2018 Honda Gold Wing Tour First Ride Review 

Great review. We were on our way to buy a Roadmaster and thought we’d stop by the Honda dealership to give it a test ride so we could say we did our due diligence. Afterall 30k is a lot of money to spend on a motorcycle and you’d be foolish not to do the research. The Indian has WAY too much engine heat and the road glide doesn’t have enough suspension. The Roadmaster has enough power and the Road Glide does not. My wife loved everything about this Goldwing. Super comfortable back seat and tons of power. It handles everything expertly and the DCT transmission shifts smoother and at better points than I would. Sport mode is unruly (we’re old) and Tour mode is about perfect for us. It’s got the power and handling of a sport bike and the comfort of a fully dressed touring bike. It’s checked all the boxes and it’s a payment I don’t mind making every month. I hope that people read this with an open mind and give the bike it’s due.

Ever since my back injury, I haven't been able to ride sport bikes or most sport tourers as the riding positions are too aggressive. So I decided to take a 2015 MtR HD Street Glide Special on a day trip. I was in the saddle 4 straight hours before I got off to stretch my legs. I was so happy I was able to ride that distance without having to stop because the pain was so severe. I loved the sound system on that bike, the GPS system, the comfort, and the torque. I was almost completely sold on it, except being a canyon carver for so long, I wasn't so keen on giving that up. Now, I know my back being the way it is that I'll probably never be able to ride an actual sport or super sport again. I was really leaning towards that Street or Road Glide Special, but then this bike came out. The sound system can be heard in the triple digits, it has a GPS, the comfort is wonderful, it has the torque, and last but not least, it can handle a more spirited ride. It's pretty much everything I could ever want with the way things are for me. Its riding position won't kill me, and it can corner better at higher speeds than anything Harley could offer. I mean, what more could you ask for? I'm sold. Now it's just time to save up!

My wife and I just bought (2) of the DCT models. We both ride, and traded in our HD Road Glides CVO's. Not new to Goldwings we both have had them in the past and looking forward to getting back on them. We're are upgrading the the sound system by adding Honda 220 watt amp and 4 better speakers, also adding the luggage rack w/brake light, fog/driving lights, XM radio antenna, 12V supply plug all before we pick them up. Of course the dealer only had one in stock and had to pick the other up from another dealer. Should have them within days. Enjoyed you review, and video. Can't wait to pick ours up later in the week. We live in Houston but travel to the Texas Hill Country regularly. Beautiful riding country as anyone can see in you're video. Good Job.

They really did a great job re-designing the Goldwing. I never hated the way the old Goldwings looked but I never loved it either. I think these new ones look great.

Great review. We demoed a Wing at a rally a couple weeks ago. Two days later we bought one, a leftover new '18 DCT Tour. This is my fourth Wing ('85, '93, and '06) so I'm familiar with them. This latest handles better at low and high speed, the forward and reverse assist is great in the garage, but the Navi sucks. Too hard to program and can't do much while in motion. Cured that with a Garmin Zumo mounted to the front brake reservoir. Added a Show Chrome luggage rack to carry lightweight gear. The DCT is nice, but plan on downshifting with the paddle entering a slow sharp turn (I live in the N. GA Mountains) to make it smoother and the trans will upshift on its own when you accelerate out. My wife rides with me 95% of the time and she likes it. My only complaint is having to juggle the arrangement of my Fulmar modular helmet and her 3/4 Shoei to get them both in the trunk. The helmet lock that slides into the left rear grab rail is a joke, but I added a cable lock to it to lock helmets and/or jackets on the seat if necessary. Coolest feature with the radio is the USB plug already installed in the top shelter compartment. Plug in your phone or Ipod (or bluetooth) and you have some great tunes. I'm 69, fairly tech literate for my age, so the computer type gizmos on board aren't too hard to figure out. So far, so good, I like it!

Excellent review, this is the quality that other reviews should be measured against. No swearing, informative, very balanced. Great to get the passenger feedback as well. All the information to help me to gauge if this bike is worth trying out or not (it is now) . Thanks!

That flat six is soooooo fun. I own a 97 Valkyrie, 91 anniversary GL, 76 GL, 99 super blackbird, 03 VTX 1800R/S, and I love them all.

