Jim, glad to here the new bike is working out for you! I was so close to doing the same thing you did ( buying a GW) but after the software update the RT is doing much better. I do tend to ride more sport touring 😉 on 2 lane roads. Best wishes my friend!
Interesting. I really can't summon the energy for the 'dedicated phone' faff (cost) and want to stick my trusty TomTom Rider on mine :) I only need nav comms, don't take calls or listen to music and I own it and my Cardo solo so don't see the point of adding complexity. Cheers
As there are very few out the box two up tourers and GW somewhat heavier I had no choice but to go BM one up it would not have been a thought.I really do love my RT but as you say hoping it does not break down.So the devil I have hope does not wake up.one up would be NT but again do so love the telilever front anyway not long g and they will only be electricbarely make it round the block so willnot have far to walk when they brake down ,go flat or change station not working
RT and GW are both great bikes, and do the same job, just in different ways. A good RT is the best of the two, but never having had a reliable BM, mu choice is the Honda and six months and 4k miles, not a peep of a problem.
Thanks for your straight talking and balanced commentary. I believe your comparison is valid and very relevant as you have used the two bikes for the same purpose and more or less in the same way. Like yourself I have unfortunately had a very similar experience, frustration and disappointment with my 2022 RT, specifically the TFT/NAV/Connectivity. My dealer has been great and and in an attempt to solve my problems has installed every software update as and when it became available, the last being 3-4 weeks ago. Even after the last update TFT/NaV connectivity remains unstable and unreliable to the extent that very time I use the Nav/Connect App some aspect of its performance will fail, the map may fail and not reconnect, the audio may drop out, after a stop for fuel the app will not reconnect or music audio would become faint. While the connectivity is my main issue when the system is working, as brief as this often is, the Nav functionality is woefully less capable and less user friendly than most dedicated Nav devices. A trip to Starbucks it can handle but anything more complex it either can't handle or is very clunky to achieve and probably requires you to stop and release your phone from its prison.. Since the beginning of my RT experience I have used a Garmin Zumo XT. It is stable, it works and it is functionally rich. It delivers an experience that the BMW Nav/Connect App should have reliably delivered from day one. The TFT/Nav/Connect App combo is now 5+ years old, more than enough time to get it right. It's a real shame as the RT is a great bike ride but as a long trip touring bike it is critically let down by its Nav/Connectivity.
One more advantage of the Goldwing over the RT... you can download and install updates to the TFT display / entertainment / navigation system yourself. :)
Yes, mine says 39.9 ,pg but I am getting 225 miles to a tank, riding 200 and filling 15 litres, so I reckon it is nearer 45mpg. getting better with miles as well
@@HighlandRider yes that’s about right 👍 gets a bit bitter over 5k when it’s all free from run in , I’ve had min just over a year for pleasure riding and I’m really enjoying the bike , very different to anything I’ve had before
Thank you for the video. I ride a 2019 1250rt , I took the bagger for a test ride , I liked it but found it a bigger bike and not as much fun, it's designed for long straight roads, where the rts home is more uk style sweeping 'A' roads. I really wish honda would make a replacement for the pan European with dct, that would be my bike
Al to to agree with Glenn. The RT is more agile, but I live in the Highlands so all my roads are twisty, some long and bendy but some real tight and narrow, and I find the GW as much fun, just in a different way. THE GW is much heavier, a bit of a Queen Mary so you approach rapid riding in a different way. For pure fun on the twisties, the Ducati 848 I tested was the best, but I couldn't live with the neck ache.
No Nav is perfect and that includes the GW. Watch MissendenFlyer's Euro Tour. I have the 22 RT and have no Nav issues so far. BMW has complicated Menu items and can be frustrating to find certain functions. On the other hand, GW has almost hundred buttons spread out everywhere - not a good solution either. In terms of the ergonomics, I am 6' and I find the Handle Bars too low to my liking. I will probably get some bar risers at some point. They are complicated to install unlike the GS (only 4 bolts). Good luck with the new ride.
