After considerable thought, about three years actually, I purchased the BMW K 1600 GTL. It is sleeker, lighter, 160 hp which is much more than the GW, more maneuverable, detachable bags so I can ride around town with ease, adjustable wind screen, and more technology. My wife and I have ridden thousands of miles and the motorcycle is a dream. It almost isn't fair to call it a motorcycle. It's that incredible!
I have owned 14 BMW's, buying the first in 1972 and the last an '01 K1200LT. I thought the LT was IT! I believed it was the most comfortable motorcycle made. Did they fix the top heaviness in slow mode and I am over 6" tall and should have done better than most as I must have tipped over in parking lots half a dozen times over the years. Having spent 60k miles on the BMW, I know the motorcycle, and the Goldwing is much more comfortable, and to me it handles different than the BMW, but I can ride just as hard as I did on the K bike. The part about the availability of dealers (and loads of after market accessories) is another important issue. On cross country rides, it worked on me mentally that a breakdown could take days, instead of getting to the dealer in the next town, not always there if BMW. I think I have owned my last BMW. (Actually I own two airhead BMW's now, an 84 I bought new, and a 74 that is under construction.) Save a lot of aggravation and get the Goldwing.
James Marsh I have to agree with Mr. Marsh. I really like the BMW performance and tech, but as an avid touring rider I'd probably never buy one because of the well documented reliability issues and the lack of adequate dealer support. Just about every small town out west has a Honda dealer, or at least one within towimg distance. Good luck trying to find a BMW dealer when the ship hits the fan.
Have to disagree with that thought process. If what you say is true...... than a Harley Davidson would be the hands down best touring bike on the Planet as they have 3 dealerships in every town.
This is my 50th year riding, This review nailed it. I traded my Gold Wing for the GTL because I was bored riding it. The Gold Wing did everything it was designed for exceptionally well. If you want to ride coast to coast on interstates get a Gold Wing. If you want to carve corners, take mountain roads or ride up the CA coast with a smile on your face get the GTL.
@pmgodfrey My wife and I tool both out for a ride before we decided on the Wing. She was sold on the comfort of the Goldwing. Said the BMW was sitting on a park bench and that was only 50 miles or so. Long trips with a passenger, you would have to go with the Honda.
I just bought a '12 GW & couldn't be happier. I agree there are many buttons on the GW & I like the ease of a thumbwheel to menu through different options on the BMW screen. I do like that the bags aren't detachable as they won't be rattling on the road in future years. Honda makes fitted duffel bags for ease of loading/unloading when arriving/leaving your destination. Like he said, if going from cross-country, GW wins due to a larger fairing which leads to less wind fatigue or hours of riding.
I tested both with my wife and bought the Goldwing because she was much more comfortable on the Goldwing. She said she sat up too high on the GTL and was buffeted by the wind. My friends with GTL's and K1200LT's report that their wives have the same experience as my wife which results in them being uncomfortable and not wanting to ride. Having the GTL's windscreen all the way up helps but then I have to look through the windscreen. Did an 800 mile ride on the wing and it was great.
Great hands on comparison. Just one criticism is the audio level. I found I had to turn the volume up and down as one rider was closer to the microphone and the other guys a lot softer. :)
2 different philosophies. These guys did a fair enough comparison, but the GTL's 6 cylinder 6-speed will absolutely blow away the 2012 Wing. But, the Wing gets you there much more comfortably. For a weekend trip, the BMW. For a month-long tour, the Wing. I've owned both.
Funny. I have been riding and touring for years, with many different riders on many different bikes. I have NEVER seen a rider detach a saddlebag or trunk and bring it into the hotel room or tent. We all seem to buy a cheap gym bag that fits into the bike and just take that in with you. Even if the bags do come off. Just sayin'.
Blueturtleman1, my Goldwing has factory GW bags that fit in the saddle bags and the top box. I figure if you can detach a bag from the bike, a thief can too. Being ex-Army, I lay my stuff out in my saddle bags in a way that they are all where I need them so taking everything into a hotel room is ridiculous.... Too much knit picking for me.
Like the guy below said, I have a couple different shaped gym bags...last time I ride LA to NC, I used a set of old Harley Ultra soft bags, worked great, on a F6B, + an outer bag as passenger, that I took stuff in/out of on gas stops, & took inside at night-has my must-have & important items, sunscreen, bottle of water, granola bar, gloves, water proof gloves, house key for when I get home. I ended up with dirty clothes on one side, clean clothes/extra boots on the other side by end-of-trip. Never have detached s hard case. Once I had KLR matched soft bags-never even took those off, same, I carried inner gym bag, & a backpack for carrying around.
THE Bags on the F6B are fixed but don't have to un pack and carry in arms of luggage my luggage bags come right out and have plenty of storage space in them no complaints at all. I have ridden both hands down the Gold Wing wins again
There's simply no way in hell that those Beemers are EVER gonna realistically compete with a Goldwing in any way other than costing about the same amount. If you want a bike to ride day after day, year after year, tens-to-hundreds of thousands of miles, essentially trouble-free, get the Wing. If you want a total maintenance/repair/reliability-nightmare (that looks like an owl from the front) with very little in the way of a dealer network, then by all means go for the Beemer!
