Differences between RT and Goldwing

[Semper_Fi]

Just joined - new to the BMW as I am coming from a Goldwing.

 

Just wanted to get the impression from those that have RT's (currently waiting on delivery of a Blue 08 RT); how they compare with Goldwings.

 

I noticed significant handling ease on the road tests I took, but was looking for more in the daily driver, day tour perspective comparison.

 

Thanks

 

Luis

[OoPEZoO]

One thing is that you will now be able to go 80+ mph all day long and still get good gas mileage. I don't even pay attention to the gauge when traveling, I just fill up whenever nature calls or when I stop to eat.

 

My old man rides a goldwing 1500 and we travel together quite a bit. I've also ridden it on quite a few occasions. As comfy as it is, it is definitely a cruiser for taking it easy. The RT is happiest when exceeding the speed limit and attacking some corners......but still lets you cover those long distances in between the corners (Kansas - Ohio). I know the biggest thing that gets me when we are traveling distances together..........if we travel over 70-75mph (which is normal) he needs to stop for gas almost twice as much as I do.

 

My bike gets used mainly for daily transportation (600 commuting miles per week), and usually a 1-3 weekend trips of varies lengths to random places per year.

 

EDIT: by the way....welcome!

[Francois_Dumas]

Just wanted to get the impression from those that have RT's (currently waiting on delivery of a Blue 08 RT); how they compare with Goldwings.

 

 

Hi Luis.... they don't

 

[smiller]

Hi Luis.... they don't

And that's true... they really don't. It's common to assume that there might be a lot of similarities as they are both 'touring' bikes, but in reality they each have a very different personality. If you need to travel from New York to LA in four days then the Goldwing might be the way to go, but from a daily driver and day-tour perspective the RT is a much more involving and fun ride.

[T__]

Just joined - new to the BMW as I am coming from a Goldwing.

 

Just wanted to get the impression from those that have RT's (currently waiting on delivery of a Blue 08 RT); how they compare with Goldwings.

 

I noticed significant handling ease on the road tests I took, but was looking for more in the daily driver, day tour perspective comparison.

 

Thanks

 

Luis

 

 

Luis, they are different spectrum bikes.. I can’t say one is better than the other one.. Obviously the BMW is more fun to ride in the twisties but don’t let the size of the GoldWing fool you as those things can also corner with grace & ease in the hands of a competent rider..

 

The GoldWing (depends on year & model) has a more up right seating & has much better passenger seating.. On the other hand the newer BMW’s do seem to feel better at very high speeds (over 100mph)..

 

I personally have many motorcycles & included in the group is a GoldWing & BMW RT bike.. That GoldWing (older model) is my bike of choice for commuting in bad weather or if I need to haul around a lot of junk.. I have had as many as 5 bags of water softener salt strapped to that old GoldWing (try that on the BMW) & have even hauled 6-10 foot long 2X4’s home strapped to that old GoldWing (again try that on the BMW).. On the other hand if I am going to ride a lot of high speed freeway (I’m talking real high speed here) especially in heavy traffic or lots of lane changes then the BMW can’t be beat..

 

Keep in mind the GoldWing is a TOURING motorcycle & the BMW is SPORT TOURING motorcycle.. The difference is in the SPORT part of the touring..

 

As noted above the GoldWings are usually a gas hog & mine gets lower mpg than a typical modern car does.. The GoldWings I have owned are also tire hogs if ridden hard something I seem to do without really trying)..

 

Don’t let the handling of those old GoldWings fool you as it would take a pretty darn proficient rider on a BMW RT to keep up with my old GoldWing on a twisty road.. Now on top end the BMW will out pull the Honda by enough to run away after a few miles..

 

Truth be told I like them all.. Varity is the spice of life..

 

Twisty

[rbstone]

If you want to carry stuff, the RT has a load capacity of 520 lbs. The Goldwing just over 400 lbs (look it up). BMW publishes the load capacity, other makes don't.

Most of the Goldwings I see on the road are grossly over loaded.

[hopz]

IMO the differences revolve around weight...

