use your brakes at slow speeds, like when you are in a parking lot. That breaking energy goes into the fork springs when you use the brakes. The front end compresses a little bit as the springs, absorb the energy, and your fork oil controls the rate of rebound from the springs. With the front end on the BMW, which is the same design. that this machine has, that energy does not go into the fork springs. The front end is not compress. All that weight of the motorcycle does not get dissipated into the springs. It just makes the bike feel like you have a wheelbarrow full of water and you have to hold the bike up with your legs. If you have the front wheel, turned a little because you’re in a parking lot maneuvering by turning the front end. I was at a motorcycle bike night, and I saw a group of BMW riders that had the same machine I had, I walked over and started talking to them about their machines. I told them that I dropped mine two times at slow speed in parking lots, they all started laughing and said “get used to it “everybody drops them “.. And they all showed me their machines damage from dropping them. All of the rollover bars were scuffed, all of their mirrors were scuffed from tipovers.

[@terrystratford1235]

The reason I didn't get a gs! I like forks to dive in braking!

[@Tinfoilhat311]

Funny, I've never dropped my k1600 GT that I have owned for 7 years. I liked it so much. I bought a 2024.

[@Jodyrides]

@@Tinfoilhat311 I had a Yamaha venture Royale for 16 years, I went to the BMW, K 1200 LT after that. I felt that I deserve to have the best at some time. It was a nice bike, it had adequate power. I thought it was gorgeous, black, it had an all day seat for me and my passenger. It was the best seat of the many dozens of motorcycles I have owned over the decades. Shaped like a horse saddle… The weird front end. No dive under breaking feature really made that bike a handful at slow speeds. I won’t go into all the flaws that that motorcycle had from the factory, such as, if I use the side stand, it would smoke oil out the exhaust on the restart, the final drives were failing around the world, and why dealer said they only fail on over the World, but the dealer said they only fail on overloaded bikes. I thought that was an odd statement, because two riders that rode the iron butt on BMWs together, they actually carried a spare final Drive unit. That’s a lot of weight to carry… it also had the most distorted windshield I ever owned. I complained to the dealer that it was optically distorted. He said he could get me a better windshield for $600 installed… I never listen to the radio, the intercom, the CB on any of my bikes. So I took out the six cd changer to give myself some more luggage capacity in the left saddle bag… using the rear brake at slow speeds, sounded like someone was doing the first cut on a brake drum on a brick leave. I complain to the dealer about that. He said, he can fix that for $750. I asked how would you do that. Aftermarket rotor and pads.. I ended up not using the rear brake at slow speed when there were people around because it was so loud. It was a head turner. And I did not like using the front brake at slow speeds because of how unstable the bike becomes with that energy not going into the fork springs… but the final straw was when I was on a downhill grade of paved road out in the boonies that was covered with fly ash cinders. I just touched my brakes going down that grade to make sure they were there, but they weren’t there. The ABS detected the gravel, and I had no breaks at all, nothing front and rear. I tried pumping the brakes, nothing. I was lucky there was Lucky there was a auto salvage yard that had a wire fence around the perimeter of the property that I was able to run into to stop only damaging my front fender.. when my new fender came in, I put that motorcycle up for sale and sold it.. I replaced it with a moto guzzi