Good review, Picked up my 2018 Saturday, 3 hour ride home, no engine drone noticed (6 speed manual) I do wear passive noise cancelling ear buds so all I hear is music, GPS or the purr of the 1800. As for the luggage its a firm push to close but have not had the warning light issue. I look at it as better safe than sorry so not an issue for me.

Guys, this is an amazing review... We always want to hear a passenger feedback to ensure my wife will be comfortable... Thanks to Nataly. Great review... Keep them coming...

I just wish people would give Norman Hossack the credit he is due for inventing the front end on the Goldwing and the BMW.

Honda never wins with their fans, They made a great redesign but old timers hate the new look. They made the bike lighter but younger people still think it has to much tech. And the made it louder to make it more of a ride and now people want it more quiet...Guys Honda is trying their best please just let the engineers breath. They made an amazing bike that at my age of 19 I love it If I ever pool up the cash after university I'm buying a goldwing and a cb1100ex. Just let honda be they make amazing cars, bikes and lawn equipment.

One of the better reviews so far of the 2018 GW and useful insight from passenger perspective.

Excellent evaluation of this gorgeous redesign. As an former/old time past GoldWing owner, I can appreciate the changes, but am hoping Honda re evaluates those bags and their carrying capacity! 👍

Darn good review. Perhaps some inclusion as to how the suspension is adjusted for single, dual, loaded would have been good

I haven’t seen such a nice, detailed review in a long time. My respect to you Sir and your wife. I absolutely love so many things about the new Goldwing BUT a smaller gas tank and not enough storage space for two helmets unfortunately is a huge no no.

Not sure how long I will wait but this bike is in my future.

Wonderful review. Great bike. Maybe one day. . I've said this for 15-years. One day I'll get me a 'golden-wang' (as my southern friend call it). The kind of bike I'd buy and keep for the long term. It'll be stabled with other street bikes for the local rides and will be the distance hauler it was made to be. Dam. I remember when this was ridiculously priced at $18k back in the day.

Delighted that you could hear Howard Stern clearly. I've owned two Gold Wings, and enjoyed them both at the time I rode them. As I got older and more experienced, though (I'm 72), I didn't like the handling when I felt like pushing it--so I moved to sport touring bikes, and would never go back (although sometimes, at the end of a 700-mile scoot, I miss the cushy heft and road stability). Though the GWs can move right along in uncomplicated terrain, they're just too heavy for really sporty riding. I think the market 'sweet spot' for the Gold Wing has really settled on the kind of rider for whom listening to Howard Stern, Sean Hannity, Alex Jones, Rush, Glenn, etc. is a relaxing and fulfilling accompaniment to a 'senior citizen' riding experience (and I don't say that with even a whisper of criticism; who needs cultural critique when discussing a very large, very expensive, very comfortable and ultra-appointed 2-wheeled conveyance?).

Excellent video! Natalee was a great passenger addiction for those who have a passenger regularly. I had one of the original GoldWing back in the 70’s; the 1000cc 78’ version. It was an awesome bike then, but no comparison to today’s model. And the DCT, I wondered if I’d go for it, it seems you’re video,and others, removed that fear! I rode for over 10 years, and now thinking about returning to the Honda family; although I’m driving a V6 2015 Accord, which is awesome! Thanks again...👍

Thinking about selling my Harley ultra to get one I love the red

Way better look Honda. Now let’s get with highway peg program so we can stretch out the legs for those long Iron Butt rides, and even on shorter rides the ability to stretch out the legs is a wonderful option. A focus group would have identified that before coming to market. Otherwise looks awesome and better in person.

We want the paniers or bags to be large enough for Arai full face helmets.

Very nice review, thank you for honest review.. How about it compare to the K1600's BMW? Thank you

I sat on the new Goldwing today I felt the seat was a little hard and it seemed to be higher to me I couldn't sit on it with my feet flat on the ground. But ti agree with you Memphis Mike I think Honda has nailed it with this new Gold Wing can't wait to ride one This coming Saturday the 17th is an open house at my local Honda dealer and weather permitting he's allowing test rides on the new wing

I really like this new style compared to earlier models. It seems to be better suited to the shorter rider, making it easier to handle in tighter turns. And it has everything!

Rode it, loved it. There needs to be an R or ST version available on the GW model... One with a more aggressive seating position so we sport touring guys can truly enjoy the "sport" that Honda has built into this machine.

