The Honda Goldwing has been cruising the world’s roads for 50 years and has established its unrivaled influence in the touring motorcycle market. Many have tried to imitate the Goldwing with competent and attractive models, but most have thrown in the towel. Only BMW, with its R 1300 RT and R 1600 series, still offers an equivalent motorcycle in its catalog.
American-style grand touring is represented by Harley-Davidson with the Road Glide and Street Glide, Indian with the Roadmaster series, and Kawasaki, which still offers its Vaquero and Voyager models. These motorcycles offer a different flavor of American grand touring with their imposing twin-cylinder engines that make the rider vibrate in unison with each revolution.
However, the Goldwing is unique in its longevity and the strength of its ascendancy in the class it created. What keeps the Goldwing at the top of its niche? What is the essence of its recipe and its success?
The history of the icon
The Honda Goldwing was born in 1975 and has come down to us through six generations of models:
1975 to 1979: GL1000
When it first appeared in 1975, the Gold Wing was not yet a “grand touring” bike as we know it today. The first version was a large, high-end touring motorcycle. It was powered by a liquid-cooled four-cylinder flat engine. The foundations of the mechanical architecture had already been laid. The GL1000 was renowned for its smoothness and reliability.
1980–1983 — GL1100 (the tour begins)
The real story begins: the GL1100 is offered in versions more geared towards touring, with improved comfort and stability. Its engine gains displacement (1100 cc) and has more torque.
1984–1987 — GL1200
This generation marked a major evolution: the Goldwing became a true touring motorcycle with its grand touring features such as more efficient fairings and even greater comfort. The highly popular Aspencade version, with its storage compartments, audio system, and thoughtful luxury, set the standard for what a grand touring motorcycle should be.
1988–2000 — GL1500
This generation was another major step forward with the arrival of the flat-six engine. With its new fairings, it offered excellent protection, was very quiet, and further enhanced its legendary comfort. It became the undisputed queen of the road.
2001–2017 — GL1800
This generation takes the concept even further with a new 1800 cm³ flat-six engine that delivers even more power. The chassis is stiffer and provides better handling. It is an imposing ultra-touring bike that represents the modern “classic” Goldwings with their padded seats.
2018 to present
The model we have today represents a risky change of direction for Honda. It is a complete redesign, offering a lighter, more compact motorcycle with more agile handling. It has the same 1800 cc flat-six engine, but it can be paired with a DCT automatic transmission that is very smooth and transparent in its operation. The price to pay for a sleeker, livelier motorcycle is a 50-liter reduction in luggage capacity. The specialized press and the public loved and embraced the new Goldwing, and the incredible story continues.
Let’s take a look at the current Goldwing
As mentioned above, the current generation of the Goldwing is sleeker and more stylish. It has broken away from the “rolling sofa” look, and its lines inspire dynamism and forward movement. Honda offers the Goldwing in two distinct versions: the Goldwing, presented as a bagger with side cases, and the Goldwing Touring, which includes a rear seat for passenger comfort. The passenger is definitely not a priority. The Goldwing Touring comes with a rear seat that pampers the passenger and a top case that increases storage space.
It has a more futuristic look, with an athletic silhouette and signature lighting that sets it apart from its competitors. The most striking feature is the layout of the huge LED headlights. The style is modern and efficient, not only in terms of nighttime lighting, but also in terms of being visible to other road users. The fog lights add to the volume to help position the motorcycle in space. Also noteworthy are the electrically adjustable windshield, the side cases for the bagger, and the center trunk on the touring version (equipped with a passenger seat). The major concession made to the previous generation is that the luggage capacity has been reduced by 50 liters, which Goldwing enthusiasts regret. This is the price to pay for making the motorcycle more compact and, as a result, more responsive on the road.
Goldwing = a plethora of equipment
Of course, when we talk about the Goldwing, we’re talking about a wide range of equipment and cutting-edge technology. Equipped with a smart key, you can start the engine and the infotainment system. The dashboard features a beautiful 7-inch central screen that lights up with the Goldwing logo. The 7-inch center screen lights up with the animated Goldwing logo and then displays all the information you need for driving. This includes GPS navigation and Bluetooth connectivity for listening to your favorite music or receiving notifications. You can even access Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The cockpit is very well designed, with a dashboard that includes a central screen flanked by two easy-to-read analog dials. The whole thing is framed by LCD displays that show the driver the mileage, fuel gauge, engine temperature, whether the kickstand is deployed, whether the trunks are closed properly, and tire pressure. In short, the driver is kept well informed in real time. A word of praise also for the design of the rearview mirrors, which are located behind the front turn signals. It’s very well done.
The Gold Wing offers a good list of standard equipment: cruise control (not adaptive, however), heated grips, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill start assist (HSA), speakers, dynamic assistance systems, an electronic device for very low speeds in forward (1.8 km/h) and reverse (1.2 km/h) (with DCT transmission). Finally, it is possible to equip the Goldwing with an airbag to maximize safety.
The engine stands out
Without going into the technical specifications of the engine, let’s just say that the heart of the Goldwing is a 1,833 cc flat-six engine. The power figures are not mind-blowing (125 hp at 5,500 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm). But, as we’ll see later, performance isn’t just a matter of numbers on the spec sheet.
On the transmission side, although a manual transmission is available, the automatic transmission (DCT) is unique in the industry and really delivers smooth, seamless performance. The transmission always selects the right gear for the situation. Depending on the driving mode you select (Tour, Sport, Rain, and Econ), you’ll notice that gear changes occur at different engine speeds. This promotes smoothness and economy or, in Sport mode, vigorous acceleration that will put a smile on your face behind the visor.
