Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited; Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager; Star Royal Star Venture; and Victory Vision Tour - The Lap of Luxury

The base Audio comfort package will set you back $20,999. Our test bike was the 2009 Premium Audio/Comfort/Navi/ABS/Airbag 'Wing, which features Honda's supplemental restraint with ABS, XM, and satellite navigation, retailing for $25,599, putting it right in the ballpark with our other high-end bikes.

Unlike the other bikes in this group, the GL sports footpegs instead of floorboards (at least for the rider, the passenger gets boards) to make room for its six horizontally opposed cylinders. That can create a cramped, un-adjustable riding position, that gave a couple of our testers lower-back fits.

Handling has always been Honda's forte, and this bike surprised first-time 'Wing riders with its low-speed balance and high-speed stability. We rolled through every kind of corner on our trip, and the Honda handled them all, with respectable cornering clearance. Honda locates the Gold Wing's tonnage as closely as possible to its center of gravity, giving the touring behemoth the kind of manners you'd normally find on a 900cc standard.

Our test unit came with Honda's Premium Audio system, and every tester agreed it was the best stereo going. The highly amplified 80 watt system proved to be nearly distortion-free at all times. Audio controls are spread between switches on the handlebar and atop the faux fuel tank, where you'll find a blur of buttons and tabs that handle everything from cruise control to headlamp position to rear suspension preload.

The riders who had seat time on the thing agreed that even though it was functionally the better bike, there weren't any real standout qualities. It's the overall package that makes it so easy to ride. Blame it on Honda's penchant to stress efficiency first: We're not saying the Gold Wing is an appliance, but it certainly doesn't ooze with character.

Unfortunately, we totaled it before we all had a chance to test it back to back with the others. At the time of its demise it was in the mix with the Victory for the win, acquitting itself well in early testing, but we'll have to wait for our next big touring test to really be sure.