It looks like a pissed off owl. Looks great! If you want a big sloppy heavy bike get the honda. If you want nimble and quick with a turning radius inside that of the Honda then the BMW is it. Honda is the old man bike.
gljay With a comment like "big sloppy heavy" and "old man bike" tells me you've never ridden the Honda, and are just spouting off. I've always ridden sport bikes and have done track days. At 37, I bought my first GL1800 in '02 and my 2nd in 2006. The GL1800 is balanced very well, and is easier to road at parking lot speeds than any of my sport bikes. The bottom fairings of my GL (past the feelers on the pegs) are scraped an worn because the bike handles so well (even with preload at max). Scraping pegs while towing a trailer - could you do it? Probably not.
I've never owned a large touring bike. That being said, if I ever do there's no question it will be a Honda. The BMW is nice but wayyy to pricey and expensive to maintain
you all prolly dont care at all but does anyone know of a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me
@Silas Sergio Thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.
Thank you for quick respond, I appreciated. My previous bike was 1200 gs adventure and now i'm thinking in to move to GTL because we are doing so many long distance tours on asphalt and never step on off-road. our last long distance tour was from Bucharest to Tangier and back (9500km) The point is, my lady is 1,79 (5,11) and I believe she is going to sits there like she sitting on a throne :)) Well, what can I say, I've made up my mine, she said ok too :) regards
Have ridden both these bikes and have to say they are completely different, the character of the BMW is more pushy, it makes you want to go fast, the GW is far more relaxing to ride, has a lower center of gravity and is in many ways a more sociable bike as you can chat to your other as you go along. One point they did'nt touch on is resale value, atm I can buy a 2012 k1600 gtl e for 13950 with 8800 on the clock or for the same money an 09 GW with 12000 on the clock. Not knocking either but you have to go a long way to find a friendlier bunch than the GW riding clubs too. As always try both and decide for yourself, me i have an FJR atm as that was best mix for me.
I traded my 2014 Yamaha FJR1300ES for a 2015 Goldwing 40th Anniversary and I was surprised that the GoldWing has a lot less goodies than my FJR. So, the GoldWing is 200% more comfortable and I can blast down the road with music on and the wife on the back and have a ball. the GoldWing is great but it really needs some updated stuff like Traction control, Electronic suspension, Electric windshield and LED ligting. My FJR had all that and I was a little disappointed but the comfort and storage made up for it's shortcomings.
Both great bikes to ride. Would love to see how they are to own. Maintenance on both? Parts cost?? I've been a BMW bike owner and ended up selling because it was a very difficult bike to work on and it constantly needed one thing or another. Never again.
This is a great review. I am so sick of watching some guy take a bike out on a dealer ride day and listen to him blab. This review offered real insight, thanks.
I agree on "feeling" wind. But buffeting from the wind off the windshield is something else. True buffeting shakes your head making you very uncomfortable and blurring your vision. I have no windshield on my current v-twin for that reason. I am considering a Goldwing. But will replace the stock windscreen for a short one. I always wear full-face helmets, no matter what.
@jssiler My wife loved the comfort of the GTL, but then her frame of reference as a passenger is behind me on my HD V-Rod. She did 3,300 miles last year to Sturgis with me, with camping gear. So compared to that the GTL feels like a sofa. Yes the Goldwing is more comfortable for the pillion but the GTL will suit us perfectly for long trips. While I do consider her safety and comfort, the person buying and driving the bike is me.
I ridden and raced bikes for over forty years and owned more than a dozens of a variaty of makes and models, Im not a big Honda fan but they do make the most reliable bikes I have owned. My friends who bought GS all have had problems and 1 of them had his bike replaced. I wish BMW well if the make a naked model of there sports bike I will be having a look. A high price does not mean best. To many BMW riders need to ride other bikes.Theres loads of bikes out there go and test ride them.
the Honda looks relaxed, classy.. while the BMW looks like an angry bird. I'd also prefer old fashioned Honda cockpit. The BMW dials look like my washing machine
Bunch of nitt pickin here. More eleltronics to go wrong in a rain storm or sunny day cant really clearly see the screen and washing the bike would be worry sum about the controlls on the handle bars and dash area. Dont leave the BMW out in the rain for sure. F-1
She's 5'6" tall. However, she is long-waisted, meaning she sits taller than most 5'6" women. On the LT, I would raise my windscreen high, because I don't mind looking through a good screen to keep my wife happy. Since my wife like the GTL so much during a three hour test drive, I went ahead and bought one. I put a "CalSci" screen on it, and it works great.
It's not all about speed and HP in this segment. I currently have an overnight demo K1600GTL and I can tell you two things: First, the stock low driver's seat is EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE. And second, the engine noise in the cockpit is just TOO LOUD when beyond 50 MPH. I have an R1. I don't mind loud, but in this segment (touring) I want and expect QUIET, and the BMW just doesn't do it. It's a deal breaker. Now I have to ride the Goldwing and see how it is in those two issues. Wish me luck!
And there is the maintenance and reliability which will definitely go to Honda. One thing I have liked about the goldwing is that there are no menus to drill down through, everything has a dedicated button. Yes, I own the Goldwing (my second)
i think the instrumentation of modern bikes has gone backwards both in terms of placement,looks and simple yet very legible design.......fancy switchgear that does a million things but costs a fortune to replace after the bike has fallen over is also a backward step.......how about a rebuild cost story after a simple low speed crash.....starting to hear of insurance companies writing off perfectly good bikes because of the horrific cost of replacement fairings and add ons. back to the future
@ace1sod you must be kidding, right? You tell us that a 420kg heavy GW with 87kW engine is outperforming 348kg BMW with 118kW? Or did you mean the cruiser like chassis of GW is better in twisties then the sport like setup of BMW? Or what performance aspect am I missing out? What about the much higher fuel consumption of GW, is that also a sign of better performance? I dont ride/prefer any of both bikes, but your comment misses any logic, sorry.