norge That had ABS also with a difference. There was a button on the dashboard that I could turn off the ABS or times when you are on gravel or wet grass or get caught in the snow which has happened to me several times over the 40 + years I commuted my motorcycle most of the eight, Snow, free months of the year here in hilly Western Pennsylvania.. I try to BMW, I gave it to years, I could not get used to it. That motorcycle was the most flawed motorcycle I ever owned, and I am on motorcycle number 108 and 109 right now counting all of my trials, bikes, dirt, bikes, dole, sports, café bikes, commuter, bikes, road, racing machines, and my big touring bikes.. so I went from a Yamaha Venture I owned for 16 years, so that BMW which I tried to fall in love with for two years, I went back to a Yamaha royal star venture, a neighbor had a GL 1800 Goldwing with 13 K miles on it for sale. I had never had a Goldwing before, so I thought I would try that… that was a perfect motorcycle after I replaced and upgraded the fork springs and the shock, spring, and went over the entire bike, which still had the original 16 year old tires on it. The clutch fluid came out, looking like an old melted chocolate milkshake, the brake fluid was never changed either, but it wasn’t that bad looking.. it was not as roomy as I am used to with the royal star ventures, but it was the smoothest over powered motorcycle I ever owned. And it was a gas hog. It seemed like the gas gauge went from four, 2/4 tank pretty quick. I sold the Goldwing after two years, I actually have a video on my channel of the only ride I recorded while riding my Goldwing.,, it was a perfect motorcycle, except for the common failure of the four way flashers are unit. I had to drive over 100 miles home one night in the dark with the four ways on… but I just didn’t like working on it. It is a six hour job at a Honda dealer just to change the air filter. I thought that was ridiculous until I did the job myself. I was a motorcycle mechanic when I was younger in three different dealerships… it turns out that a dealer charging over $600 just to change the air filter is a fair price to pay because that is a lot of work, removing lots and lots of plastic starting at the instrument, panel, panels in front of your knees, the cover that looks like a gas tank, the seat, then you start into that mass of relays and cables and wiring under that cover that looks like a gas tank, you have to get all that out-of-the-way, just to get access to the air cleaner housing. If you pay your dealer to do that job every 10,000 miles on a GL 1800 Goldwing. After 100,000 miles, you will have paid your dealer over $6000 just the labor charge for changing the air cleaner 10 times… I can do the work, but I don’t want to. So I sold my Goldwing when it was perfect, fresh tires, all fluids changed, suspension upgraded… And I went back to my third Yamaha royal star venture which I have at this moment. You can get at everything without removing plastic usually. I can get at the starter, the slave cylinder, the stator, The water pump, and the clutch using the tool kit tools in the parking lot of a motel if I have to.. The thought of having to do that on the Goldwing, 1000 miles from home, that is why I sold it.. perfect, but tough to work on.. if you can’t do the work, you have to marry the dealer, and labor dental is $130 an hour.. by the way, my motor Guzzi, was my fourth one, and they are as simple as a VW beetle to work on. I have just under 200,000 combined miles on my four guzzis, they never stranded me. Mine had heated grips with three different temperatures, electric windshield, single-sided, swingarm, ABS that could be turned off, and if there was a problem with the ABS, the system automatically reverted to conventional brakes... I believe that is why many of the police departments in Germany of all places have switched to moto guzzi police bikes..

