I haven't kept up with motorcycle development for the last decade or so but the Goldwing was a pretty impressive machine even 15+ years ago. A buddy I rode with had one and while flat out on straight roads it would blow my Roadking away I could easily walk away from him in the twisties*, even 2 up. I was a lot less afraid of dragging a footboard than he was.
*I'm comparing heavy touring bikes, not crotch rocket sport bikes.