Would have liked to hear the bikes run and also to have heard a comparison of the engines, the power, the torque characteristics, and how smooth they were in relation to each other. Everyone knows the GW is the king of smooth. How about the Beemer?
I have different bikes for different needs. Fast sport bike, bitchin' chopper, touring, and street legal motorcross bike. Being a bit bored of my 2006 Goldwing (NAV ABS, 6 disc CD, CB radio, etc.), I arranged for a test ride for my wife and I on a loaded 2015 K1600. I did try the LT years ago and found it to be a cumbersome top heavy motorcycle that I would never want to own. That said, this K1600 is badass, it handles beyond belief. I loved everything about it. Unfortunately for BMW and myself, a touring bike needs to be enjoyed by my wife as well as me. The K1600 is not as comfortable as the Goldwing for my wife (me either but I would happily trade the difference in comfort for the amazing performance -handling, stopping acceleration ). This bike is outstanding. I am pretty sure I can add some aftermarket equipment to increase the passenger comfort and I am casually looking into that now. Perhaps with the right additions I can make it comfortable for my wife too.
Be surprised if you do theres so much out there when I stopped riding sports bike I tried a few bikes and have now got a Fazer thou so I can still get the buzz of a sports bike engine and be comfortable. Theres lots of nakeds out there with sports bike engines go and test ride them first
You Goldwing Owners, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make more riding videos of you and your bike on the road (especially in California). I've seen them all. I'm bored now. I need more videos of Goldwings on the road.
The thing that they fail to mention outside of this new 1600 from BMW the GL 1800 is not a slow bike and can handle well, does it need some technology updates sure and I'd upgrade if they offered a true up to date GoldWing yet the GL1800 is a quiet and fun to ride bike that is a touring leader and still is, it's not a sports bike, it's a touring model that's easy to ride at a fun pace for a 900+ lb bike, long live the King.
The BMW bags being detachable is no big deal. All you got to do for taking your stuff out is buy set of the Goldwing liner bags that have a zipper on them. Taking the handbags off carrying them to a hotel room or otherwise give too much chance at dropping or damaging them.
Huh..... 33 people like the "nice cars" comment but if not interested why did they watch? Anytime you go on a couples ride with friends, it's always funny to watch the couples on cruisers drop out after 50-60 miles or so because the wife can't handle hanging onto the rear fender any longer. Nothing bad about cruisers, if I were single and rode alone I might have one....but I'm not.
The BMW K1600GTL should be compared to the Honda ST1300 or the FJR 1300, but not the GW. Old bikes like the Cavalcade, ZN1300, Venture Royale and the newer Royal Star Venture compare to the GW, but not a sport tourer that BMW puts the letter "L" onto and says it is a tourer. It is just a K1200GT with 400 more cc's, two more cylinders and the letter L.....
+A Babbit I've read that the ST1300 has a "bit of wander" at highway speeds. I wonder if that model is still even made, AND if that "problem" has been worked out.
Ray, I heard the same thing, but I have never had that happen to me, but I have only ridden one a few times at 75 mph or less. It was the most comfortable Sports Tourer I have ridden and I have owned and I have ridden BMW's R1100RS, K1200RS, ST1100, FJR1300 and Harleys FXRT.
I am sorry but I just believe anybody riding a bike should have enough sense to change the oil and do minor service on it. Even If you are wealthy enough its part of getting to know the bike.
You don't need to choose, try this 2 beautiful bikes with Road2luxe. We're specialized in Honda Goldwing and BMW K1600 GTL in Europe. You can rent our bikes from Paris, Marseille, Nice, Lyon, Genève, Milan, Barcelone.
I think Yamaha made a big mistake with their air cooled v twin venture touring bike. They should have offered a Japanese tour bike with a straight 6 like the BMW. So you could chose between a Honda flat 6 or Yamaha straight 6. It would be a great alternative for those who don't want a BMW but want a straight 6
Now it’s 2021, you can get this Beemer for $12k, lightly used; I’m going for it! I’ve had a ‘Wing twice, like those, too. Harley Ultra was just alright for me, in comparison. Americans, & Sturgis, SD like them; dealers don’t treat customers with respect, sell 10-year-old bikes for $20k, new ones outrageous cost must be implemented to get 100 hp out of the engine, unless you buy a used CVO bike for $30k
I just wish they would have some riders who could RIDE. Dragging their feet, in the wrong lane in turns, not looking where they should be looking. How are these two qualified to compare any motorcycle to anything?
they do fit a helmet. I have a 2010 Wing and it hold my full face helmet. However i never use the saddlebag for helmet. I lock it on my rear seat or use the Wing helmet locks on the bottom of the trunk
Nice, but here's counter. Ridden all three. Nothing but nothing protects like the LT. Soaked in 80 miles on the GW; rode LT from Tennessee to California and never got wet, through Tennessee and Arkansas downpour. GTL protection is less than LT, but comparable to GW. Handling...GTL is like a mid-size sport sedan, while GW is a full-size family sedan. As for the seating gripes, my wife LOVED the GTL and gave me the green light. Granted she has not ridden on a GW, but why confuse things??
