Duel BMW K1600GTL Vs Honda GoldWing 2018: Cruising Face Off…
Forget Commander Stubing and his Love Boat. Rather, embark with Site for a cruise that is sometimes fun, sometimes rare, on the only two grand touring motorcycles with six-cylinder engines: the BMW K1600GTL and the 2018 Honda GoldWing Touring. On board !
K1600GTL Vs GoldWing – page 2: Preparation and boarding
Subject to discussion within the editorial staff of Site, the white color of our two test bikes can be accused of basic … but it at least has the merit of placing the K1600GTL and the GoldWing Touring on a footing of equality: this makes it easier to judge their lines.
Seen from the front and at first glance, the BMW imposes its presence while the Honda charms with its elegance: the first has an air of ample bodybuilding with its particularly convoluted fairing, the second takes the features of the, simplifies and amplifies them nicely..
Seen from the front still, the six-in-line tilted 55 ° forward is completely hidden by the white and metal gray fairing of the K16. The latter therefore seems more slender than the GoldWing, whose flat-six overflows abundantly on each side at the height of the front wheel axle..
In profile, the distinction between the "big" German and the "small" Japanese is accentuated: BMW side, there is a domed tank (26.5 liters Vs 21.1), a single-piece saddle which however generously raises the passenger, then an eccentric top-case while on the Honda side, the three elements are more aligned, like a custom.
Passing behind our impressive mounts – because they both command respect – there is no longer any doubt: the K1600GTL is like a large "European-style" road bike, decked out with massive suitcases and ‘a high top-case, while the GoldWing plays the card of the "American-Japanese" GT with much lower, integrated and immaculate storage spaces.
At MNC, the rear of the Honda is unanimous with its pair of tapered lights, its two stainless steel tailpipes with a worked look, as well as its mastoc rear tire of 200 mm. We just regret the disappearance of the third brake light, formerly placed on the "top-box" and reassuring when the traffic is loaded, thus limiting the view and attention of motorists.
Regarding the finish, the two manufacturers are fighting neck and neck and reach a very high level, but are not faultless. On the BMW for example, we remain silent in front of the gaping space that separates the tank from the saddle, especially when the latter is set in the high position..
On the GoldWing, it is the many trim elements in raw and black plastic that stand out compared to those painted gray or chrome on the K16. On the other hand, the Gold’s running boards attracted congratulations from the MNC jury, because they are as welcoming when unfolded as they are gleaming when stored! Other details still share opinions…
Thus, the small black buttons for opening the suitcases and the top-case on the Honda are infinitely more "Premium" than the large locks on the BMW. Conversely, the wheel mounted on the left of the K16 handlebars is more convenient than the one posted under the nose of the GL18 pilot … and not under one of his hands. !
At the end of this first round – static! – from the owner, it is therefore difficult to decide between the recent K1600GTL and the brand new GoldWing Touring 2018. Site has no time to procrastinate: you have to prepare the business and weigh anchor, direction Le Havre…
Germany 4 – 1 Japan
At this point, the game turns to the clear advantage of the BMW: once largely beaten by the GoldWing in terms of cargo capacity (the old Honda offered 150 liters of storage, the new only 110), the K1600GTL now clearly leads. on this ground, 4 helmets to 1…
The new Gold top-box only accepts one of our helmets (full size M and modular size L), while the BMW top box accommodates both without causing the slightest problem. The K1600GTL increases the score by housing a helmet in each of its suitcases, allowing a large bag to be accommodated in the top case…
If the capacity of the suitcases of the all new GoldWing is quite respectable, their convoluted shape prevents you from placing a helmet! With the new Gold, a single passenger can therefore enjoy breaks or walks with their hands free. Did you say incredible? It’s true.
The K1600GTL drives the point home when it comes to practicality thanks to its fully removable hardware: you can drop the suitcases and leave the top case on weekdays to go to work, then buckle them directly in your room on Friday evening before fixing them – easily. – on the motorbike for a weekend trip !
Honda officials may claim that GoldWing users rarely go more than two or three days from home, but they still deserve a little more attention. On the "Behème", the top-box is lit by a small LED and lined with carpet while neither one nor the other is found in the top-box of the Honda…
The large dashboards provide all the information you need for long journeys: fuel gauge, theoretical range and trips, tire pressure … On the other hand, only the GoldWing includes a GPS navigation system as standard! The K1600GTL is only "prepared" to receive the Navigator 6 box, billed at 832 euros (the BMW is then much cheaper than the Honda).
We regret that the beautiful 7-inch color screen of the new GoldWing is not tactile: entering a precise address in the GPS using the central "joystick" is a bit tedious. Likewise, validating with the "ENT" button on the left stalk is not very easy when wearing heavy gloves. At MNC, we prefer to handle the K1600 dial.
However, the ease of use of the BMW wheel has its limits: rightly convinced of the effectiveness of this ring which governs all the information, the German engineers have kept the shortcut keys to a minimum. There is only one to the right of the handlebars for motor mode, one to the left for trips, and four for the sound system on the left fairing..
