I came very close to pulling the trigger on the GTL. It is an incredible machine. Performance wise, I found no faults; acceleration/throttle response was flawless, handling was flawless, cluth/trans were flawless and ride was flawless. Electronic windshield and on the fly suspention change are great. IMO it is the premiere sport-tourer. However, it simply is not a touring bike by any stretch of the definition. The passenger on the GTL is an after though. The pillion seat is narrow and very high, the pillion foot rests are pegs-with little room to expand or up grade, and the back rest/top box moves significantly during the ride. There's no way the pillion can be confortable in a touring situation on this bike;read that distance.
Having said that IF one is looking for a sport tourer the GTL has it hands down. I suspect (don't laugh) the next Goldwing will have Electronic wind screen, blue tooth, interchangeable GPS, on the fly suspention, and loose 100 pounds.