 

The RT accelerates faster due to lighter weight. Handles easier at low speeds. Engages curves better and can be way more "sporting". Gets better gas mileage... etc

 

The Wing, has more comfort and overall more devices, padding, seating, etc and all that results in more weight.

 

I can think of the Wing as like a large SUV... and the RT as like a smaller crossover... Escalade vs Subaru or Mazda SUV. You can tour in both but the larger one is totally oriented toward comfort and ease. The smaller one works great as a tourer but can also get sporty right away.

 

Welcome on board.

[George Brown]

Welcome to the board and Semper Fi also!

 

I have no Gold Wing experience so no comments.

[Twisties]

IMO the differences revolve around weight...

 

The RT accelerates faster due to lighter weight. Handles easier at low speeds. Engages curves better and can be way more "sporting". Gets better gas mileage... etc

 

The Wing, has more comfort and overall more devices, padding, seating, etc and all that results in more weight.

 

I can think of the Wing as like a large SUV... and the RT as like a smaller crossover... Escalade vs Subaru or Mazda SUV. You can tour in both but the larger one is totally oriented toward comfort and ease. The smaller one works great as a tourer but can also get sporty right away.

 

Welcome on board.

 

Oh come on Bob, you need your coffee!!!! Sharon says you're just wishing your RT had 4WD so's you can get it out of the garage :-). I won't comment on the 'Wing, since I haven't ridden one, but I sure wouldn't compare the RT to an SUV of any size, unless your trying to push it around the garage! In my mind it's more like this:

 

Sport bike = Ferrari/Viper/Lamborghini

 

Sport tourer = Miata, S2000, Z4, SLK

 

Tourer (LT, 'Wing) = Cadillac, Lincoln, Rolls

 

Cruiser = an old Chrysler K-car w/the top down, or perhaps a Fairlane Station Wagon :-) (Sorry guys, I do own one)

 

Dual-sport = ? Subaru?

 

Jan

[keithb]

Welcome to the board Luis and congrats on your new RT. You are going to love it. Differences? How about 300 less pounds to start!!!

[David]

The RT accelerates faster due to lighter weight. Handles easier at low speeds. Engages curves better and can be way more "sporting". Gets better gas mileage... etc

 

As a counterpoint, this hasn't been my experience. In testing, the Goldwing accelerated faster than an RT and was better at low speed handling. The rest of the statement I agree with.

[smiller]

In testing, the Goldwing accelerated faster than an RT

Not sure what speed range you are referring to, but in the 1/4 mile the RT (any oilhead/hexhead vintage) is faster than the Goldwing.

[Bullett]

Nice to meet you, Luis. Welcome to the board.

[T__]

In testing, the Goldwing accelerated faster than an RT

Not sure what speed range you are referring to, but in the 1/4 mile the RT (any oilhead/hexhead vintage) is faster than the Goldwing.

 

Seth, maybe on paper but that isn’t my experience.. I work with a co-worker with an 1800 GoldWing & we sometimes leave together (side by side) & his 1800 GoldWing will trounce my 1150RT to about 100 MPH & then I will start gaining again.. If traffic will allow & we run out far enough I can catch him on top speed.. On a 0-60 standing start he will pull me by a noticeable amount..

 

Now I don’t know about the 1200 RT as that has more power than my 1150RT but it would have to be a fair amount more to catch that darn couch-on-wheels… On the other hand that 1800 GoldWing will also trounce my built Harley dresser but can’t hold a candle to my Ducati..

 

Twisty

[smiller]

Seth, maybe on paper but that isn’t my experience.. I work with a co-worker with an 1800 GoldWing & we sometimes leave together (side by side) & his 1800 GoldWing will trounce my 1150RT to about 100 MPH

Well that simulates a 1/4-mile run and funny that your experience is contrary to every written test I have ever seen. Then again maybe the tests were done on paper. I could see the Goldwing being faster in certain roll-on contests however due to the torque difference. With regard to a WOT speed contest though the Goldwing also doesn't seem nearly as fast as the RT (even an 1100) to my butt, although the bikes are so different that's hardly conclusive. A timed 1/4-mile course kind of is though...

