I know this os almost cussing, but, I want my wife to enjoy the ride. I have a RKC and will be keeping it. They cost about the same, Honda has a few more bells and whistles.
Comfort is my concern for the passenger.

 

If you are going to ride it and then get rid of it maybe the GL. Might
be more comfortable for the passenger but I don't like the riders position
much.

Engine is big and the standard riding position cramps my knees bad.

Honda GL's are good reliable bikes built for the long haul but so are the
HD touring bikes.

I really like the glides and the limited has most everything on it. If you
haven't had any seat time I would try to test or rent one. I think it is
a much better package then the RK's for touring.

 

The Harley dealer only let me ride 15 miles with my wife, we couldn't tell

 

Rent one for a day, you should be able to find a dealer who will comp the rental if you purchase a bike.

 

We went last summer and rode a Boeing 737.

You said you went 15 miles on the HD. Have you done any on the GW?

15 miles side side would at least give her an idea.

 

The 1800 is bullet proof, quiet, and except for the roof is about as exciting as driving a car. It's a fantastic machine and the trip would be comfortable for the wife. However, the rider position gets a lot of complaints, depending on your inseam. Anything much over 32 inches and you'll be cramped. You said the Wing has a few more bells and whistles ... such as? I guess it does over the RK but certainly not over a bagger. And the price you pay for those bells and whistles is pretty hefty. Honda motorcycles has taken the pricing approach that it does with its cars. You can't just pick one option, you have to take packages. So, if you want ABS, you have to purchase a package that's about $2500 or more that includes some other things that you may or may not want. I realize you have the RK, but for comparison purposes, a Gold Wing, dressed up to have all the things that are standard on say my bike (2011 Limited) would list out well over $30k vs. $23k or so for the Limited. You'd wind up with things that the Limited doesn't have but that's because my options are one at a time, where as Honda makes you pay by the package.

A lot will also depend on the type of seat you have on the RK, and what exhaust. The Wing will be cooler for both of you, and quieter .. that's a given. Really a hard comparison since it really is apples and oranges. Two very different skooters.

 

The Goldwing we went about 50 and he told me to grab it on a Sunday and take it for the day

 

I have had both a 2002 gl1800 and 2009 ultra, I have riden the goldwing coast to coast. Both bikes had the stock seats, the goldwing has the better passenger seat, especially if you add arm rests. The rider pegs are cramped after a long ride, but its cheap to add highway pegs, and that makes all the difference. Of course I love the HD's but trying to be as unbiased as I can be. My wifes back would start hurting on the ultra after awhile, saying the lower back support is lacking making her sore.

 

Just thought, but have you considered adding an aftermarket batwing to your RKC? That's what I did to my RK it's very nice.

 

Well you cant go wrong with either for touring. I think if they
let you go 50miles on the wing you probably got some idea
of what it is about.

The wing is quick for its weight and handles well. I like
reverse gear but I think it is alot more if you want ABS?

The limited has ABS standard.

I have owned other makes as well as supersport tourers in
the end I keep coming back to HD. Something about the relative
rawness I just like.

However my opinion may not be as subjective as I have a limited.

If you really like the wing over the HD I might also take a look at
the BMW 1600LT. It has more standard features around the same
price.

Good luck and let us know what you do.