Very interesting video thank you. I don’t think you can compare the two bikes, they are in fields of their own. The Goldwing would probably be best compared to the big Harleys, and cruiser types whereas now the RT has no other competition. The FJR, Pan European etc have gone by the wayside. I have had 3 RT1200s but not the 1250 as yet. I’ve had them over a 15 year period and fancied a change 18 months ago so was looking at what you had done. I loved the Goldwing but the pannier and top box size was woefully inadequate for my touring needs at a Hugh cost £10k more than the RT. So as I wanted a change I settled for the K1600GTLe as the panniers are the same but it is a totally different beast. Again whilst I’m sure most would disagree it is not a competitor for the GW, the RT and The K are more competition for each other. The being an absolute monster if you let it. All that said I loved my RTs and will be looking at returning in 12 to 18 months unless we get sone proper competition like those I previously mentioned. Thanks for your views enjoyed listening to them
The bikes are not directly comparable apart from the fact they are the two bikes I have to compare. The GW does remind me so much of my Harley Street Glide, a bike I loved and one of those I regretted getting rid of and probably why I liked the GW so much. Enjoy the big K
Yup, that phone connection thing is the RT's achilles heel. And my local dealer is so booked up I have to wait until August to get a service and a software update. I notice the new K1600 (a more directly comparable bike) has the 10" screen. I wonder if it suffers the same problems. In April I did a tour in Scotland, and the RT (with top-box) only just had enough luggage space for my needs. I'm quite surprised about your experience on the 'wing in that respect. This is supposed to be _the_ touring bike. Is your complaint purely about access? You mention needing to re-think your packing - do you feel the volume on both bikes is similar?
I remember that when the new wing was launched in 2018 the faithful complained about the size of the panniers. IT really isn't a problem day-to-day and the things I want to get in which is mainly personal tech when I travel to England, fits fine, but the entrance is small and the shape inside quite awkward. I use a LOMO 40ltl dry bag for everything else and that fits on the bag with no issue.
You didn't mention the RT's ACC (active cruise control), is this because you really never used it? And what do you use to create routes on the GoldWing's nav?
I never had it as it wasn't available on the early bikes. I have spoken to a few people who have it, plus one dealer who all say its not worth it compared to the standard cruise control and as a rider you need a lot of trust to fully use it. Once the novelty wore off it became pointless. I have yet to create a route in the GW nav, but I would do so in Calimoto then put it on a usb drive. It is something I have to play with
Thanks for the interesting review. I’m swapping my 1250RT (‘21) with 14k miles for a GW (‘20) bagger with 800 miles in two weeks. Your experience with the RT has been completely different to mine. I’ve had no issues at all and consider the phone based navigation near perfect, though it’s fair to say it was a little shaky in the beginning. I’ve the oldest software installed with the app bang update, it’s quick to start, often near instantly and up and running approx 90sec after a fuel stop. In this regard I really worry the GW will compare poorly. My bike is a mat black and looks great but denim blue is the best, just stunning. I’m off to buy a Puig screen since I’ve got used to nice calm airflow now. If I may ask, you’re the same height as me, can you see over the screen in its lowest position. It looks very tall. Thanks again for taking the time and I hope to like the DCT as you do.
Funny how different bikes of the same model perform. A friend who came here with the exact same bike as me, had more problems than me and could not get his phone to connect at all unless he did a restart of the phone each time. We had the same phone too, a Samsung Galaxy S10. As for the Puig screen, I have just put up a video of the actual bike so you can see the size. I can see over it when it is in the lower position, and about half way up. I bought the smoked, but I think the clear would have been better.
I agree… the navigation is the best I’ve ever had but equally the most annoying piece of shit I’ve ever had. The wait to connect 😫😩😤😡🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬also brilliant for two up riding , but why is it so cramped, I won’t buy the next GS (what I usually ride)if it has the same tech
Great review 👍. I hear they are not making anymore Goldwing’s due to the new emission requirements in Japan and Europe. They would need to have a larger engine and Honda is not willing to do another engine redesign.
Fabulous. Im going to your channel.
Jim, glad to here the new bike is working out for you! I was so close to doing the same thing you did ( buying a GW) but after the software update the RT is doing much better. I do tend to ride more sport touring 😉 on 2 lane roads. Best wishes my friend!
MY RT was doing fine by the time I sold it and as a more sporting option, the RT is the best bike
Yes the phone for sat nav is a faf. I will be fitting my garmin to it.
A few people have done the same
After 2000 miles I will be fitting my Garmin to RT. Phone set up is a pain.