Missed BMW's Brand new headlights that turn in with you as you corner. Its a brilliant new features just for that bike and they talk about the ESA which has been around for a while and is on many BMW bikes. Lame.
There is no comparison between honda goldwing and the new BMW K 1600 gt gtl , the honda has old engine and basic fiber shell molding and the bmw is high end bike with bunch of electronics very usul and safety and sport package I heve never seen before in two wheels vehycle .
Yes!! After owned both bikes for more than 150k miles, I´ll choose the GW every day of the week, the GTL has too many electronics and mechanics flaws...
Do you have anyone over 6' to test motorcycles. The production move toward shorter riders is irritating and the affects on taller riders are seldom, if ever, mentioned. I'm 6'1" and am not in the mood to shell out $26000 or more on a bike that won't fit.
Honda's yes, BMW's no but have 5 friends with BMW's 2 of which now have K1600Glts and 1 has had his bike replaced because of excesive oil consumption and when 4 of them owned Gs1200's they all had problems( less than 10,000 miles) so from MY experience BMW's are not as reliable as Honda's. My present bike a Yamaha FZ1 has done 15,000+ miles without incedent and I can tour, commute, scratch and trackday as I say its MY opinion
sarcasim funkeytoad08 sarcasim i love motorcycles but lets be honest you need to be keen to tour to buy either. If I had to make a choice I would go for the Honda as Im not sure about the BMWs reliability. I dont care what you ride as long as you enjoy it.
Here's my problem with reviews in general. There's almost always a lean toward one bike or another. The Goldwing has (even in 2018) much less cargo space, worse gas mileage (especially the one they tested) a small fuel tank, horrible handling and much lower performance specs. Now, it's a big comfortable bike so that may not matter to some people and that's fine. Then you get to the BMW and "THESE PASSENGER HANDRAILS ARE A HUGE MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!! WTH BMW!!!!!!" People tend to give Honda a bit of a pass on their mistakes (cracked frames, etc) but anything BMW doesn't do just right is a CATASTROPHE!!!!.... it gets old.
Really i have to go for the Goldwng and So Smooth there is One Thing i would change is the Rider seat Hight and it really need,s a Back Rest forold Farts like me and Parts for any Goldwing are so Exspenive High Way Pegs BACK Rest Wind Deflector,s i dont Know About the USA but in Australia are vey Exspensive ,Can any one give me a Link where i can Buy Parts for my 2008 Goldwing air bag an GPS Model ? thanks fellow rider,s
Why do you need more TECHNOLOGY in your bike?? You already cannot repair most bikes as they need computers and expensive soft to diagnose the problem and twisted and even more expensive tools to do what used to be a simple turn in/out job!! What was wrong which old good simple mechanics?? BMW is more PlayStation than a bike only different is that it can kill you in real!
![[Личное мнение] Honda GL1800 GoldWing | Пафос или Гранд-туризм?](/img/n.gif)
After considerable thought, about three years actually, I purchased the BMW K 1600 GTL. It is sleeker, lighter, 160 hp which is much more than the GW, more maneuverable, detachable bags so I can ride around town with ease, adjustable wind screen, and more technology. My wife and I have ridden thousands of miles and the motorcycle is a dream. It almost isn't fair to call it a motorcycle. It's that incredible!
March 2023 and I am on the verge of buying a 2012 BMW K1600GT. Any advice welcomed, especially regarding running costs and reliability...
I have owned 14 BMW's, buying the first in 1972 and the last an '01 K1200LT. I thought the LT was IT! I believed it was the most comfortable motorcycle made. Did they fix the top heaviness in slow mode and I am over 6" tall and should have done better than most as I must have tipped over in parking lots half a dozen times over the years. Having spent 60k miles on the BMW, I know the motorcycle, and the Goldwing is much more comfortable, and to me it handles different than the BMW, but I can ride just as hard as I did on the K bike. The part about the availability of dealers (and loads of after market accessories) is another important issue. On cross country rides, it worked on me mentally that a breakdown could take days, instead of getting to the dealer in the next town, not always there if BMW. I think I have owned my last BMW. (Actually I own two airhead BMW's now, an 84 I bought new, and a 74 that is under construction.) Save a lot of aggravation and get the Goldwing.
James Marsh I have to agree with Mr. Marsh. I really like the BMW performance and tech, but as an avid touring rider I'd probably never buy one because of the well documented reliability issues and the lack of adequate dealer support. Just about every small town out west has a Honda dealer, or at least one within towimg distance. Good luck trying to find a BMW dealer when the ship hits the fan.
Have to disagree with that thought process. If what you say is true...... than a Harley Davidson would be the hands down best touring bike on the Planet as they have 3 dealerships in every town.
Not in my area of the world.
scott peters that's handy!as you,ll prob need every dealership in every town you pass thru on a Harley!!!!haha!!!
This is my 50th year riding, This review nailed it. I traded my Gold Wing for the GTL because I was bored riding it. The Gold Wing did everything it was designed for exceptionally well. If you want to ride coast to coast on interstates get a Gold Wing. If you want to carve corners, take mountain roads or ride up the CA coast with a smile on your face get the GTL.
Richard Jodarski, I ride the twisties with BMW riders and I keep up with them
@@robclasen8158 Yes of course, but it's so boring, looking ahead at 1600 riders gives you the urge not to give up.
