Is It Really THAT Good? Honda Goldwing In-Depth Review

What's your favorite long distance tourer?

Honestly it's weight is a sort of advantage in the city, in the sense that thieves cant just pick it up and put it in the back of a van.

I have a 2021 DCT Tour with 3k miles on it and it is the my first GW after 41 years on HDs (Ultras, etc.). I also have had younger years with Hondas and Yamahas, on and off road, so did develop a comfort for manual shifting, and most importantly going into and holding corners. But what isn’t emphasized enough about this new GW-DCT is the availability and acceleration of manual shifts while in “AUTO” mode. On the front and rear of the left grip are what I refer to as the paddle shifters and if you should feel that you may want a lower gear almost instantly, simply tap the rearward facing button with your thumb, and conversely the front button with your index finger to upshift. And there is no lag. It is right there. This bike is capable of a 0-60 in about 3.8 seconds and no one is going to do that manually and is kidding themselves if they think they can. Put this in SPORT mode and nail it and you will be through three gear shifts before you could accomplish one manually. I relate it to where high performance cars are today. Porches are no longer sticks and when those who stubbornly resist the paddle-shifting/automatics are put up against them, the outcome is always in favor of the new technology. They have put professional race car drivers and sticks up against the PS/A’s and again the same results. Yes, I have given up the visceral feel of the V-Twin, which is always preferred for the shorter bar-room hopping and short 1-2 hour foliage runs, but if you want a bike that has two distinctly different personalities that excel in both, these new GWs will give you a sport mode that will have you keeping pace or leading the other brand sport-tourers and a tour mode that lowers the tach and turns the bike into a Lexus for all day riding. Personally, I find the Sport mode to be too much performance for most of my rides simply because the auto gear shifts are programmed to present instant torque as well as instantly slowing you back when you roll off. And this is all good when running the twisties and some adrenaline driven straight-aways, but when you, and possibly your pillion, are looking for some relaxed back-roading or mileage-eating freeway runs, the Tour mode keeps the rpms low and everything quiet while still having all that torque available to accelerate at a reasonable level. And most noteworthy, and often used, is the ability to just tap your left thumb on the manual shift button and drop a gear, or two, instantly should you want to pass a couple of vehicles slowing things down. Now on the downside in my opinion is the reduced wind protection with these wings when compared to the H-D Ultras. Even after upgrading my windshield and adding a set of mild right and left side cowl deflectors, the air on the passenger is still quite noticeable over what one is used to on an Ultra. But I realize, many will just say hey, you are on a motorcycle, deal with it. The other adjustment for me, and with a 31” inseam, was the added ride height which I find a bit more challenging during slow speed maneuvers, and especially with a passenger. This also seems to impact my comfort level on dirt roads, which come along here and there if you are truly back-roading. At this point in ownership, I can honestly say that I just can’t see myself back on a H-D tourer. And when you experience this DCT along with the stock heated grips and seats along with this new WALK mode, I think the K1600 Beemer will drop quickly to your second choice as a luxury tourer or even sport-tourer. That is if you are not hell bent on having top HP bragging rights and possibly a bit more cornering finesse. I researched and test rode the GW DCT as wells as the Beemers – K1600GTL & Grand AMERICA, and still feel I made the right decision. Yes, you will have to deal with all of the sidewalk riders dismissing the bike as ugly and just a remake of the two-wheeled sofa, not too mention the H-D die-hards that just feel they are too young for a GW. But take a long test drive on a DCT and then offer an updated opinion on the benefits of manual foot shifting. These transmissions are silky smooth and do so because they have the even gears on one spool and the odd gears on another so when it is ready to shift, manually or automatically, the next incremental gear is already spooled up and running for almost a complete seamless shift. Add in the Hill-Start control, and I don’t think you will miss the need for the stressful starts in heavy traffic on a substantial incline when loaded down with a passenger and baggage. And keep in mind that this generation of combustion powered wings will likely be the last before the inevitable switch to batteries. It is hard for me to see how HD will keep the looks and feel of their V-Twins with battery power, whereas I can see this 1800 Honda power plant being easily replaced with DC power while maintain everything that the wings have worked up to.