On the Honda, the presence of direct controls to adjust the heating of the saddle or the handles, lower the volume of the radio or return to the on-board computer menu sometimes simplifies the pilot’s life. Accessories for some bikers, decisive for others, the reception of the smartphone and its pairing via Bluetooth are much more difficult on the Gold.
welcome aboard !
The large central storage compartment of the Honda can house the largest of today’s phones. Conversely, in the small storage space of the right fairing of the BMW – with protective foam, "bitte schon" -, only compact smartphones find refuge and can be recharged. A jack makes it possible to pass sound.
Small disappointment on the GoldWing yet equipped with the "Apple Car Play" function: MNC’s iPod nano was well recognized once plugged into USB, its songs even appeared with their information and images … but they could not be played! "What The Flute?" may cough fans of – the – apple brand !
The preparations thus made, Site settles – finally! – aboard motorcycles. Due to its very high passenger seat, the K1600GTL demands greater flexibility from the rider. Likewise, raising the BMW from the side or lowering it from the central requires a little more force..
MNC immediately reports that the two machines are relatively easy to post on their central stand delivered as standard: a little synchronization between the leg and the arms as well as a bit of tone are enough. Be careful though, before setting off, to have correctly positioned the motorcycles on their two paws: the BMW of 350 kg and the Honda of 379 kg are not handled "lightly". !
Handlebars in hand and feet firmly anchored to the ground thanks to reasonable saddle heights, the pilot would readily contradict the figures announced by the manufacturers: with his flat-six at ground level, the GoldWing seems lighter than the K1600GTL. The vessel’s lateral trim is easier and more restful to manage when maneuvering at Harbor car park.
The riding position is also more natural on the GoldWing: the lower and more forward footrests than on the K1600GTL bend the legs at right angles. The Honda’s handlebars, shorter and less curved, can be grabbed and handled more easily. The compactness of the new GL1800 gives it a more obvious grip than the old Gold, easier than the K16.
On the BMW, adults must place the saddle in the high position to gain comfort (they can also cheat a little by moving their feet as far as possible against the lower engine). The upper body is perfectly straight and the back is better against the generous backrest, but the more offset steering and the weight placed higher intimidate more at the start.
On one as on the other, the knees are very well received and the hands benefit from adjustable levers in spacing, to starboard for the brake as to port for the clutch. The butt, on the other hand, prefers the saddle of the German, more padded on the back and a little more flared on the front..
Before setting off "completely ahead" on the roads of Normandy, Site sets off for a few meters the reverse of the two liners. Noisier – the engine then turbine at 2000 rpm – the BMW backs up less jerky than the Honda. Despite their minor flaws, these assistances will be very appreciated by pilots. !
Conversely, hill start aids are considered gadgets: if in the car some drivers sometimes mix the three pedals, on a motorcycle the management of the two levers and the throttle does not generally pose any concern. MNC triggers the first report and you, dear readers, can click on page 3 of this duel !
Related articles
-
Duel BMW R1250RT Vs Honda GoldWing: New deal in Moto GT The new BMW R1250RT has just been released! To evaluate this 2019 novelty and its variable-timing…
-
Duel BMW K1600GTL Vs Honda GoldWing 2018: Cruising Face Off… Forget Commander Stubing and his Love Boat . Rather, embark with Site for a cruise that is…
-
Duel BMW R1250RT Vs Honda GoldWing: New deal in Moto GT The new BMW R1250RT has just been released! To evaluate this 2019 novelty and its variable-timing…
-
Duel BMW K1600GTL Vs Honda GoldWing 2018: Cruising Face Off… Forget Commander Stubing and his Love Boat. Rather, embark with Site for a cruise that is…
-
Duel Africa Twin Vs V85 TT: the Honda benchmark or the Moto Guzzi revival ? Moto Guzzi is relaunching in 2019 on the (all) terrain of trails with its new…
-
Duel BMW K1600GTL Vs Honda GoldWing 2018: Cruising Face Off… Forget Commander Stubing and his Love Boat. Rather, embark with Site for a cruise that is…
-
Duel Honda NC750S Vs NC700S: Honda gives you the choice The new Honda NC750S is very close to its predecessor NC700S, but only the 700 is accessible to…
-
Duel CB650F Vs MT-07: the traditional Honda 4-legged against the sensational CP2 Yamaha Attacked from all sides, the Yamaha MT-07 remains the benchmark…
-
All Duels – BMW K1600GTL Vs Honda Goldwing: 6-cylinder in-line or flat? – Expressway
BMW K1600GTL Vs Honda Goldwing: 6-cylinder in-line or flat ? In the clan of opulent road cars, the Honda GL1800 Goldwing is sovereign, at the same time…
-
Duel Honda CB1000R 2018 Vs Triumph Speed Triple RS: chic duo for shock duel Two new maxiroadsters land in 2018: the CB1000R, eagerly awaited by Honda…