It doesn’t matter what bike you’re reviewing you always give an honest and informative opinion and never seems any bias. Always enjoy you’re videos 👍👍👍🤓
Love bikes but I’m suffering now from years of riding in all weathers especially in winter when I thought I was invincible, my knees now disagree 😂😂😂👍.
My enduring memory of the Goldwing is when, as a teenager in the mid 70s, my mates and I would flick through the manufacturers’ latest brochures and drool. Honda had their range from smallest to largest, with a 50cc moped at the front and the mighty GL1000 at the very back. In between were CB200, CB250/360, CB400F, CB500T and the classic CB750 four. Aah, happy days...
@@rossm9676 I had a G5 as well in '79. My first 4 stroke and I think at the time I liked it more than my Blackbird in '97. Happy days- the roads were a LOT emptier then.
It never ceases to amaze me old chum, how clean you can get a bike! Even all the impossible to get at nooks and crannies look factory prepped. In all the years in the business, I can never remember a press bike coming back as clean as it went out: we were lucky if it was still in one piece! Only the late, great, Ken Wootton of Australian Motorcycle News got anywhere close. You are a legend sir!
I have an 07 and I love her to bits couldn't imagine riding any other bike, her road presence is enormous and the gold metallic burnt orange paint is beautiful.
I have the same. I didn't care for the colour at first but it was a $1000 cheaper than anything else here on Vancouver Island. Now I like the colour, you always know an 07, and there's not too many around.
I feel the same about my 2004 with updated suspension. Defo can't get two full-face helmets in the 2018+ trunk. As beautiful as the 2018+ is, Honda designed it in the hope of appealing to ST and GL riders. In the end Honda produced an ST1800 and called it Goldwing. Not for me.
I can recall when the Goldwing had four cylinders, and the paniers & fairings were optional (even if you ordered it with the fairing from Honda, you basically got an off-the-shelf third party Windjammer branded fairing on it, and not color-matched). It was actually a pretty handsome bike in it's "naked" form.
I love my 2018 Goldwing DCT Tour, and yeah I "do it all" with mine. Commute, tour, sport riding, two up, one up, everything. The new Goldwing is like the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles!
Your attention to detail is why you are one of my favorite channels on RU-vid! Well done once again. Also I really enjoyed your tour with your wife. Best series ever! Thanks again
Great finish to an awesome series on the bike. I've loved watching you go through the exact same emotions I went through with mine - never imagining riding one, expecting to hate it, expecting it to be large and boring then riding it, being surprised and ultimately falling in love with it. My experience exactly. Sorry you have to send yours back!
By far the Best review of the Goldwing I've seen! I'm on the market for a DCT Tour and it just confirmed my thoughts and questions, very well put thanks!
@@TheMissendenFlyer yes indeed!, I'm going ahead and purchasing a Goldwing DCT Tour AirBag 2020, there are 3 left in Quebec and one of them is mine! thank you very much for the good review!
Ironically, it was advertised in the US that the panniers and trunk were made smaller specifically because people were complaining that it had all gotten too big!
Very expensive yes, but save yourself a fortune and buy used, seen the same machine 1yr old DCT at £22,499 let someone else take the hit.Thanks Andy enjoyed the tour & review.
crash., the 2018s can be had for a considerable discount. After a radical redesign I would be hesitant to buy the first model year as it is more likely to be buggy. Even the last gen Wing took a couple of years to work out the bugs after redesign from 1500 to 1800.
@@mikeporro3311 I was hesitant to buy a 2018 Wing coming off a 2017 Harley M8 Road King bought 1/31/16, early production bike that turned out to be a POS. Only problem with the Wing was the clutch switch pack that made the (HSA) Hill Start Assist error out. Was a known issue and fixed under warranty with no follow up problems.
Got exactly the same one in that Pearl Hawkseye Blue and fully agree with you. One mistake (your doubt) though : the creeping forward and backward is via the DCT ! Both ways, Andy. I looked it up and was confirmed by my Honda dealer Tuybens Velzeke in Flanders Belgium ! In fact, the new Gold Wing SC 79 is a merger of the former Pan European and thé previous Wing(s). It' s a six-cilinder Pan to me !
In my garage I have a 2" raised work out platform. The GW was backed up to close to it when I put it on the center stand. You are wright the bike will not go completely over . It did stop when it hit the black guard's below the cylinder and the saddle bag on the R. side .It just missed hitting my big MAC tool box. Let's just say lesson learned, no damage. Mine is a 6 speed and I'm perfectly happy with it . Depends how the wind is blowing and how spirited of a pace I'm riding . 50 mpg is not to hard to achieve. There's a whole lot of good things to say about the GW. And you did a good job covering them. Thank's
Traded in my Harley Road King for a 2018 DCT non tour and I absolutely love my bike, in fact I do ride mine to work and back every single chance I get.
Excellent review mate i dont think there would be much you could not like about this bike the flagship of honda motors . From the low riding dumpy looking models in 1976 to this the starship enterprise ,auto trans 6 cylinder super tourer and you are right when you see one you know its a goldwing others have tried to replicate it but none have succeeded it is the master of the open road take care .