Probably the best overview I’ve seen yet on the new Gold Wing. Great job! I’d love to see some more focus on the saddle bags and truck, specifically putting items in them to give an idea of size. For example, on my ‘08 Gold Wing I could fit a few gallon containers in the saddle bags. Curious to know if the new one could hold one, two, or even three gallons of milk or tea.

Also I appreciate you have a second rider as my wife is riding more these days. The Goldwing does not seem to have much arm support for the passenger as compared to BMW's GTL. Any comments from your wife on that from the passenger comfort? I know they have an additional small armrest that can be added, but still does not seem long enough to provide support.

Interesting I am not a wing guy as I do ride the HD Tri Glide would be interesting to see any video on the trike conversion. I enjoyed the video

Looks lovely in white! Can't imagine anyone outside the US riding them often though, way too big, even if it's smaller than the older model

The front looks like the 2014 VFR800's. Saw it at a bike rally and I gotta say I was impressed

The first unironically cool Goldwing. I can’t wait till they get old enough so I can afford one. I suppose the Triumph Trophy is the bike I’ll be getting until I can afford one :)

This is a good looking bike and I would consider it when my Victory Cross Country Tour has done its dash. I never considered the older version - the rear taillights just did not sit well with my eyes. I like the info system - top notch. The luggage will never be as good as what I have currently, but we don’t need the kitchen sink these days. I look forward to riding it and comparing it to my positive impressions of the K1600GTL. The DCT is a positive, as I loved that on my old AMG at the track :)

Great review, I feel you explained it well. I have one and could not have said it better!

Best review I ever seen of Honda Goldwing. No BS

Nice review, looks like it’s a bit small for a person as tall as me (6’4”).

Was all ready to trade My ST1300 until I saw this Bike at Honda’s Daytona Bike week display. Epic fail for me on the range and storage. I really think Honda is going to have to offer a Grand Tour at some point. Why they never refreshed the ST is really a shame. BMW offers the R1200RT and the K1600GT(L). Both are similar in options with the obvious difference being the engine. The ST would have made a great entry level tourer with just a few minor upgrades/options. With this new Gold Wing offering my ST became my favorite long distance STeed again.

If you guys in the USA think the 2018 Goldwing is expensive then please give a thought to us Goldwing enthusiasts in the U.K. From what I can ascertain the Golding Tour model will retail in the U.K. at £24,000, which equates to $33,400. The Goldwing Tour DCT version will retail at approx £28,000 which gives a price of $39,000! This is based on $1.39 to the pound. I went onto the Honda U.K. website to see if I could find the exact retail prices for the new model, but as yet the have not officially released any. The prices above are based on various information gleaned from the U.K. motorcycle press. In my option Honda should have pitched the new Goldwing on a price very close the the BMW K1600 GT LE, this retails at £21,500 with a few option packs added.

Only thing I wished for would be more nighttime Lighting description. Beam pattern, spread. As in Texas New Mexico Deer and elk are a big issue Especially near the center divider or emergency parking side. I test drove Acura at night and discovered the LED lighting totally despicable is was just plain awful! Otherwise, I enjoyed the video bunches! Thank You!

Nice review. Thorough and informative. Thank you. Well done.

It does seem like a great bike. Looks amazing without the tail trunk. Just a shame they wend smaller on the luggage capacity. I've seen other videos saying the top box isn't big enough for two helmets and the side panniers are a bit small for touring. Hopefully they will sort that.

Excellent review ! I had a 2014 Kawasaki Concourse, but it was to heavy for my liking, so I got a 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000LT !

Sat on one the other day. Very nice bike. Like the dual clutch too.

Excellent program and summary of the GW - more than the usual first ride. But the now usual question - would a k1600 be better still for this job?

I wanna try the 2018 Goldwing Tour Airbag DCT with the aftermarket shocks and springs.

The one thing that nobody seems to address, on all the reviews that I've watched and that I find to be a huge comfort issue for me when riding from Austin to Big Bend or to Arkansas is the use of Highway pegs. I can't imagine going on a 8 hour ride without them. I don't see anyway for after market pegs to added to this bike, do you?

The best review by far !!!

One more question.... How good are the mirrors? Are they located in a good position? My ST1300 has good rear view mirror positioning but the new replacement for the ST being the CTX1300 has terrible placement of mirrors.

