10 Reasons Why Every Biker Should Throw A Leg Over A Honda Gold Wing

Summary

• Honda Gold Wing is a legendary touring motorcycle with decades of development & top-notch features, making it a class-leading icon.
• Over the years, Honda has continually improved the Gold Wing with innovative features, setting new standards for the touring motorcycle segment.
• The 2024 Honda Gold Wing lineup offers cutting-edge technology, exceptional comfort, advanced electronics, and powerful performance options.

In the touring motorcycle category, the Honda Gold Wing holds an exclusive spot only a few models have been able to achieve. Not only is it a popular motorcycle among touring enthusiasts, but it is also the Japanese giant’s flagship. With decades of development and multiple evolutions, it has proven itself as one of the best touring motorcycles in the class, backed by its huge cult following. Add to this its ravishing design, powerful engine, excellent handling, and exceptional comfort, and there’s no surprise the Gold Wing has become a motorcycling icon.

Although Honda is renowned for its reliability, it has also revolutionized the motorcycle industry by introducing never-before-seen features and technology on motorcycles. So, over the years, the Gold Wing has included many first-in-class features to set a benchmark for its rivals. The 2024 model, in its sixth generation, is a carryover from the previous year, retaining the solid package we’ve all adored. It remains the best in terms of comfort, technology, and road presence of all current Honda motorcycles. If that introduction hasn’t already made you experience one, here are ten compelling reasons why you should throw a leg over a Honda Gold Wing.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Honda’s official websites and reputed online websites like hotcars.com, and zeroto60times.com. The reasons on this list have been arranged based on their significance, starting with the lowest, and advancing to the highest significance.

10 50 Years of Proven Legacy

Almost Half a Century of Comfort, Reliability, and Performance.

Honda Gold Wing was first introduced in 1975 with the revolutionary GL 1000 model, and it has remained one of the most popular choices for touring ever since. The continuous improvements to the touring bike are a key reason why touring enthusiasts continue to love it. The current model extends the Gold Wing concept by offering better-than-ever technology, handling, reliability, comfort, and performance.

Significant Models Over The Years:

• 1975 GL 1000 – The first Gold Wing model was launched in the United States and Europe, powered by a 1000cc flat-four engine.
• 1980 GL 1100 – Engine displacement increased to 1,085cc, and the new GL 1100 Interstate variant with a full touring kit was offered.
• 1984 GL 1200 – The engine size was increased again to 1,182cc, while the chassis, swinging arm, and suspension were reworked to be stiffer.
• 1988 GL 1500 -It now has a six-cylinder 1,520cc engine and a reverse gear for moving backward.
• 2001 GL 1800 – The significantly overhauled new model features a 1,832cc six-cylinder engine with a lightweight aluminum frame and swingarm.
• 2006 GL 1800 – The addition of in-dash navigation, heated grips, and seats, and the world’s first motorbike airbag.
• 2012 GL 1800 – The styling was updated to improve weather protection and luggage capacity.
• 2018 GL 1800 – Major makeover with sleeker bodywork, more spacious rider, pillion seating, and a 7-speed DCT automatic option.

9 Multiple Trims & Accessories

Trims: Two; Models: Five; Over 50 accessory options.

Although the Gold Wing is not exactly a budget touring motorcycle, Honda offers the tourer in two trim levels: Standard and Tour, further divided into five versions. All variants share the same powertrain, chassis, and a few common features. But for a more thorough touring experience, the Gold Wing Tour model has additional features to make riding more pleasant. Additionally, with over 50 accessory options available from Honda to customize the Gold Wing, you can personalize it to your individual style and touring requirements. The accessory categories include comfort, luggage, audio, lighting, aesthetics, and windscreen.

2024 Honda Gold Wing Models & Price

Source: Honda

8 Packed With Cutting-Edge Features

Loaded with Innovative Features for Added Comfort While Touring.

Honda has improved the Gold Wing with new features in each generation, and the current 2024 model includes numerous options for added convenience. If you want a touring bike that has it all for long-distance trips, look no further than the Honda Gold Wing. The key features include:

• Walking Mode – Gold Wing variants with DCT transmissions can creep forward and backward at around one MPH by gently twisting the throttle.
• Airbag – The Gold Wing introduced the idea of a motorcycle airbag, which is now available on the 2024 Tour Airbag DCT model to provide another level of safety.
• Smart Key – The new Gold Wing includes an electronic smart key for keyless ignition as well as an Answer-back feature to help you find your motorcycle.
• Reverse – To help you get the big Gold Wing out of a parking spot, especially on a steep hill. Honda provides a low-speed reverse feature with the DCT model and a unique electric reverse option with the manual transmission.
• Idling Stop/Start – This feature helps to save fuel by switching off the engine after three seconds when stopped at a traffic signal and restarting it instantly with a twist of the throttle.
• Nano-Tech Paint – Honda used BASF’s nanotechnology to give this high-speed cruiser a gorgeous fresh finish.
• 55-Watt Speakers – The current speakers on the Gold Wing have been upgraded to a high 55-watt rating. Also, the equalizer presets and auto volume controls have been adjusted for richer and more pleasant sounds.

7 Functional Aerodynamic Design

Built To Last With Robust Construction and Protective Fairing.

The Gold Wing is a sight to behold among Japanese touring motorcycles, with a sleek design and fantastic road presence. Although the 802-pound behemoth (845 pounds for the Tour model) is a big motorcycle, the new model has a more compact frame than its predecessor and a more athletic style.

