2018 Honda Goldwing Two Year Review 

I went for a ride this morning on my 2 year old, 2018 DCT, broke 35,000 miles. ALL of the short comings I have gotten past. I ride alone so luggage is not a problem. The radio, I don't use, 6k songs on a flash drive. Great video, keep up the good work 👍

I just bought a used 2018 DCT same color. First automatic bike I love it. For about 350 mi on it two days. I bought it with only 1500 miles on it

I've got the 2019 model identical to yours, but I've never had any issues with the radio reception here in Texas, and it definitely feels like a sport bike if you forget to take it out of sport mode when you get back into the city. Lol. I've found that it really helps to understand how the DCT works, especially with low speed maneuvering. I've found Rain mode to work best for that, where Economy and Sport modes are either too jerky or just WAY too much power. I totally agree with you on the paint quality, and dash plastic cover. And I also agree they should go to the touch screen and utilize it better with more options. All things considered... it's an awesome bike. Love it. Thanks for this and all of your videos. Keep up the great work.

Nice paced and organized video. Enjoyed watching.

Moto Mengy scores rule! The horn is epic. Also love the 200 rear tire, the Porsche sounding flat six engine and modernized angular look of the Wing. BTW, Honda refined the mini storage button up front on the 19 forward to not be an issue. Honda’s paint is not Harley for sure. Storage, if Honda gets the pulse from customer input and determines this and any other elements are killing sales, could do little massaging on the CAD to return it to storage greatness. To do so would require new tooling and molds. Not cheap. Honda is well known for it’s stringent management of fiscal operating costs. Not a sloppy Harley Davidson financial spreadsheet by any means. In the meantime side bag storage organization using inner saddlebag liner bags keeps all your gear nicely intact. At the end of the day, as you stated is all about the Sport Mode fun/pucker factor, incredible handling for such a large bike, the buttery smooth engine with a history of reliable performance and super quiet ride. Is it perfect? For me it is, as good as it gets. Sure there’s an Indian Challenger, but it too has it’s compromises. Good fair review Moto. Thanks. Ride safe and ride often. Peace.

I'm so happy with the changes Honda made to the Wing. Its an awesome machine

I too bought the 2019 DCT Goldwing (blue), already owning a 2017 H.D. Road Glide Ultra. I had them both for two years, knowing I'd eventually sell one of them. The H.D. went to a good home a couple weeks ago.

I recently sold my 2019 CVO limited and I decided to take a look at the 2021 Harley Davidson CVO limited. I was shocked to see that they have done away with a hydraulic clutch that you only get one wireless headset with the back instead of two now and that the price had went up a couple thousand dollars. That’s when I decided to take a look at other touring bikes and came across the design of the new Honda Gold wing. So after having five Harley Davison‘s I have decided that I will be purchasing a Honda Gold wing for my next bike.

Thanks for the review on your bike…. It is an exceptional bike to ride for sure - great power and maneuvering fun. I ride mine (2019 - 18k miles - non tour) almost exclusively in sport mode and I do the shifting using the paddles. Almost exclusively because the throttle is very sensitive (especially in sport mode) so going slow on rough roads I use rain mode to dampen the bumps transmitted through my hand to the throttle. I traded my ST 1300 for my Goldwing…. The St1300 was hybrid sport tour (emphasis on sport) and I consider this model Goldwing as a hybrid tour sport (emphasis on tour)…. I’ve never used the native gps because my iPhone connects to car play and through my Sena headset - navigation is cake. As is music and phone calls. Ergonomics of the “small” buttons seems so trite - when the mechanics of the drive train and suspension are so in your face superior to (in my opinion) Harley Davidson - bigger buttons or not. Until you did your ride I thought you were headed to - advocating for a return to HD days. I agree on paint, soft plastic instruments cover and dumb vent thing that isn’t that much fun to play with…. To me!!! I’ve installed Remus exhaust (very expensive wouldn’t do it again) , Honda backrest and hiway pegs. Had to replace tires at 13k miles (expected I guess?) and have had all scheduled maintenance done - no issues. It’s still novel to go for a ride and I’m as happy to have this bike today as the day I picked it up.