Wonderfully detailed review. Super! One thing really hit me while watching this review. This bike would be a really good base for the "Akira" bike. :)

The helmets are not designed to be used open "flipped up" when riding

I had the opportunity to sit on a few Goldwings (2007-2012) and I found that my left ankle was behind my knee, which is a bit uncomfortable. I have concerns about easily being able to reach up to down shift. I'd prefer my foot be directly below my knee. I didn't notice that on any of the Harley Davidsons I sat on. I'm 6'1" and am looking for comfort (besides the cushy seat). Did you find that your foot was behind your knee at all on the new GW?

Funny the first thing I do when I buy a wing for myself is to remove the antenna and speakers as I never use the radio, I really wish the option would be to opt out of all the electronics. I just like riding lots of mile with just the wind and scenery and none of the electronic noise.

Cool front end. I wonder if they will have a rack & pinion with power assist in the near future? Or just steer by wire. Which would open up a whole new host of electronic rider aid possibilities.

Maybe the seals will soften up with time on the panniers and Honda has allowed for that!. Good, honest review👍. You and your wife should come to New Zealand and ride here, excellent sport touring roads...just keep to the left.

Dude: Say hi Nataly. Wife: Hi Nataly. Opportunity lost.

Motorcycle.com Great thorough review!!! The best out there. Thank You!! Does the new bike offer a place for helmet locks? A big concern is ...Does the plastic dash cover reflect any glare back at the rider? Can you see the map in bright sunlight? And lastly is their a way to import data into the gps from external source for route planning?? Thanks.

Hi, is there a factory defect on the front of the bike or the front bumper is prone to breakage? Is that true?

Excellent review and thank you for your observations and comments. Question? How is it getting it up on the center stand? What fuel mileage did you get? Does it use regular or require premium fuel? How is the wind protection in general around you, not just helmet buffeting? Any heat issues with the motor? And how much fuel does it hold? What colors are available and what is your opinion of them in comparison and in your opinion of course? I think the red/black combo is only available if you get the air bag model? I looked at one and sat on one and loved it from my limited observation. I didn't have time to take the dealer up on his offer of a test ride but will be back to do so. Seating position and weight distribution felt very good. It sits lower than my ST1300 does. I am in the market for this kind of bike and will compare it to the new Yamaha and a Harley. I have tried the BMW last year but it didn't appeal too much to me riding it, other than just being fast. I also tried the Harley Road Glide and Street Glide last year, and I liked both of them. I have never been that interested in a Goldwing til now due to heftiness and looks. I love my ST1300 for riding pleasure but could use more comfort for my wife when she rides and luggage room with the trunk. These new GW bags look about the same as my ST1300 bags, but don't require the key to open them!

Good review! Maybe add an ashtray along with a cup holder lol

Thanks! Yours, is the FIRST 2018 Gold Wing, GL-1800 video, in which the 'WHITE' Gold Wing, is actually, the '2018' MODEL! Way too many of the 'other' "review videos", which has shown the riders, on what's supposed to be the 2018 White GL-1800 Gold Wing, are very clearly riding, LAST YEARS model.

Can you put a full sized helmet in each side case? I was surprised to find that I could in my BMW 1200rt with plenty of room to spare, I would not want a touring bike but a sport touring bike is great, in time I may purchase a newer model than mine but I am enjoying learning to ride again, it is just plain too damn much fun being out on a bike, I'm in south Tx

What about highway bars? So you can have another position for your legs? Can you get that or maybe an after market ones? Great review. I love the bike and want one. Don't know if I'd go for the DCT though.

Is the wind protection as good as the old model GW?? I'm wanting a bike to ride in colder weather so it's important to me. I hate to be cold . It doesn't get much better than the older Goldwings for wind protection. Yea I know....drive a car . Well I want to ride in colder weather. These seem to have less of a fairing on them. But I love the new looks!! I see other guys out riding when it's 40 degrees and I can't stand cold wind when it's below 60. I'm a sissy I admit. But I have a thyroid problem that makes me more sensative to cold

I'll never be a bagger guy but this video was very interesting.

This bike has a soft suspicion . The windshield is to narrow . The GPS is not good . And the drone in the exhaust is annoying. The engine, transmission and styling are great. They have already started dumping the 2018 and there are some of them with dct listed new on EBay for 23,000 . After paying EBay they are only netting $20,700 so I would only offer $20,000 for a left over 2018. You would have to pay $7,000 to fix everything that I mentioned earlier. The only things that changed on the 2019 are the color and an increase in the price.

