RT vs Goldwing? Your vote counts!

[RobbieAG]

I think a closer BMW comparison to a Goldwing would be the K1600GT/GTL. I would go with that over a Goldwing. If I had to choose between the RT and Goldwing, I'd probably go Goldwing.

 

[Donk]

I think most of the "reliability" issues are more hearsay anymore than fact. Of course mine might fall apart tomorrow...

I'd agree with you on the older BMWs though.

Chris

I think it depends on model. The F series have a far better track record than the R series. I would have more confidence in finding a competent mechanic at a random BMW shop than at a random Honda shop. I think it more likely that I'd end up at a random BMW shop.

 

[motornut]

Not to throw any mud, but I have a friend who swears by beemers, they spent more time in the shop for little things in its first year than my ST did in its first 5 years. They have their problems too. Just like most motor vehicles. It is handled quietly. He is buying Triumphs now, and dang- they have been in the shop too.
He did buy a KTM once, it was in the shop most of its first year. Waiting for parts to arrive.

 

[Daboo]

I think it depends on model. The F series have a far better track record than the R series. I would have more confidence in finding a competent mechanic at a random BMW shop than at a random Honda shop. I think it more likely that I'd end up at a random BMW shop.

I totally agree with you on that. When I think of BMW failures, I think of the final drive on the older shaft driven R models. My F800GT had a belt drive. The F900XR has a chain drive. Pretty simple design. Both F models.

There's not much on either bike I can't do myself. I chose to use an independent BMW shop to check the valves. Both guys certified by BMW, and both have decades of experience. I've never met Igofar, but I'd put them up in the same category. They are also the place to take your old old old BMW to that no one else knows how to fix.

Chris

 

[irunamok]

In my age denial my "post"-70 year old self would definitely go for the RT...

If you buy the GW, you'll need the appropriate costume to go with it. Boat shoes with shorts and a nice knit shirt for your trips to Walmart.

Chris

As a former wing owner, I have to say this is patently untrue. We shop at Super Target.

 

[irunamok]

Not to throw any mud, but I have a friend who swears by beemers, they spent more time in the shop for little things in its first year than my ST did in its first 5 years. They have their problems too. Just like most motor vehicles. It is handled quietly. He is buying Triumphs now, and dang- they have been in the shop too.
He did buy a KTM once, it was in the shop most of its first year. Waiting for parts to arrive.

Apparently you need to find smarter friends who ride red.

 

[NTausch]

I have to say Beemer. Came off a K1600 GTLE. Loved it. Drank the Harley juice. Had a Road Glide. What a pig. (Yeah I know they’re called Hogs. ) Went lighter. S1000 XR. Loving it.

 

[carpdm]

I’ve owned both. Each are great bikes. I have settled on a 2018 Goldwing Tour DCT. I’ve never looked back. Plus, I felt the cost of ownership favored the Goldwing.

 

[babydiego]

If you can get a old stock 2024 RT with a warranty go for it. The driveshafts have a lifetime replacement scheme. 2025+(1300) the drive shaft replacement is considered a maintenance item $$$$$. I rode with my buddy for his 1st major service and they had to replace the driveshaft.

 

[mello dude]

Is there a vote for neither?

 

[Moto-Charlie]

Choosing between the RT and the Goldwing obviously depends on a multitude of factors including your intended use, riding style, access to a competent dealer and whether you intend to ride with a passenger.

I've been renting BMWs on my Alps tours for 40 years, always current year models, so I have ridden most of the R series bikes over the years. When my wife comes with me, I rent an RT (rental Goldwings are hard to find, cost more to rent and aren't suited to riding multiple days on tight, narrow, really twisty passes). When I'm solo, I rent the F series bikes. My wife has been pretty comfortable on the RTs.

When it came time to replace my ST1300 a few years ago for riding here in New England and North America the R1250RT was at the top of my list. However, I had heard good things about the latest 2018+ generation of Goldwings and decided to look into them too. I've known my local dealer a long time and they allowed me to take a 2017 GW for a 2-hour ride and then a 2018 GW Tour (manual) for the same ride. For me, there was no comparison, the 2018 felt like a bigger, more refined ST1300. It was a little lighter than the 2017, had electronically adjustable suspension, electronically adjustable windshield, heated front and rear seats, built in navigation and to my eyes, looked much better than the 2017.

So now the choice was between the R1250RT or a 2018+ Goldwing. I picked the Goldwing because it had all the tech I wanted that the BMW had (suspension, windshield, heated everything, nav with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, etc.), the seating position worked better for me, the engine was smoother, has enough power, handles well for the roads we have, a familiar dealer and my wife is more comfortable on the back than she is on an RT. The other key factor for me is the center of gravity. The RT is fine when solo. But my wife and I together with all our gear on weigh approx. 400 lbs. Fill up the side cases, the top case and a full tank on the RT, and the bike gets quite top heavy fully loaded. The Goldwing is lower and easier to flat foot (30" inseam), the fuel tank is under the seat, the flat 6 engine is lower and the whole bike, while heavier, feels noticeably less top heavy.

I've been very happy with my choice. I go to Europe twice a year and always look forward to riding my GW when I get back. My wife and I have taken several 8 - 10 day trips on the GW and have been happy. I did approx. 5,600 miles solo this past July over 3 weeks zigzagging from CA to OR to CO to NH. I rode all kinds of roads at all kinds of speeds and never felt beat up at the end of the day. That trip gave me a better appreciation for the Goldwing. It's a keeper.

 

[SupraSabre]

If I could even think of changing from my ST1300s, I'd go with a ST1800.

But in this retirement setting, I couldn't afford either!

 

[wjbertrand]

I've owned both as old models and still like every model of both ever made. I'd pick any RT over any Goldwing of the same value.

For me, Goldwinging is kinda dead and that bothers me. I belonged to a Goldwing club back in the heydays. Goldwings were very popular and high profile bikes. Rides, meetings, buzz, online and on-road. It was fun and I'd happily return to all that if it still existed. Now there are no clubs, no buzz, and I don't see Goldwings out in the wild nearly as much as in the past, or as much as I would expect. The new model didn't do much to revive the brand.

The world is sadly way past peak Goldwing as it is way past peak Sporttouring.

RT's are doing better than Goldwings. BMW won the Sporttouring wars by horrifying attrition and is the only Sporttouring Brand that is still alive by my observations. That counts for something with me. So, if you are ok with the expenses associated with that brand, and that the hugest of if's, then RT.

Best wishes with your decision.

(Disclaimer: For me, ADV bikes are not sporttouring. Excellent as they are they are something else to me, so I exclude those bikes.)

I think what you’re saying is true across the industry. There’s just seems to be a universal malaise and loss of enthusiasm. The lack of really new and interesting machines hasn’t helped.

 

[wjbertrand]

I think most of the "reliability" issues are more hearsay anymore than fact. Of course mine might fall apart tomorrow...

I'd agree with you on the older BMWs though.

Chris

Actually the older (by that I mean airheads) were, I believe, more reliable than the newer ones. I’ve ridden with a number of BMW owners and have heard stories of woe that I’ve never heard from the Japanese bike owners. To the BMW owners’ credit they seem to take it in stride as an expected normal thing, price of admission kinda thing I guess.

 

[Bmacleod]

This is a timely post. While I can't vote because I have no experience with the latest generation goldwings, I have been giving thought lately to adding a Goldwing to my garage along with my RT. I will be following along . While i cant vote, I can vouch for the fact that the RT is a fantastic bike and the only fault I can come up with is the riding position is not the most comfortable for long range riding if you have long legs.