[Administrator]

Original Article:
Honda Gold Wing vs. BMW K1200 LT

Please discuss the Motorcycle.com article Honda Gold Wing vs. BMW K1200 LT in our Motorcycle Forums below. Use the reply button to let others know your comments or feedback on the article. Constructive criticism is always appreciated, along with your thoughts and personal opinions on the bikes and products we have tested.

 

[62278]

I've driven the GL1500, the K1200LT and the GL1800 (the GL's are mine), I'am missing a remark concerning the brakes on a LT: they are harsh and sudden in action compared to the GL's (BMW is even putting a BIG warning on the fueltank to warn you). Going in a corner TOO fast with a GL you can without being racepilot, slowdown the bike gently a nicely......with I would'nt dare with a LT. Sorry I'll stay with my "new GL1800 which permits me now to follow my son on his Pan European 1100 on a red light! ....and faster if needed...sssttttt

 

[55299]

I currently ride a Honda Pacific Coast and I'm in the market for a larger touring bike. The Wing and the KLT are on my list of candidates and I am sure they are both fine machines. As I work my way through the selection process I am becoming more and more attracted to the Yamaha Royal Star Venture. Thousands of dollars less and every bit as comfortable and capable.

 

[sarnali2]

Of the two I'd probably take the BMW just to be a snob, but I think both bikes are excellent at eating miles and either one would work for me. The only problem I see is with the complexity of the 'wing and the ability of some shop mechanics to figure it out. I think with BMW being more anal in general that probably carries through to the level of their training programs as well.

 

[70430]

Keep it Simple

Simply put with all the hype asside, the GW is the biggest bang for the buck. It takes low test gas, it gets about 40-45 mpg, it is a sport cruiser.
this GW is a new class of bike. I owned a sport tour for two years. A Kawasaki concourse 1000. Great sport tour. I've owned cruisers too a kawasaki vulcan. and a FZ-6 and several other too.
The 08 GW is a hybrid sport cruiser. on the open highway it is a smooth cruiser, yet on the back roads it handles like a powerful sport tour, and the bell and whistles are just amazing. Look for a used or a left over GW. You may find yourself glo-wing for the entire trip!

 

[seruzawa]

I'll buy a 6 cylinder GW when I finally have one foot in the grave.

 

[longride]

"Simply put with all the hype asside, the GW is the biggest bang for the buck."

I'm sorry but is simply isn't. Not when you can get a Kawi Concours for about half the price of a GW. I also wouldn't call a 900+ lb motorcycle a 'sport cruiser'. I owned a GW, so I know what I speak. They are nice, but they have their limitations, and the new ones are horribly expensive.

 

[sarnali2]

definately spendy, I thing the best bargain in the touring market is the FLHT, ride it like it is or add what you want from an Ultra and still come out ahead. For a sport tourer the Sprint or Conk14 is the one, though I'd buy a 'Guzzi Norge because they have good support here

 

[mscuddy]

I had me a stripped GL1500 for a couple years (traded an '80 Yamaha Vision for it). Nice bike, all kinds of power. But I use to wear the front brake pads out in 2500 miles, down to the metal. Didn't have that problem on any other big road burner.

Oh and I'm looking for a '51 Hudson Hornet with an automatic that I can equip with hand controls, so watch out, just call me X-7.