Interesting. I really can't summon the energy for the 'dedicated phone' faff (cost) and want to stick my trusty TomTom Rider on mine :) I only need nav comms, don't take calls or listen to music and I own it and my Cardo solo so don't see the point of adding complexity. Cheers
As there are very few out the box two up tourers and GW somewhat heavier I had no choice but to go BM one up it would not have been a thought.I really do love my RT but as you say hoping it does not break down.So the devil I have hope does not wake up.one up would be NT but again do so love the telilever front anyway not long g and they will only be electricbarely make it round the block so willnot have far to walk when they brake down ,go flat or change station not working
RT and GW are both great bikes, and do the same job, just in different ways. A good RT is the best of the two, but never having had a reliable BM, mu choice is the Honda and six months and 4k miles, not a peep of a problem.
Thanks for your straight talking and balanced commentary. I believe your comparison is valid and very relevant as you have used the two bikes for the same purpose and more or less in the same way. Like yourself I have unfortunately had a very similar experience, frustration and disappointment with my 2022 RT, specifically the TFT/NAV/Connectivity. My dealer has been great and and in an attempt to solve my problems has installed every software update as and when it became available, the last being 3-4 weeks ago. Even after the last update TFT/NaV connectivity remains unstable and unreliable to the extent that very time I use the Nav/Connect App some aspect of its performance will fail, the map may fail and not reconnect, the audio may drop out, after a stop for fuel the app will not reconnect or music audio would become faint. While the connectivity is my main issue when the system is working, as brief as this often is, the Nav functionality is woefully less capable and less user friendly than most dedicated Nav devices. A trip to Starbucks it can handle but anything more complex it either can't handle or is very clunky to achieve and probably requires you to stop and release your phone from its prison.. Since the beginning of my RT experience I have used a Garmin Zumo XT. It is stable, it works and it is functionally rich. It delivers an experience that the BMW Nav/Connect App should have reliably delivered from day one. The TFT/Nav/Connect App combo is now 5+ years old, more than enough time to get it right. It's a real shame as the RT is a great bike ride but as a long trip touring bike it is critically let down by its Nav/Connectivity.
Agree with everything and the GW is proving a much better bike for me, as everything just works. Nearly 2000 miles and no hint of a problem.
One more advantage of the Goldwing over the RT... you can download and install updates to the TFT display / entertainment / navigation system yourself. :)
I never knew that
I find that actual mpg is higher than is displayed in the Goldwing, I’ve not worked it out precisely though !
Yes, mine says 39.9 ,pg but I am getting 225 miles to a tank, riding 200 and filling 15 litres, so I reckon it is nearer 45mpg. getting better with miles as well
@@HighlandRider yes that’s about right 👍 gets a bit bitter over 5k when it’s all free from run in , I’ve had min just over a year for pleasure riding and I’m really enjoying the bike , very different to anything I’ve had before
Thank you for the video. I ride a 2019 1250rt , I took the bagger for a test ride , I liked it but found it a bigger bike and not as much fun, it's designed for long straight roads, where the rts home is more uk style sweeping 'A' roads.
I really wish honda would make a replacement for the pan European with dct, that would be my bike
Al to to agree with Glenn. The RT is more agile, but I live in the Highlands so all my roads are twisty, some long and bendy but some real tight and narrow, and I find the GW as much fun, just in a different way. THE GW is much heavier, a bit of a Queen Mary so you approach rapid riding in a different way. For pure fun on the twisties, the Ducati 848 I tested was the best, but I couldn't live with the neck ache.
No Nav is perfect and that includes the GW. Watch MissendenFlyer's Euro Tour. I have the 22 RT and have no Nav issues so far. BMW has complicated Menu items and can be frustrating to find certain functions. On the other hand, GW has almost hundred buttons spread out everywhere - not a good solution either. In terms of the ergonomics, I am 6' and I find the Handle Bars too low to my liking. I will probably get some bar risers at some point. They are complicated to install unlike the GS (only 4 bolts). Good luck with the new ride.
I agree the tech is a disaster on the rt I got so angry I sold the bike and I’m looking for a 1250 rt 1st generation. My garmin 5 works fine
Hope it works for you, it is a fine bike that 1st gen
Any chance of showing us the bike please
Will upload in about 5 minutes
Fair review there having both think all bikes have there good and bad points 👍👍🙏
Nothing is perfect
Very interesting video thank you. I don’t think you can compare the two bikes, they are in fields of their own. The Goldwing would probably be best compared to the big Harleys, and cruiser types whereas now the RT has no other competition. The FJR, Pan European etc have gone by the wayside.
