I have spent the last 3 years searching for the best of the big touring bikes. You would think I would have started with the Wing, but most local Honda dealers are lousy about offering test rides, and I refuse to spend that kind of money on a bike I can't ride.
I started on a Harley Ultra Classic two years ago. Sweet ride. Classic looks. But not much power and it becomes a Hibachi at low speeds. Cooked me and the wife. Gone after one year and 5k miles.
Next up was the BMW K1200LT. Whew baby - acceleration! Sport bike-like in its HP delivery. However, very top heavy. Monstrous brakes - like Dad's old Cadillac. Very nice Sport Touring bike. But still didn't ring my bell - nor the wife's. Gone after one year and 10k miles.
Finally, I found a one year old Wing at a dealer that would let me take it out for a spin. Didn't take 10 miles before the wife and I knew we'd wasted two years. More power than the LT and made it down low like the Harley (enough torque to pull stumps). The 1.8 liter 6-cylinder engine is so smooth in its delivery of power; I can sometimes get it over 100 before the wife notices. It is comfortable beyond words. Mine has a driver's backrest and armrests for the wife. She has already fallen asleep back there at least once while riding the highway. I can honestly say after having ridden the BIG THREE that the Wing is without question the best (for me). Lots of power - delivered smoothly - and comfort to ride across town, or across country. My only caveat? My Wing doesn't have ABS. My next one will.
