FULL REVIEW: 2019 Honda Gold Wing DCT Tour by Tom 

Thanks Tom. What a great walk-around presentation. Your product knowledge is obvious and you are a credit to your profession. Truly. During Daytona Bike Week ( 2 weeks ago) I demo test rode a 2019 model identical to the one you are showing. Was extremely impressed with the entire package and particularly the DCT shifter. I used to poo-poo the thought of an automatic but not anymore especially because you can still manually up and down shift as you desire (wind it out up to redline if you choose and also downshift to get some high revs as well). Just today I purchased a new Goldwing DCT Touring model.

The best demo of this motorcycle I’ve ever watched.

Not a bad review. I own a 2018 DCT Tour in blue. Couple pieces of miss information though. 1. Storage space: Correct on the fact that the trunk will most likely not fit 2 helmets depending on sizes. However in the aftermarket, there are helmet locks that can be added to the handle bars. Also there is a stock helmet lock on left passenger grab rail with its release mechanism in the left case. This lock is almost useless because it’s on the downhill side of the bike and helmets don’t want to stay put using this lock and will want to lay on the left luggage case, bulging IMO much further out from bike than necessary. This lock should have been put on the right grab rail. 2. Speaking of handle bars, there is an electric bar lock that can lock the bars in either full left or full right positions. Just put bars to full right or left positions and rotate the ignition/ ACC knob counter clockwise a second time after bike is shutdown. 3. Folding mirrors. Great function however on DCT model, the bars need to be locked to the full right to fold the right mirror in due to the brake handle. On the models with a clutch, the mirror on the forward locked handlebar, will not be able to be folded in. In California where we are able to lane split, the folding mirrors have came in handy a few time to get through narrow spaces with car mirrors at the same height as my mirrors. Fold them in then push them out. Easy day. 4. Apple CarPlay. In order to use this function, the operator must have a Bluetooth headset connected to the bike and iPhone plugged into the bike in order for this function to work. However, you have to connect in a specific order to activate. Pair headset with bike and wait to connect. Then wait about 10 seconds before plugging the iPhone in. When at short stops or fueling the bike up, shut engine off with red switch on right handlebar and infotainment system stays on but lights and all systems will be active. Turn ignition/ ACC switch clockwise, bike shuts down, but infotainment system stays on and Bluetooth pairings stay active along with Apple CarPlay. To turn bike back on, turn ignition switch clockwise again then start engine. Needs to be a software update so that this order of connecting devices is done away with and just recognizes the devices and automatically activates Apple CarPlay when all conditions are met. 5. Walk assist reverse and forward: You must have bike in “N” then apply brake before pressing the walk assist button. To deactivate, put bike back in “N”. 6. Hill start assist. This function helps an operator come off the front brake to throttle without rolling back. To activate, with just enough pressure on front brake to hold bike still, pull back some more and a white icon should appear on right side of dash. However it only lasts for about 5 seconds. If it doesn’t take on first attempt, release some pressure on handle to almost release brakes, pull on handle, stop, then pull some more. 7. The key fob. The operator can turn off the key fob by holding the round button down for a few seconds until the the small red led is steady. Bike will not turn on and luggage cases will not open. Hold button again a few seconds until red led flashes to turn back on to begin operating the bike or open the cases. There is a hidden key on the key fob. This is in case the battery of the fob dies or battery on bike dies to gain access to the luggage cases. There is a narrow black plastic strip above the license plate light just below the top case. Pull that strip off and there is a key hole. This opens the left case. In the left case is a cable that opens the right case, and in the right case is a cable that opens the top case. However, there is no way to open the front right pocket to access the fuel door lever if the fob is dead or bikes battery is dead, so do not put your fob in that pocket ever. 8. Adjustable windshield. Yes with windshield in any up position will lower to the full down position when engine is turned off or if in ACC mode when switched to off. Windshield will return to last position upon driving. If you want to leave the windshield up for cleaning, when the screen starts going down automatically, just hold the switch in the up position until it reaches full up and then release. 9. Center console joystick will not function while bike is in motion. Many electronic functions will not be selectable while in motion including some navigation menus, bike settings, phone menus, etc. This sucks when selected, a message pops up saying that this selection cannot be done while bike is in motion, and will not go away until you bring the bike to a stop. And you cannot exit that screen until the bike comes to a stop. This needs a software update to fix. 10. The bike is amazing! I’m spoiled with the DCT as where my friends get a little jealous while in traffic and their clutch hand starts to get sore. The bike is very nimble and maneuverable. I have avoided some close calls that if I were on my Harley Davidson Road Glide, I probably would have gone down. Damn cagers need to look before changing lanes. 11. Be careful while in sport mode. This bike has torque for days. In sport mode the throttle response is intense and can catch one off guard. Just be careful. 12. Left dash information screen. Top is ambient air temperature and speed at which the cruse control is set to. Middle is self explanatory with odometer, trip A and B. Bottom, fuel range, front tire pressure, rear tire pressure. NOTE: Bike will not indicate tire pressure until forward motion of bike reaches 16+ mph. This sucks as it would be nice to be able to check the tire pressure at a glance vs. getting on hands and knees to check the old fashioned way. But I assume that the sensors are activated by motion to save battery life of the sensors. 13. Electric suspension: yes and no. The selectable menu is for the rear preload adjustment. Cannot be adjusted while in motion. However, with each ride mode: Rain, Econ, Tour, and Sport, the bike has an automatic electric dampening adjustment. There is no way to override or pick and choose which dampening yo use you your own liking except one way. Most people will put the bike in sport mode to get the best dampening setting. Then unplug the connectors at the shocks to permanently keep that setting. Traxion Dynamacs sells the dead-end plug for this. Wow that got long real quick.