@pmgodfrey My wife and I tool both out for a ride before we decided on the Wing. She was sold on the comfort of the Goldwing. Said the BMW was sitting on a park bench and that was only 50 miles or so. Long trips with a passenger, you would have to go with the Honda.
I just bought a '12 GW & couldn't be happier. I agree there are many buttons on the GW & I like the ease of a thumbwheel to menu through different options on the BMW screen. I do like that the bags aren't detachable as they won't be rattling on the road in future years. Honda makes fitted duffel bags for ease of loading/unloading when arriving/leaving your destination. Like he said, if going from cross-country, GW wins due to a larger fairing which leads to less wind fatigue or hours of riding.
I tested both with my wife and bought the Goldwing because she was much more comfortable on the Goldwing. She said she sat up too high on the GTL and was buffeted by the wind. My friends with GTL's and K1200LT's report that their wives have the same experience as my wife which results in them being uncomfortable and not wanting to ride. Having the GTL's windscreen all the way up helps but then I have to look through the windscreen. Did an 800 mile ride on the wing and it was great.
Great hands on comparison. Just one criticism is the audio level. I found I had to turn the volume up and down as one rider was closer to the microphone and the other guys a lot softer. :)
2 different philosophies. These guys did a fair enough comparison, but the GTL's 6 cylinder 6-speed will absolutely blow away the 2012 Wing. But, the Wing gets you there much more comfortably. For a weekend trip, the BMW. For a month-long tour, the Wing. I've owned both.
They are comparing apples to oranges here. Honda is a cruiser and the bmw is a sport tour. A more proper comparison is to the honda 1300.
exactly
Funny. I have been riding and touring for years, with many different riders on many different bikes. I have NEVER seen a rider detach a saddlebag or trunk and bring it into the hotel room or tent. We all seem to buy a cheap gym bag that fits into the bike and just take that in with you. Even if the bags do come off. Just sayin'.
Blueturtleman1, my Goldwing has factory GW bags that fit in the saddle bags and the top box. I figure if you can detach a bag from the bike, a thief can too. Being ex-Army, I lay my stuff out in my saddle bags in a way that they are all where I need them so taking everything into a hotel room is ridiculous.... Too much knit picking for me.
Like the guy below said, I have a couple different shaped gym bags...last time I ride LA to NC, I used a set of old Harley Ultra soft bags, worked great, on a F6B, + an outer bag as passenger, that I took stuff in/out of on gas stops, & took inside at night-has my must-have & important items, sunscreen, bottle of water, granola bar, gloves, water proof gloves, house key for when I get home. I ended up with dirty clothes on one side, clean clothes/extra boots on the other side by end-of-trip. Never have detached s hard case. Once I had KLR matched soft bags-never even took those off, same, I carried inner gym bag, & a backpack for carrying around.
THE Bags on the F6B are fixed but don't have to un pack and carry in arms of luggage my luggage bags come right out and have plenty of storage space in them no complaints at all. I have ridden both hands down the Gold Wing wins again
There's simply no way in hell that those Beemers are EVER gonna realistically compete with a Goldwing in any way other than costing about the same amount.
If you want a bike to ride day after day, year after year, tens-to-hundreds of thousands of miles, essentially trouble-free, get the Wing.
If you want a total maintenance/repair/reliability-nightmare (that looks like an owl from the front) with very little in the way of a dealer network, then by all means go for the Beemer!
It looks like a pissed off owl. Looks great! If you want a big sloppy heavy bike get the honda. If you want nimble and quick with a turning radius inside that of the Honda then the BMW is it. Honda is the old man bike.
Ya got that right!
gljay With a comment like "big sloppy heavy" and "old man bike" tells me you've never ridden the Honda, and are just spouting off. I've always ridden sport bikes and have done track days. At 37, I bought my first GL1800 in '02 and my 2nd in 2006. The GL1800 is balanced very well, and is easier to road at parking lot speeds than any of my sport bikes. The bottom fairings of my GL (past the feelers on the pegs) are scraped an worn because the bike handles so well (even with preload at max).
Scraping pegs while towing a trailer - could you do it? Probably not.
I've never owned a large touring bike. That being said, if I ever do there's no question it will be a Honda. The BMW is nice but wayyy to pricey and expensive to maintain
you all prolly dont care at all but does anyone know of a way to get back into an Instagram account??
I was dumb forgot the password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me
@Achilles James instablaster :)
@Silas Sergio Thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out now.
Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.
@Silas Sergio it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thank you so much you saved my ass :D
@Achilles James happy to help =)
Dude in black and white sounds like he lost the will to live...
Thank you for quick respond, I appreciated.
My previous bike was 1200 gs adventure and now i'm thinking in to move to GTL because we are doing so many long distance tours on asphalt and never step on off-road. our last long distance tour was from Bucharest to Tangier and back (9500km)
The point is, my lady is 1,79 (5,11) and I believe she is going to sits there like she sitting on a throne :))
Well, what can I say, I've made up my mine, she said ok too :)
regards
Have ridden both these bikes and have to say they are completely different, the character of the BMW is more pushy, it makes you want to go fast, the GW is far more relaxing to ride, has a lower center of gravity and is in many ways a more sociable bike as you can chat to your other as you go along. One point they did'nt touch on is resale value, atm I can buy a 2012 k1600 gtl e for 13950 with 8800 on the clock or for the same money an 09 GW with 12000 on the clock. Not knocking either but you have to go a long way to find a friendlier bunch than the GW riding clubs too. As always try both and decide for yourself, me i have an FJR atm as that was best mix for me.
