The Honda Goldwing is one of the more famous motorcycles ever produced. It’s known for its reliability and comfort, but also for being one of the first motorcycles Honda rolls out new technology with. It was the first to have a factory-installed airbag as well as integrated GPS, and is now largely associated for being a sort of two-wheeled RV with how many creature comforts it supports for long-distance riders. [Matt] has a Goldwing of his own, and is taking that RV-like feeling to the extreme with a rooftop camper for this motorcycle.
Of course, motorcycles don’t have roofs, but if this Goldwing had one this camper would definitely be above that. Goldwings are already heavy enough without an enormous weight dramatically increasing the center of gravity, and [Matt] certainly had his problems with that along the way. But before this adventure he had modified it into a hill climber, removing a lot of the extraneous equipment from it. Attaching some metal frame and a lightweight camper shell to it didn’t seem like too much of a stretch from there, so he got to work with a welder. At the end he has a box that’s just barely big enough for him to sleep in but is more or less functional as a camper.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, [Matt] dropped this more than once on its maiden voyage, and one of those falls damaged a wiring harness that caused his battery to drain in the night. Luckily he was not too far from home on the test drive. We’d tend to think that this camper won’t be one that [Matt] keeps working on (although we’d imagine a tricycle kit might solve his center of gravity issues) but since he’s built some other interesting campers in the past we’re not too sure we’d count this one out just yet.
This guy has the craziest YouTube channel. The places he takes motorcycles with no support vehicle and no proper planning would make seasoned overland people balk
The only thing it has over a tent is a solid door
Built for attention only, are there really people so short of their own inspiration that seriously take notice of this guy??
What is his channel?
MattSpears
As if the guy’s going to drive around with that thing on his bike, his bike could be all over the road. It’s not even streamlined. What’s wrong with this guy?.
Yes, definitely has a few screws loose
Reaching for his 15 minutes
It would have been a lot more practical if he would have built it as a sidecar instead.
Would probably be easier to sleep in as well. How does it balance while you’re in there? Super-reinforced center stand? If I actually bothered to watch the video I’m sure that question is answered, but I can’t be bothered
He had to prop it up on jack stands to keep it from tipping over.
Jacks on the camper frame. Like you’d expect. But totally sketchy. Like you’d expect.
Now here’s a man who took two seconds to get rid of the TOP HEAVY WIND Pushing gas guzzling ideas solved
He’s got all you talking ! He’s doing something right !! Thinking outside the Box !!
Good luck with more than a gentle side wind
Amen to that!
Yeah first place my mind went as well. Sheesh! I’ve seen extremely heavy motorbikes that have a little hydraulic side-jack that helps you right it if it tips over, could probably use one of those too
If it’s attached to the bike as shown, while riding, and not being towed, someone else could be inside sleeping, or whatever. In some states it may even qualify as a helmet. – Buff
It’s a hack, for sure. Not the best build I’ve seen, even from Matt. He seemed to regret it at the very start but still powered through for the sake of the video. Sometimes you need to trust your gut and let the click revenue go while you regroup.
Without ideas such as this we would never try anything. The bravest often take the cake home. Balance on two wheels could be a problem. Congratulations Matt.
I’ve seen this guy’s channel and he can do anything he puts his mind to but the camper needs to fold up for transport. It’s not the first gold wing concept camper I’ve seen and I think the idea shows merit if it can be made more roadworthy.
Maybe this is good to demonstrate craftsmanship and entertainment – but this looks like the worst place to put a sleeping cabin!
Okay – there is some upside: it is off the ground (nice) and does not need setup nor unfolding (besides the support feet)
But the downside – this is shaky up there and gives extra wind resistance. Sorry for being sceptic – but this seems neither fun to drive, nor fun to sleep in
To put it more bluntly: This thing looks like a death trap for bikers…
Much like the motorcycle itself.
Amen!
shape it like a knot off wing, mount it on an actuated rotating disc, come sail away!
The center of gravity and center of pressure makes that motorcycle extremely unstable. The weight of the Goldwing let’s him cheat enough to be dangerous.
How about a trailer? Much safer, detachable, can use super lightweight materials, slim, cops won’t ask you what the hail you’re doing. Linked brakes? Better all around I would suggest.
That’s a really good idea. I’m gonna build one out of concrete, so I know it’ll last a long time.
Umm, are we all going to ignore the aerodynamics of this brick?
Hey he won’t get bit by mosquitoes at nite !!
Takes his coffin with him
Ha ha ha ha ha ha …. Yes
I like wild ideas, but center of gravity and acting like a sail in a crosswind were the first to come to mind. His idea is more feasible if he did a low-slung trailer-pod kind of thing that expanded tent-like to provide shelter for one occupant.
Thanks for posting stories like these, can inspire others to re-architect the intent into something a bit less risky.
Yeah, I have a bike and I couldn’t imagine trying to ride with this thing on the back. A towed setup would make more sense(and yes, bike trailers are a thing)…
perhaps a motorbike and sidehome?
RobP … Now that’s an idea! A motorcycle with a side camper!
I’m subscribing to this guy’s YouTube channel. What a hoot!
If you didn’t watch the video – don’t worry, he’s not on the highway.
Why not just tow it put a wheel on each side and hitch on the front camper and away you go less wind resistance and less chance of tipping over
Needs a fireplace.
Reminds me of the time I was carrying lightweight poster board on a bicycle, rounded a corner, and the wind channeled through the intersection blew me over. Surely, a folding camper could have been designed?? Lack of ability or lack of effort?
There is a laundry list of reasons that this is laterally a “killer” idea. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should, even for clickbait. No matter what material used, the weight, height, and sail area of the thing would slow the bikes reaction time so much that it would make it unable to be ridden at any speed.
Im surprised that is even legal, this can be driven.at 40mph. The mass of that whole thing is secured to what and how . A bug on.a Grey hound bus.
I predict a lot of fun at roundabouts with this Minecraft snail shell thing !
“an enormous weight dramatically increasing the center of gravity” deserves its own article. Looking forward!
What a piece of ill conceived junk, more likely to kill someone than offer a good night sleep, these people walk among us!
Have you seen any of the flying machines that were built before an actual plane or anything flew?? No all inventions are perfect, but they are the perfect inspiration for something perfect to be built!!
If the Wingding has a reverse gear I say make a trailer instead. With 2 wheels and a hitch.