Since my father (who got me into riding) can‘t ride anymore himself because of some brain shittery we took the previous model on a tour through Switzerland (hairpins and all!), he pillion, I‘m under 30y, around 600kg with both of us and luggage.. was quite a challenge, but trip of a lifetime!! :D Greetings from Frankfurt!
I saw a brand spanking new one of these parked here in Townsville, Queensland the other day. Passers by were gawping and taking pictures. Me included. You could have parked a Lambo next to it and nobody would have noticed. The Goldwing is just one of those bikes that everyone wants. BMW or Harley will never make an equal in my book.
The Honda Goldwing is the "Gold Standard" to which all other touring motorcycles are measured against! You need to do a week tour on this Gold Wing to fully appreciate it's design & engineering!
I took one of those out a few yrs ago from a dealer in Ruislip....bloody hell what a machine, even back then. Silky smooth power and plenty of go with all the bells and whistles - hustling along can be achieved with planning and I completely get why riders like them, especially in the US where the roads are wider and you have a whole continent to explore. A bit more of a challenge on our country roads, and as you say, you need deep pockets but nevertheless a very accomplished machine.
Glad to see someone understands this bike. It's not for me, but if I was going cross country in North America, I can't think of a better place to be. If you can afford a Gold Wing, you can also afford a smaller bike for in town if you want.
I've got a gl1500 and I'm sixty years old . I spent 40 years on sports bikes and I'm sick of riders flying past me on the straights only to see them going round corners like a geriatric in a car. But at least they look fantastic in their tight fitting branded outfit's on bikes they will never reach the limit's of. Remember we are all bikers from scooter rider's to old farts like me on a goldwing.
I bought a st1300 im 40 years old but look 30 my mates took the piss until they rode with me its not a slow bike and 140 with the screen up is nothing but joy none of that head down with everything shaking crap. Scared the crap out of my mate when i yanked the throttle and the front lifted while he was near me. I want the F6B the st1300 is very warm on hot days you get cooked nuts
Over the years I've had 4 Wings - 2 1100's, a 1200 and a first gen 1800 and they got better as the years went by. Have been on plenty of 2 up tours on the 1800, including a few days scratching with friends in the Cognac area of France and once you allow for their size, these things can bloody well hustle, they really can. Anyone that thinks otherwise needs to look with bigger eyes and have bigger balls as well. Motorcycling is what you make it and anything can be fun, absolutely anything.
I've owned and ridden them all. The 2018 Goldwing is the finest motorcycle I have ever owned hands down. The shortcomings are minuscule compared to the assets.
No compromises, Honda know their target market and have built the ultimate tourer you can’t help but admire this machine although I suspect it’s probably a bit Marmite to most. Not my kind of bike but a good review as always, I think the guy walking the mutt wanted to chat but realised you were quite happy talking to yourself lol 👍
I rode the dct version today.It was absolutely amazing,but I reckon the R1250RT would be more engaging given it’s 100+kg lighter.Great review,as always TMF.Thank you!
Few years back had the old gl1800, amazing machine especially if you do lots of 2up. You can filter, i found cars would move out of the way when you came barging through, it was good at low speed, and it could hustle too. Sold it after a tour to France, when it did seem that i was taking a limo to tesco on daily use. Great review, keep em coming Tmf.
One thing I really like about your reviews is the consistency. It makes them really easy to watch and enjoy. Thanks so much for your efforts. I always learn something
I bought my dad a 1985 wing as a christmas present a couple of years ago. They're surprisingly cramped inside for such a giant machine. Even the old 1200s are super amazingly smooth. *edit It did take me a few hundred miles to train my hands to just slowly let out the clutch and it would pull itself along. It didn't need any revs to get going. Trying to apply some made you sound like you were about to do a launch from the start of a drag strip.
Oh, I would sure love owning one of those! Especially if the reverse gear is included. Thank you for the review! Funny how the white van was upgraded to a white cargo truck for this review. Very ad hoc.
