BMW K1200LT-E and Honda Gold Wing ABS

The Master Duo

There are only a few bikes that can claim to belong in the category defining the best long-distance bikes in the world. We tested two of them, the Honda Gold Wing and the BMW K1200LT-E – both outstanding touring bikes but very different.

Honda's introduction of the GL1000 Gold Wing in 1976 represents a major milestone for the company. Adding a full fairing and some luggage cases as stock features converted later models into serious long-distance bikes for iron butts. The bike's engine grew incrementally – 1,100cc to 1200cc then 1,500cc, and now the 1,800cc of the latest version. Meanwhile, the early four-cylinder boxer was exchanged for an even smoother running six-cylinder boxer over the years.

Boxer engines have been a specialty of another brand, BMW. The Bavarian brand gained much notoriety utilizing this concept, some of it owing to their racing success in earlier days. Working with two engine concepts now, the Germans have their R-models with flat twins, and the K-models firing up with strong inline-fours mounted lengthwise. The top model in this line became the full-dress touring bike, the K1200LT, introduced at Intermot Munich in 1998. Since then, the LT has created many customers thoroughly satisfied with its great comfort, sensitive suspension, and the details that make it a touring master almost capable of rolling in the Gold Wing's league.
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