If nothing else was different the electric windshield alone would put the bmw ahead of the Goldwing , ride on in hot weather and then compare.
I have the 2012 K1600GTL and I love it. I traded in my 06 Goldwing for it and it was the best thing I ever did. So much fun and its just a good bike.
I traded my 2014 Yamaha FJR1300ES for a 2015 Goldwing 40th Anniversary and I was surprised that the GoldWing has a lot less goodies than my FJR. So, the GoldWing is 200% more comfortable and I can blast down the road with music on and the wife on the back and have a ball. the GoldWing is great but it really needs some updated stuff like Traction control, Electronic suspension, Electric windshield and LED ligting. My FJR had all that and I was a little disappointed but the comfort and storage made up for it's shortcomings.
I didn't believe the BMW has an in-line 6 cylinder engine. I had to research that to confirm. Amazed.
Both great bikes to ride. Would love to see how they are to own. Maintenance on both? Parts cost?? I've been a BMW bike owner and ended up selling because it was a very difficult bike to work on and it constantly needed one thing or another. Never again.
This is a great review. I am so sick of watching some guy take a bike out on a dealer ride day and listen to him blab. This review offered real insight, thanks.
I agree on "feeling" wind. But buffeting from the wind off the windshield is something else. True buffeting shakes your head making you very uncomfortable and blurring your vision. I have no windshield on my current v-twin for that reason. I am considering a Goldwing. But will replace the stock windscreen for a short one. I always wear full-face helmets, no matter what.
So the Honda's bags don't detach.... don't they have fitted luggage inside that you take inside with you? My '85 Aspencade has those - super handy.
Woodpecker at 5:57!
Peckerwood at ?
@jssiler My wife loved the comfort of the GTL, but then her frame of reference as a passenger is behind me on my HD V-Rod. She did 3,300 miles last year to Sturgis with me, with camping gear. So compared to that the GTL feels like a sofa.
Yes the Goldwing is more comfortable for the pillion but the GTL will suit us perfectly for long trips. While I do consider her safety and comfort, the person buying and driving the bike is me.
There ought to be the 2018 model test of the BMW K1600B, the Honda F6B, and the Yamaha Eluder... good job guys...
"Hat man" said it.
For Pacific Coast Hwy to Maine, the Honda is the only choice.
Canyon carving, get the Beemer.
I ridden and raced bikes for over forty years and owned more than a dozens of a variaty of makes and models, Im not a big Honda fan but they do make the most reliable bikes I have owned. My friends who bought GS all have had problems and 1 of them had his bike replaced. I wish BMW well if the make a naked model of there sports bike I will be having a look. A high price does not mean best. To many BMW riders need to ride other bikes.Theres loads of bikes out there go and test ride them.
the Honda looks relaxed, classy.. while the BMW looks like an angry bird. I'd also prefer old fashioned Honda cockpit. The BMW dials look like my washing machine
Bunch of nitt pickin here. More eleltronics to go wrong in a rain storm or sunny day cant really clearly see the screen and washing the bike would be worry sum about the controlls on the handle bars and dash area. Dont leave the BMW out in the rain for sure.
F-1
She's 5'6" tall. However, she is long-waisted, meaning she sits taller than most 5'6" women. On the LT, I would raise my windscreen high, because I don't mind looking through a good screen to keep my wife happy. Since my wife like the GTL so much during a three hour test drive, I went ahead and bought one. I put a "CalSci" screen on it, and it works great.
Excellent comparison. Very insightful from a practical sense. Thanks for sharing.
It's not all about speed and HP in this segment. I currently have an overnight demo K1600GTL and I can tell you two things: First, the stock low driver's seat is EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE. And second, the engine noise in the cockpit is just TOO LOUD when beyond 50 MPH.
I have an R1. I don't mind loud, but in this segment (touring) I want and expect QUIET, and the BMW just doesn't do it. It's a deal breaker. Now I have to ride the Goldwing and see how it is in those two issues.
Wish me luck!
And there is the maintenance and reliability which will definitely go to Honda.
One thing I have liked about the goldwing is that there are no menus to drill down through, everything has a dedicated button.
Yes, I own the Goldwing (my second)
You guys have got to be kidding. Did anybody work on the sound? Get a sound person on the job or edit sound more carefully. C'mon guys...
i think the instrumentation of modern bikes has gone backwards both in terms of placement,looks and simple yet very legible design.......fancy switchgear that does a million things but costs a fortune to replace after the bike has fallen over is also a backward step.......how about a rebuild cost story after a simple low speed crash.....starting to hear of insurance companies writing off perfectly good bikes because of the horrific cost of replacement fairings and add ons. back to the future
Nicely done. To those with "quiet hat man" comments, I think the microphone could've been better placed and that would have helped a bit...
@ace1sod you must be kidding, right? You tell us that a 420kg heavy GW with 87kW engine is outperforming 348kg BMW with 118kW? Or did you mean the cruiser like chassis of GW is better in twisties then the sport like setup of BMW? Or what performance aspect am I missing out? What about the much higher fuel consumption of GW, is that also a sign of better performance? I dont ride/prefer any of both bikes, but your comment misses any logic, sorry.
Would have liked to hear the bikes run and also to have heard a comparison of the engines, the power, the torque characteristics, and how smooth they were in relation to each other. Everyone knows the GW is the king of smooth. How about the Beemer?