Riding the Goldwing
Getting on the Goldwing is very easy. The comfort of the wide, well-padded seat bodes well for the day ahead. The rider’s environment is very well designed with a comprehensive dashboard and logical, well-lit switches at night. We note the quality of the finishes, such as the very flattering paint job and the quality of the fit of the various body panels and accessories. My passenger takes her place in the rear seat and finds it very comfortable. On this subject, it should be noted that Honda has corrected the angle of the backrest, which leaned too far back, starting with the 2024 edition.
Hitting the road
When lifting the motorcycle off its stand, you can already feel how little it tilted. The motorcycle is very easy to keep upright despite its 850 pounds and my passenger. Riding slowly, the balance is confirmed, thanks to the very low center of gravity maintained by the flat engine configuration. The transmission shifts gears smoothly, and you can hear the satisfyingly throaty yet mellow sound of the engine pushing the motorcycle very obediently, according to the rider’s wishes.
After a quick visual check of the gauges, we adjust the windshield to protect ourselves from the wind. Wind control is very effective on the Goldwing, so much so that I realized I had forgotten to close the visor of my helmet 150 kilometers further on. Wind and rain, to a certain extent, are kept away from passengers, and hands are also protected from the elements. The riding position is very relaxed thanks to the proportions of the handlebar-seat-footrest triangle. The upright, ergonomic posture allows us to cover hundreds of kilometers in absolute comfort. The comfort for the passenger is real. Not only in terms of seating, but the space shared with the rider is more than adequate. At no time does the rider feel that the passenger is invading their space. We settle into the seat and get ready to enjoy the journey that has just begun.
Traveling at cruising speed
As the miles go by, we appreciate the balance, which is simply perfect on this motorcycle. Obviously, unparalleled comfort is a key part of the equation, but the Goldwing has many other cards up its sleeve.
First of all, passengers are isolated from road imperfections thanks to the incredible work of the Goldwing’s suspension. The calibration is optimal for absorbing the slightest imperfection, and the double wishbone front suspension does a tremendous job. It provides excellent road feel while absorbing all unwanted shocks to the handlebars.
Also, when riding, we were constantly amazed by the smooth performance of the 1800cc flat-six engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) combo. After only a hundred kilometers or so, the DCT transmission had us completely confident. From the very first few meters, any doubts about this transmission are swept away by its smooth operation and efficiency. You can select gears manually, but this feature is not very useful because the transmission works so well in harmony with the engine. It is always in the right gear at the right time, putting the rider in the right position to react. If you want the bike to be more responsive, it’s easier to work with the transmission modes. Touring mode is suitable for the vast majority of situations, but Sport mode pushes hard and allows the boxer engine to express itself freely.
In fact, you can’t help but smile when you see how this bike handles when you push it into a fairly sporty zone. Although imposing in size, the bike is docile and leans into corners very easily while staying on course as the rider desires. In winding sections, the bike swings effortlessly from side to side, while gently playing with the throttle to settle it into long curves. It’s a delight that you never tire of. Everything happens with a high level of serenity, thanks to the smooth suspension, the turbulence-free environment provided by the fairing, excellent vibration control, and, of course, the integration of the DCT with the smoothness of the boxer engine.
The budget
The asking price seems high at first glance. But when you compare the prices from 2018 and 2026, you realize that prices haven’t kept pace with the high inflation of recent years. When you buy a Goldwing, you’re buying a premium machine that doesn’t play the option package game like many of its competitors. In fact, there are only two options: the DCT transmission and the airbag on the Touring.
When you buy a Goldwing, you buy it for the long term. You can see on discussion forums that many have reached and exceeded 200,000 km without mechanical problems. I even rode, during a Custom Tour ride, with a heavy rider from Edmundston (NB) who had reached 400,000 km with his (a Gen 5).
Because that’s what a Goldwing is all about: legendary reliability. Provided you give it the normal maintenance, a Goldwing will take you anywhere without any problems because it’s not a temperamental machine. If the unlikely event of a breakdown occurs, there are many mechanics near you who will be happy to help you out.
Finally, we can’t overlook the excellent resale value of Goldwings. Have you seen the asking prices for used Goldwings lately? The high prices are almost enough to make you want to buy a new one!
The emotional aspect of the Goldwing universe
Although the Goldwing seems to have a strong rational side, there is also an emotional side that plays a big part in the success of this Grand Touring icon. First of all, Honda’s customers are not only riders, but also couples who ride motorcycles. If both members of the duo love motorcycles, this becomes a catalyst for purchase.
The motorcycle also offers a practical side for long-distance travelers: ample luggage space and excellent comfort. Its confident handling instills great confidence in both the rider and passenger. The result is pleasure and a feeling of safety. It also attracts older motorcyclists or those returning to motorcycling.
Motorcyclists are also mechanics enthusiasts, and the flat-6 is a signature feature. People become ”Wing people“ because the experience is unique and they always appreciate the quiet power that is easily awakened with a twist of the throttle.
It must be said that the ”back seat” lost some of its soft comfort in 2018 compared to the GL1800. The seat is firmer and more compact. However, Honda partially corrected the situation in 2024 by adjusting the angle of the backrest. Nevertheless, comfort remains very good.
In short, defining the Goldwing’s myth
Riding a Goldwing is a very satisfying experience where you understand Honda’s total mastery of the concept of its grand touring bike. Everything is refined, everything is perfectly integrated. On the road for over 50 years, it dominates its niche, and rightly so. We don’t compare the ”dynamism vs. comfort” ratio because the machine excels in both areas. The Goldwing is designed to cover long distances with the smoothest ride possible, reducing fatigue. Quite simply, the Iron Butt challenge loses its epic appeal with this bike, and that’s real performance!