A great, well balanced review. You make me want one. Well done!!

After finally owning and limited riding a 2022 DCT the only complaint is the side load bags, but you have to understand that the lid on a top load wouldn't be able to open far because of the trunk. the release button is under the trunk, other than that this bike is the holy grail of bikes for me. walking forward/reverse is awesome, I can hear my radio at 80 mph with full face helmet closed. Feels so light and nimble turning corners is nice, driving in traffic is care free.Big fun this summer.

Thanks for your very good and useful review. Been a Harley guy for 30 years and was about to pull the trigger on a new road glide. You’ve made me rethink my plan!

I have a 2019 Goldwing DCT and agree with everything you said ! I don't like where the horn button is but everything else you said is spot on.

My 09 Roadking Classic is waiting on tires then she is going to a new garage. My new to me 2018 Wing will be coming home tomorrow. Between expensive maintenance and the outrageously loud pipes, I needed a change. I took a 2022 manual GL out and it was superb but the 30 grand price was a killer so I got it's older sister. Great review. Thanks.

I’m glad I found this video it was a nice break down of pro/con from perspective. I’m wanting to get ahold of a goldwing as an upgrade in leg room etc from my 98 750 Shadow Ace, which has treated me well just is time for a bit more comfort. Hope you are well and always safe travels.

Great video. I see the 2021 has addressed many of the issues of the 2018. I've owned 2 wings 2008 & 2016 airbag. 120k on 08 and 30k on 16 thus far. Phenomenal bikes for the road. Thanks for review.

Great video .Thanks for taking the time to make it. I'm looking at moving up from a 2015 Honda Valkyrie to the Goldwing with the DCT. I think I will be very pleased with the comfort and features of this bike.

That was a very good and professional review. I have the 2006 GL1800 and love riding the motorcycle. The best bike I have ever ridden. I can't imagine what the 2018 would be like, but your video showed me a good glimpse of what it would be like . Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Best bike review I have seen. Nice to see a rider doing it. +1 sub

Very nice review. I can see a Goldwing in my future.

Really enjoy your non-formal video, they are very informative and provided from a guy like us! no fuss or anything! thank you very much! in 3 weeks I embark on a new 2021, Man...just can't wait!

Good video Mengy. I'm working my way up to a Goldwing. Love that dct idea

Man wash that thing lol. Great video. Just so people know the 6 speed also has all the drive modes its not a DCT exclusive. Funny my wife hates the new back seat compared to my 2007. I believe the DCT does not use the starter for reverse it has an actual gear in the transmission unlike the manual that uses the starter. They storage issue is a real concern.

Great review. Coming from riding 30 years of Harley’s and saying this is the best motorcycle you’ve ever owned is awesome. I’ve had many different Honda’s and loved them all with no issues.

I like in ireland and was fascinated to watch your thoughts. just bought a 2020 DCT tour version last week. finding my way around the array of buttons

The spoiler riser behind the windshield is not intended to blow more air onto you, it's to reduce the amount of wind that can push a rider toward the windshield, I think it's referred to as 'the venturi effect'. At high freeway speeds with the windshield all the way up, there becomes a void in pressure in the spot where the spoiler resides and air rushes forward. Popping it up reduces that pressure and I have a long beard that calms down a bit, but it's really not necessary. My Ultra Classic had tons of backpressure and my beard would lift up and cover my eyes, I always carried a hair tie because of it.

As usual, your comments are right on. I’ve had my 2022 DCT now for about 10 months and absolutely love it. Also just bought a 2022 BMW R18 Transcontinental and think it is just stunning. As a matter of fact I find it more maneuverable than the Goldwing. But both bike are out of this world. Wondering if you put Traxxion Dynamics skid plate on yet. As I mentioned to you on another comment that it’s an easy install. Planning a trip to LockHaven in June for the annual Piper Cub fly-in but towing my bike up so I can do some riding around there. Would be great if you could make it there also. Your more than welcome. Let me know if that interests you. A biker buddy of mine may go. Not sure yet. Take care and stay safe……..keep up the great vlogs!