Nicely done! I purchased a 2018 Tour DCT, White. Rate it best, by far, of all my 15 bikes. Honda knocked this one out of the park!

Best run through of the new Goldwing I've seen! clear straight forward, Excellent .

First time visitor. Just wanted to drop a note to say this is a well done video. Very informative for riders who are interested in these details. Cheers!

Excellent review! The new suspension and lighter frame is exciting but I will have to hold on the the pre-2018 GW I have until they correct the mistake they made with the luggage compartment. I do a lot of 2-up riding with my compartments full for long trips. The lack of storage is a deal breaker for me. Still an impressive machine that some will love

Wow! I'm on my third wing. I've owned a 1996 GL1500, a 2001GL1800 and now a 2015 F6B deluxe. You have totally convinced me to never buy this thing. Way too many "bells and whistles". Thanks for the review. Semper Ride, Gunny J. OUT!

That second Key Fob is a game-changer. I have never owned a bike that lets me put two full size helmets in the trunk so i won't miss it. For that matter, my wife won't get on a bike, so i can go with the standard Gold Wing (formerly F6B). I think i do want the DCT and greatly appreciate the heating features, but the lack of Air Conditioner concerns me...

Took delivery on mine on the 8th of May. 2018 on the Showroom that they had to push out. It was $6000.00 off the MSRP. This is my second Goldwing from an 2005. This thing is sweet. Thanks for the brief overview on some things that helped me. Sometimes those books are not quite clear on the controls.

My 2008 Goldwing has adjustable heated seats for both and also has adjustable grip heat. It’s called comfort package. You made it sound like a new thing.

Nice review. Thanks for posting. Nice bike. I had a Wing a few year back. For someone who does their own maintenance the Wing is a challenge. Not easy to do anything. Even changing the air filter becomes an event.

Excellent! Very happy to see that Mission Motorsports has joined the video review game! Keep up the great work!

The new Goldwing looks very good sitting on the showroom floor standing still under fluorescent lights, the dash tech functions and DCT engine is very eye catchy but the main problem is that Honda trimed the bike down making it too small but its excellent for a woman or a small man. American like big bikes with big buttons that blocks the Wind, If Honda would have made the Goldwing DCT Tour real big like the GL1800 or the Big Aspencade with lots of storage space for long distance touring then sales would really take off. Honda should have made two bikes that are big and small, everyone doesn't want a young man small fast sporty bike that you can scrape floor boards in the twisty at high speeds, you got the older men that has deep pockets who are retired that want to tour strait up and down manual shifting their transmissions with their wife touring coast to coast while not squinting at the dash boards and little buttons, Honda needs to think big, the research department needs to be reassigned to janitorial duties, shaving the fuel tank, shaving the trunk and saddlebags, shaving the weight and shaving the overall size was the mistake regardless of what they researched. It would not be a problem if Honda would have shaved down the version of the Goldwing, but only if they offered a big Goldwing as well so bikers would have a choice big or small. Honda has forced their Wing base to look at the Yamaha or the hot box Harleys, but there is still time if Honda correct the mistake and go big.

