[hifiman]

I am buying a new bike. I just came off a K1200LT and loved it but always had a desire for a new Goldwing. I am looking at the non ABS package with Nav and comfort. Price point thing. The K1200LT had ABS. How much will I miss that is a question? Also as far as twisty riding the LT was great. How does the Goldwing do on twisties and city driving? Also comparing it to a 09 HD Ultra Glide but I like the quality and looks of the Goldwing better. Any thoughts or people that have owned both or all three would be helpful. Thanks

 

[detdrbuzzard]

hello and welcome to GWOF hifiman. sorry i can't offer any advice on the wing vs bmw vs harly and which is best is up to you

 

[Red Ron]

Welcome; as buzzard above, I cannot offer any comparsion of the 3 bikes you mention. I can however say that the '08 wing I have (non-abs) handles better in the twisties than the Honda VTX 1300 cruiser I previously owned.

 

[sr71]

Americade is the week of June 7th thru the 12th this year. Book rooms earley for best choice and availability. I'm already booked for the week. I don't think you'lle disappointed in your new ride. I started with a 1200 then a 1500 and now my 1880. All were great bikes Only 3k on the 1800 so still getting used to it,10k on the 1200 40k on the 1500,

 

[budoka]

Hifiman, your LT and the GL will run about neck and neck in the sportiness/handling department. The M/C magazine writers said the current 1800 (newer than '05 I think) are a tad better, but that's a subjective statement. I'd pick the GL but I AM a bit biased LOL. As for the ABS, I think you'd miss it. Goldwing binders are terrific, but the ABS is worth every penny to have. Be interesting to see where BMW goes with their flagship tourer once the LT is no longer; they are certainly trageted for the sport touring and sport market with their latest offerings of the 1300GT and the 1000RR.
Tralfaz, you can't actually compare a Springer, a GS and a Wing since they are three completely different types of bike. The springer gets it mileage out of less weight, and a torquey fairly large displacement v-twin. The heat you didn't feel on the Springer was because it is a unfaired cruise machine not a full Faired tourer. The Wings' fairing is a wind-tunnel tested piece of aerodynamics and is meant to isolate the rider and passenger from as much of the elments as possible. BTW, my '09 averages close to 50 mpg (Cdn) or about 42 US. That is comparable to a HD Ultra which weighs about the same, but the Ultra gives away a lot of agility and HP to the Wing. Would not even compare my old Roadking to a GL, again, too different.
Mike, there is as much difference in feel from the 1500 to the 1800 as there was from the 1200 to your 1500. Automotive comparison is like Cadillac Deville to STS to CTS4. Just keeps getting better.