[Mississippi_Ghost_Rider]

Wow...! A Suzuki 750 "Water Buffalo" _ Yes what memories... As to your question. This past summer as my '10 XC was nearing the century milage mark I became very active comparing the same bikes your talking about. I'll bet I climbed on and off GTLs, GWs and Visions a hundred times. I was not unhappy with my XC, in fact I love everything about it. I just thought it was going to be time to change with such high milage. For me it came down to 2 things: that 'V-twin' purr and the flexibility of riding position on the Victory. I decided V-twin, and since I'm a "squirmer" I want the riding room. Now, I was looking at bikes because I thought I'd be 'needing' to change. I mean heck, a 100,000 miles was about all I could expect from a V-twin. Right? Wrong ! _ I'm riding a Victory and all the old rules about V-twins seem to be out the window... I'm dreaming everyday of a Vision, but it looks like I get to put some more miles on my XC before I do... So... Ride Long, Ride Smart and Ride Safe, MGR

 

[etaoin]

Aren't there more than one Honda dealer in Doodah? Which one wouldn't let you test ride? I want to make sure I don't trade there any more.

It was MidAmerica Powersports and they're now out of business or under different ownership.

 

[radman]

If you're retired you know by now we each take our path and it's too late to go back on a lot of decisions so don't look in that direction. The Vic is going to put a big grin on your face. Enjoy your time, your bike, your life.

I had 30 years between bikes and bought my KP without a test ride. I heard it running and watched and listened as the tech drove it around the parking lot.
All those years in between I wanted a BWM, but after seeing the KP I switched gears and haven't looked back, no regrets also. Enjoy your ride.

 

[grounder]

Simply put, you made the right decision.

 

[Chilidip]

Before I bought my XCT I took a serious look and test rides on both a Wing and the K1600GTL, each of those test rides was 2up as I use the bike for a bunch of 2up touring.
The Wing had good power, handling was good and the wife absolutely loved the comfort level for her, I was not thrilled with the button happy, dated look of the controls and the bike just didn't move me to where I had to have it!
The K1600GTL was awesome, the power, the handling, the features, I want this bike! except 5 minutes out of the dealership the wife was fidgeting all over the place and couldn't get off the pillion pad fast enough. If the day comes the wife no longer wishes to ride I'd be back at the BMW dealership in a hurry.
I like the look of the Vision but never even tested one as I knew I needed the extra cargo capacity of the XCT but one season and 35,000 km's later I'm still loving my choice.

 

[rodhotter]

a lot of bikes "look" good for example my new in 06 XL1200L that i bought, no test ride, should have rode a few but did not, it was ok but top heavy, poor brakes + suspension, typical harley, traded on a 13 hammer, hard to believe how 100 lb heavier can feel lighter. tested a 13 superglide before buying the hammer, they rolled it out of the showroom, a sportster with bigger engine same poor brakes + suspension, never buy without a testride IMO!!

 

[broggyr]

I rode a Wing for 10 years (2002 GL1800, 52,000 miles). I know I totally made the right choice with the XCT as opposed to buying a new Wing.
Things I didn't like about the Wing:

• The Wing has a much higher center of gravity
• It felt much heavier to move around at slow speed
• Less wind protection than the XCT (perfect for those 35-degree days)
• Much higher seating position
• Limited options for foot placement, very wide engine. Feet are more under you.
• Plastic EVERYWHERE

Things I liked about the Wing:

• Power was like an electric motor; I could go from 30 MPH in 5th gear and just roll on for power. Very smooth power delivery, very little shifting needed
• Extremely reliable (the Vic so far has that in its corner too)
• Power-adjustable rear shock
• Central latches for trunk and saddlebags
• Lots of lights

I'm glad I switched. I am about 16 miles from hitting 8000 miles this year, and that is mostly just riding to work and back lol

 

[KS_Jetta]

It was MidAmerica Powersports and they're now out of business or under different ownership.

They suck for not letting test rides. They're overpriced too in my opinion.

I also considered both the K1600 and the gold wing. And a triumph Trophy, the road glide ultra, indian chieftain, the cross country tour, etc. When it cam to the BMW and the Gold wing, my 34" inseam and old knees told me no. Very happy so far with my Vision, but I've had3 other bikes the past 6 years as I've upgraded.
On a side note, we've got to be about the only 2 people around Wichita with red visions...

 

[etaoin]

On a side note, we've got to be about the only 2 people around Wichita with red visions...

I think I may have seen you ride past me a few weeks ago. The sunset red Visions are beautiful, aren't they.