[T__]

Seth, maybe on paper but that isn’t my experience.. I work with a co-worker with an 1800 GoldWing & we sometimes leave together (side by side) & his 1800 GoldWing will trounce my 1150RT to about 100 MPH

Well that simulates a 1/4-mile run and funny that your experience is contrary to every written test I have ever seen. Then again maybe the tests were done on paper. I could see the Goldwing being faster in certain roll-on contests however due to the torque difference. With regard to a WOT speed contest though the Goldwing also doesn't seem nearly as fast as the RT (even an 1100) to my butt, although the bikes are so different that's hardly conclusive. A timed 1/4-mile course kind of is though...

 

 

Seth, keep in mind that on a drag strip that traction is at a premium so the RT can launch closer to the GoldWing.. On the street with higher traction the GoldWing can launch more aggressively with very little front wheel lift where as I have to slip the clutch on the RT to control front wheel lift.. Probably a truer indication of true acceleration is from a slow roll & that 1800 GoldWing is king over my RT there..

 

Most published 0-60 or ¼ mile time is probably from a standing start on a dragstrip..

 

Maybe rider weight has something to do with it also as we both trip the scales at well over 91 kg’s.. Those Wings with a 6 cylinder engine have the advantage in the torque dpt..

 

 

 

Like I said above maybe the 1200 is a different horse but I don’t own a HexHead so can’t comment on that..

 

Twisty

[BFish]

welcome semper fi and you've just learned what makes this site tick. opinions and answers vary...so i guess if you take your moto to the drag strip often...oh never mind

 

once again welcome.

[smiller]

Those Wings with a 6 cylinder engine have the advantage in the torque dpt..

No doubt. From a slow roll a Goldwing might beat a CBR1000 (for a while) as well. Almost any bike can be faster than another depending on how you measure, it's the overall feel that counts and that is always subjective I suppose.

[hopz]

Twisties/Bullet- I've had my coffee now- feels better- you don't like my analogy of the RT to a crossover SUV? I still think it fits nicely... except for the 4 wheel drive thing. Carries lots of gear if you want it to, goes most anywhere, can travel all day in relative comfort, or go sporty at a moments notice.

 

If that dosen't work for you compare the target markets as defined by each manufacturer.

 

The opening statement on the Wing from Honda says..."Premium sound, cold-weather comfort features and Hondas patented, Flash-card-based Satellite-Linked Navigation™ System ... is there any place the Gold Wing Premium Audio, Comfort Package & Navi model cant take you, surrounded by luxury and performance"?

 

BMW says:

"For years, serious riders who want both performance and long-distance touring abilities have chose (sic) the BMW RT".

[T__]

Those Wings with a 6 cylinder engine have the advantage in the torque dpt..

No doubt. From a slow roll a Goldwing might beat a CBR1000 (for a while) as well. Almost any bike can be faster than another depending on how you measure, it's the overall feel that counts and that is always subjective I suppose.

 

Seth, that is a good observation.. I have ridden my co-workers 1800 GoldWing & after riding it would have bet the farm that my 1150RT would have beat it in a race as the RT feels much faster (well lighter & perkier anyhow).. Now seeing as it wasn’t my bike I didn’t ride it as hard as I probably could have but still it felt slower.. That 6 cylinder torque across the board is deceiving I guess..

My co-worker is also a very good rider & knows how to ride the innards out of that 1800 Wing..

 

Twisty

[smiller]

So Grasshopper, if a bike feels slower, is it slower..?

[T__]

So Grasshopper, if a bike feels slower, is it slower..?

 

Seth, I guess if you are out riding for fun then the bike that feels faster would be more fun.. If you were racing from 0-100 for money then I would want the faster bike regardless of feel..

 

From personal experience & owning both a GoldWing (not an 1800 though) & an 1150 RT I can say that if I haven’t ridden the GoldWing in a while it sure feels good to get in the saddle again & ride that bike.. On the other hand if I haven’t ridden the RT in a while it sure feels good to get on that again..

Now that I think of it, it feels good to get on any bike I haven’t ridden in a while..

 

One thing that is priceless is to get on an older large touring bike like the GoldWing & out ride some of the younger hot shoes on the newer sport-tourers or sport bikes,, especially if those same riders criticize your ride as a sofa-on-wheels..