[@richardcaissie4114]

Thanks, I'm a GL1800 owner from Vancouver Island. Formerly from Halifax. I enjoy your content.

[@mkc471]

Really informative, well thought-out presentation. As 'food for thought' goes, this was a banquet.

[@torregimeno]

Love your vídeos. Thanks for them❤

[@ricktotty2283]

I have had four Goldwings stating with 1984 and have never needed a dealership. Now on a 2021 DCT.

[@RealBobLoblaw]

Excellent articulate video, lots of astute observations. The accent isn't terribly strong but still a charm.

[@sikandarrana6377]

Accent according to who? Keeper of the English language and its accent:)

[@SmittyAZ]

I wonder where my fancy cream of the crop Brembos are actually made?

[@jfarlandutube]

Good video. I own a 2018 Goldwing. The reason I bought it is that it is lighter than the previous model. I like the 8 cylinder engine on the Souo. What I don’t like is that the bike looks very very heavy. I think that’s the reason the Yamaha tour bike does not sell. It’s just too big and heavy. But I would sure be interested in riding the Souo to see how it performs.

[@randylucas2458]

It weighs as much as the last gen did... 960

[@shawnjoseph7522]

Picking up 2013 goldwing next week..I think .. Looks good

[@barrybarnes96]

Bought a new snow blower with a chinese engine in it. It lasted about 20 hours. So I won't be making that mistake again.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Looks cool. I'd like to test ride the big one

[@lovetoflylovetofly3843]

An opposed 8cyl....wow, that would be butter smooth. And the sound of it would be incredible also. Hope we see some of these!

[@MegaBailey67]

Yes but it’s Chinese

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

@@MegaBailey67 And? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@dawsonkeizer2443]

Like the video and this bike looks nice . don't change anything your doing . This bike could be a contender in the futher . Like the new Gold wing but find it's got smaller and i like the BIG bike. As you stated it's the King of bikes.

[@MakeFixEngineer]

Thanks!

[@cycoklr]

The Toyopet Crown was met with worldwide skepticism when it first entered the market in the early 1950s. "Metal fatigue" was the buzzword I heard a lot. That was Lexus' ancestor. Look at them (Toyota) now. I have my own concerns with Chinese-made products after I bought a Benelli in 2020. It was plagued with a list of quibbles related to quality control. For now I'll stick with the Japanese Big Four motorbikes for trouble-free riding.

[@petes3011]

yeah but it took Toyota 50 yrs. So China has a bit to wait yet.

[@overboost7667]

You are right. After the first rider has finidhed hundred thousand miles in maximum 2 years without problems and the second generation is out, I will give it a look. Just bringing a behemoth to market is only the first step.

[@perniciouschattel5211]

I like the look and specs.... But, I own a older Goldwing and can say confidently it is a challenge to work on (for an uninspired amateur). But, being a Honda it doesn't require a lot. All that complexity from a new manufacturer makes me nervous. After a few years and a bit of a reputation I'd consider it. Put it this way... I love my KTM... But after maintaining it for a while, I would never buy a super complex bike from them. I just wouldn't want to deal with the complexity without a Japanese engineer ensuring someone has tried to balance ease of maintenance against performance and looks. I can see myself sitting there scratching my head trying to get a box of parts back on a bike I know they belong too... somewhere...

[@perniciouschattel5211]

Oh and always nice to watcha video from another Canadian bike lover.

[@waynerobertson511]

As long as there is serious manufacturer competition, then it's all good for us.

[@karlfonner7589]

One thing good I’ll say about Chinese Bikes, they sure have the styling down. Most of their motorcycles really look good, but they all seem quite heavy for what they are. They are also nice in the ergo department as well. However, reliability and dealer network should be in front. If one of my big, four bikes breaks down, it’s possible that the dealer might have the part in stock.

[@Bud_51]

I have had two Gl1800's and liked them both except for the front end, the weak fork looked like it came off of a Honda 750 and that valve that prevents dive on braking was a safety hazard. There is nothing like having the front suspension lock-up on hard braking while turning on an uneven surface as the tire skips across those bumps. I disabled that POS before it killed me. not to mention cracked frames and transmission problems on some years. Yeah the Gold Wing is a popular bike but far from trouble free and I'm glad to see the competition. Maybe they won't sit on that dog of a fork forever like they did...

[@plap.]

A 2L Boxer 8, pretty cool. Maybe if the bike falls apart the engine will keep running and re purposed into something even better

[@randylucas2458]

One thing we all know about the Chinese is that any research and development done over decades they get the benefit of.