I have had 3 RT1200s but not the 1250 as yet. I’ve had them over a 15 year period and fancied a change 18 months ago so was looking at what you had done. I loved the Goldwing but the pannier and top box size was woefully inadequate for my touring needs at a Hugh cost £10k more than the RT. So as I wanted a change I settled for the K1600GTLe as the panniers are the same but it is a totally different beast. Again whilst I’m sure most would disagree it is not a competitor for the GW, the RT and The K are more competition for each other. The being an absolute monster if you let it.
All that said I loved my RTs and will be looking at returning in 12 to 18 months unless we get sone proper competition like those I previously mentioned. Thanks for your views enjoyed listening to them
The bikes are not directly comparable apart from the fact they are the two bikes I have to compare. The GW does remind me so much of my Harley Street Glide, a bike I loved and one of those I regretted getting rid of and probably why I liked the GW so much. Enjoy the big K
Yup, that phone connection thing is the RT's achilles heel. And my local dealer is so booked up I have to wait until August to get a service and a software update.
I notice the new K1600 (a more directly comparable bike) has the 10" screen. I wonder if it suffers the same problems.
In April I did a tour in Scotland, and the RT (with top-box) only just had enough luggage space for my needs. I'm quite surprised about your experience on the 'wing in that respect. This is supposed to be _the_ touring bike. Is your complaint purely about access? You mention needing to re-think your packing - do you feel the volume on both bikes is similar?
I remember that when the new wing was launched in 2018 the faithful complained about the size of the panniers. IT really isn't a problem day-to-day and the things I want to get in which is mainly personal tech when I travel to England, fits fine, but the entrance is small and the shape inside quite awkward. I use a LOMO 40ltl dry bag for everything else and that fits on the bag with no issue.
You didn't mention the RT's ACC (active cruise control), is this because you really never used it? And what do you use to create routes on the GoldWing's nav?
I never had it as it wasn't available on the early bikes. I have spoken to a few people who have it, plus one dealer who all say its not worth it compared to the standard cruise control and as a rider you need a lot of trust to fully use it. Once the novelty wore off it became pointless. I have yet to create a route in the GW nav, but I would do so in Calimoto then put it on a usb drive. It is something I have to play with
Thanks for the interesting review. I’m swapping my 1250RT (‘21) with 14k miles for a GW (‘20) bagger with 800 miles in two weeks. Your experience with the RT has been completely different to mine. I’ve had no issues at all and consider the phone based navigation near perfect, though it’s fair to say it was a little shaky in the beginning. I’ve the oldest software installed with the app bang update, it’s quick to start, often near instantly and up and running approx 90sec after a fuel stop. In this regard I really worry the GW will compare poorly. My bike is a mat black and looks great but denim blue is the best, just stunning.
I’m off to buy a Puig screen since I’ve got used to nice calm airflow now. If I may ask, you’re the same height as me, can you see over the screen in its lowest position. It looks very tall.
Thanks again for taking the time and I hope to like the DCT as you do.
Funny how different bikes of the same model perform. A friend who came here with the exact same bike as me, had more problems than me and could not get his phone to connect at all unless he did a restart of the phone each time. We had the same phone too, a Samsung Galaxy S10. As for the Puig screen, I have just put up a video of the actual bike so you can see the size. I can see over it when it is in the lower position, and about half way up. I bought the smoked, but I think the clear would have been better.
I agree… the navigation is the best I’ve ever had but equally the most annoying piece of shit I’ve ever had. The wait to connect 😫😩😤😡🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬also brilliant for two up riding , but why is it so cramped, I won’t buy the next GS (what I usually ride)if it has the same tech
It is certainly an enigma
Good review. Yes, the BMW gets better fuel mileage and range, but it requires super premium gas.
No it doesn't just standard 95 Ron 10% ethanol
I only put standard in mine
Great review 👍. I hear they are not making anymore Goldwing’s due to the new emission requirements in Japan and Europe. They would need to have a larger engine and Honda is not willing to do another engine redesign.
Larger engine would only add weight and as BMW have shown, you don't need such a big lump.
Did you actually think a 1250cc twin would be more economical than a 1800cc six. Come on.
It isn't what i think, it is what the numbers tell me. 56 mpg for the RT twin and 45 for the wing
ᑭᖇOᗰOᔕᗰ