 

Twisty

[David]

Seth, I was referring to real world testing out at Torrey. The Goldwing also has a higher top end speed than an 1150RT in sixth gear, but if you downshift to 5th gear, it'll slowly pull away.

 

Not scientific, by any means, but that's what I found.

[John Bentall]

Semper_Fi,

You have already decided that the RT is fast enough for your needs and handles a lot easier.

I am positive that the light weight will tempt you out much more than the Goldwing. Here in Europe an RT-sized machine is the largest commonly seen on two-week tours. Yes, there are lots of Gold Wing owners over in Europe, but the machine was designed for the USA.

It's perfect for daily riding - our police use BMW boxers all day every day as all the ST1300's have currently been grounded.

[smiller]

But would you prefer a Goldwing at Torrey? (Just kidding you, but you know that.)

 

FWIW I'm not trying to dis the Goldwing, it unquestionably excels in several areas. But for me 'fun to ride' just isn't one of them. Two-up is another story, and I know that was one of your primary considerations. I'm just in the mood to give you a hard time I guess.

[russell_bynum]

Seth, I was referring to real world testing out at Torrey. The Goldwing also has a higher top end speed than an 1150RT in sixth gear, but if you downshift to 5th gear, it'll slowly pull away.

 

Not scientific, by any means, but that's what I found.

 

Right...and compared to a K1200RS, the Wing was pretty even from a stop up to about 90mph.

 

I still remember accelerating at full throttle through first, grabbing second, glancing in the mirror, and having it FULL OF GOLDWING.

[smiller]

glancing in the mirror, and having it FULL OF GOLDWING.

Of course, that could also have been the case if it was 10 bike-lengths behind...

[markgoodrich]

Just joined - new to the BMW as I am coming from a Goldwing.

 

Just wanted to get the impression from those that have RT's (currently waiting on delivery of a Blue 08 RT); how they compare with Goldwings.

 

I noticed significant handling ease on the road tests I took, but was looking for more in the daily driver, day tour perspective comparison.

 

Thanks

 

Luis

 

Seems like most of the replies are oriented towards "faster" but your question was oriented more towards daily use and day trips. I put about 25000 miles on a GL1800, two up almost all the way, before buying the RT. The Honda was a pleasure to ride all day long, especially for my wife. Daily use in town was a slighly different story. As long as I was by myself, I was fine; but with my wife and luggage, the thing became a bit of a pig.

 

I sold the Goldwing for two reasons: it was really difficult for me (er, for my knees) to handle in stop/go traffic fully loaded for a trip, and the wind protection is so good, no matter how many windshields I tried, that the central Texas summer heat made me miserable. The former reason was the main reason. The latter is not an issue with the BMW; the electric screen is sufficient to both block wind and allow more wind to cool us in the summer.

 

I tried an FJR, but my wife hated it, and we rented an RT for a couple of days. It was acceptable to my wife for comfort, and I liked the lighter weight and somewhat better handling (yeah, yeah, but I don't ride the thing like my track bike) at road speeds.

 

There are some things I miss about the Wing: comfort is better, it's smoother, less tiring, but the RT is a better fit for us and our riding style, which I infer is similar to yours. We've been to Colorado and back on it, and once the seat got fixed, we're both happy. The seat for both of us was a problem, whereas the Goldwing seat was great.

 

You'll like the BMW, I bet.

 

Ours came with the BMW top box, by the way; if it hadn't I would have bought a Hepco Becker or Givi box; more room. The BMW box is not as big as the Wing's; bags are a little smaller, too, but we've managed to make the RT system work for ten day trips, so it's not like it's horrible.

 

HTH,

 

M

[David]

But would you prefer a Goldwing at Torrey? (Just kidding you, but you know that.)

 

No, I would definitely have preferred an RT. The limit on the Goldwing wasn't power, though, but braking (not enough of it, and I scared myself big time once) and cornering clearance (even hanging off, I'd have to lift my inside foot off the peg and let it pivot upwards about the hinge).

