Unveiling of "Touring Masterpieces"?

[Grumpy Goat]

Keep the mind open, Grumpy.

Haven't ridden a Gold Wing in more than a decade, but I have ridden the modern K1600 GT (2019). It handles really well! (And it goes on the centerstand fairly easily.) I thought it handled better with more power than the slightly overloaded and flexy RT.

Haven't compared it with a modern Gold Wing, but willing to bet if you did the head-to-head comparison, you'd change your tune.

Of course IF i were in that market I would have to try both just to be fair, but my criteria would be different than what they are now for a motorcycle. Only the GTL would interest me from an aesthetics POV. I think I prefer the Wing because it is more refined (even if a little slower than the K1600) and offers DCT, which Honda has mastered. And when I say refined I am also referring to design aspects and build quality. I am still amazed by the Tracer's attention to detail on how it is put together (compared to BMW; although its choice of fasteners that use hex keys is dumb). Honda would be even better. But that is a whole 'nother discussion.

This video compares the two bikes by actual motorcycle enthusiasts and is very interesting to watch.



The Missenden Flyer also has some nice videos explaining why he got his Goldwing even after having also ridden an admittedly older 2017 K1600, and I find his opinions and mine somehow align very closely. Plus he is the same size as I if less weighty, and that is important. Being a boxer, it also carries its weight better ... like our RSs.

The RT pulls on different strings for me and I would not consider it in the same breath as the K1600. Why? I think that it is lighter and would out-handle the K1600, and then the boxer sound and character ... for me that is very endearing and intoxicating. I have owned a 4 cylinder and now a triple and while those are sweet engines (Tracer sounds like a sewing machine) the boxer engine is a beast all on its own. I also find the RT better looking compared to the K1600 line which is ... meh.

They all have one problem though ... they are sooo expensive.

Ending this post on a positive note for the subject bike ... I do love how the pillion seat is significantly higher than the rider's ... a complaint from my pillion is that she has trouble seeing forward. This is a nice shot of the GTL.