2012 BMW K1600GTL vs. 2012 Honda Gold Wing Shootout

[seapeddler]

In summary, both blitzbikz offer outstanding driver protection when left parked in the garage.

[ace1sod]

how about telling us what the horsepower on each bike is? the tourque?

truth is that the goldwing will outperform the bmw in every aspect...

but like all motorcycles it falls back to the individual and their taste

[GremlinWood]

@ace1sod You want to go look for the specs on both these bikes .. the BMW out performs the Honda, not by alot, but by enough, is cheaper to buy and has better fuel economy.

[ace1sod]

@GremlinWood the bmw is an awesome bike but how hard is it to put a trailer hitch on it?,,i know its no problem to pull a trailer with a wing, just wondered how easy it is on a bmw.

[GremlinWood]

@ace1sod That I could not answer, personally I am not in favour of trailers on motorcycles, I consider them unsafe, but that is just one opinion. For the record I am an ST owner, not keen on wings, and I would never buy a BMW or own one even if they giving them away :)

[TheBrownboots]

The camera man should have been showing us around the bikes while they talked rather than having us see them chatting most of the time.

[hatasato01]

HONDA a BEST

[Theyrun]

This comparison is not fair in my opinion, I would have used the ST1300 to compare to the BMW

[pmgodfrey]

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.

[kmobley777]

@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.

[MrCorvairboy]

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.

[Mrphatbastard1]

Only issue they always fail to mention, maintenance and repair costs! Buy a Beamer, pack your plastic because your going to need it, I know...

[scruffy1971]

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...

[benchraa]

it's a dream that i hope realise one day /every dog has his day

[jssiler]

My wife and I tour on an '07 Gold Wing with Navi, ABS, etc. ... test drove the K1600 and she hated the passenger accommodations. I really liked the bike and would go that direction as I'm a spirited more sport oriented tourer. Oh well, have to wait for the next gen GL.

[burkerow]

@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.

[jssiler]

@burkerow Hi, I should have mentioned my wife is 6ft tall. Her dislike wasn't comfort related but BMW has the passenger seat several inches higher than the driver. Her dislike was being so high and buffeting. The BMW is a cool bike. My wife rides a DL1000 V-Strom but she is with me for long touring. I want her with me so I'm going to be considerate of her needs as well as mine.

[20031200]

@jssiler I too have a Wing. a '08 model, Nav, no ABS. Not a smart move on my part selecting a bike w/o ABS. wife dislikes riding, so I'm a solo rider. Like many aspects of the New BMW. Previous bike to current Wing was a BMW. Biggest problem with BMW is lack of dealerships. Closest BMW dealer is 175 miles away. Closest Honda 18 miles away. Will likely keep my wing for many years to come. Not a big fan of the styling on the 2012 model.

[ecmit]

Goddamn, mouse volumed hat man.



[steady2wheels]

gorgeous scenery! the bmw has got to be slightly more practical surely

[deriwhiteswift]

should i take HD or one of this baby? anyone?

[pnevma382]

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...

[Ne0c225]

Nice cars.

[stromtrooper32]

Good review. It will be interesting to see what Honda does when they choose to redesign the 'Wing. If they would decrease the weight, modernize the look, clean up the controls, add all the latest in traction control and other electronic rider aids, all while keeping the comfortable platform, they would render this BMW mostly insignificant as a competitor. The irony is that anything with a backseat is going to be chosen more by the person in that seat than the front. 1 guess at the choice.

[blackhand1818]

@stromtrooper32 But Honda better improve the mileage. What with a bike that most compact cars have better mileage?

[stromtrooper32]

@blackhand1818

no doubt about that.

[sweeeptheleg]

speak up hat man

[adoniscomplex]

Would the GTL be good to for gym, tanning, and laundry runs? :)

[baneshield]

FIRST !!!