I Think I'll Keep Her

[deanwoolsey]

First the Disclaimer:
I have nothing against Goldwings. In fact I think for the money spent and considering the vast dealer network the Goldwing is probably the best motorcycle available today.

With that said, today I was drawn to the dark side. I had to pass by the Honda dealer coming back from buying an air filter. I couldn't resist. I had to see one first-hand. I had to compare.

When I straddle my LT I look down and see sexy curves, shiny paint, flowing lines, no cables, no wiring. BMW did an outstanding job building my mistress. This machine is the Hillary Swank of motorcycles.

So in I go, spying the 2009 1800 Goldwing in red. Not bad looking. Not an LT but certainly not ugly. Then I sat on it. Then I looked between my legs. OH MY GOD!!!!!!! 20 minutes ago I was straddling Hillary Swank. Now I'm on top of Hillary Clinton. Functional? Sure. Sexy? No. Pleasing to the eye? No. Damn, did I get drunk last night and just wake up?

So here's the dilemma; do I keep Hillary Swank or do I trade her for Hillary Clinton? ;)

[Rock1098]

:rotf:

I'll stick with the LT at least until Honda updates the GW. I've heard that in 2010 an updated GW will be introduced. We shall see...

[wrmoss]

So in I go, spying the 2009 1800 Goldwing in red. Not bad looking. Not an LT but certainly not ugly. Then I sat on it. Then I looked between my legs. OH MY GOD!!!!!!! 20 minutes ago I was straddling Hillary Swank. Now I'm on top of Hillary Clinton. Functional? Sure. Sexy? No. Pleasing to the eye? No. Damn, did I get drunk last night and just wake up?

My wife agrees with you ref. the GW...only in a kind of different way though! :rotf:

[DarkMeister]

:

With that said, today I was drawn to the dark side.

Damn. *That* close....

[living_free]

Gee, Hillary Swank vs. Hillary Clointon? You even have to ask?

So I am not the only one that finds Hillary Swank gorgeous?

[hschisler]

... 20 minutes ago I was straddling Hillary Swank. Now I'm on top of Hillary Clinton...That is hilarious, and very clever. :histerica

Bike-wise, some people can turn a blind eye to appearance - in favor of performance, comfort, price, features, dealer network. Please note: I am not saying the GW has these and the LT does not. Whatever bike works best for you is the one you should go with.

[Steve_R]

Howard let me help you out here.

That is Hillaryous, and clever.

[rattler50]

The local Honda dealer let me borrow a GW before I bought the LT. I didn't like it. It may have more roll on power and torque but it's not an LT. There is nothing I have found to compare to the LT. And it's very personal what you put between your legs. A bike is more than a vehicle. That's why you don't loan it out................ :D

[new02oldlt]

I've owned an LT then a GL1800 then another LT. That's the summary. Notice the sequence. I personally did not like the GL very much. They both have many strong points, and many of these points are stronger than the other. I just could never get used to the skinny center section of the GL1800. Below is a list of attributes and negatives for both
GL1800:
1) Silky smooth and powerful (Superior) motor that runs on 87 octane.
2) Very strong multi-disc wet clutch
3) Exceptional overall reliability.
4) Factory GPS/Display was pretty nice.
5) Awesome Headlights.
HOWEVER
1) Skinny centersection felt like a moped.
2) VERY Clunky gearbox....absurdly so.
3) Flimsy plastic feel and fit...especially the trunks.
4) Lacking passion.

K1200LT:
1) Superb Styling, Feel, and fit. Great controls. Like the BMW paddle turn signals.
2) Great handling at speed.
3) Very solid trunks.
4) Smoother Gearbox
However
1) Clutch Reliability Issues (Mostly slave cylinder leaks)
2) BMW needs to learn from the Japs, and get away from the pricier fuels. There is no justification for not doing so. If the Japanese make Sportbikes with 160+HP and High Compression ratios, yet run on a factory recommended 87 Octane, I'd like to here BMW's truthful/ logical reason for the high octane recommendation.
3) Sorry / Dated headlight. "we made improvements by going zenon" Yeah what ever BMW....you need to catch up, and stop trying to push excuses onto a group of people that see right through them.

All said and done...I'm still sold on the K1200LT...it is the better bike overall...In my opinion.

1)

[harrowbmw]

A GW...yeah right!

[SilverBuffalo]

There is nothing I have found to compare to the LT.
And it's very personal what you put between your legs.
I have to agree with the above statement,
besides that, the "Swank" model just looks faster!

[DarkMeister]

Good pic, Hans. Clearly proves what was said further up (very solid trunks).