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Hello! Thanks for the GoldWing report. I read all said with much interest. Having lost my BMW R1150RT last August, due to a auto making an illegal turn, I have been searching for a replacement. I have been considering a Wing in my search? But having owned a Wing a looong time ago (1985 LTD) It sounds like all the same negatives I had with mine are being reported about the 1800? At 6ft2in sounds like I would be cramped with a passenger on back of the 1800? So thanks for the report guys really a big help for me!!
You probably would be cramped if you did not make some mods to it. Mine has hiway pegs/ more expanded foot rest. Also driver footboards & heel/toe shifter. I am able to change my position. I am adding pullback/risers to move the handlebars back & higher(I moved the handlebars on the Voyager also). I guess bottonline is, when you buy a motorcycle, you have to customize it to "fit" you..
Beemerrider, your conumdrum has me a bit confused. If I were given the choice between your Beemer and a GW, I'd take the Beemer. Of course, that is just my opinion, and I'm wondering why you are not considering another Beemer? In my opinion, comparing a BMW to a GW is like comparing a Ferrari to a (late 60's) Lincoln. There is just NO comparison!
Ride Safe & Sane;
Hank, the Grey Lady, & 'Lil'Putt'
Hank S, you really hit it on the nose. Lol, I keep thinking if I get another bike maybe I should go back to a more common ride. One with dealerships near home.
( and Speedball I hate to admit it, but getting older and last years crash has me with mixed feelings about another bike at all?)
So the confused ramblings are just me thinking out loud? I laugh because your really feeling my admiration of the BMW RT model over another choice? I know it sounds silly. Ive only had touring motorcycles and I've even searched the cruiser mkt? Haha! Ive struggled deciding weather to buy another bike or not! Sorry to confuse.
I haven't had any problems with the seating on the GW. I'm 6', 240 lbs. The back rest helps. I put the new Pathfinder LED head lights in it, they are actually designed for the lenses and really put out the light. Don't get me wrong, I really like the GW. The Voyager was so simple and everything worked together, you can get to things so easy, starter, alternator, breather ( takes about 4 hrs for the wing) battery, rear wheel comes off with 5 lug nuts, just get it high enough to roil it out. Tire wear is the same for both. They do make shims to adjust the handle bars up about 1 1/2" and there isn't anything for it that you can't get. Built in nav is nice. I still believe that if Kaw had keep making them with a few changes through the years they would be selling like the GW. I do know that you can't find any 2016 GWs on the floor, and they are still a lot of 2014s and 2015 on the floors, at least in this area. There hasn't been any changes, I guess that's why people aren't buying new ones.
Ride Safe
SD
Hank, maybe he is beginning to appreciate some of the comforts you get with a Lincoln vs the speed you get with a Ferrari. Some of us do.
But with the BMW RT, you get the best of both. Once I got rid of the stock seat, my RTs were better long distance bikes than my Voyagers. The new RTs are so nice that guys are trading in or selling their K1600GTs (closest thing BMW has to the wing) to get RTs.
Pathfinder, I added Saeng micro swirl edging to the windshield. It gave it the classic look of the R100RT windshield factory edging, while having deflecting air capabilities like a taller screen. I agree on the seat, it was the only other think I changed on the R1150RT. It was a comfortable ride after that. The distance for parts and service was always a pain for me. I did learn about the bike and did all maintenance myself. I still have the seat,a Corbin, grey with red piping, excellent condition, if you hear anyone needing one for their R1150RT give me a shout? I also have the side cases, great condition.
Beemerrider, I understand where you are coming from. After wandering afield (Triumph Rocket 3, Voyager 1700, Honda NT700V), I've come back to my dear old 2003 Voyager. I like the comfort and the wind protection versus the other bikes, and it is about 150lbs lighter and gets better gas mileage than the VTwin Voyager. I hope you keep riding, I'll be sorry to see you go!!
Ride Safe & Sane;
Hank, the 'Grey Lady', & 'Lil'Putt'
PS:If you want to go small & light, I'm planning to sell the NT this spring. It is NOT a BMW, however!!