Cycle World Comparison

[DaddyDukes]

Did anyone see the Cycle World comparison of Luxury Touring bikes in its latest edition? They rode the LT, Wing and Electroglide.

The only real complaints about the LT was feeling cramped in the saddle. But in the final analysis it came in second by a hair to the Wing. They were really positive about the LT and said it would be the top bike for someone with a more sporty riding style because the LT out handled both of the others.

Keith

[Jerrod Maguire]

Yeah, I saw it... and I thought they were too nice on the harley; they really only had the price to complain about. The LT is the "only" touring bike in my opinion because of it's ability to lean. That's what makes a motorcycle a motorcycle in my opinion and not a car.

[KBandit]

the also said the LT was more top-heavy ... a fair observation, as we all know.

i really like the way the GPS is integrated into the bike on the wing. i hope BMW takes this step one day soon.

[Dick]

On page 92, that pic of those bikes riding on ice!!!!! No way!! You talk about sending chills up my spine (no pun) - great beeg huge huevos, I do believe!! :eek: :eek:

[Jerrod Maguire]

What the magazine fails to state and riders tend to ignore: you fix the top-heavy quality of this large bike and you'll get less lean clearance in the angles and the lean angle will not feel as snug and precise either. Which will RUIN this touring bike! Straight lines are boring!

[GSinNC]

Did anyone see the Cycle World comparison of Luxury Touring bikes in its latest edition? They rode the LT, Wing and Electroglide.

The only real complaints about the LT was feeling cramped in the saddle. But in the final analysis it came in second by a hair to the Wing. They were really positive about the LT and said it would be the top bike for someone with a more sporty riding style because the LT out handled both of the others.

Keith

Yep .... and at 6'3" I can attest to the cramped part. Working on a seat upgrade !

[messenger13]

i really like the way the GPS is integrated into the bike on the wing. i hope BMW takes this step one day soon.If you carefully study the specs on the capabilities of the Wing's new GPS...you'll see where that unit is almost unusable if you're used to a Garmin unit. Silly things like...only being able to store ONE ROUTE at a time...and the route CANNOT begin and end at the same location (i.e. the average day trip that most riders take). Then there's the fact that the main unit takes up space in the trunk. Isn't that one of the reason us LT'ers remove the CD Changer? To GAIN space. I also like the simple fact that my Garmin 2610 is not proprietary to my LT. It goes with me...whatever vehicle I'm in, or on.

Otherwise . . . the truth of the matter is, I think I could be happy on either the Wing, or the LT. I just happen to like the LT MORE, and that's why BMW gets my money. Someday, I'll probably own a Wing.

[messenger13]

Yep .... and at 6'3" I can attest to the cramped part. Working on a seat upgrade !I too am 6'3". I used to have the Suburban Footpeg Relocation Kit installed. That is, until I lifted the rearend off the ground in the twisties of the North Georgian Mountains. Me, tmgs, and Belga1976 pulled over and removed them IMMEDIATELY! I sold them when I got back home...and haven't missed them since. I do keep the seat in it's higher position, but do not find the LT to be "cramped". Then again, I also ride a Ninja. :D

[rmg08057]

My impression from sitting on the Wing was that the bars were much closer to me than on the LT and I found it quite disconcerting, like steering with my hands in my lap. I'm 6'7".

[smithbs]

I read and enjoyed the comparison but one thing bothered me.

I typically enjoy Peter Eagan's observations and opinions. Peter knocked the riding position in the current article though. That is a fair observation except if you look at the previous months issue there is an entire spread of Eagan riding an 1150 RT up through Canada.

Having ridden both bikes I cannot remember much of a difference in the riding position, in fact they strike me as identical. I think "takes getting used to," would have been a more fair opinion by someone that owns and rides a BMW. The first 3K miles on this bike brought major stiffness to my knees but that it is not much of an issue any more.

Besides that one thing I thought they pretty much stated the obvious. The LT is smokin hot when put to nearly any road.

[hschisler]

If you carefully study the specs on the capabilities of the Wing's new GPS...you'll see where that unit is almost unusable if you're used to a Garmin unit. Silly things like...only being able to store ONE ROUTE at a time...and the route CANNOT begin and end at the same location (i.e. the average day trip that most riders take). Then there's the fact that the main unit takes up space in the trunk. Isn't that one of the reason us LT'ers remove the CD Changer? To GAIN spaceJoe, and others: don't forget that the Goldwing's integrated navigation system disables many features while you're rolling down the highway. In the interest of safety Honda's engineers decided you shouldn't be pushing all the buttons you might want to push -- which you can do with any unit you install on any bike. I have never used a GPS, but I have seen numerous threads (gl1800riders.com) discuss the fact that you can't reprogram, add waypoints, etc., while on the move.