Talking about filtering. Harping back to my days with Delta Despatch I do remember one of our riders did have a Wing and to see him going down Western Avenue in the rush hour was a sight to behold. He never seemed to have any problems....
There are many kinds of touring... but IMO for slab touring they're on top of the list. Even for some country lane casual riding they're pretty competitive.
Now you're getting the idea! Nice review! My Pre 18 GL1800 Wing can cruise at 30mph in top gear and still pull clean away. My 1200RT struggles, just like your gs in 3rd at 30. The flat 6 has loads of useable torque. Think you'll find too that this Wing can filter, as I do, unlike GSA's with panners which are about 4 inches wider and get stuck, even on motorways. Have to buy TMF t shirt now thag you've reviewed the 'wing. Nice one!
+SPETIKANGEL Must admit, when TMF was talking about 30mph in third, my first thought was 'I'd bet my bottom dollar it would pull 30 in top (gear)'. My normal first choice in colour on a bike is black, but that red just looks gorgeous. At £26K for the manual, I think that can hold it's head up against the likes of the BMW's.
Hi there. What a nice wee change for you then eh! It was nice of the guys to lend you the bike but who wouldn’t. You and Russ (RCN) are the two best reviewers on RU-vid in the UK for sure so I’m guessing it’s in their benefit to lend RU-vid’s reviewers like yourselves to give them a little bit of an advert. So thank you so much for showing us around and at nearly 47 years old I’m slowly giving in to really wanting one of these massive tourers. Comfort is my first priority and I’m sure you mentioned how comfy it was once or twice so I’ll take that as it’s super comfy lol. I really need to get saving as even a second hand one is expensive. I’ll stick with my ZZR 600 D3 with bar risers just now but I hope soon to at least take a test ride on one. Take it easy and ride safe.
It's a great looking bike, but there is too much going on for me with all the gizmos and the price is just crazy. We have enough distractions going on on our daily ride trying to stay safe. Great vlog by the way.
Great review and great styling and that straight 6! But I guess the question is why does it weigh ~100lb more than a BMW 1600GTL. Would’ve thought the other way round. Great review sir!
The new "cub" its very much like this Goldwing as it has a lot of new gizzmo's included but at over £3000 its a bit daft of Honda ( or greedy ) oh and comes with a single seat ....
@@georgem4309 Yes Indeed. I have 4 friends with new HD's. All four have major M8 engine problems. HD's never did, and looks like they never will know how to design and build a quality engine. TMF needs to test an Indian Springfield or ROADMASTER ! Now that would be a hoot!
quite different beast versus many HD except maybe RoadKing. GW is clearly for more comfy cruising and much closer to BMW1600. Better to compare to STRATOLINER (I ride one), but the latter’s torque will leave GW in the dust. Anyway, lovely machine GW!
@@georgem4309 Oh man, I think that is a can or worms statement. If you are talking M8 Harley's I could not disagree more. In fact, I would put the new Road Glide Special up against any sport tourer on the market or any tourer. I own Harley's, KTM's, Yamaha's and have had everything to a point so I am no Harley fan boy. The new Harleys are excellent machines.
Major expense for any slight touch down on our potholed UK road, but lovely, lovely bike thought! Would come into it's own on the American Interstates and would love to ride one on the I-75 from Michigan to Florida!!! (Did this on a fly drive holiday) OCD cleaning nightmare. Thanks for taking us along!
A loverly bike. Did I notice a slight reach for the brake at the site of the constabulary on the hard shoulder. I thought the Wing had an electric centre stand on the older model. Good review. Thanks
My DCT Tour was due to be delivered last Saturday. Then the shop shut up because of this bloody virus. Wont now deliver before 14/15/16th April, bugger. Good review mate. Watched so many American reviews makes a nice change to be able to understand what's being said.
Great review. After 30 years of road riding I’ve just bought myself a new Gold Wing Bagger 6 speed and I am so chuffed. There are lovely bikes out there and you mentioned some in your vlog, but for me it was only ever going to be a GW.
