HONDA GOLD WING TOUR VS. BMW K 1600 GTL
COMPARISON TEST
P102
Second Opinion—Kit Palmer
Comparing the Honda to the BMW is like
comparing Coke to Pepsi. Like the two popu-
lar soft drinks, both motorcycles are similar
in performance and both are very good, but
given the choice between the two, give me
Coke—and the Gold Wing.
To me, when it comes to long-distance tour-
ing, comfort is the most crucial element and,
in my opinion, this is where the Gold Wing
has a slight, and I mean slight, edge over the
Beemer. Yes, the BMW feels a bit more sporty
than the Wing but when it comes to piling on
the miles, I'd just as soon be on the super-
cushy Honda.
It feels a bit plusher between my legs than
the BMW and, performance-wise, feels slightly
more stable and planted than the BMW at
speed. Again, not by much, but just enough to
win me over.
Honda hit a home run with the Wing's new
front suspension system, which, I feel, is why
it's so stable and comfortable cruising down
the highways, even at high speeds and over
tarmac long overdue for repair.
Another bonus, the Honda seems to get
much better fuel economy than the BMW.
I know, the BMW has more storage space
than the Gold Wing but not by much, and it
really doesn't matter to me at all that the Honda
can't accommodate a couple of medium-sized
full-face helmets in its trunk; after all, it's always
packed with other things anyway, so that's not a
deal-breaker for me. But where are the helmet
locks? (Same question to you, BMW.)
Overall, it's a close call between these two
amazingly good grand-touring bikes. If you're
looking for something a bit more sporty, the
BMW might be the bike for you, but I want com-
fort, so I want the Honda. CN
