imported post
scotwing wrote:
Which is the better bike in your opinion? GL1500 or pan european, and why?
Hey Joe
I have a Wing and a Pan, they are two very different animals. They are both capable of doing long distances but in very different ways. The wing feels like a big bike, it feels heavy and a more sedate ride, making touring a more leisurely activity. Which is no bad thing. The St1300 is a very different bike to the ST1100 never mind the wing. It is faster , smoother , linked brake system and ABS is a dream. The engine has masses of torque and the whole bike feels small, light and agile. I am constantly amazed ar how well it handles! My wife can manage the ST1300 really well, where she could not manage the wing at all, It is a bike that is hard to keep the speed down, it creeps up all the time.

I don't find the ST1300 soulless, I did 25,000 miles on itin ayear ,whenever I get back on the Bike I just feel part of the Bike, man and machine in perfect harmony

Our local dealer in Aberdeen has 3 in stock including a demonstrator, I don't think he's ever seen a Wing......
Ithink this is starting to sound like an advert for the Pan so I'll stop, they are both great Bikes , they do similar jobs in very different ways. If you want a sporty, comfyfast ride try a test ride ontheST1300, you know the GL1500 capabilities, and there are plenty of guys with advice about the 1800 , however the price tag rules me out of 1800 ownership I'm afraid 17k new in the UK.
This is the wear profile of the rear tyre on the Pan after 6,000 miles touring mainly 2 up with lots of luggage, oh those swiss passes......
You have a certain anonymity on a Pan, Bikers tend to go "oh its a Pan" and that's it move on , any poll of touring bikes usually places the ST1100 above the new Pan, most journalists rave about the new Pan and say its much better , the GL1800 Wing seems to win all the touringpolls the wing promotes much more interest from the general public and debate from Bikers. I have never seen any UK custom Pans yet but I guess the St1300 is still a relative young-blood.
So if your a gregarious dude who likesthe attention Wing ownership brings - keep the wing If however you are an anti-social speed freak touring misfit buy the new PAN


BB