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Starting Member
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Last Login: 6/7/2006 5:20:59 PM
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I'd like to get opinions from long distance riders (700 to 1000 miles per day) who have switched from a BMW LT to a Gold Wing. I've been riding LD for 30 years, but have heard from riders of the 2004 - 2005 Gold Wing that it's more comfortable, smoother, and much better at night in terms of lighting. Any thoughts would be appreciated... thanks.
Alaska Tour
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Starting Member
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Last Login: 9/22/2006 11:07:31 PM
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I would be interested in knowing what you think is lacking in your LT that you might find in a GL1800 since I am looking at both for my next touring mount? I have owner 2 GL's in the past, One of the Original's back in 1977 and a 1997 Aspencade. Both GL's were reliable but missing something for me. Maybe the 1800 can provide what I missed with each of the others. I truly want to
Try an LT but the lack of Dealers leaves me cold and unsure. Neither the LT or GL were near as comfortable as my Harley's - I have had 6 Harley Dressers and while they are lacking the technical sophistication
of either the GL or LT they are quite easy to service and have loads of dealers...That has kept me in the fold for quite a long time.
Sorry to have gone off topic.......
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Junior Member
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Last Login: 1/11/2006 12:43:36 PM
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I'd be interested in knowing if the people saying the Gold Wing is "more comfortable, smoother, and much better at night" are talking from personal experience. I've never ridden an LT, so I couldn't begin to say.
MCN did a head-to-head comparison some months ago. If you could find that article, it'd be a great resource.
How about tires? One fellow I met on an LT told me that tires were only good for about 7000 miles. I'm getting 12~14000 on my Wing. That'd be a consideration for me.
'02 GL1800
'99 ZRX1100
'79 RD400
'02 GL1800
'99 ZRX1100
'79 RD400
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Last Login: 10/14/2005 6:45:52 AM
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Height might be a consideration too... I don't know about the LT, but while the Honda had all the goodies, it didn't allow me enough room to move around without my legs cramping. And I'm not especially tall. I could never have done a 1000 mile day on one...
No bike needs more than 2 cylinders...
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Advanced Member
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 2:39:21 PM
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I did not switch per say but I did test ride both before buying the Wing. My limited impression was that the Wing was better balanced and cornered a little better. The LT had better list of standard features (like heated grips and electronic adjustable windshield.) In the end I choose the Wing because of that intangible feeling one gets when they found the bike for them.
Have you test road a Wing?
Torqueman
Battle Creek, MI
Goldwing 03
Torqueman
Battle Creek, MI
V-Strom 06
Goldwing 03
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Starting Member
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Last Login: 6/7/2006 5:20:59 PM
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Thanks for the comments. I've been riding a big BMW for about 30 years, and never thought that I would change. However, my trips have always been long and I really enjoy riding through the night on small roads. Here's what I'm thinking from my own experience...
1. The Wing has better night lighting, I'm told, by far. I added PIAA driving lights to my LT for a trip to Alaska two years ago, but was not really impressed when the sun went down.
2. The Wing now has a first class - and integrated - GPS system.
3. The Wing now has heated seats and grips - with more adjustments than the LT.
4. The Wing is supposed to be smoother and more powerful, with a lower center of gravity for better control at slow speeds and in traffic.
5. The Wing now has ABS - which on my 2003 LT saved my butt at least once.
6. And this is too funny for words, but the 2006 Wing has an airbag.
7. Finally, you can put "pegs" on the Wing so you can stretch your legs on a long ride instead of standing up while going 70 mph.
I'm starting to sound like an ad for Honda, so I'd better shut up. Nonetheless, these are the things i
I'm thinking about when I talk about "switching", and was curious if I'm the only guy considering it. Thanks.
Alaska Tour
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Advanced Member
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I really don't consider the built in GPS a plus. I change GPSs every couple of years because the technology gets better and more features are added. I expect within a couple of years the real time weather radar maps that overlay your GPS screen will be down in cost enough I will want one (right now a GPS with that feature is around $2700.)
The only positive thing about having it built in is not having to take it off when you go in to a restaurant.
Torqueman
Battle Creek, MI
Goldwing 03
Torqueman
Battle Creek, MI
V-Strom 06
Goldwing 03
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