To change the audio from the speakers to your helmet you use the button on the tank that says audio !

Yes, the new Gold wing is a superb motorcycle in ALL respects. I took one for a test ride and was thoroughly and totally impressed in all respects except wind coverage. Honda once again has hit the nail on the head !! However, nearly $40K Canadian out the door simply wasn't worth it over my superb 2003 Gold wing that has been customized to fit me....Wingsoft seat, floorboards, bar backs making a sofa like riding position. At near 80 years old, I expect it will outlast me. With 135,000 kms on it, it's barely broken in and is likely good for another 20 years of riding (hopefully but not likely, me....:) I was reluctant to take a new one for a drive as I was concerned that it would make my much older Wing seem really lacking. However, it didn't actually which is a testament to how great the Wing is regardless of it's age or generation. At my stage in life where I can easily afford pretty much anything I want, I just can't see springing for a new one that will need thousands of dollars of extras to make it as comfortable as the older one I own now. And honestly, the high tech stuff on the new ones are features I never use. When I ride, I want to enjoy the peace and quiet of the road and NEVER listen to either the radio or the telephone EVER.....old school maybe, but I like it that way. I love the purr of the motor and the beauty of the roads I ride and screw the modern interruptions. I can cover 500 kms a day even at my age, and enjoy every single moment of peace and quiet..... Honda I salute you. From my first 305 Dream in 1968 to today's finest Gold Wing, you continue to amaze me.......

I have a Goldwing and they are every bit as amazing as described. He nailed it with the description sports mode. I really puts a lot of fun on a fantastic tourer.

I have one. It is an absolutely amazing machine. I just took the Total Control course on it, and was able to do all the maneuvers just as tight and as fast as almost every other bike there.

Great review. I own a 2018 Goldwing DCT and it's the best bike I've ever owned or ridden. Even after over two years with it this bike still makes me smile every time I ride it. 😎

I bought that very model in May. Have 3500 miles already and I've never loved a machine like I love this bike. It's fun at every level. 2 things you missed that I love about the Goldwing.. first, the retractable windshield. When the June beetles are flying its all the way up, when it's hot, down it goes! The other is the rain mode on gearing. It really backs the torque down so you can't overdrive the slick roads. Great Review and spot on!

Enjoyed your Goldwing Tour review, nice job! 👍

Great review, much appreciated Sir. Greetings from Walen School.

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, keep it up the outstanding job, have a great day.

What a beautiful bike! Great review, thanks.

An unexpected $ surprise, dealership air filter change is $300. It is unbelievable how much of the bike must come off to get to the filter airbox.

I bought the DCT Airbag model in 2018 when it first came out! I named it Draco (Latin for Dragon) because it rides and maneuvers like a Dragon! I love the bike…pure Ninja magic! My previous GoldWing was a 2005 1800 and was a Honda yellow beauty. Just under 60,000 miles towing a matching yellow Bushtec trailer! This GoldWing is pure touring motorcycle!

Excellent review for an exceptional sport touring motorcycle. 👍🏼

Nice review and good video quality..👍

Great video, great review, great job, thanks.

Amazing Review Thank You Really So Much The Best Review I See For Goldwing 2021 ... Thanks

Spot-on review. This bike is amazing. The audio is so-so and the GPS is even less, but both will do the job (it IS a motorcycle, after all). I find that the audio sounds excellent in the helmet with the Cardo Pack Talk with 45mm JBL speakers. Pair your Cardo to the bike, let them connect. Once you hear bike audio in your helmet, plug in your phone and car play should start. Oh and push the button on the center console that selects helmet audio as opposed to speaker audio.