I JUST BOUGHT A F6b ....imported from Queensland...im waiting for it to get to where i live in West Australia....the borders have been shut or controlled for months due to Covid. Ive only rode a Wing for half an hour. It was dead easy to ride. I live in the country and the nearest city ....for shopping is a round trip of nearly 200 miles so i sold my cruiser and opted for a big tourer. I Will keep my zx14R for now. Im 67 and work full time as a gardener. Im not ready for a zimmer frame just yet, after all life begins at 65.
I bought an 1800 in 2004 after a big bust up with BWM. My son was 8 and it was the right bike at the right time. It was safe and comfortable for him on a trip to Spain. When he reached 16 though I bought a Rocket 111 and he went off the GW, he preferred 'Harley Baiting' on the Rocket and called them 'Hardly Movingson'. I still have the GW though (I have 5 bikes). Having a KTM1290SAS on order though, I really need to sell a couple so the GW may be out this year along with the Tiger Explorer. I normally find those that mock the GW have never ridden one; they are for sure at one end of the 'scale of compromise' with your Panagale probably being at the other end but they can scratch to a limit and whenever I have have been out with guys on sports bikes, they are always amazed at how well it goes round corners. I'm sure the new one is even better. Mine has been all over Europe from Portugal to Sweden to Greece (inc Boznia, Albania & Serbia). I will be 60 this year so the weight is becoming a bit of a concern and as I only ever tour solo, I find an adventure bike a better tool for me now (especially on dodgy road surfaces). I agree £30k is a lot of money, I paid £14 in 2004 brand new and it's probably worth about £8-9k now so I don't think it's cost me too much over 15 years.
I knew someone with one who paired it up with a side-car. You have to keep an eye on the speedo. Friend got booked doing 90kmh in a 60 zone with a passenger in the side-car. Bike is so smooth and quiet, does everything effortlessly.
Morning. Nice review but think a bike like this needs a long term review with a tour to understand its worth and any shortcomings. However, what an incredible piece of engineering.
Although this bike is not my cuppa, I enjoyed the review a lot, and it's always good to see what's out there. The review was also the perfect length. Thanks.
Best boxer engine in the world! Growing up in an (Asian) motorcycle family, we all had a weak for Honda engineering. I remember my dad working on his old CB’s (but also on Kreidler and Zundapp mopeds) in my early days. These days people say Honda’s are boring, no emotion etc, but one cannot deny the impact they had on modern motorcycles. I always remember those days and I still follow Honda news these days. Anyway, I also remember his reaction, showing up on my first BMW flattwin and the look my dad had, when I put the first gear in.... he was horrified. I guess all BMW riders know what I mean. Still, he cannot appreciate THAT sound even on modern LC flattwins. Hopefully my 1250 takes that away...keep up the great work TMF!
I would like to see you compare this to the previous model. It had a much bigger screen, bigger seat, much more baggage, and heaters coming off of the wider fairing.
I have owned 5 of them the 1800 is my favorite. As you see we triked it about 3 years ago as you see from our picture. My wife was driving a 1500 Wing with sidecar, and mine was an 1800 Wing which was the one we triked after 19,000 miles.
I bought one in May and have about 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Mine has both forward and reverse creepers that go about 1 mph. Very useful in low speed maneuvers. It is my first big bike, so I cannot make a complete comparison, though I have ridden older Goldwings and big Harleys. Mine is the DCT (automatic) model. Not for everyone, but a lot of people who said “I will always shift” like it. I love mine - smooth, powerful, comfortable. (Filtering is illegal where I Iive.)
Good review. The first time I rode a wing I was amazed by the handling and the way the weight just disappeared from very low speed. They are great bikes, but very expensive, however I think you will find the bike comes fully loaded, so things like an intercom system is built in and you just need to purchase the headsets. Now the K1600GT exists I really don’t know if I would have a wing over it, the K1600 has a lot more performance for less money (160bhp, if memory serves). Mind you I am not currently in the market for such a bike and have not ridden the new wing and the last K I rode was the K1300GT. Maybe I’ll have to try both at some point to find out.
