Did I make a mistake? New BMW K1600 v New Honda Goldwing

Did I make a mistake? New BMW K1600 v New Honda Goldwing: Having ridden these two bikes extensively I feel it's time for a comparison - Spoiler alert: I'm bracing myself for all the claims of bias on this one but to be fair I was faced with this choice myself last year and, well, you may know what I opted for.....ADDENDUM: I said the central locking doesn't lock the panniers and top case, it does....my bad!

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My current motorcycles are:-
BMW R1200GS
Ducati 899 Panigale
Triumph Speed Twin
Royal Enfield Custom 650 Interceptor
Honda GL1800 Goldwing Tour DCT (Airbag)
Suzuki GSXS215 (OK, that's the Mrs bike!)

Please be aware I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way in motorcycles or anything else. I'm just an ordinary biker like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party....the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.

[sqward]

My k1600 has central locking for panniers and the top box.

[MrLencar]

I’ve owned five Goldwings since 2013 and loved all of them. The last was a 2020 DCT Tour. I’ve always lusted after the K1600GT. I never have a pillion as the wife doesn’t ride with me. I was diagnosed with cancer in June of this year and had sold my 2020 Wing and bought a sports car but it seemed my son drove the car more than I did so I sold the car. Just as I was starting my chemotherapy my wife told me to go buy a bike as she knows its my passion and stress reliever. So off I went to satisfy my curiosity and bought a brand new 2022 BMW K1600GT. Both bikes have their virtues. I loved my Goldwings and I truly love the handling and power of the GT. My belief is you can’t go wrong with either bike if you’re wanting a big touring scoot. I don’t find the BMW that hard to move around but I’m also 6’1” and 250lbs so its not an issue moving either bike. I do like the fact that the panniers are removable on the K bike as it makes winter storage much easier for me in the garage. If I had to buy another bike today I don’t honestly know which one I would choose. I do know I’m very happy with the K bike and have always loved my Wings. So there you go. I’m no help at all if you’re in the market. On a positive note my recent CT scan indicated I am currently cancer free. Many more regular tests required in the coming years buy I’m optimistic I have many years more riding ahead of me.

[jameshales]

At 67 years old, I wanted a bike that was more Cruise-Touring and less Sport-Touring, so I bought a 2023 Goldwing Tour DCT in July, I've have bike my entire life and this is the best MC I've purchased. I love the low CG and DCT.

[davidphayman]

It's a simple enough decision, GW for a more relaxed touring environment and the K16 if you prefer your touring with a sporting bent. Both are incredible bikes to ride, im currently riding a 22 MY K1600GT and absolutely love it.

[BigDaddySam]

I've both MC, a 2018 Goldwing with DCT with an airbag. A 2020 BMW K1600 GTL with the 719 option. Both bikes are wonderful bikes for different reasons. The K1600 is a beast with that 160hp six cylinder engine, which I added a stage 2 kit. Took it to the dyno and got 168mph and still had more to go. The buffering issue on the Beemer is real, my solution was to remove the top case. Completely different MC with the top case removed, the Beemer is more about sport touring. One item which was not mention in the comments was the shift assist on the K1600, a whole completely different animal than the DCT. I smile every time I get off that K1600. Now as far as touring for long distance you can not beat the Goldwing DCT. The comfortability of that Goldwing is unmatched. Once both seats were changed to Russell Day Long seats. I pulled a Bushtec trailer fully loaded to California with that DCT on touring model. I didn't realize the trailer was behind me, unless I looked in the rear view mirror. I love both bikes, one for sport touring and the other for comfort and touring. The goldwing does have the most mileage, just my point of view.😎

[coot]

I don't often add comments to youtube vids, but this review is a clinic in how to do a review. I feel you hit so many practical parts of riding/ownership. Also well done on keeping your bias in check towards your own GW. The whole review was as balanced as a GW at highway speed. As someone that is looking to possibly make a move from a touring cruiser to one of these two bikes, this is the most informative review I have seen.

