Motorcyclist Mag, Touring Comparo, No BMWs

[BeeEmmUU]

Just picked up a Motorcyclist mag which I usually never buy to peruse the Touring bike comparison article. Why no BMW?

1. 2008 Gold Wing included but no BMW K1200LT.
2. 2008 Harley Ultra included but should have been the much changed and already available 2009 Harley Ultra.
3. 2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring included which seemed quite out of place with it's much smaller fuel tank (hit low fuel light at 110 miles) and no trunk.
4. 2008 Victory Vision included but again, no BMW K1200LT.
5. During the entire comparison test, there was absolutely no mention of any two-up riding being done.

I would love to see a true touring comparison of 2008 or better BMW K1200LT, Honga GL1800, and the 2009 Harley Ultra. I think I'll have to end up making the comparison on my own through the rental companies.

[bflemingor]

The ONLY magazine I've found that even mentions BMW's is Motorcycle Consumer News - that - and my total lack of interest in "sport bikes" - is why it's the only rag I still subscribe to.

[EastTexasRider]

"I would love to see a true touring comparison of 2008 or better BMW K1200LT, Honda GL1800, and the 2009 Harley Ultra."

I agree these three bikes best represent the true long distance touring market. However, I would probably have to add the Yamaha Royal Star Venture to the comparison if I'm going to include the H-D Ultra.

[royal]

In my opinion, comparison articles in the bike magazines are useless. Unless they start having real riders review the bikes under the conditions real riders encounter, they will continue to be useless. In this magazine article, the proof is in which bikes they chose to compare. No disrespect meant to Triumph, but that bike is a cruiser and not a tourer. Not having the LT in this comparison is just ignorant. And therein lies the problem. I'm not saying the authors of these articles aren't smart, or that they don't know motorcycles. But, they, consistently, show ignorance when it comes to topics that real riders care about, or what types of bikes real riders are interested in. Before I get flamed for sounding high and mighty talking about "Real" riders. What I mean by "Real" riders are people (In this case) who ride long distances for an extended period of time. You know, guys that tour. I'd love it if, just once, I read an article written by a regular guy, with no affiliation to a magazine or a, particular, brand of bike. And wrote about issues with the test bikes that mean something to the touring riders. I know, not likely to happen.

Roy

[BeeEmmUU]

I agree these three bikes best represent the true long distance touring market. However, I would probably have to add the Yamaha Royal Star Venture to the comparison if I'm going to include the H-D Ultra.

I agree. I'd include the RSV also if only they'd give up the four carburetors and join the fuel injection generation.

[Duane_in_Florida]

See this previous thread on the same subject:

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38769

[bflemingor]

Perhaps it's that BMW doesn't advertise (read "follow the money") in any of these rags?? That BMW sales are up by double digits, while both Hardley and Hunda's are down by double digits?? Hmmm. Then, while I can buy NEW '07 brand X's, there are few LT's in showrooms??

BTW, Victory's sales are soaring too - :rolleyes:

[BMWGS]

In my opinion, comparison articles in the bike magazines are useless.

Which is why I don't put any weight/stock in reviews.

Besides, for many owners, if their bike doesn't come out on top, its wasn't a good review anyways. Some people need that reassurance.

[TikTak]

I think it has a lot to do with the masses. How many GW,ultra...etc riders compared to the LT. The rag just wants the best bang for the buck.

MCN would give a totally different review.

John

[Flint]

I was surprised to see a large amount of Victory Visions around here during the Sturgis rally. On the other hand the first day of the MOA which was also here this year one of the organizers lost a rear end on a new R1200RT and had to be trailered back over to the dealer at Sturgis for repairs. I might wonder if there has been enough bad press about rear end losses that folks are looking around a little more for touring bikes? Honda caught a lot of flack on the frame issues but, they stepped right up and after a major fix on the issue and it has gone away. The 01 to 03 bikes were the main frame problems but I haven't heard of any later model GL's having a frame issue. Perhaps something can or will be done to eradicate the bearing failures in BMW rear ends and it too will all go away? Harley had to combat some bearing issues with the new twin cam engines too. My sons 3 month old Dyna glide is setting in his garage with a handful of shredded plastic inside the primary case that I think used to be the automatic chain adjuster for the primary chain. Thats gonna be a trip to Billings for a repair job there.

Gotta wonder if it's all advertising hype or there has been some chatter along the way and some folks just look at a certain group as up to the task? There is a lot of wings running around with way over 100,000 miles on them and no problems with them at all.


Denny

[rando]

And doon't forget, BMW has to supply the mags with test bikes. If they mag doesn't ask, or the company doesn't provide, they dang sure aren't going to buy one to test. But BMW is sending plenty of high zoot bikes to be tested. I think they are just leaving the LT out in the cold, since they don;t seem to be too fond of it.

I dunno. It was a shame to net even see a mention of it in that comparo, though.

Randy

[KMC1]

Hey guys, here is a magazine that I've started getting a couple months ago: Road Runner (http://www.roadrunner.travel/)
It's a decent mag that does comparisons of real world riding, although they do seem to go a little easy on the bikes compared to the more mainstream mags.
There's a good comparo of the RT vs the new Moto Guzzi Norge in the latest issue. Also a Buell Uly XT and some good rides described.

Hope you like it! :D