Well you've done it again. Every time that I look at changing my bike, you seem to review the ones that I'm considering. Just sold my GSA and Goldwing Bagger ordered, which I hope to collect next week. Going to miss the GSA after a long history of GSs before that - but excited about the new bike. Thanks for another great review...
Nice Review. Looks better than last model. I’ve seen people drop these because the weight has caught them out. Added weight with luggage plus pillion. Even if I grew a grey beard and money was no object I wouldn’t get one 😬
Thank you TMF. " Starship Enterprise", that sums up more than just the dash. I have never ridden one, would love to particularly on a journey its designed for. You know you are on a big bike when you glance at the rear after getting off and see two rear light clusters! Cheers
Personally, if I'm going to spend that sort of money I'd only choose the DCT version - over time you'd really appreciate the smoothness and hassle free riding of not using a clutch, especially around the city. Even touring bikes get plenty of time in congested areas.
In fourty one years I've had twenty bikes one of my favorites was my 1974 Goldwing 1000. Heavy, no reverse gear, brakes weren't good, crash bars would touch down if you cornered to enthusiastically, no fairing on that bike so naked, small fuel tank. But great low speed manageability comfortable and was for ever talking to old fellas who'd saunter up when you were parking and admire the chrome wanting to chat about how they went around Europe on there Ariel square four in 1950's. Many happy times on that bike, plus no one wanted to pinch it when they took my mates new Kawasaki ZZR1100 at Barry Island! 😊
I had my FS1E stolen from Barry Island, I remember the original Wing (water cooled flat four), but my dream bike of the 70’s was the 6 cylinder CBX, in 79 the nearest I could get to one was the new Honda 750KZ (twin cam 16v) which was absolutely plagued with mechanical issues.
I test rode one of these with the DCT. It is the smoothest machine I think I have ever been on. That being said, it was also THE most soulless machine, no fun to ride at all. It was a Honda Accord on two wheels.
I own a manual 2018 ,how can it be soulless with that great sounding flat6, MCN ,s shief road tester called it a barrel of laughs.perhaps the dct killed it for you. Richard cottingham
First off, love the vids, but American chiming in... I love seeing the European comments to a tourer meant for straight Interstates in North America. Over here, the GW costs the same as a BMW RT and GTL when they are on sale at end of year and before add ons. This ride is really for a passenger and rider comfort for an older generation for long miles. That being said, there are some rather heavy European bikes, hello Triumph Explorer, Rocket, etc! The suction effect is cancelled from the button below the windscreen that elevates a windbreak. The windscreen goes that high for passenger comfort BTW. The weight has good COG and it costs and weighs less than the Harley’s of similar design. Price out a BMW 1250 GSA, with better skid plate, Nav, panniers, etc. and it costs more than the GW in America. My last comment it only to have you remember the most important thing of all...Euro 4 and soon 5 is all your fault...spoonful of sugar mates. 😂
It might be the case that Honda builds this bike outside the EU and faces an import tax whereas BMW's are built in the EU and don't when it comes to UK prices. We'll see at 7pm tonight if that's about to change or not!
I want one simply because I can't afford One. Presumably most would own a second bike for shorter rides with this so it really is a considered purchase. Thanks for the video as ever!
What a price!! But what a bike. That engine sounds absolutely phenomonal. My brother had an older version, compared to this one it looked archaic, but in the day was again the bees knees. Oh if only I was rich!!
Great review as always. Pop into Oxford Harley and see Kevin the Dealer Principle. They are a friendly bunch. It’s where I bought mine from last year. I know Harleys are the marmite of the bike world but you must ride one. I used to hate them until I got into them 10 years ago. Also love my GS though 👍🏻
I was at Blade Motorcycles Abingdon today and had a look at that very bike. Nice but too pricey. The Harley showroom next door is brilliant too. Great video as always.