[@kevinrobb86]

Funny thing is some cities in China bans motorcycles

[@pawelwolski1316]

I live and ride in Asia, 250 cc is big. I guess for western standards, I am in the kids/scooter category.......but there is this resurgence of smaller displacement, lighter and simpler bikes. My "big bike" is the Honda Rally 300. This bike, as delivered by Honda has an absolute joke, bubble gum suspension (now on second generation), violating the most basic spring rates/sag norms. Further, it comes with nothing in terms of most basic equipment (not even a passing lights switch, needed here especially). The engine is super choked up, over engineered for low torque. This bike could be (and once modified is something special), but as delivered, it is a disappointment. Here, in this segment at least, the Chinese manufacturers are stepping up. They are delivering some bikes with actually, real world rider focused designs. These bikes also come with either brand name components or what seems like good quality factory components. In addition, most if not all the smaller components/details are standard. Overall quality seems up there (I have a little CFMOTO 125 cc Papio, all good or impressive). Last is the price, very reasonable. My next bike will be the CFMOTO 450MT. Wish it was Honda, but for now, Honda doesn't care, Honda is too conservative or whatever it is. Good vid, thx from sunny Indonesia.

[@stephenthomas2730]

If Yamaha made this bike, yes. This Chinese manufacturers has no dealer network for service and parts, why would you buy one. Not to mention it hasn't proven its reliability yet.

[@David-uu3wq]

I think it would be a ballsey move buying one. The depreciation will be Savage. I will keep an eye on the reviews on this bike. it should be interesting.

[@kcpl8er]

I own a GL1500 se Goldwing and was a motorcycle mechanic for years and would really like to ride one of these Souo 2000 s the Souo will have to prove it's reliability

[@markm1984]

Honda should have made the Goldwing in a 8 cylinder years ago I always thought, I've owned 2 Goldwings 1200 and 1500 ,Time for Honda to step up 😊

[@MrSargenti]

2025 is the 25th Anniversary ! Maybe they have a giant 2Liter monster ready to release this fall with all new design edition? It has been rumored for a couple of years now.

[@FrankDank-ik7ic]

Justification for an 8 cylinder? A lot of automobiles/pickups have been going just the other way in last several years. From 8 cylinder to 6, and even 4.

[@bjrnarthur9272]

​@@FrankDank-ik7icthe new goldwing is more fuel efficient than many 2 and 4 cyllinder engines on bikes that are less heavy, so the downzising in number of cyllinders make no sense

[@alanhassall]

@@MrSargentithe last Goldwing ran from 2001 until 2017. The current Goldwing still has a lot of time before a major redesign. I don’t understand what a longer engine would give the rider except for a longer motorcycle with the rider pushed back or nowhere for the rider’s legs. Heavy weight is always a concern if only so that the tires and suspension can withstand the weight of the bike, riders and cargo.

[@Johnclark300]

Don't buy anything Chinese, it will be garbage, I own a Chinese Gy6 50cc scooter, I spend more time fixing it. The gold wing is the best motorcycle in motorcycle history, with its unbeatable reliability, comfort and extremely low maintenance.

[@bill4562]

At 1000 lbs, the Souo is too heavy. Not to mention there is no dealer network for this Chinese bike.

[@cerealtiller]

It probably has similar Engineering Integrity to the Cyber truck thing?

[@MakeFixEngineer]

Hopefully better. 😉

[@vaughndrew852]

Yer looks nice time will tell the price will be the thing to get it out and about and rest of the information will play out

[@gregorymcnear6474]

We need Ryan my man to rip into this bike if you want a good an honest review 😂

[@bruceyung70]

I guess many “Goldwing Slayers” came and gone over the past 50 years but I think this time it's different. They are facing a locomotive behemoth compared to others in manufacturing and Honda needs to move upscale or get run over. Just my prediction. Btw, My GW has 153k and runs great.

[@mauroignelzi329]

Good luck having it fixed 😂

[@nicholasbrowning4558]

The concept of quality is not yet caught on to China. Their scooters are crap with the exception of the 150

[@nicholasbrowning4558]

When I see a dealer and a well stocked parts and service I might take the plunge. Otherwise you will wait months for parts and no one to work on them.

[@terrasiho5606]

No center stand, what about Navi and dealership in europe, price .Too many open questions where are the answers?