Well done. The most informative review I've seen!

I really enjoyed this video. I am pulling the trigger next month and purchasing the 2019 DCT in blue here on the Space Coast of Florida. I now wish this dealer was close by! Thanks for posting.

I have enjoyed my 2018DCT Tour MUCH! This new model "might" be the quickest Gold Wing yet; but it may also be the slowest. It gets off the line very quickly and up to almost100 quickly, but then the programming tapers off and acceleration slows and stops at the limiting speed of 112MPH. Thus the previous model, which is or almost is equally quick, will run away from the new if you are riding out west on those long loney straight roads. I wear an XXL helmet and my pillion has an L; we have learned how to place them to fit in the trunk. Some helmet designs may be larger on exterior, I don't know about that. Its a great bike. So was the previous.

Finally a review not filmed on the road ! Show me the goodies

Love my 2018 Tour DCT, don't miss my 2012 GW1832 at all! Maw Honda came through with this updated GW!

I long for the days of the GL1000, my first Gold Wing in 1978.

that is my next bike when i get to Philippines to tour all those amazing mountain roads in the high country. Just perfect! Thank you, The most comprehensive detailing of its features.

Slimming the Goldwing down and sporting it up had nothing to do with what Goldwing riders were wanting. The typical GW rider is 50+ and they look after and hang on to their bikes. ST1300 riders also hung on to their bikes but are typically aged 35-50. The 2018+ GW is essentially a ST1800 because Honda have pitched it to appeal to ST1300 riders. The 2018+ is not selling in droves because 01-17 GW owners don't see it as being $10-20k better than their current bike and are choosing to upgrade their suspension to various degrees instead, and the 2018+ is smaller. A small Goldwing? What's that about Honda?

Terrific video. No fluff, just facts. Very well done!

I love how he is wearing a Kawasaki shirt to showcase a Honda.

All this amazing tech stuff on this bike, and they still did not break away from it looking like a it was built in 1980.

Thanks, Tom. Excellent review. Really appreciate it. Looking to get one soon!!

Looks like I might need a couple of months of night classes to get all the functions of this bike down to a knee jerk reaction.

lovely bike I'll buy if I hit the lotto jackpot

Thorough explanation of this phenomenal bike..... Amazing.....

Wow , what an amazing machine. Thanks for the great review!

Tom, fantastic job.

New drinking game. Every time he says "This guy". :-)

Sat on a new 2019 Goldwing tour, very disappointed on the comforted level. No I am not going to spend another 1000 to 1500$ to change out the seat. Been driving my golwing since 2004 with 150000+ miles.

I had a Suzuki Bergman Exec. 650 it also had the parking break, the toggle button for manual trans., but it had mirrors the would retract. This cycle should have the retracting mirrors so you can ride in tighter spots

So when is honda coming out with another v-4 magna?

Very nice review, thank you. I’ve owned both the BMW LT and Honda Wing...both are very good. And, the new models are no exception. But, I think the automatic and the airbag tips the scale toward the Wing for me.

Thank you for the clear comparison between the 2018 and 19. Helps me decide better.

I did not think I would like the bike, but I love it now. What a pleasure !!!! The 5.5 gal gives me 245 per tank. Cases could be bigger, it is a shame. It limits the buyer's bracket. You can fit two helmets and tight, but only certain. Not good, Honda. Please fix this in the coming years.

Best video explaining the features that I have seen and Tom is straight to the point, no rambling! Sold my Road King and fixing to go with GW with DCT. Do you guys think the airbag is something I should consider? I’ve owned around 25 bikes and never had an airbag but I keep thinking about the one time I might need it.

Nice job on the review sir. Honda fucked up tho on the trunk not holding 2 helmets, thanks for posting

I am only 5.5 I also own a 99 ultra classic and a 2000 Valkyrie how much higher is this bike? After watching the video I WANT ONE! Thanks!!

Thinking of upgrading from HD Trick to a Honda Trick if it could be done at a right $$$

That is stunning, what a beast of a bike!

I bought a ‘19 Road Glide earlier this year. I do love it and there’s a certain ‘badass’ factor to riding it, but man, the features out of the box with these Goldwings are pretty impressive. The aesthetics of the bike look a lot more defined as well. These aren’t your ‘grandpas’ bikes anymore. I certainly wouldn’t be against owning one of these in the future..