[GSinNC]

Joe, and others: don't forget that the Goldwing's integrated navigation system disables many features while you're rolling down the highway. In the interest of safety Honda's engineers decided you shouldn't be pushing all the buttons you might want to push -- which you can do with any unit you install on any bike. I have never used a GPS, but I have seen numerous threads (gl1800riders.com) discuss the fact that you can't reprogram, add waypoints, etc., while on the move.

Good point but you can over ride all the Honda safety features. My buddy has a GL1800 Wing and had to do a lot of set up to allow the GPS to function as he wanted while riding.

[motorman587]

My impression from sitting on the Wing was that the bars were much closer to me than on the LT and I found it quite disconcerting, like steering with my hands in my lap. I'm 6'7".

Ditto, that. The wing I use to hit my knees in slow tight turns. Same with the Harley. Also with the LT I sit up straight, not slouched forward as on a wing and Harley.

I used to own a 01 wing and a 97 UltraGlide.

[FA50Flyr]

I've read that the Wing GPS doesn't display present speed, something I use regularly due to the inaccurate speedo on my LT.

[grifscoots]

Good point but you can over ride all the Honda safety features. My buddy has a GL1800 Wing and had to do a lot of set up to allow the GPS to function as he wanted while riding.

I had to disable the safety functions on a Pioneer doulbe din stereo/gps in la trucka. A good source to learn and for installing is http://www.the12volt.com/

[DaddyDukes]

I've got to agree with what Ralph said earlier; when I sat on a Wing I felt like the handlebars were all but sitting on top of my legs. Way to close for comfort.

I'm 6'3" and weigh 220. I've never felt confined or cramped on the LT.

Keith

[lurch102]

Me, too! I'm 6'6", 36" inseam, 240 lbs and climbing.

I had an '84 wing, my dad rode a 95 wing and just got an 05. My 84 wing fit fine once I removed the CB from the left side but my dad's '95 and '05 both smacked my knees on the fairing. All my HDs have had no fairing and most have had ape-hangers so there was no problem there. The LT's curved knee fairing area (with sub peg lowering mod) fits me wonderfully.

[hschisler]

Good point but you can over ride all the Honda safety features. My buddy has a GL1800 Wing and had to do a lot of set up to allow the GPS to function as he wanted while riding.That's excellent info. I wonder if the folks on gl1800riders.com know that? They all complain about the nav's "lockout while underway" operation.

[KBandit]

I'm 6'7".

remind me never to piss you off ....

[KBandit]

Joe, and others: don't forget that the Goldwing's integrated navigation system disables many features while you're rolling down the highway. In the interest of safety Honda's engineers decided you shouldn't be pushing all the buttons you might want to push -- which you can do with any unit you install on any bike. I have never used a GPS, but I have seen numerous threads (gl1800riders.com) discuss the fact that you can't reprogram, add waypoints, etc., while on the move.

i am no fan of big brother deciding for me what's safe ... but in this case i'd have to agree with those honda engnieers.

[dmatson]

I am 5'9" with short legs and the LT was cramped for me so I got the peg lowering kit and loved it. What Joe said when cornering has happened to me several times and scared me! Today I took the kit off and went for a ride, felt cramped again but I will see if I can get used to it.

[avonfloater]

What issue of Cycle World was it in?

[Jerrod Maguire]

The current issue.

What issue of Cycle World was it in?

[meese]

March 2006 issue. I still don't know why the magazines have to date themselves a months or two ahead of reality.

Just got done reading the article. As expected, the HD was comparatively simple and overpriced, the Wing had a great motor and decent handling, and the BMW was top heavy but really hustled along twisty back roads. The BMW and Wing came out pretty much equal overall, with slight advantages depending on your personal preferences and riding style. So nothing really new there.

[dshealey]

March 2006 issue. I still don't know why the magazines have to date themselves a months or two ahead of reality.

Just got done reading the article. As expected, the HD was comparatively simple and overpriced, the Wing had a great motor and decent handling, and the BMW was top heavy but really hustled along twisty back roads. The BMW and Wing came out pretty much equal overall, with slight advantages depending on your personal preferences and riding style. So nothing really new there.

The passenger complained of the seat back being too far forward. From the pictures, it is in the standard factory delivered position, which is forward.

I sent the editor an email telling them that this was probably the best and most fair evaluation I have seen of the Lux Tourers, and pointed out that if the top box on the LT had been in the rearward position the passenger may have had a different opinion.

[hschisler]

....I sent the editor an email telling them that this was probably the best and most fair evaluation I have seen of the Lux Tourers, and pointed out that if the top box on the LT had been in the rearward position the passenger may have had a different opinion.Thanks for "watching our backs" on the LT front. We need to spread the gospel. :thumb:

[davek100rt]

Come on! You know why the LT was second in the comparison. It is the best I've ridden. I have ridden all three. The LT is the best, well except for HP of the Wing. There are more Wings and HD riders than LT riders. It is numbers. We may never know the real score. Just thought I would throw in a bit of reality. Everyone would like the truth to be as it is presented to us, but lets be honest. Also, I am very fond of MY LT, and would not trade it, except for a newer LT.