rbddee
Livonia, MI
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Joined: 03/04/2008
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I'm looking for a new touring bike, and I would like/need some advice or opinions from folks who have either the GL1800 or the K1200LT. Now an important part of my descision will be that my wife will be riding along with me, and I need a bike that is very comfortable on long rides 3-4 hours or more. Being in Michigan it's a bit difficult to choose since I can't ride either bike yet. Both my wife and I have sat on both bikes and she seems to think the BMW is more comfortable to her. I know that both bikes have seated seats but I've heard that some folks aren't real pleased with the ones on the Honda.
Another part of the equation is that at some point I might have to pull a trailer with the bike due to the way that my wife packs for vacation and it looks like the wing wins in this category.
I think that I would like either bike ,due to the fact that I own a 79 and 83 Gold wing (NAKED) that I can drive by myself, and I really want my wife to enjoy our riding time together.
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BlueFalcon
Waldorf, MD
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Joined: 01/05/2007
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Buy the Gold Wing. Buy a travel trailer that pops up as a camper. Load the floor of the camper with all your belongings. Have a campsite atlas and then take the whole summer off.
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stinky41
kings park NY 11754
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Joined: 02/23/2008
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Speaking of trailers,
How much braking power do you loose when a GL has a trailer?
If you have a standard size trailer attached to your wing, and you have to slam on the brakes, will the bike just keep going?
I have seen some riders with quit a bit of weight behind them on tow. It always seemed like it would never stop when needed.
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THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
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Joined: 08/11/2003
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My father has a Gl1800 Trike and has no problems pulling a trailer. He even has a trailer he built to haul his riding lawnmower around.
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gsinnc
Charlotte, NC USA
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Joined: 07/02/2006
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First let me say ... BOTH are great bikes and BOTH do an excellent job for luxo touring. But they are different spins on the same theme. The Wing has an awesome motor with lots of power. The LT also has enough power for 2 up riding and can run 90 MPH all day. Personally I like the features on the LT better than the Wing. The LT has the electric windshield, heated grips, and ABS on ALL models. In addition the braking system on the LT is as powerful as they come. The LT also has enough power outlets for all your accessories. The Wing has a better aftermarket for chrome goodies and such if that floats your boat. In my opinion for the taller rider BOTH bikes need an aftermarket seat and there are probably more options for seats on the Wing. The big thing for me is I really like the BMW dealers service and support. The downside is there are much fewer of them than for Honda. I owned an LT for 2 years and really liked the bike. The issue I had was at 6'3" tall I did not have enough room. The 1800 Wing suffers from the same issue when the built it for the shorter rider. My buddy who is 6'4" has a Wing and loves it .... but it took him over $1500 to get the comfort right ... seat, bar risers, peg resets, etc. And one BIG factor is I think the LT is a nicer looking bike ... but again that is a VERY personal opinion and many will pick the Wing in a heartbeat. The decision is really which bike you prefer and what is important to you. I would certainly ride one first before you plunk down $16K PLUS for a bike.
Ed Apelian
'02 R1150GS - Graphitan Metallic
'05 K1200LT - Light Yellow Metallic
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