Travelling is one of the most empowering and rewarding activities one can take on. It isn't about reaching a targeted destination, since the journey gives more fulfillment. You get to create memories for life while on the adventure. Touring and road trips came naturally with the invention of the automobile. We haven't slowed down since Bertha Benz took the Patent Motorwagen on the world's first long-distance road trip. A few years later, Carl Stearns went on the first recorded Round The World journey by motorcycle, riding his 7hp Henderson motorcycle 18,000 miles across four continents.
Thanks to technological advancements, many modern motorcycles can undertake such long haul trips with little problem, from the best full-dress tourers to adventure tourers and sports tourers. The Honda Gold Wing is an iconic specialist in the full-dress tourer segment. A motorcycle with a rich heritage and the king of long-distance motorcycling, here's why the Honda Gold Wing is awesome.
10 Keyless Operation
We have developed an appreciation for the easiest way out of everything in our fast-moving world, and technology enables just that. Long are the days when you needed a sequence to start a vehicle. Today you don't even need a key to get some cars fired up, and it has inevitably spread to the two-wheeled world, with select motorcycles like the Honda Goldwing offering keyless operation.
Keyless operation increases security and convenience, and with the newer Honda Gold Wing, you no longer have to fumble in your pockets with your gloves on. The bike uses an ignition knob, and luggage opens electronically with a button push.
9 Transmission Choices
The Honda Gold Wing comes with two transmission options; a 7-speed automatic DCT which Honda calls revolutionary and swears by, and a six-speed manual transmission for those who disagree with the Japanese marquee's engineers. Regardless, the shifts in the DCT are faster and smoother with the new generation, with a perfect overdrive 7th gear for cruising.
Both transmission options have a similar final drive ratio, although the 7-speed DCT has more spirited acceleration. The DCT has a forward and reverse walking mode, while the manual uses electrically assisted reverse. A sportbike level slipper clutch comes standard with the Gold Wing Tour trim.
8 Double-Wishbone Front Suspension
Newer Honda Gold Wing bikes no longer use the traditional telescopic fork, opting for double-wishbone suspension. This innovation has dramatically improved handling, with front-end diving significantly reduced while braking. The engine and the rider are closer to the front wheel, giving more room for extra comfort.
The frame on the latest Gold Wing is significantly lighter and more compact, forming a fine-tuned chassis. Additional stiffness and weight reduction are realized by using an aluminum swingarm that houses the shaft drive and links to the frame via a proprietary pivot structure.
7 More Than Four Decades In Production
Part of the Gold Wing's appeal is its longevity. Honda has produced the big tourer since 1976, making it one of the longest-running production automobiles out there. That alone is enough to earn the bike a legendary status. Each new year brings significant improvements in performance, comfort, and fuel economy, indicating that Honda puts in the work on their flagship model.
After 46, the Gold Wing is still performing better than ever, with no signs of slowing down. This longevity guarantees solidity and plenty of model years available for ownership in the used motorcycle market.
6 Luxurious Infotainment
In 2018, the Honda Gold Wing became the first production motorcycle to feature Apple CarPlay. It seamlessly integrated an iPhone into the Gold Wing, enabling the rider to easily access Apple Maps, Apple Music, and other services. Android Auto integration is also available from the 2021 model.
A 7-inch TFT is the centerpiece of a well laid out cockpit. The HomeLink lets you integrate your Gold Wing with devices in the home like the garage door, whereby you can open the door with just a touch of a switch on the bike's center console. Other goodies include a tire pressure monitoring system, advanced meters 55-watt speakers and an advanced Navi system which works with or without your phone.
5 Honda’s Reliability
You've probably read about Honda's incredible reliability and durability too often, and we can't water it down. Honda's bikes are practically indestructible and can religiously run hundreds of thousands of miles if taken good care of. The fact that the motorcycle has been around for more than four decades is proof that buyers all over have put their trust in the product, and it hasn't failed.
Reliability is crucial for a touring bike that will spend most of its lifetime making long haul trips. Many owners have reported racking up to 400k miles on their Gold Wings, which is impressive.
4 Soaring Level Of Comfort
The Gold Wing is arguably the best highway touring motorcycle that inspires riders around the globe to travel cross-country. It stands at 48 inches with the seat height at 29.3 inches and 66.7 inches wheelbase, making for optimum comfort for all riders.
The Gold Wing is very stable for a 787-pound mammoth. Nothing fazes the luxury tourer at high speed, and you can confidently ride aggressively on the twisties. Also, the bike is excellent for pillion riding and makes every ride worthwhile for a second rider, regardless of the journey's length.
3 Sports-Tourer Level Of Performance
Plenty of tech on the Gold Wing is sport bike grade, from the powerful engine to the capable brakes and the Dunlop Sportmax D423 tires that eat up everything you throw at them. Powering the big tourer is a 1833cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine notorious for its smooth and powerful manners. The liquid-cooled beast makes 126hp and 125lb-ft of torque, helping the Gold Wing accelerate 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds.
Improvements on the new powertrain resulted in more power and better mileage. Power is linear and predictable, and acceleration is strong in any gear.
2 High Sophistication
Every inch of the Gold Wing oozes uncompromised refinement. It is so electronically sophisticated that you will likely take the first couple of weeks to discover its less apparent qualities. With more than 20 patents on its name, the technologically advanced 2022 Gold Wing GL1800 re-confirms the nameplate's status as the world's most sophisticated grand tourer.
Each year, Honda engineers push the design envelope with the Gold Wing, and now it comes with more advanced tech than a MotoGP bike. It has so much potential, making for an incredible experience riding the bike.
1 The Zenith Of Motorcycle Touring
The Gold Wing's high sophistication helps place it at the zenith of motorcycle touring. If you still need convincing, it is the only production motorcycle featuring working airbags, taking rider safety an extra mile past the competition. Honda has been developing this technology since 2006.
It is the most expensive motorcycle in Honda's lineup, and it is worth every penny because you get so much bike. From a smooth DCT to ride by wire throttle, idling stop system, Hill Start Assist, electronically adjustable windscreen, and more touches to help the rider feel like they are driving the latest Porsche or something close.