2018 Honda Gold Wing Tour vs. 2018 BMW K1600 Grand America | On Two Wheels
1,741,092
Published 2018-08-27
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The problem with testing touring motorcycles is mindset. Everyone who reviews a Honda Goldwing, or any other mile-crushing machine on the market, always answers all of the questions that they think a consumer would have. Just about every time, the consumers are presumed to be boring baby boomers or someone who only cares about luggage capacity and seat width. Some people do it better than others, but it’s still kind of an unfair stereotype of a certain group of owners.
Yes, it’s true, yellow Gold Wings almost always have one of those stuffed yellow M&Ms strapped aboard for some reason. We can’t ask why, and it doesn’t help to wonder. It just is. The point being, these aren’t just data sponges who want the facts and nothing else, these are people—war veterans, business owners, parents, grandparents, and probably a few more veterans. These are riders who have earned the right to be comfortable and to have exactly the amount of wind in their hair that they please.
People want the motorcycle that best suits them, but they also want to be reminded of what it feels like to ride. Of the laughs that can be had on a hot and desolate road. Of the moments that only a motorcyclist can experience. What good is a standard touring test? It’s useful, I’ll grant you that, but what about the people who want a touring bike for all of the ways that it will help them feel alive? For them, we made this video. A road trip with all of the machines’ capabilities tested, without forgetting that motorcycles are fun.
Full story here: www.motorcyclistonline.com/2018-bmw-k1600-grand-am…
Specs:
2018 Gold Wing Tour
Base Price: $26,700
Displacement: 1833cc
Claimed Wet Weight: 838 lbs. (380.11 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 5.55 gal. (21.09L), regular unleaded
Measured Horsepower: 97.85 @ 5,550 rpm
Measured Torque: 108.4 lb.-ft. @ 1,210 rpm
Wheelbase: 66.7 in.
Luggage capacity: 110 L (down from 150)
2018 K1600 Grand America
Base Price: $23,545 (PRICE AS TESTED: $27,015)
Displacement: 1649cc
Claimed Wet Weight: 802 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 7.0 gal., premium unleaded
Measured Horsepower: 136.8 @ 8,000 rpm
Measured Torque: 117.0 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Wheelbase: 63.7 in.
Luggage capacity: 123 L
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All Comments (21)
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Just watching the 2-up laps made me nervous, I couldn’t imagine sitting on back during that. Balls of steel gents, we’ll done and I’m glad you both made it out alive.
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god my heart was beating just by watching the laguna seca part. passenger racing on luxury tourers should be a legit motorsport, definetly exciting. do this at isle of man next time
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The most impressive part of the test is the microphones!
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-What's a litre anyway ‐1000 mil Lmao
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The fact that these new tour bikes are so capable that they inspire a track lap says a lot about how good this segment has become!
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Can't wait, sales person slaps the saddle bags this baby can store so many geckos!
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How people measure luggage capacity Everybody: Liters American: geckos
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It's still the Goldwing all day ever day for me. That comfort and the incredible flat six torque curve just can't be beaten.
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Honestly guys, you are by far the best motorcycles related channel on youtube, these videos are so much fun.
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I currently ride a '15 BMW r1200RT, but after riding the 1600 Beemer I have decided to go with a '21 GW DCT model. My ratioinale: back up assist gear, and also a lower CG. I am only 5'8" and 145 lbs, so the reverse gear, at my age (68) is now a necessity. I think BOTH of these bikes are fabulous, but the Honda is simply a better choice for me at this time in my riding life. THANKS for such a wonderful video !!
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That was amazing! The absolute best testing I've ever seen! Two around Laguna Seca, you couldn't pay me enough to be the passenger.
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These guys are amazing. The chemistry, the madness :) Loved this episode.... one of the best motorcycling shows. The humor... guys, just keep doing and enjoying this... Thumbs up!
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On Two Wheels is by far my favorite thing on YouTube. Funny, informative, creative, and you two, Zack and Ari, are absolutely perfect for the job (videographers, photographers, and editors are awesome too, lest you be forgotten...). The whole thing just has the right feel to it; it’s a little like top gear, but more kind-hearted, and you guys always look like you’re having a blast. To top it off, both of you are excellent riders (and racers)... the reviews are so much more interesting than just numbers and features lists. A shame that there doesn’t seem to be the budget to have longer episodes like this on a weekly (or bi-weekly, I don’t know how much time it takes to produce an episode, but guessing it’s not a quick process) basis. Anyhoo, keep up the good work!
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27:30 long video, was hesitant to watch the whole thing. After the fact I wish it was a full hour now. Great watch!
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You guys made my morning so lovely, especially in this Corona time
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I have had my K1600 B (for bagger) Grand America a week and put 1K miles on it. I looked at the Honda, but was so happy with my ‘06 1200RT Boxer that I stayed with BMW. I also had a “flying brick” K1200 LT before that! This is my best, unnecessary, extravagant, most outrageous motorcycle purchase yet. It’s so much more than the review suggests. The electric windscreen, side vents, keyless start, central locking, alarm, Bluetooth, Sirius, electric Reverse, the auto up/down shift feature (like paddles), the “on the fly” dynamic/road/rain suspension and traction control, the ABS Pro brakes that take lean angle into account (!), the Zenon angel eyes adaptive headlight, the road/Fog lights, all LED tail stop and directional, .... tire pressure monitor.... engine guard/floorboards... mine has every option but the forged wheels. I ride daily, year round in NV. It’s just an incredible bike; I prefer it to the GTL, as the rear passenger height is 3” lower, because the bagger rear is redesigned. About 39-41 mpg running “hard” on interstate and city combined. I’m a happy owner! 741 lbs dry. Just buy one. 😎
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Great banter, great bikes, great scenery, great roads, great fun - thanks, guys! I'm still undecided, however..... More, please 👍
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Hahaha... I was laughing out loud when you crazy bastards were on the track. One of my favourite video of the series!
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This is probably the best one yet. I could have happily watched this for an hour. Great stuff guys ❤️
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Great video, you guys were having so much fun and at the same time educating your viewers about these particular bikes, I enjoyed that so much.