[@BN1960]

It can still only carry 2 people and it can still carry only 2 peoples luggage All while weighing significantly more than a Wing, has significantly less of a dealer network than Honda, has no reliability record whatsoever and is from a country with a vile human rights record I might pass

[@garyedwards8142]

Honda need to modernise the pre 2018 bikes…make it a proper tourer people can personalise….

[@pepedafrog6951]

we know little, zero track record , no dealers, yet somehow in a magical imaginary world is going to be better than something time tested and uber reliable.

[@curtstrathman5692]

Can you imagine getting parts and service...??? Not..!!!

[@mikebailey5127]

No way would I trust a bike from China. I also would not by a car from China

[@ricknelson9774]

Ask yourself this. Have I ever bought ANYTHING QUALITY from China that lasts?

[@lonniecross4698]

We’d all be better off buying less chicom stuff.

[@toanogreen]

This is what Goldwing should have done instead of what they changed to in 2018. This looks like the classic Wing. I like the style, don't know about the quality. Time will tell

[@whammo11224]

Retail will be under 20K

[@ccwingnut]

“Harbor Freight Goldwing”…..😂😂😂😂

[@David-yp4fl]

🌿 I HAVE NEVER SEEN A DECENT MOTORCYCLE MADE IN CHINA 🤔

[@perfectcar8180]

hmm.. if up to scratch..i will get one..

[@barriewilliams4526]

It will break!

[@stevebeard7667]

Think about this. That thing has wheel bearings are made in China.

[@kevindarkstar]

Given that all of it is made in China that's not saying much 😂

[@SmittyAZ]

I also have a '23 fat bob 114, I wonder where the wheel bearings are made? I honestly don't know.

[@karlfonner7589]

Back in the day, German bearings were the best. Japanese were second, Taiwan is or the worst. I wonder if any or all of them have outsourced like everyone else has.

[@SmittyAZ]

@@karlfonner7589 My fancy, Italian Brembo brakes were made where? Honestly, why are wheel bearings an issue? Have YOU had issues with them?

[@garlandlabat4922]

I will be keeping my Goldwing. As soon as I see "Made in China" (on anything) I move on and look elsewhere.

[@haroldcotten1840]

Japanese bikes are very reliable, bikes made in China I'd be worried

[@goldwingrocks3859]

It's China??? No absolute way!

[@chloehood6355]

There will be more tarriffs soon on chinese products making bikes like this very expensive . Its no secret . It may however, be country specific. I Nice bike though. R

[@tjinytjiny6615]

I would never purchase a Chinese made vehicle no matter how good it was.

[@kevindarkstar]

I'm sure a lot of people felt exactly like that back in the 60s and 70s in regards to the Japanese bikes too

[@GPz84]

As you post with your Chineese made device........

[@SmittyAZ]

How about a bike with Chinese parts?

[@Magicinstalls]

Underestimated at your own expense. Honda hasn't changed the Gold Wing in six years and seriously no active cruise control? Maybe this will light of fire under their ass and get their shit together

[@tjinytjiny6615]

@@Magicinstalls 6 years with no major change beyond a larger trunk, isn’t out of the ordinary for the Wing/any bike. Considering the Chinese reputation for stealing designs/intellectual property/putting spyware chips in their electronics, I’m surprised that so many seem so willing to buy a Chinese Vehicle..

[@MattsRanger]

Lost me at DCT.

[@daveb1242]

No it won’t

[@johnelliott4521]

Chinesium lack dealers and unproven machine. Give 5 years

[@Maximius38]

everything perfect untel this handlebar!! they ruined it :s

[@chriscline2652]

Not Buying A Chinese Bike. And I Bet My Paycheck It Won't Go 300 Thousand Miles Like My Goldwing.

[@SmittyAZ]

Paycheck yes, the whole enchilada? NO!

[@thomasmallow9310]

LOL would you buy a bike from Harbor Freight? 😂

[@sharkkakirde1]

Nope

[@Steven-zj2yw]

Chinese engineering…. I’ll pass on that lmao

[@lifeisgood141]

There will be a lot more and more Chinese engineering you will pass until you have nothing.

