I've never ridden a GW but the few (very few) friend I have that ride em tell me if I ever do, I'll be hooked.
Wife and I sat on a Road Glide, Ultra Classic and the Gold Wing. She's tall and the only one with the leg room she needed was the Gold Wing. I would have been very happy with the Ultra Classic, but she controls the budget.
The Gold Wing rides smooth as silk. I've had friends call it a Honda Bago, but it's one of the nimblest handling big bikes I've ever been on. Personally, I'll take anything with two wheels. Just wish I had a sidecar for the dog.