I have owned and ridden the ‘big body Wing’ ie 2009 model for 9 years and she is great! Test rode the new Goldwing as TMF is doing above and while engine, handling and tech are brilliant it felt so much like a big Pan European. The lack of luggage capacity on a £30K bike makes the BMW K1600 GTLE a more attractive proposition at £25K. Rather than trade mine in, I bought a KTM1290 SA, based on the TMF’s fantastic reviews, so now have the best of both worlds.
You are right TMF about planning carefully where you stop or turn when on a very heavy bike, even the chamber of the road or incline condition of road surface. One of my bikes is Triumph Rocket 360kg dry
A beautiful piece of machinery, but at the end of the day the RT has it all for a lot less money and easier to maneuver and still quite sporty. With my GS and RT in garage, I think I've got it covered! Did I see a review of the new RT1250 coming up soon?
One of the biggest benefits of a goldwing is the longevity of the bike. I have owned two gl1800s, 186,000 miles on the first one and 230,000 miles on the one I have now. Warranty is great, unlimited mileage. Performance is good for a bike of this size. An aggressive rider that is skilled can really get some high speed cornering out of this bike. Things about the new model I do not like are the smaller trunk, on your side of the pond it is a boot, smaller fuel tank. The fairing has also gotten a bit smaller. The mileage is not a misprint these bikes are very reliable. Changing the air filter is a lot of work as lots of the body needs to come off to get to it. The air filter location is the worst feature of the bike, for something that should be changed frequently, the engineer that designed that feature should be beaten senseless. On the previous model one needed to take out the dash, the fuel tank cover, some of the engine control equipment and then the top of the air box could be opened and the filter changed. I have done this so many times I am faster at it than my dealers mechanics. On my bikes I typically get more than 100,000 miles before the valves actually need to be adjusted. Great bike and the older ones were like a two wheeled car for utilitarian uses. A trip to the grocery store and quite a lot could be stowed into the bags and trunk. As to covering lots of miles I have traveled 1300 in a day, riding from my home in Texas to a rally in Wisconsin. The bike is at home on twisty roads as well as interstate highways and also handles dirt roads well. Because of the smaller trunk and the smaller fuel tank I am actually going to look at BMW for my next bike. One of the big things for me will be to check and see what the required maintenance is for the BMWs vs the Wing. The BMWs do have a bigger trunk and fuel tank. As far as I can tell there is no other bike except the BMW that can compare to the wing for performance and comfort every other bike made now has much less power and the handling is not even close.
This is the exact year and set-up my friend has, but Jim has no budget you might say, and I believe the bike with six helmets(six grandchildren) cost right around $33k. He rides his bikes for ten years and his last bike was also a Goldwing ! I Did have the Harley Ultra Classic for a couple of years…and with all the chrome on the Harley it became an expensive bike, but had the unique Harley sounds👍
I've heard we're getting the version without the rear trunk fitted (bagger?) in the UK this spring. £22,300 approximately. To my mind it looks much cooler and the price is better,although still a lot of money. Best engine I've ever experienced,having owned a GL1800 F6C (valkyrie) a couple of years ago.
Fantastic bike and review, it scares me to see you always riding on the wrong side of the road, but, since everyone else seems to be on the wrong side too, I guess it's not that scary. Good job.
Very nice - I will not be buying though. I have given it a lot of thought in the past but even though I could afford it I have just kept my current ride which is perfect for touring - BURGMAN 650.👍😀
Tremendous bike and review! I wonder if all this package really gives you the ultimate riding experience. For the time being I will keep riding my good old Tiger Explorer!
I had quite a few Wings, 1100, 1200 and 1500. Great bikes for the riding I was doing then, lots of European touring and camping. Budapest to Henley in a day, two up, 1000 miles, wouldn't have done that on another bike on the road at the time. A bit of a one trick pony for me though, and as the Euro touring became less frequent I left winging. On a Harley now, surprisingly much more versatile, and half the price.