[@rodgerlloyd420]

I have a Chinese made SUV, zero problems, equivalent to any modern Korean or Japanese vehicle, somethings are actually better..... Resale value is equivalent to any other Korean or Japanese SUV after 2 years of ownership. Would I buy this motorcycle, a resounding yes if I was in the market for an extra large capacity tourer......I am sure the value would be retained as much as any other extra large capacity tourer....... Unfortunately a lot of people get tied up in brand snobbery........not looking at what parts the product is actually made of. Saying you you won't buy Chinese? The reality is every home has Chinese made products in their home from electronic items, clothing, linen, dinner sets, cutlery etc......... Hardware items, from screws, nuts and bolts electrical items etc.. So saying you won't buy Chinese today would only happen if you lived in a cave.........far away from civilisation..........

[@Magicinstalls]

I hope Honda is very nervous right now. They haven't changed the Gold Wing since 2018 you're basically buying the same motorcycle six years later for third more of the price! And seriously Honda still no active cruise control? Give me a break I would never buy a new Gold Wing

[@joewildwest2241]

no ! end of discussion ! that any self respecting motorcyclist even talks about this is

[@ccorn74]

Nope it's crap out the box

[@mrmichaeltscott]

The king of copy cats. That went well for nothing so far.

[@marcomalo02]

Yeah right. Buy a Chinese motorcycle. Go ahead. BWAAAAHAHAHAHA....

[@alchase5062]

Id rather pedal my a** down the road on an American made bicycle than ride anything Chinese.

[@tonyrowland9216]

no dealers in U.S. Cheap china wann a be.

[@garythompson1254]

The Goldwing Slayer already exists... K1600 Bagger

[@mikepierce4739]

Honda will build a 2200cc flat 8.

[@tonykdunedin]

i wont hold my breath

[@mikepierce4739]

@tonykdunedin I'm hoping for a 1800cc magna v4.

[@northrider8628]

🇨🇳 motorcycle 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@johnt6232]

Goldwing > Communist 🤷🏾‍♂️ simple

[@berticusmaximus8381]

No. Why buy a product from someone we will soon be at war with. Not if, but when. No thanks.

[@tonykdunedin]

China would never physically go to war with any of the big boys, it would kill their whole economy overnight, they will huff and puff lots, but I cant see them wanting to become a third world economy again.

[@gilgarcia3008]

Just more cheap Chinese junk!

[@747crab]

I am only two minutes into this video, but cannot continue! I have a 40th Anniversary Goldwing so this video caught my eye, but I just cannot watch this. Why? The inane, intrusive and tuneless musak which dominates. Why do you need this crap? I was going to ask why do you need this crap in the background but in fact it is so intrusive that it is in the foreground! What is wrong with just speaking? I would like to listen to what you have to say, but cannot because of the dominant tuneless dirge? I would genuinely be interested in learning what you think the musak adds to your presentation! Cheers,.

[@lovetoflylovetofly3843]

So, you are unable to close your eyes and just listen?

[@MakeFixEngineer]

Thanks for the feedback. Here's a version with no music track. Cheers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnzUYqJ6eJaVrLc

[@kirkkw]

Version without music is much better

[@MegaBailey67]

Chinese bikes suck 😅

[@morico5576]

Never Will

[@FrankDank-ik7ic]

"Made in China" Enough said......

[@tonykdunedin]

you would actually be surprised at how good some of the manufacturing has gotten in China, and besides, whatever you drive or ride, I could almost guarantee that there are Chinese parts in or on it. I know my Harley does, I know Indian/BRP, BMW, Honda and Yamaha all have Chinese components

[@FrankDank-ik7ic]

@@tonykdunedin Yes, I would be surprised, because most of the stuff I see coming out of China is still basically pure shit.