However, the bodywork still offers excellent wind and weather protection, with an aerodynamic silhouette that reveals a little more of the engine and chassis. Additionally, the current-gen Gold Wing has an all-aluminum frame that has been fine-tuned for rigidity, making it more responsive and agile than previous models.

Honda Gold Wing Dimension Specification

Source: Honda

6 Advanced Electronics And Rider Aids

Fully Equipped With Modern Technologies and Rider Aid.

The sixth-generation Honda Gold Wing is a fully-equipped touring motorcycle with plenty of advanced electronics and rider assistance, thanks to decades of development and multiple updates. Not only do these cutting-edge technologies make your ride more comfortable and relaxing, but they also provide safety and convenience to make long-distance trips less tiresome. It features a throttle-by-wire system, four ride modes, and the exclusive Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), among other innovative features listed below.

Advanced Electronics:

• Throttle-by-wire system.
• Traction control system.
• Cruise control.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Combined Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Integrated Starter Generator (ISG)

Rider Aids And Convenience:

• Four Ride Modes (Tour, Sport, Rain, and Econ)
• 7-inch TFT display.
• Electronically adjustable windscreen for angle and height.
• Electronically adjustable damping.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Full LED lighting and auto-canceling indicators
• Smart Key
• Two USB Type-C sockets
• Audio system.

5 Exceptional Rider & Pillion Comfort

Only Honda Motorcycle With Double Wishbone Front Suspension.

The Gold Wing’s focus on rider and pillion comfort is apparent in its comprehensive features and clever design. One of the Gold Wing’s standout features is its innovative double-wishbone front suspension design, allowing both the engine and the rider to move forward. Thus, resulting in better handling and more space for extra comfort. At the rear, it features a Pro Arm single-sided aluminum swingarm with a Pro-Link single shock with 4.1-inch travel for a smooth ride. You can also set the perfect suspension setup with the electronically adjustable damping modes for different loads, such as just the rider, rider with luggage, rider with pillion, and rider with pillion and loaded luggage.

For added comfort, the Gold Wing line includes an electronically adjustable windscreen with a 4.9-inch up-and-down range of movement. As you move upwards, the windshield changes angles, providing improved wind protection at higher speeds. Additionally, all models include heated grips as standard, with the Tour variants adding heated seats and a passenger backrest.

Honda Gold Wing Suspension Setup

Source: Honda

4 Ample Storage for Long Trips

All Models Include Integrated Side Saddlebags.

Given the Gold Wing’s long-distance touring capabilities, Honda has provided impressive storage capacity throughout the lineup. All Gold Wing models come standard with integrated saddlebags that can be opened electronically with a button or locked/unlocked remotely with the smart key. Also, they are hydraulically damped for smooth functioning. The Gold Wing Tour model gets a 16.11-gallon trunk at the back (can easily hold two full-face helmets), in addition to side-mounted saddlebags

Honda additionally offers a wide range of touring accessories that further increase storage capacity. These include top boxes, tank bags, and windscreens with integrated compartments. With its generous standard storage and the potential for further expansion, the Honda Gold Wing is a true packhorse when it comes to long-distance travel.

3 Manual & Automatic Transmissions

6-Speed Manual and 7-Speed DCT Automatic Transmission Options.

Honda has long offered the Gold Wing with two transmission options to cater to different riding preferences. The classic 6-speed manual transmission is ideal for riders who prefer the engagement and control of manually shifting gears, while the advanced automatic 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) provides an easy and effortless ride. The manual transmission offers a more connected feel to the bike during acceleration and deceleration, while featuring an assist and slipper clutch for a light lever feel. Meanwhile, the automatic models deliver smooth gear changes without the need for clutch operation, allowing riders to focus on the road and surroundings. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you prefer the engagement of manual shifting or the convenience of automatic.

2 Butter Smooth Flat-Six Engine

Horsepower: 125 HP & Torque: 125 LB-FT

Although the Gold Wing is Honda’s only motorcycle with a six-cylinder engine, its reputation for smoothness and power is not exaggerated. It’s a remarkable engineering marvel, contributing significantly to the bike’s infamous comfort and touring prowess. The latest version is a 1,833cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder mill that weighs about 13 pounds less than the previous generation (eight pounds less for the DCT model).

Additionally, robust aluminum cylinder sleeves reduce weight, enhance cooling efficiency, and shorten engine length. The compactness is also due to its 73 mm cylinder bore and a short, high-strength crankshaft. The engine’s placement also helps with weight distribution by keeping the center of gravity close to the ground for better handling.

Honda Gold Wing Engine Specification

Source: Honda

1 Reliable, Powerful & Luxurious Tourer

Top Speed: 140 MPH & 0-60 MPH: 4 Seconds

Honda is known for its strong focus on reliability, and the Gold Wing lives up to that reputation. It is a motorcycle built to last, with a few examples having covered hundreds of thousands of miles with no major issues. If you want a touring motorcycle that will last for years, the Gold Wing is a reliable companion for countless adventures.

While reliability is crucial for touring motorcycles, they also need to be powerful to handle long-haul rides. Thankfully, the bike can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 4 seconds, thanks to its powerful flat-six engine that produces 125 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. It’s also important to be fuel efficient. So with a claimed economy of 42 miles per gallon, the current-gen Gold Wing is 22 percent more efficient than the previous model.

Honda Gold Wing Performance Specification

Source: Honda, zeroto60times.com