Blimy what a machine!! The thought of stopping on uneven ground is terrifying!! When you put your left foot down and the ground is lower than expected....big bike like that you'd never keep it upright! Great interesting review though!!!
I fully agree with your review of the Wing TMF. Had the chance to ride one, DCT model, and they are an awesome machine. Unfortunately, in Australia, the top spec model is around the $46 grand mark. My wife said NO!! Thanks for the video mate.
Great vid thanks. I noticed the old man and his dog seemed impressed as well when you were doing the walk around. Got me thinking, you must have some amusing outtakes up your sleeve when people have interrupted you?
I just demo rode a GW 1800 . Totally awesome bike. Easier to ride than my 2013 FJR and felt lighter. To bad you didn't talk about the front suspension. Its amazing. Even on rough roads.
As much as I love the VFR and it’s V4... the new one probably should have been 1000cc and Inline to help reduce the cost... its current price was just ridiculous for what you got
What a bike always liked these, I’m 31 so wouldn’t buy one but I’d love to hire one and tour Europe . TMF great review as always, please review a 2018 Honda CB1000R I would like to see you do that .
I was in Abingdon blade last week. One of my step daughters wants to start riding . We nearly bought a Grom to start her off. You get up early. Nice vid
Buddy's Insight I’ve just bought a Grom myself as a second bike and a bit of a play thing, it’s the easiest bike I have ever ridden, unfortunately I slipped on diesel last weekend and came off it however I learned that it was super easy to pick up afterwards and the only thing that broke was the indicator. The only thing I would say against it as a first bike is the fact that it is so small that it’s not like any other bike. Your step daughter may find that when/if she decides to get a bigger bike that it feels completely alien and giant, at least with other 125s they are a similar size to a “normal” bike. I cannot, however, emphasise enough how easy they are to ride and how much fun they are.
Owen Laing I want one for a bit of fun to be honest. I thought if she got one I could have it after she’s done to put in the back of my van and take to Spain. Do they feel safe I know they just do 60 mph max?
Buddy's Insight yes, they feel safe, the one thing I would say is change the standard tyres, they are very cheap and made with nylon. I spent £91 on new tyres front and rear (Michelin city grip) and it has transformed it. My other bike is a Triumph Street Triple R 765 and on twisty roads I would say I feel faster on the Grom, I’m probably not going as fast but it feels great and is super light. They’ll do 70mph downhill but I sit quite happily at 64mph on a flat road. From near enough empty it costs around £5 to fill the tank and you’ll get over 150miles out of a tank. Annual tax is £19. I go to the H cafe most weekends, which isn’t too far from Abingdon so if you are ever down there and see a little yellow Grom just come over and say hello and I can tell you anything you’d like to know
Thanks TMF .. Great review as usual. Isn't it a bit weird all that hi-tech stuff and no DAB radio ! PS .. your R1250GS review pushed me to a test ride and I was lucky enough to get it 2 weeks ago. :-)
Great review TMF, what a bike!! I believe there’s a little spoiler ‘thingy’ above the dashboard and behind the windscreen that you can lift up to get rid of that suction effect your were talking about on the motorway. Try it out when Honda lends it to you as a long termer 😁
Missenden Great review once again, regarding the Suction Effect I believe the Goldwing has a thing in front (just above the dash) that if you press it deploys a "wind diverter" that makes some of the front wind go to your chest taking the suction from behind away... sorry for the completely non technical terms hehehe
Probably the main competitors would be the big Harley's , more than the BMW s . When are you taking one of them out for a run. Blade have there new Harley right next door to Honda at Abingdon 👍. Great reviews as always.
Great review of a beautiful machine. A bit different from the 1978 Gold Wing I used to ride, completely naked bike no touring gear or screen at all. You definitely had to think how you parked that (no reverse gear to help you out), brakes that didn’t work in the wet and tyres that were horrendous. But they were good times.....🤣
Great review, would like to here your thoughts on the Standard Gold Wing the one without the top box. Popular bike in Australia as you said a great bike for the big open country
