ProfessorCouple of thoughts related to some of the comments spread throughout this thread. Caution: YMMV.
I own a 2005 FJR, and a 2002 BMWK1200LTC (second one I've owned). I have toured extensively on the Bimmer, and was able to get some 2000+ tours on the FJR in last summer. I have also toured extensively on the Gold Wing, like Hondas, and have two of those in my garage as well.
Just setting the stage to point out I'm not a 'brand snob'.
I currently have a new GT on order (should receive the first Blue one my dealer delivers). The bike I'll be trading in will be the BMW, not the FJR. The GT, which is basically a K1200S with RT ergonomics, is not comparable to the Gold Wing. If it was, I wouldn't be buying it. IMHO, the GW, K100LT, Ultra Classic, and Yamaha Venture currently make up the luxo touring category. The FJR, ST1300, new GT, and some would say the Concours are sport tourers; most folks who rode the new GTs at Daytona rate the GT as the bike BMW is building with the FJR in its gunsights.
My 2002 BMWK1200LTC was less than 22,000 US, delivered. The Goldwing in 2002, after adding Honda and aftermarket accessories to get the options standard on my bike which was not even available from Honda (e.g. heated seats, electrically operated windshield, which Honda still does not offer) put the GW more than $2,000 more than the BMW. Based on 2006 prices, which I explored before putting down a deposit on the GT, is comparable. So, regardless of what was stated earlier, the BMW K1200LT is not thousands more than an equivalently equipped GW.
After adding every option but the tall windscreen, the GT MSRP is just over $24,000 US. The horsepower is 157, detuned from the 167 on the S.
I spend a good amount of time on the Just Ride It owners board. You can go there and find threads related to problems and issues some owners have had. I have to say, however, that most of the folks posting on the board have pointed out that the complaints represent a significant minority - if vocal - part of our community. Most owners have never had the issues that some of the more vocal members of our group periodically discuss. The most well-known of these issue, rear end failures occurring primarily in pre-2003 bikes have been actually estimated at ~4% or less. I have owned a 2001 and a 2002 and have never had a single mechanical failure. Many of the other owners I know in this area have had the same experience, we just don't want to get flamed by the more vocal group. No bike is immune from this sort of thing on the internet. Visit the GW site and do a search on Overheating Problems and Frame Weld failures. My opinion: BMW builds a solid bike.
So why the trade-in choice? Size/weight/center of gravity.
The BMW is a large, heavy weight tourer just like the GW. The difference is, it has a notoriously high center of gravity. 5 years ago at 50 it was no big deal. As I get older and tour into small towns with narrow parking spots and streets, it just gets tiresome horsing the bike around. Not that I cannot handle it, just don't feel like doing so any more. What sealed the deal for me was when I toured on the FJR last summer - tours like the Bimmer, but feels like a Honda dream in comparison - what a pleasure. The new GT is what I wanted from BMW all along but what was never offered - a 1200RT (Boxer) ergonomically, with a high powered in-line 4. My ultimate plan is to use the FJR for long distance touring (I have 3 cruisers) on routes with mostly twisties, and the BMW GT for long distance touring with more than 20% slab riding required - this is based on my riding experience on the FJR, and the assumption that the GT is ergonomically equivalent to the RT.
I agree with what others have said about build quality on the FJR and BMW being equivalent, and that BMW comes with more amenities (e.g. heated seats, heated grips standard - I had to add the grips to my FJR). I disagree that BMWs have way more problems - although I still have no idea what the 'ticking' issue is. I also think that if you are comparing the two bikes, you should also be comparing the relative effectiveness of the ABS brakes, and the suspension system that is unique to the BMW, and in my experience, extremely effective.
I'm not certain what the FJR will do versus the new GT, unlike others, because I haven't yet owned and ridden both in equivalent conditions - and neither has anyone else, BTW.
Just my $0.02
The Touring Professor
2002 BMW K1200LTC
2005 FJR
2004 Rune
2002 VTX 1800R
2005 Triumph Rocket III
1999 H-D Dyna-Glide Convertible
Very well put. I feel your talking from experience and it's nice to see down to earth real world knowledge/ feedback on this topic.
Thanks
Mike Perez
Dublin, Ohio