Nice review! I have a 19 non tour. Added a Corbin heated seat, ECU flash, highway pegs, Heli bars, klock works screen, and a Harley mid sized tour pack on it. It’s the DCT model, so far it’s been a very good bike. As you pointed out, none of them are perfect. Fit and finish of a Harley or Indian is much nicer, the drivetrain and handling of the Honda is superior, my opinion of course. Ride safe, keep having fun!

ha, Channeling your inner Doug Demuro. Good & honest 2 year review!

Nice review Mengy. This 6th Gen Goldwing is a beautiful machine. And I can't wait till I get my New DCT version of this bike. I don't think there is such a thing as a perfect motorcycle. Too many different variations in heights, weights, and asses. That's why the parts aftermarket exists. Lol. And for all those complaining about storage issues. There's an aftermarket fix for that too. Check out Corbin's top trunk and side lid replacements. They look good, fit the styling of the Goldwing. And would allow for the storage of two large helmets up top. I don't think I would replace the side saddlebags though. Due to the lean angle on this Sporty looking tourer. Someone like RU-vidr (Maikeli7) would rip those things right off the way he scrapes his footpegs when hits those corners. *Side note: I aspire to be a peg scraper like (Maikeli7) someday. Lol Keep riding and be safe my friend. Looking forward to more videos from you and other 6th Gen riders until I can get mine!

Enjoyed the review. Great video Mengy.

Excellent review! Great video...

Great review...loved the scenery. I have my eye on the 2021 wing (red) as a retirement gift to myself. Your review only reinforced my belief that the new Wing is the perfect bike for me. Currently ride the Honda 1300 CTX and feel it would be the natural progression. thanks again

Spot on review, not a perfect bike but love my 2018. I think you'll find the pop up vent relieves back prsssure and the sensation of beening sucked forward when the screen is at its highest postion

Hey Mengy, great review. Like you I have been riding Harleys (mostly touring bikes) for a long time. I am now considering the new Goldwing. I think I heard you say you don't have any regrets. I'm still just a little on the fence and haven't ridden the GL yet. I few years ago I stepped out of the Harley world and bought a BMW K1600 GTL. It excelled at just about everything but it felt very top heavy, especially with a passenger. After riding it for a year I finally took my wife out on it. That was the last time I rode it before trading it in. I can't tell you how uneasy it made me feel, even at a stop. Apparently being top heavy isn't an issue for the GL? I guess only a test ride will tell but the gas tank being lower and the top case being lower and the passenger sitting lower should have a good effect. I have seen comparisons between the GL and the BMW. Most of those comparisons said that the BMW has a higher center of gravity than the GL.

Good vid, Mengy. You’ve inspired me to do a video like this too. I’ll call it a review response to Mengy!

You are a WINGER for life now 👍🏿

Great review. I own a 2018 non-DTS and totally love it after owning a 2006 GL1800.

Well done and very informative. While it might seem like nit-picking, I can certainly see how radio reception and soft paint / plastic would get annoying pretty quickly.

Awesome review! For as many miles I normally do pre-pandemic, I hope they make the new Wing with touch screen and better radio reception.

Straight forward review (which I appreciate) Did you do the software update for the GPS and if so... Did it help at all ? Ride safe.

I just bought an 02 wing in red with 24k on it, runs sweet I love it, 18+ are too similar to Honda ST,,,,, previous models look so so so much better,,,, nice review tho 👍👍🇬🇧

nice review! what part of the country was this filmed? gorgeos!

For many years I made my living custom pinstriping on Goldwing Honda’s , great people to deal with, I’m wondering what the current riders are like ,does anyone have any input? I’ve heard that many are in their thirties, and more Black riders are choosing the Goldwing. I haven’t pinstriped on a wing in 12-15 years and I sure am anxious to put some designs on the newer models, I was at the first WING DING ...

Great review! Nitpicking? Nah. When you pay this much for a motorcycle, it comes with the right to point out shortcomings. My 99 and 2014 Wings were anything but perfect but still great bikes! I also felt the same about my 10 and 2015 Ultra Limiteds.