I have different bikes for different needs. Fast sport bike, bitchin' chopper, touring, and street legal motorcross bike. Being a bit bored of my 2006 Goldwing (NAV ABS, 6 disc CD, CB radio, etc.), I arranged for a test ride for my wife and I on a loaded 2015 K1600. I did try the LT years ago and found it to be a cumbersome top heavy motorcycle that I would never want to own. That said, this K1600 is badass, it handles beyond belief. I loved everything about it. Unfortunately for BMW and myself, a touring bike needs to be enjoyed by my wife as well as me. The K1600 is not as comfortable as the Goldwing for my wife (me either but I would happily trade the difference in comfort for the amazing performance -handling, stopping acceleration ). This bike is outstanding. I am pretty sure I can add some aftermarket equipment to increase the passenger comfort and I am casually looking into that now. Perhaps with the right additions I can make it comfortable for my wife too.
Be surprised if you do theres so much out there when I stopped riding sports bike I tried a few bikes and have now got a Fazer thou so I can still get the buzz of a sports bike engine and be comfortable. Theres lots of nakeds out there with sports bike engines go and test ride them first
Which is the best possible answer
You Goldwing Owners, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make more riding videos of you and your bike on the road (especially in California). I've seen them all. I'm bored now. I need more videos of Goldwings on the road.
I'd love to see a comparison between a 2001 GL1800 and a 2013 Goldwing . . . that would be interesting.
The thing that they fail to mention outside of this new 1600 from BMW the GL 1800 is not a slow bike and can handle well, does it need some technology updates sure and I'd upgrade if they offered a true up to date GoldWing yet the GL1800 is a quiet and fun to ride bike that is a touring leader and still is, it's not a sports bike, it's a touring model that's easy to ride at a fun pace for a 900+ lb bike, long live the King.
The BMW bags being detachable is no big deal. All you got to do for taking your stuff out is buy set of the Goldwing liner bags that have a zipper on them. Taking the handbags off carrying them to a hotel room or otherwise give too much chance at dropping or damaging them.
Did the BMW relax you to the point that we cant hear you ?
Oof. I tried to watch this, but it's just such a poorly made video. Like a high school video club project.
***** I feel your pain lol
***** It is painful... and has 1/4 million views
Dave George
Relax, no big deal. It’s a TH-cam video and there are others. It’s all good and serves as additional information. Far from High School.
Huh..... 33 people like the "nice cars" comment but if not interested why did they watch? Anytime you go on a couples ride with friends, it's always funny to watch the couples on cruisers drop out after 50-60 miles or so because the wife can't handle hanging onto the rear fender any longer. Nothing bad about cruisers, if I were single and rode alone I might have one....but I'm not.
The BMW K1600GTL should be compared to the Honda ST1300 or the FJR 1300, but not the GW. Old bikes like the Cavalcade, ZN1300, Venture Royale and the newer Royal Star Venture compare to the GW, but not a sport tourer that BMW puts the letter "L" onto and says it is a tourer. It is just a K1200GT with 400 more cc's, two more cylinders and the letter L.....
+A Babbit
I've read that the ST1300 has a "bit of wander" at highway speeds. I wonder if that model is still even made, AND if that "problem" has been worked out.
That's why they make the 1600GT. That's a Sport touring bike not the GTL.
Ray, I heard the same thing, but I have never had that happen to me, but I have only ridden one a few times at 75 mph or less. It was the most comfortable Sports Tourer I have ridden and I have owned and I have ridden BMW's R1100RS, K1200RS, ST1100, FJR1300 and Harleys FXRT.
I am sorry but I just believe anybody riding a bike should have enough sense to change the oil and do minor service on it. Even If you are wealthy enough its part of getting to know the bike.
I drive both of them. I prefer goldwing...
These guys are trying hard to be nice to BMW , but obviously Honda is their choice
You don't need to choose, try this 2 beautiful bikes with Road2luxe. We're specialized in Honda Goldwing and BMW K1600 GTL in Europe. You can rent our bikes from Paris, Marseille, Nice, Lyon, Genève, Milan, Barcelone.
I think Yamaha made a big mistake with their air cooled v twin venture touring bike. They should have offered a Japanese tour bike with a straight 6 like the BMW. So you could chose between a Honda flat 6 or Yamaha straight 6. It would be a great alternative for those who don't want a BMW but want a straight 6
Now it’s 2021, you can get this Beemer for $12k, lightly used; I’m going for it! I’ve had a ‘Wing twice, like those, too. Harley Ultra was just alright for me, in comparison. Americans, & Sturgis, SD like them; dealers don’t treat customers with respect, sell 10-year-old bikes for $20k, new ones outrageous cost must be implemented to get 100 hp out of the engine, unless you buy a used CVO bike for $30k
1,8 liters flat six...1,6 liters straight six....My car is a 1,2 liters four pot...Yeah, my life sucks...
Well thought out, thorough, and impartial review. Thanks guys. Sorry it's gotten lost in the ether with guys having pissing contest.
I think I will take the Beemer by a minimal two points. Both bikes are very good bikes.
I just wish they would have some riders who could RIDE. Dragging their feet, in the wrong lane in turns, not looking where they should be looking.
How are these two qualified to compare any motorcycle to anything?