 

FWIW I'm not trying to dis the Goldwing, it unquestionably excels in several areas. But for me 'fun to ride' just isn't one of them. Two-up is another story, and I know that was one of your primary considerations. I'm just in the mood to give you a hard time I guess.

 

No worries. I deserve all of it.

[Wyn]

One is a BMW the other is a Hondapotimus!

[Semper_Fi]

First of all - thank you all for your valued opinions and comments.

 

With Mark's statements they are very close to our experience.

 

We got the RT for me and we are getting a very low milage ST (2005) for my wife. Currently having or I shoud say waiting to have Wilbers put on to drop it down a bit for a better fit.

 

Getting back to the reason of the switch was the size of the wing - we put 41K miles on it and had great times with it. But with my wife riding more and more on her own - the wing turned into a nice luxury bus sometimes as a single up day rider.

 

The RT felt like a rapier throwing it around - coming from over 900 pounds I guess anything is light.

 

The wing does have its merits and strengths - but can't wait for the RT.

 

Again - thanks for all the responses and welcomes.

 

Look forward to participating more on this board.

 

Luis

[dawn]

Haven't read all the posts so will likely repeat some. I had a GL1800 and now have an RT1200. Wing was more comfortable, better wind protection, handled better in the wind.

 

RT is lighter and much, much easier to handle in the parking lots. RT has a more sport oriented seating position but it is more modifiable than the wing in that you can lower the RT with shocks but not the wing. As well balanced as the wing is... the RT feels like an agile guided rocket.

 

of course this is all subjective (except the shocks part) so you may find the exact opposite... but I doubt it. Enjoy the new ride!

[TomfromMD]

Getting back to the reason of the switch was the size of the wing - we put 41K miles on it and had great times with it. But with my wife riding more and more on her own - the wing turned into a nice luxury bus sometimes as a single up day rider.

 

The RT felt like a rapier throwing it around - coming from over 900 pounds I guess anything is light.

Luis

 

After touring 2 up for about many years on a GL 1200 and then a GL 1500, we switched over to BMW roadsters (Z3, Z4) for our trips. So I decided to trade the Wing in on an '06RT and I love it. My wife feels it isn't as comfortable riding pillion and it won't carry all the stuff she needs to pack, but for solo riding of all types the RT is perfect - with the bonus of 50 mpg vs. 35 mpg on the Wing.

 

So given your circumstances, you definitely made the right decision - enjoy the RT & ST.

Tom

[Twisties]

Twisties/Bullet- I've had my coffee now- feels better- you don't like my analogy of the RT to a crossover SUV? I still think it fits nicely... except for the 4 wheel drive thing. Carries lots of gear if you want it to, goes most anywhere, can travel all day in relative comfort, or go sporty at a moments notice.

 

If that dosen't work for you compare the target markets as defined by each manufacturer.

 

The opening statement on the Wing from Honda says..."Premium sound, cold-weather comfort features and Hondas patented, Flash-card-based Satellite-Linked Navigation™ System ... is there any place the Gold Wing Premium Audio, Comfort Package & Navi model cant take you, surrounded by luxury and performance"?

 

BMW says:

"For years, serious riders who want both performance and long-distance touring abilities have chose (sic) the BMW RT".

 

I don't think we have very similar ideas of what an SUV is. But we'd best no hijack the thread... so another time.

 

Jan

[MAT2CHI]

The RT will be riding in the front and the Goldwing will be riding in back. On all the rides I have been on with my Goldwing riding buddy, he is always riding in the rear. If I was riding only on the super highways going from coast to coast, I might think about owning a Goldwing, but for everything else, the RT is the better choice, in my humble opinion of course.

[JustKrusen]

My R1200RT & GL1800 GoldWing comparison

 

I bought a new RT at the end of June ‘06. It has 16500 miles on it at this time. I agree with most of the comments above. Here are a few of my thoughts. Note that I ride a lot! 20,000 on the Wing so far this year. 98,000 on it since ’02.

 

1. The RT is a lot lighter than the Wing (1800) and has about 2X the suspension travel. There is no jarring of the handlebars that the Wing has. The RT does not need to control all of the extra weight so the suspension can be tuned much better. A much smoother ride than the Wing.