Great review.. Today I had a 5 hour demo ride on the DCT tour and a manual Bagger Goldwing. They were not what I was expecting after watching all the reviews. Some of your points I agree with but others, not so much. my findings are below.. DCT Tour *Feels heavier than the bagger version. *Very sensitive snatchy ride by wire in all but econ modes. *Fuelling didn’t feel right at all, just not smooth at any speed. *Tour mode was best balance of non snatchy and performance. *Sport mode.. WOW! it really moves. *Very clunky mechanical sounding noise going on all the time. *Gear changes were smooth enough but sounded clunky and really noisy. *Screen better than bagger but too high to see over when at highest position. MT bagger *Really nice super easy pull clutch, but have to let it nearly fully out before the bike even moves. *Gear change lever is very low and seems as though it’s in the wrong place, it’s awkward to get boot foot under to change up gear. If adjusted upwards then won’t be able to get boot above it to change down. *It is really low geared and requires changing up gear quickly. First gear isn’t even needed, but when in sixth gear at high speed I found I was constantly looking for another gear to change up. Common between both bikes *Nice and stable at high speed. *Crappy complicated gps sat-nav, don’t think i’ve ever seen one this bad. I’m used to Garmin. *Indicator switch hard to find, but I’m used to Harley nice big switchgear. *Mirrors nowhere near as good as my Harley, couldn’t adjust to show a good view of the road behind. *Great engine tone but engine is very revvy and quite loud (I expected it to be really quiet). *Fuel Economy is really good for such a big bike. *Headlight not as good as Harley daymaker and aux driving lights. *Fantastic loud horn. *Too much plastic which felt really cheap and thin, certainly not premium. *Both bikes seemed top heavy compared to my Harley softail. *Grips are not large enough diameter but heated grips are great. *Compared to my Harley softail I found that I sat too high on the bike. Whereas I sit much lower, kind of ‘in’ the Harley, whereas I was sat ‘on’ the Honda. *Maybe just because I’m used to my Harley, but the Goldwing seemed not as comfortable as my Harley. Had to lean slightly more forward. Even the Goldwing seat seemed harder, but this would probably bed-in with use. Out of them both I prefer the manual transmission, but even that needs improvement. I had really high expectations of the DCT version after seeing and reading everything I could, but I was quite disappointed in it.

Awesome review man. I really want one but, I’m only 5’5” 😂

Enjoyed the view

So, I'm watching another Makeli7 video, and find myself here. Haha. Great review!!

Really liked the to the point review not a lot of that online now a days. How would you compare this to your Harleys in the past. Also how is the maintenance on this bike with the auto does it make a difference vs the manual and I know any Honda just about would be better and easier than any Harley haha. I have a 15 Suzuki burgman that's a auto and for 2 up riding highway in town its awesome but this past summer I used my Electra glide police a lot more just more fun but have since sold the Harley looking for a road glide / street glide and the pricing used even in winter time is ridiculous then I saw the 2018 Goldwing's. Amazing Review

I bought my Goldwing on August of this year and already has 6700 miles. I just did a round trip from Virginia to Houston, Texas. My only complaint is the seat, is not comfortable at all.

I had a Gold Wing years ago and had some serious problems with the bike, but I am considering a Gold Wing or Indian Challenger for my next bike. Honda could have designed their own trunk instead of using Vespa's truck. Next is a test ride, but I have found Honda dealers resistant to allowing test rides.

Good honest review. Appreciate it. I ride a Honda CTX 1300. Thinking about upgrading to the g-wing but not sure it's with the cash. The CTX has a lot of similarities in ride, balance, etc. Maybe....

Great videos Mengy. I wanted to ask how many miles are you getting out of the rear 200mm tire? I’m really liking these new wings. Thanks.

Hey bro. Nice video. Where are you from? Those roads look so familiar.

