The Honda Gold Wing – The Ultimate Touring Motorcycle ?

Here we go! After avoiding Touring Motorcycles for almost 30 years, it’s finally time to give them a try. Despite being over 45, I still prefer motorcycles with minimal accessories because of their simplistic and pure nature. Like an iron horse, the motorcycle riding experience is lived 100% with the good and the bad.

But this year will be different because I will test more than one Touring and I start with nonetheless then a legend, the Honda Gold Wing.

As you can see, the look of the Gold Wing has evolved over the last few years and that is, to say the least. The Honda Gold Wing now opts for a sportier Bagger look, with a beautiful line and attention to details which makes it more current, in my opinion, and will certainly appeal to a wider range of motorcyclists.

I really like the finish and the line chosen. Honda did not try to copy another manufacturer and was able to create its own version of the Bagger with its own distinctive lines. Even with this new, more minimalist look, the Gold Wing offers great protection from the elements.

The Honda Gold Wing is offered in two main versions, the Gold Wing and the Gold Wing Tour. The DCT transmission is available for both versions and the Tour also has an airbag option available.

Today, I’m riding the Gold Wing equipped with a DCT (Dual Clutch transmission).

For the heart of the beast, Honda has chosen an 1833cc liquid-cooled flat-6 engine with four valves per cylinder. The engine is surprisingly smooth for a motorcycle, especially when compared with other larger displacements engines… Delivering good power and torque, pulling a trailer would be easy and effortless if ever needed.

Honda not only gave the Gold Wing a sporty look, but also gave it a powertrain worthy of the name. A real sport mode, which completely changes the experience. My impression was that I could have pop a wheelie at full throttle without the active torque control (HSTC). And no, I did not try!

The Gold Wing is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive and a final drive by driveshaft. The DCT model is equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Both versions have a low-speed electric reverse function, but the DCT version also has a forward function. Moving the bike with the low-speed function is an option that will have served me more than I would have thought.

The low-speed assistance is highly effective and ensures safe movement despite any imperfections and slight differences in height in the street or parking lot. It’s well made and easy to use and I would even say reassuring. With an overall weight exceeding 800 pounds, I am pretty confident that you will enjoy this function too!

The Honda Gold Wing was created for long trips and endless roads and provides us with comfort with a spacious seat for both the driver and passenger, along with the option of backrests and a top case for extended trips. The passenger will also be entitled to floorboard footrests, and no, not all Touring’s offer this comfort to the passenger!

I was also really surprised by the engine, and in a good way. It was obvious that the engine of a motorcycle of this weight had to be capable of moving the bike effortlessly, including the passenger and luggage.

Regardless, if you select the Sport mode, a whole new beast awakens. The Sport mode completely releases the 124.7 hp and 125.4 lbs of torque of the engine, which can be a lot of fun and even put you in trouble if not careful.

If you like technology and the latest trends, the Honda Gold Wing will meet your expectations with its automatic electric windshield, its driving modes, its Eco mode that turns off the engine when stopping. It should be noted that the driving mode affects both the engine and brake characteristics.

Additionally, you will get cruise control, forward/reverse parking assist, TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), full navigation, and compatibility with Android/iPhone. The suitcases are secured with a keyless system, eliminating the need for an additional key and making the finish cleaner.

It must be said, the instrumentation is closer to a car than a motorcycle. There is a lot of information available, which is particularly good, including the possibility of integrated GPS navigation.

The instrumentation had a drawback for me when it came to the size differences between certain displays, some of which are too big and some of which are too small. But like any other thing, you get used to it after a while, and after all, is there such a thing as a perfect design?

Lots to offer, in the higher price range at around 30K CAD$, but still reasonable in this category. A feature not to be overlooked and interesting, in my opinion, is its 3-year warranty with unlimited mileage. What a great way to have peace of mind before long trips like touring the continent or the World!

As my first experience with a motorcycle of this size, I can sincerely say that I was charmed. If you are looking for a touring motorcycle, the Gold Wing won’t disappoint you!

Have you had the opportunity to ride a Gold Wing before?

Tell us your story!