I love heat seaters. 😂

Even if I won the Lottery, I still would not buy this DCT wing. I'll stick to old school traditional wings. No, not even the GL1500 (too modern and bulky), but the best looking 'Wing I think Honda ever made - the GL1200 Aspencade. And _without_ all the extras and side lights that makes it look silly. The black GL1200 Aspencade would be my 1st choice. I prefer to ride bikes with cables and carbs, and bikes that actually have _decent_ luggage space. I mean....on the old GLs, you can get chrome pannier racks, and a chrome top box rack, _and_ a small fuel tank luggage rack. Where can you mount anything like this on the DCT? The bike wasn't designed for extra bits. People say you cannot fit 2 x full face helmets in the top case (trunk), and whilst you won't want to store your helmets in there, it shows how small the luggage capacity is. For a long distance mega-buck tourer, this to me is not a good thing. But, I'm an old bike guy that is not into fancy electronics, gizmos and flashy doodars. I've always believed that : _The more something has, the more it has to go wrong with it._

Motor yang mengagumkan dan luar biasa. Kepingin sekali punya motor ini ❤👍👍👍

Thank you Tom! Excellent presentation!

Good review Tom. Preciate it💯

Great review but I would have preferred an automatic transmission instead. Amazing bike! I plan on switching to one of these once I get old enough.

Interesting vid. My 2012 Can Am Spyder had most of those features.

What an amazing tremendous handsome bike. Well done sir.. very comprehensive review..

Beautiful machine. I want one need to win the lottery first.

Hi Tom. I just bought a new 2018 model standard GoldWing! Is it also in the manual that I don't have to change the oil until the first 4k miles vs 500 miles like all my other bikes? Just want to double check this. Second, can I use Amsoil 10W40 in my bike or do I have to use 10W30 to keep the warranty? I have 8 years thru Honda and don't wanna mess that up.

Because sophisticated technology is available designers invariably make the assumption that it is desired. This motorcycle is so technologically over the top that, apart from sitting a rider on top of two wheels, it has arguably destroyed the essence of motorcycling. What do I mean by this? One could write 20,000 words on the subject without taking a breath so I'll simply give three illustrations; (1) Obsoleting gear changing (except via two toy town small pieces of plastic) brings as much joy as going for a Sunday afternoon walk using battery operated roller skates, (2) A heated motorcycle seat is as much needed as heated gloves whilst building a snowman, but one's gravest concern is (3) Once the bike is out of warranty it becomes uneconomically repairable and indeed repair per se close to impossible even by a main dealership. Out comes diagnostic equipment with part after millionaire's part being replaced until one stumbles across successful correction more by chance than correct diagnosis. The rider no longer requiring a workshop manual and a good tool kit but rather a bottomless bank account. I can't help but wonder if Honda completely misunderstand the mindset of today's Goldwing owner? We are largely not 29 year old Ferrari owner posers, but rather lovers of real motorcycling who embrace the practicality of comfortable seats and lots of luggage space. I am about to purchase a 2000 Goldwing 1500, arguably the last year of true Goldwings. The 2019 Goldwing is simply not in the same ball park.

just what we need now we can facebook while we are falling of the bike

so Tom...where are We supposed to 'Store' Our Helmet's ....if they Won't 'fit' in the Trunk?....Honda Should REALLY 'Address' that 'issue'!!......the Display...Dash System is Gorgeous!. AWESOME GPS!!!.....Seat ..Grip Heater's are a 'God Send'!!..Park Assist MODE: EXCELLENT!....but more & Likely Out of My 'Budget'!?....WOW..Service Intervals..Unheard of!!!...Cheers!

GREAT REVIEW. Thanks. (Ps. My 2 Schuberth S and M fit into the rear Box)

Great video on all the features!

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

I have a st1300 but love the valkyrie and the goldwings. My st takes a xl in both panniers and 2 in the top. I have never ever run out of space. My bike does not have all the bells an whistles of this but with my deep front pockets and a satnav mounted over the dash i get all of the benefits of a goldwing for half of the cost and it doesnt take 5 hours to change the air filter. God knows who they listen to when they design these things. I want full luggage capacity and the option to turn off anything i dont need in the menu. The valk wins on style and sound but with next to no storage its not worth it for me

Both compartments on the tank should open on the opposite side facing the rider

Now come on, are they seat heaters or heat seaters?