This new model looks much better than the last generation

I like the design, my case boxes still do that on that on my 2002 model...

Could the latching problem be the compressing of the seals. My 2007 does the same thing. Thanks for the review

That new front suspension set up seems to be moving really well.

its a beautiful bike

The suspension on Goldwings is inadequate, bad designs mean it will have to be fixed or it will be unsafe.

Really comprehensive review. Enjoyed it a lot. Great job, thanks.

Nice bike! The pannier ajar switch issues are probably going to go away as the rubber seals are used more

13:20 -15:10 I laud Honda for finally incorporating an alternative (Hossack) style front suspension rather than the usual brake-dive, bump steer, fork-seal leaking, steering head bearing hammering telescopic design. I've owned a BMW K1200R for 62000mi with a Hossack front suspension. Not only is it far superior 'handling wise' at all speeds on a hard surface, but 'maintenance' or replacement of steering bearings, as well as fork seals, becomes as unnecessary as exhaust pipes and mufflers on Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster. And BMW's 'Telelever' aka Saxon-Motodd front suspension IMHO is much the reason for the GS1200's dominance in the heavyweight 'Adventurer' market. It's a shame so many hold on so vehemently to the ubiquitous 'Telescopic' fork. It's a perfunctory design; but with several innate drawbacks.

I think it'll make a great daily commuter bike where you need storage for work supplies and a change of clothes. Serious touring folks, I believe, will miss the more ample storage of the old saddlebags and trunk, and more useful old fairing.

Excellent review

At 22:45, he said that he mentioned that problem to a well known journalist that does tour bike reviews, and doesn't say that person's name and publication, why didn't or won't say the name?, and keeping it so secret and confidential?

Can you provide a comparison with a BMW 1600 and how would it differ with a BMW that will cost the same amount, not to mention, BMW does cost more to maintain and can not be as reliable as a Honda.

Great bike. I just have not liked the riding positing. I like to streach out my lags at times so I like floor boards.

Good review but no mention of fuel mileage??

I ride a V twin so I'm really interested in knowing if you have any engine heat issues like the Twins do?

The new Wing is undoubtedly better than the older generation Wings but not enough to justify buying a new one. Honda has done such a great job on all versions of the Wing that there are people like me who can easily afford a new Wing but choose not to as there is just not enough improvement to justify the huge difference in price...new $35K....2003...$7K.

The drone you speak of doesn't bother me at all. In fact, it sounds like a sporty high end sports car. You might be too sensitive to the drone sound.

I was really hoping you guy would throw it on the dyno.

How was gps? Thanks for review.

Good to have an in depth review with passanger.

Very good review.

$28K for a road touring vehicle that gets 30-something mpg? I'm just not getting it (as a CB300F owner). Honda make a great economical long distance tourer that has two wheel drive, carries tons of luggage, has cup holders galore, heated seats, carries 4 people, and gets 35mpg. It's called a Civic.

Weak that the side bags dont hold a helmet

how's its acceleration on hilly areas ...where u need real power

Great review. Thank you.

Great review, very comprehensive. Thank you!

Nice job, especially having the passenger review...

i can see that as a police motorcycle ... very very nice bike

Great review, nice bike, beautiful wife. My time was well spent!

Very informative video 😎

Best review on this so far.

Why would you put smaller touring bags on a touring motorcycle😢

Test ride a few days ago: so many changes; not the same bike as previous gen. This bike is a sport-tourer, not what the GW should be. luggage capacity is too small seats (front and back) make you feel as though you sit on the bike vs in it, seat height is too high engine not as smooth, and exhaust note is annoying turn signal switch is incredibly small and difficult to find/use with gloves location of high beam switch is just wrong, needs to be easily accessible suspension is a huge upgrade, as is the NAV and electric windscreen will be keeping my '06, and not getting the '18 - I'm extremely disappointed Honda took this approach.

Would rather see two versions of this bike. One which tours and one that is a sport touring machine. I have been waiting for a next generation ST to replace my 1995 ST1100 and think this is the closest Honda is getting to it. Very disappointed, looks like a BMW K1600GT will be in my future, unless Honda comes out with a sportier version of the GW.