Just wish the Wing has wider bags that would fit a helmet.
they do fit a helmet. I have a 2010 Wing and it hold my full face helmet. However i never use the saddlebag for helmet. I lock it on my rear seat or use the Wing helmet locks on the bottom of the trunk
I can put two full face helmets in the top trunk of my Goldwing.
Nice, but here's counter. Ridden all three. Nothing but nothing protects like the LT. Soaked in 80 miles on the GW; rode LT from Tennessee to California and never got wet, through Tennessee and Arkansas downpour. GTL protection is less than LT, but comparable to GW. Handling...GTL is like a mid-size sport sedan, while GW is a full-size family sedan. As for the seating gripes, my wife LOVED the GTL and gave me the green light. Granted she has not ridden on a GW, but why confuse things??
all these two bikes share is the touring bit!!But quite different bikes!Whats the point to compare ????
I bought a 2012 Gold Wing because I didn't like the features on the K1600GTL...nor it's looks -- but that's just me.
Nice cars.
Anyone who pronounces "BMW" like "Bee-Em-Dub'a'yu" needs to sit down...
Just pick ONE! Geeeez. If you had to have just one of these bikes for the rest of your life, which would it be?
In summary, both blitzbikz offer outstanding driver protection when left parked in the garage.
Missed BMW's Brand new headlights that turn in with you as you corner. Its a brilliant new features just for that bike and they talk about the ESA which has been around for a while and is on many BMW bikes. Lame.
How about BMW in-line 6, adaptive headlights...???
I'm a sportbike rider and when I grow old, I'll buy something like the BMW...
OMG those bikes had more luxury equipment than my 92' accord
There is no comparison between honda goldwing and the new BMW K 1600 gt gtl , the honda has old engine and basic fiber shell molding and the bmw is high end bike with bunch of electronics very usul and safety and sport package I heve never seen before in two wheels vehycle .
2012 gold wing
Goldwing is the way to go. BMW is pain in the ass bike where Honda is reliability! !!!
Yes!! After owned both bikes for more than 150k miles, I´ll choose the GW every day of the week, the GTL has too many electronics and mechanics flaws...
Do you have anyone over 6' to test motorcycles. The production move toward shorter riders is irritating and the affects on taller riders are seldom, if ever, mentioned. I'm 6'1" and am not in the mood to shell out $26000 or more on a bike that won't fit.
@stromtrooper32 But Honda better improve the mileage. What with a bike that most compact cars have better mileage?
GoldWing does fly Chris. As you now know very well.
Why do these cars have handlebars?
Goldwing can fly.
Chris Caliente
You my road warrior brother are correct! The GoldWing does fly as you know know very well.
Go Caliente Garage!
should i take HD or one of this baby? anyone?
I will bet its not as reliable. Read ' RIDE' there are a few owners complaining about excessive oil consumption
Honda's yes, BMW's no but have 5 friends with BMW's 2 of which now have K1600Glts and 1 has had his bike replaced because of excesive oil consumption and when 4 of them owned Gs1200's they all had problems( less than 10,000 miles) so from MY experience BMW's are not as reliable as Honda's. My present bike a Yamaha FZ1 has done 15,000+ miles without incedent and I can tour, commute, scratch and trackday as I say its MY opinion
crappy review.......nothing about performance, the actual "feel" of the suspension. Waste of time IMO.
David Veneri yeah! it says "shootout" in the title. it shoulda been talkout!
sarcasim funkeytoad08 sarcasim i love motorcycles but lets be honest you need to be keen to tour to buy either. If I had to make a choice I would go for the Honda as Im not sure about the BMWs reliability. I dont care what you ride as long as you enjoy it.
Here's my problem with reviews in general. There's almost always a lean toward one bike or another. The Goldwing has (even in 2018) much less cargo space, worse gas mileage (especially the one they tested) a small fuel tank, horrible handling and much lower performance specs. Now, it's a big comfortable bike so that may not matter to some people and that's fine. Then you get to the BMW and "THESE PASSENGER HANDRAILS ARE A HUGE MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!! WTH BMW!!!!!!" People tend to give Honda a bit of a pass on their mistakes (cracked frames, etc) but anything BMW doesn't do just right is a CATASTROPHE!!!!.... it gets old.
gorgeous scenery! the bmw has got to be slightly more practical surely
No mention of a motor comparison...
Really i have to go for the Goldwng and So Smooth there is One Thing i would change is the Rider seat Hight and it really need,s a Back Rest forold Farts like me and Parts for any Goldwing are so Exspenive High Way Pegs BACK Rest Wind Deflector,s i dont Know About the USA but in Australia are vey Exspensive ,Can any one give me a Link where i can Buy Parts for my 2008 Goldwing air bag an GPS Model ? thanks fellow rider,s
Why do you need more TECHNOLOGY in your bike?? You already cannot repair most bikes as they need computers and expensive soft to diagnose the problem and twisted and even more expensive tools to do what used to be a simple turn in/out job!! What was wrong which old good simple mechanics?? BMW is more PlayStation than a bike only different is that it can kill you in real!
Goddamn, mouse volumed hat man.
What does that even mean?
Sehr gut und ruhig erklärt! 👍🇨🇭
I can't hear you brown hat with the volume up and with ear plugs !!!!! WHAT !!!!
HONDA ALL THE WAY !
Have you owned both? If not, you shouldn't speculate because you will look foolish.
why the hell is ever automotive and motorcycle magazine and channel in California?
6:45 its an owl!!!
How dare you compare a DC3 and an F18?
The Beemer looks like a V-Strom