 

2. Wind management is also superior to the Wing. It surprised me by how much it's better. But to be fair I do have an aftermarket windshield on the RT (V-Stream). At 75 plus there is almost no wind noise on the RT after adjusting the electric shield up a couple of inches. There is also absolutely no helmet buffeting. This is all while still looking over the windshield. If I raise the shield all the way up I start to get hit in the back of the helmet with wind, but I don't like it up to max anyhow. Even my wife feels the difference. I rode for over 2 hours in the rain on the way to GA. I only got a little damp around the shoulders as long as I was moving. My legs never got wet but I could see water on my waterproof boots. It’s about the same on my Wing except that my back gets wet. I don’t get the back flow of air on the RT.

 

3. I tried both stock and low seats on the RT. Both pretty much sucked. The stock seat was comfortable until I started sliding forward. The low seat was much harder but at least I was not sliding around as much. My Sargent seat is a major improvement but not perfect. I was get a little sore about half way through the 3rd day. My RT has me sitting with a more forward lean than the Wing. I also have more weight on my arms. On the Wing all of my weight (160 5’8”) is on my butt and back. I’m starting to like the forward lean on the RT. On the Wing I must use the backrest (Utopia) all the time or my back will kill me. I did not see a need for back support on the RT so far. Maybe I’ll put a bag on the back seat in the future.

 

4. The stereo just plain sucks! For $1400 it’s almost useless on the highway. And a single disk CD player with no MP3 hookup, get real! I’m not sure what I will do about this. I’ll probably look into better speakers in the future. The AVC is also not as good as the Wing’s.

 

5. Mileage and range are in the RT's favor. With the same type of riding the RT will give me an extra 10 mpg. Along with the 7.1 gallon tank I usually go about 300 miles before looking for fuel. The Wing has me looking for fuel at 200. Wing 37-40. RT 45-48 @80. Wing uses 87 octane and costs about $10. more to go each 1000 miles.

 

6. You really know this is a 2 cylinder bike. The Wing wins in the smooth category hands down. But the vibes are not bad at all. On the interstate the bike is still very smooth, just no match to the Wing. There is some tingling through the grips at certain RPMs. They say it will get better as it gets more miles on it or after the service is done. Valve adjustments and throttle synchronizing seems to be critical on the RT.

 

7. Storage capacity is a little better on the Wing. The Wings saddlebag liners will not fit into the RT's bags. The trunks will be close. I can easily fit both of our full face helmets into the RT's trunk. It's almost impossible to get them into the Wing's. All of the RT's bags come off the bike and have carry handles on them. They pop on and off with just a turn of the key. I'm going to like this feature. Riding without any bags on the bike make it feel like a much smaller and lighter sport bike. Seeing that I plan to use this bike mainly for one up traveling the smaller bags will not be a problem.

 

8. Top speed goes to the RT. But the 1800 just does not feel like it’s moving that fast when over 100.

 

9. Both bikes are a blast in the twisties. The Wing is more forgiving and feels smoother. I actually feel that I’m faster on the Wing than on the RT. Problem is that the Wing runs out of ground clearance when really pushed. 2 up the Wing feels much more planted than the RT. Running the same pace the RT seldom touches a peg, which I really like.

 

Over all I really like both bikes a lot. If I could only have one bike for me and my wife it would be the Wing. For one up I would own the RT. My wife is much more secure on the Wing especially under hard braking and peg dragging twisties. Both bikes have more power; brakes and handling than most people will ever use. The best part of the Wing is sneaking up on the sport bikes and passing them on a twisty road. It’s more shocking to them than doing it with the RT!

[KDeline]

Apples and oranges....

[effexer1]

My buddy rides an 1800 Gold Wing. He has to stop for gas more often than I, and while he is gassing up I can go in and get lunch. Then we head out together, and he makes lunch and washes his dishes while riding. I tease him a lot, but the GW is quiet, comfy, smooth, powerful, and can surprise you in the twisties. But I'll take the RT anytime! It's just more "fun"!!

[Semper_Fi]

Ed - nice post - one thing you may consider (if you haven't already) is swap out the stock suspension front and rear - with a set up from Traxxion Dynamics.