Did you do the new GPS update on your bike, my wife and I are looking at this model next year. I love my Triumph Trophy but the wife ain’t getting any younger and climbing on the back of a sport tourer is getting a little tough for her. Still keeping my Triumph though, they will burry me with it being English it’s a tradition 😁😁😁 love your reviews man a better perspective than some others who just complain it’s not the same as the old one!!!!

Great review, awesome machine!

The killer for Indian is their lack of dealer support. Only two in my entire state of Arkansas. One about 70 miles away and the other about 160 miles. If I needed it towed in or parts and service? Out on the road and a problem? No thank you!

Great real practical review. Following...

Great relaxed review. I thought your editing met if not exceeded my expectations. Great review. I'm looking at the Street Glide, Road Glide and the GW. It's really coming down to: For Harley - Do I want to purchase a lifestyle or for Honda - a really great motorcycle. Does this about sum it up?

Hi Great simple honest Review nice to hear it from someone that has had the Bike for two years! I want one!!! But here in England they are $35,000 from Honda plus 9% Interest so they have made it hard for me to buy it! As I am 350 years old ? I think this DCT would B Great! I have a 650 new Auto Bergman very underestimated nice Bike but we all Like to improve our position at times and this bike is at the top of the Tree! What are your thought here my Friend also you live in a lovely Area weather and forest wise spaced out rural Houses looks great!!! Do you feel Lucky ??? Pete!

I'll agree with the paint being low quality, it does scuff very easy. I have no issues with the seat either. Your review is almost identical to what I'd say if I did a review. My difference would be the side bags, I like them open the way they do. Question - Have you had the loose handle bar issue on yours? I'm taking mine to the dealer tomorrow for the repair/replacement of the sleeve - bushing-column or whatever attaches it at the center post. I'm your new sub for today. Good review, good channel.

good Review my friend, accurate and pointy.

Nice review. Great bike.

Thank you! Excellent review.

Nice review!

Do you prefer the bike sound system or helmet speakers ?

What do you think about Mack from Traxxion Dynamics? He says the tires have to be change every 4000 miles on the GW due to the bad suspension. They sell a suspension upgrade.

Nice review...........beautiful countryside, what part of the world are you in?

Electric screen ? Yamaha FJR 1300 has had one for 20 years . You get excited about that performance ? yes I suppose its better than a Harley , try an FJR 1300 ,or BMW K1600 . The Goldwing is great two person touring bike .

What's the resale value of a GW DCT ? Maintainence costs ??

Ahaha. Your going like a bat outta hell there Mengy. Your having too much fun. Great review.

Reverse is not done with the starter ! That ended in 2017

since you have been a Harley rider for so long can you do a review on maintenance issues and cost difference between the Harley verses Honda

Can you still use the paddle shifters when the bike is in automatic or does it not matter?

Nice review! Good balance. But damn.... they are huge, no wonder it needs a parking brake!

How does that 5.5 gallon tank work for you on the long trips? My Limited has 6 gallons, that goes quick enough.

Can you comment on how the Honda compares to the Harley in low speed parking lot maneuvers?

H-D come equipped with a battery tender connection ready for a battery tender. Do you recommend a battery tender for a GW.

I like a bike that gives off heat while riding in winter. How is the wing for giving off engine heat one the body and feet?

ok "Doug" LOL...great review.

How tall are you ? Good review 😊

"Please Doug Demuro don't sue me.." LOL I'm sure he wont

How’s the stereo? Tnx for review.

How do you feel about the Helibar?

thank you!!

How much did u buy this bike

How's the seat ?

Yup my 2k honda accords stock horn is loud and obnoxious... hurts my dam ears if my alarm goes off

I have ridden the gl200, gl1500 and gl1800 (2007) I don't like these new Goldwing. They feel more like sports bikes. Too expensive

it would have been perfect if the trunk was quick release.

Lovely bike but very expensive that's a big downside puts it beyond most regular bikers

2 years 16k dude what wrong I got 30k in 2 years and you horny for the horn lol its is good looking bike I like 👍

The automatic bike is easier and safer to ride just as the automatic car is easier and safer to drive!

Hardly the “new” Honda Gold Wing, given that you’re doing a 2 years review!

Go buy yourself a Harley and stop whining