R1250 RT or new Goldwing?
- Thread starter NTausch
- Start date
I tried to search using different search strings, but I get an error "too short ... repetitive" search strings
It is in the other motorcycle forum under other bikes BMW. But I will give you a quick review. I think it is pretty sure that the 2021's BMW K1600 series are going on a long nap as not being produced anymore. Now there are 2021's that were produced in the fall of 2020 but it is to my understanding that you can't custom order one form the factory anymore. Some people are troubled by buying a final production bike and some ain't....your decision.
If it was me I'd be looking for a Goldwing from model year 2018. 2019. 2020. Brand new in the crate. Some people are paying around 20K for a new 2018 Tour model. You just gotta look for em. The 2021 has a bigger trunk and a few more do dads but if you can save 10 grand....it would be worth it to me.Thanks for this detailed information. The updated 2021 looks very interesting and the DCT has me interested too. I wish the colors were a bit more enticing.
I better stay away from a test ride...that might end up as a $30K expenditure..
John
I could certainly be temped by one of those in White - that color looks very good to me!
Sadlsor
Site Supporter
And that $10k savings could buy you a professional paint job, in the color of your choice.
Assuming the new in the crate one, isn't your "tone."
I think I'm a summer...
Used Goldwing This one is holding its value pretty well. Dang..
K-bikes are not finished by any means and any problems are only for continental Europe. All other places will have them.
The problem with the above GW is the price, you can get it cheaper new if you shop it. I paid $25,400.00 OTD w/6 speed manual in March 2018
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Went from a 2005 ST to 2019 R1250RT - I was able to compare the two back-to-back at one of the dealerships in my metro area.
The GL1800 was a strong contender, I made my decision (to buy the RT) based on the following:
1. lower purchase price - Year end deals on RT's are lower compared to GL1800's
2. Luggage capacity: RT beats GL hands down plus has a removable top-box - also the saddle bags are removable.
3. Fuel Capacity: RT has 6.6 Gallons vs. GL 5.5
4. MPG: RT 45-50 MPG depending on speed & road conditions, GL: 42 +/-
5. RT weighs about 615lbs. GL: 787lbs.
6. Wind management, RT: Great - GL 1800: Good
7. Integrated GPS: RT has a removable & updatable GARMIN which is also integrated into the systems of the RT. The GL1800 GPS continues to have issues...even with the updates....
8. Simplicity: RT: two cylinders = vs 6 cylinders
9. Power The RT has more HP, but this was not a deciding factor - both have plenty of punch. RT operates with slightly higher rev's & sounds a little busier than he GL at highway speeds.
10. Accessories; Both have about the same - Heated everything, riding modes, cruise control, remote locking bags, etc. etc. Although the BMW does a built-in XM radio antenna.
Now with all that said, I believe the GL1800 will be more reliable as compared to the RT. plus Honda has way more dealerships. I've got 6K on my RT - (trouble free so far - but I keep my AAA paid up) and have totally enjoyed it. My BMW dealer has been excellent to work with to. The RT feels sportier and handles more sharply in the twisties but the GL 1800 felt more slightly more planted on the highway. I did not have a chance to experience the DCT transmission, but from all I have read, that could have been enough to sway me... Now with the 2021 RT coming with the new dashboard & Cruise control radar, I'm seriously considering trading up. Good Luck with your decision.
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RocketMan
so many roads...
Test ride is required for sure.
How tall are you?
I'm 5'17" with a euro 48 boot.
When I rode a new Tour DCT in 2018 I experienced lots of buffeting and dirty air even with the windshield up all the way and no room for my feet.
The seat was also too low and no high seat option.
Haven't ridden the 1250 but had a 1200 in CA for 10 days and in NZ for a month. Lots of room on that bike. Really torguey and ended up leaving it in Rain mode all the time in NZ due to the hills and riding two-up with my wife and all the luggage. Very light on the front end in that situation!
... and mother Honda is not what it was ... after Mr Honda died the company changed and not for the better.
ST owners were not the only ones abandoned.
ST owners were not the only ones abandoned.
Shawn K
Professional Cat Confuser
That's a loaded, true statement if I ever heard one.
Great write up - thank you. How would you compare the vibration between the two, especially at cruising speed?
Also, how would you compare the parking lot/low speed maneuverability of each one?
Thanks, John
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- GL1800, ST1300
I owned Yamaha Virago's for years, probably 15 of them or so, they were lots of fun and lots of trouble. The Seca I had was lots of fun and no trouble. I have had 3 Goldwings over the years and they have all been fun and no trouble, but a different type of riding. Currently, I have an GL1800 and an ST1300, both are great bikes, but again a different type of riding. My ST usually does shorter trips and the GL is used for longer trips due to the fact that it is a more comfortable ride on a long day. I am not all that familiar with the RT, although I have a friend that has one and loves it. Your choice of the bike you buy should consider your riding style and the type of riding you do, i.e. short trips, commuting, long trips, and how much time spent two up.
That's why I stay with Honda bikes...
Vibration; you'll be hard-pressed to find a smoother motorcycle than the GL1800 at any speed. If the GL is a "10" as far as the smoothest motorcycle ever, My RT1250 is a 9.5. At 70-75 MPH; really no discernible vibration - you feel the engine slightly, but it's never an issue. Personally, above 80 the engine is running around 5000 rpm and you do begin to feel a slight "buzz" through the hand-grips, but you just barely notice it really, it's not the "put-your-hands-to-sleep" vibration . The RT's transmission is geared slightly higher than the GL because it makes better power at higher rev's. The 1250 likes to rev, & when you wind it out, it really screams. In comparison to it's K1600 models the RT is only slightly slower (1/2 second or less) in the quarter mile.
Parking lot maneuvers: general low speed handling is really-really good. There is a reason the RT has been the choice of many police departments in the US and around the world. It's by far the easiest Liter+ motorcycle I've owned (I've owned a lot) to execute U-turns on those narrow county highways with no shoulders.
One item that was really the deal-sealer was the excellent wind management - I'd give it a 10. The GL, maybe an 8. I was really underwhelmed with the GL 1800's wind management - especially down low. There is a reason there are so many added wind-wings (for the GL) in the aftermarket accessory universe. I also see many GL riders ditch the existing windshield for the wider aftermarket windshields. However, with that said, it did opt for the Areo-flow brand taller & wider windshield because in Minnesota, 35-45 degree days are a lot more tolerable with a larger screen.