 

It totally changed the bikes handling and response for both single, two up and two up towing trailer.

 

It does away (permanently) with Honda's attempted anti-dive and brings out the full capability of the rear shock.

 

link is www.traxxion.com if interested.

[TowJam]

I've owned both an '06 RT and '07 GL1800. No doubt about it, the Wing is smooth, deceptively fast and handles much better than its size would suggest. It also has some of the most comfortable ergos (for my 5'6" size) and passenger accommodations of any bike I've ridden. The stereo was top notch, heat management wasn't a problem and with the optional lower vents, I could direct engine heat on to my lower legs in cooler weather. In short, it was very much like riding a two-wheeled luxury car.

 

That's why I prefer the RT and no longer own the Wing.

[JustKrusen]

I have thought about Traxxion suspension but decided it's not worth spending 2 grand on it. I put Progressive springs and shocks on my bike and like the way it rides and handles. The lack of ground clearance works to keep my speed in check a little. I know if I had more clearance I would just ride faster. As it is I seldom have anyone sneak up on me from behind. And if they do they're riding a sport bike much faster than I want to do on the street.

 

I'm still getting use to the RT in the twisties. I've only had it to the mountains 3 times. Not many places to practice down here. I like how light and flickable it is. Getting a peg to touch tends to get my speed way up beyond what I think is prudent. But being as light as it is it just does not feel as solidly planted as the Wing. It doesn't bother me but it just something I noticed. At least when I take the RT to the mountains I don't have to get my boots resoled.

[Semper_Fi]

Speed Nut - now I rememeber where I have seen that moniker - your posts on the Goldwing board.

 

Small world!

 

Can't wait for this winter crap to go away so i can take delivery.

 

Ride safe and often

 

Luis

[JustKrusen]

Sure is!

[Bud]

Nothing to add here but welcome. Glad to have you here.

[Semper_Fi]

Thanks - appreciate the welcome

[HexHead]

[Keep in mind the GoldWing is a TOURING motorcycle & the BMW is SPORT TOURING motorcycle.. The difference is in the SPORT part of the touring..

 

 

The RT may be a sportier TOURING bike than the Wing, but it's not a SPORT-TOURING bike.

[Mister Tee]

[Keep in mind the GoldWing is a TOURING motorcycle & the BMW is SPORT TOURING motorcycle.. The difference is in the SPORT part of the touring..

 

 

The RT may be a sportier TOURING bike than the Wing, but it's not a SPORT-TOURING bike.

 

I'm not sure I would completely agree with you. Having ridden "sport touring" bikes such as the FJR and the ST1300, I would have to say that the RT is defiantly more in the "sport" class. Certainly not the power class, but it excels in handling compared to both of those, and it has enough power that on the twisties, a really good rider can spank an average rider on a sportbike. I'm starting to have a lot of fun with this thing.

[TowJam]

Remember this motorcycle.com sport tourer shootout? The RT spanked the ST1300, FJR, VFR and Uly.

[HexHead]

Remember this motorcycle.com sport tourer shootout? The RT spanked the ST1300, FJR, VFR and Uly.

 

And Cycle World gave BotY nods to the RT several times in the "Touring" category, not Sport-Touring.

 

I'm sorry, but I can't consider any bike with that much fairing and sit up and beg riding position a sport touring bike.

 

Then again, I ride an R1200ST, so you should know what I mean.

[Mister Tee]

Remember this motorcycle.com sport tourer shootout? The RT spanked the ST1300, FJR, VFR and Uly.

 

And Cycle World gave BotY nods to the RT several times in the "Touring" category, not Sport-Touring.

 

I'm sorry, but I can't consider any bike with that much fairing and sit up and beg riding position a sport touring bike.

 

Then again, I ride an R1200ST, so you should know what I mean.

 

I hear you, but the RT actually has less fairing (side plastics, not front) than my Suzuki sport bike. And last Sunday on a local riding trail of ours, Salmon Falls Road, I managed to spank an amateur on an R6 through the curves. Granted, I couldn't pace the competent riders, but I could do surprisingly well.