[SsgtHolland]

That Goldwing is a thing of beauty, I love the blue color, but also the look of the engine and the instruments.

[SuperDusty]

Your review is spot on in all categories. I own both of those bikes and I choose to ride my Goldwing DCT 80% of the time.

[jamesfisher]

Andy, great video. Love the editing between bikes, made it very watchable and easier to compare. My take for what it’s worth would be if you’ve come from a sports bike background or performance is all important the K1600 has performance and handling that no other large touring bike can live with, however the Goldwing is the more refined and luxurious bike with the lower centre of gravity, heated pillion backrest, damped pannier opening etc.

[youwhatnow]

I love touring solo on my K1600B but for two-up riding I'd pick a full tour Goldwing with DCT. Both superb machines so no bad choice available.

[davidozburn]

One of the biggest maintenance costs on a GW is replacing the air filter. Depending on where you go, it is 700$ to 900$. Was going to do it myself but it is an 8 hour project with hand tools. Got rid of HD and GW because of exhorbitent costs of ownership. Looked into BMW. The R18 for me is more practical. Wait till you have to pay for valve adjustments on the K1600. Love the way both the GW and K1600 handle. Maintenance costs are prohibitive for most people. Just show the invoices to your wife!

[marcoluoma]

Thanks for a good comparison. A point you didn't touch on is dealer experience. As a lifelong Honda guy I was shocked when I took my GS in for service. The service intervals are shorter and exponentially more expensive, e.g., $135 oil change on my Honda vs. $400 (not a typo) at the BMW dealer. (I spent $60 on parts and did it myself.) I bought the BMW only because in '18 the Africa Twin didn't have cruise control. I like the GS but probably won't buy another BMW.

[schzx]

I know this is an old review but it’s the best review/comparison I’ve seen in a long time. Great job.

[pedromiguelareias]

For me and other old folks, between the two, we'd pick the intermediate R1250RT 🙂

[State]

Loving the back and forth you did with this video, must have taken some planning. Well done mate!

[JBond]

If I could afford it I’d go for the Honda Goldwing. I have the Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT and love the love. Great review. 👍

[MarksGarage]

Thanks for another nice review. I have owned both and know first-hand what works best for in my garage is the second Gold Wing I have owned. It is a 2024 Gonda Gold Wing Tour DCT in Pearl White with Black and Red accents. (Just delivered last week). My first was a 2018 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT in Pearl White. Here are the features that make the Honda Gold Wing a win. 1. DCT Transmission. Amazing technology that even the current Chevrolet Corvette now utilizes! 2.The combined braking system is excellent. 3. Overall controls for managing a ride. This includes the switchgear and radio. 4. The flat six engine is amazing and helps keep the CG low. While the Oil change is a little more detailed with the DCT, I take my time and enjoy the process. 5. Warranty-like the BMW, not many manufacturers provide 3 years as standard. 6. Confidence-I feel great riding this bike...and my wife really enjoys riding with me. Thank you, again. (Mark-from Plymouth, WI)

[Kushmosha]

Don’t forget the reliability definitely, the Goldwing wins supremely

[mtkoslowski]

I had a Gl1800 Goldwing for 16 years and I loved it. Unfortunately I haven’t ridden the BMW so I find your comparative road test very useful. What I do want to say is how remarkably fortunate you are to be able to enjoy motorcycles in the very beautiful English countryside.
We also have aviation in common; I earned my license in 1979 and was a bush pilot flying in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Cheers!

[davidwhittaker]

I had the choice of either bike a while ago and test drove both and was very impressed by the wing just on its touring capabilities alone the BM was just as comfortable but I thought a lot more sporty in the end I ended up with ……BMW1200RT which for solo touring ticked all the boxes and saved me a few thousand 💷💷. Excellent review love the comparison with the editing