Hi dear h r u me shan from Pakistan I like this beautiful bike but that is not available in my country and I am not afford to pay and get this bike but one god give me a this beautiful bike very soon any way very nice video I like it carry on keep it up

Do they still make them fully automatic or no I have a fake leg artificial leg from the knee down that's why I'm asking please comment back

It is amazing what they put on bikes these days. Very cool bike!

You did an excellent review... one of the best I ever watched. Do you have an idea of the price for the second hand used?

A thorough and detailed review,

All systems and components including the speakers are water proof🙋👍💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

Great review👍👍👍

Great review Tom. Very thorough. I have a question and a comment. The lack of trunk space to store a couple of helmets is a big issue. Who wants to carry around a helmet? (Thats the comment, a rhetorical question, no one wants too) I see a lot of complaints on the gps system. Slow, inaccurate, not user friendly. Have they addressed the gps issues? Thanks, and again, nice video!

Great job, Tom! Thank you.

How much is one of these?

Great review. Does the Wing still have a CD player or is it all digital now?

Hi Tom, That was an excellent review about this beast. Can a 5.5 height people ride this thing.

best touring bike did over 100,000 km with my 1978 GL GOLD WING never service it never drop me

no air conditioner??? HA, forget it...

Another thing to mention the new double A-arm suspension has no need for anti-dive as this system adds anti-dive without the locking valves the older wings had (which all failed) The only glitch with this new bike is the parking brake which should have a transmission interlock like the Spyder has as one can take off with the brake on and park without placing the brake on, I beeper would be nice as a reminder. The DCT is just great. The 6 speed no so much - 4 or 5 speed would be much better which this high torque engine. 85lbs is meaningless as most passengers weigh more than this. I see this with cars and trucks and it's a sales tool not a viable feature. I personally would love to see this bike without all the gadgetry, not a big fan of fidgeting with radios, pandora and other noise producing additions and for nav I would just use my phone and BT headset instead. I just feel one is paying 5 or 6k for sound systems and gadgets. The foam phone sleeve seems like a good idea however the phone will overheat when using this sleeve.

I like the thought of an automatic transmission as I'm getting up years but who's stupid idea was it to make the gas tank smaller, downsizing to only 5 gallons. Along with the smaller dumb side open saddlebags along with a small tour pack, with no way to put on a tour top luggage rack. I'll keep riding, and shifting gears with my 10-year-old HD Electra glide with big top opening saddlebags, a big tour pack, a luggage rack, and a 250-mile fuel range.

I have a question regarding the luggage. I’m not currently a goldwing owner, I’m considering one though. I have a 2004 BMW R1150RT. I really like when I’m on a long trip I love that I can just unlock the luggage bring it in the house, load it up and clip it back on the bike and then once at my destination bring the whole case into the hotel room or wherever I’m staying. Is that possible on the goldwing or are the luggage cases fixed?

how much?

Nicely done.

If the thumb joystick on the handlebar does every thing the big joystick on the tank does, they probably should have eliminated the one on the tank.

How much range on how many gallons on this bike

Well done Tom.

I'm about 173 cm and 78 kg , what touring bike would you recommend that has a nice light weight and not really tall seat height?

I had a drink every time he said "this guy" and I couldn't drive my car to work the next day.

Factory alarm system?

So I see that having some people driving around using their phones and texting was not good enough for Honda. They had to add all the functionality of a smart phone plus many other features controlled with many switches and joysticks, each requiring that the rider look away from the job of directing his/her bike to the screen so we can have all the benefits of riding while texting without even having to pull out your phone! Well done Honda. The same thing has happened to cars too, so I don't see why there was any reason for legislation regarding texting and driving. Sigh, I guess I'm getting too old :)

This is so nice Bike i really like this. How many does it price ?

A very informative review, you certainly know your product.

Dude I was just at Mission last weekend. NO motorcycles, only water crafts. What’s the deal?

a very will done rundown of the GL but..... why didn't you have a Honda shirt on? Would have been appropriate.

nice video, I'll be seriously looking to purchase this bike. few small things I don't like is passenger grab rails, worthless, sit on back & try to hold on to them, can't even lash bags down with them. front compartment should have a lock, few other things, but all in all nice bike & will be checking on this or new BMW soon.

I think I would prefer that Voyager 5:53 , more storage.

How much Sir?

Not interested in the dct, but a great bike. I wish the panniers and/or the top box were quick release.

Beautiful Bike. Will buy one when i can afford it

15:15 were are the turn signals again ?

Haw mach machine pleas my fren.?