After 30 odd years of road riding and watching reviews on these new GW’s I’ve just decided to get one, the Bagger version (because I prefer the look and don’t need the top box). Get it in a week. So looking forward to it. I know there’s lots of competition out there but for me it has to be a GW. Just does.
Alas your dreamer, which is your imagination isn't fixed income, it's unlimited outcome, believe beyond your current circumstances, and you will present yourself with gifts of joy! No-Thing is Impossible to YOU!
Greetings from the other side of the pond. I have to 100% agree with the statement of " I'd never own an Goldwing " after taking a demo out for a ride I was sold also. Great video, Cheers!!!
Great review Mr Flyer add a GL 1500 for 24 years 20 years solo then with sidecar just ordered the dct bag er very much looking forward to it you have put my mind at rest with concerns regarding the new Goldwing very informative bro
Totally brilliant - you are correct, I and a lot of people are 'sizest', but your experience overall about bikes and enthusiasm for the Goldwing really help understand the beast more. Because from an early age speed/economy/weight have inspired me and that has never changed, Porsche/F1/Spitfire are my benchmarks so hats off to you Sir for your review, thank you!
Brilliant review on a bike I’ve always admired. As a biker I’ve ridden Honda, Yamaha and Ducati. In my opinion you’ve captured the essential detail that Honda offer. Always fun to watch your reviews! Thanks 🙏
I have wanted once since the 2018 redesign, especially with the DCT, and your videos have made me want it even more. You’re very particular about bikes, and I’ve disagreed with you in the past (Tiger 800), but your enthusiasm and saying this could be your favorite motorcycle after getting on it says a lot.
@@TheMissendenFlyer I had a 2016 FJR1300 and loved it. Really miss that bike. So does my fiancée. This with DCT would be the ideal next step. Fortunately dealerships here in SoCal have leftover 2018 and 2019 models with massive discounts. Maybe next year if I’m lucky.
Mmmm okay you’ve convinced me that I need a ‘Wing’ in the same way I’m convinced I need a Bentley Continental....... now all you need to do is convince my wife!! 😆.... Great thorough review of the Wing 👍
Thanks Andy. Great review as usual. Very informative pros and cons. 30K is a lot to spend on a bike. But it's horses for courses. If you're a couple who will do a lot of touring of the UK, Ireland and Europe and you can afford it, then this is the go to touring bike. Some brilliant features on it, particularly how balanced it is at slow speed.
The last Goldwing I saw was in the summer. It had aerials on the back with USA flags on, plus country and western music over the speakers. Need I say more....GS thanks !
Seldom do reviews change my mind on motorcycles but this one did. If I was ever in the position to think about a tourer I would now consider a Goldwing. My change in opinion I suppose justifies Honda’s decision to let you have this bike for an extended review. Andy, thanks for the work you have put into this presentation.
For whatever it's worth, the storage on the new Goldwing( 2018 forward) was , and is, being marketed as a sports touring bike.( At least it is here in the US).Hence, reduced storage capacity was intentional by Design, not an afterthought by Honda.
If you can’t even fit a helmet in the pannier it’s not much use for touring. I now use a 1995 PC 800 for touring and with a 47lt top box it has more space than a Gold Wing. Plus it was £2500 with 6000 miles a bargain.
When I tour , I bring clothes that I would never use again. So by the end of it my luggage is almost empty. I make sure my gears goes to a laundromat as soon as I reach my destination. Jeans & sneakers are standard rest will deplete day to day & not forgetting a bottle of scotch 😂
I've owned an 1800 for 12 years and have never been inconvenienced by the lack of helmet room in the trunk, there are helmet locks at the bottom of the trunk if you are worried about security
Your last comment about being a one horse pony, or similar. I commute regularly, tour solo and two up on long trips and carve the twisties up along with my friends on Ducatis, and other sports bikes leaving nothing but praise from them. For me, it is a bike for all jobs. I think you did well getting one for a month and great if you can do that with demo bikes from manufacturers. Smart man!
As always a great bike review covering every aspect of this incredible bike. Loved your trip to Wales many thanks to you and Mrs Flyer for sharing it with us. Our local Honda dealer in Blackpool posted a link to your Wales trip as a great review of the Honda Goldwing. This is the best looking incarnation of the Goldwing up to now and I love that blue.
Love your videos! I agree that the luggage leaves a bit to be desired, but as price goes... I purchased a 2018 with low mileage, loads of warranty still available and paid $18,900(USD) and couldn't be happier! Wouldn't go with a DCT but just did a 3,600 mile trip to Yellowstone and back... Not sure you could do a trip like that on a better bike! Brilliant reviews always - keep up the great work!
As ever, thanks for the superb content. I watch your reviews for bikes I’m not all that interested in (like this one) because you always do such a great job!
Totally the the best looking big tourer out there like you I really like the look of that model ,the fairing though big is so sleek looking especially if you look at Harley or Indian which are awful looking things . I would say it's like the Rolls or Bentley of the bike world but better looking great review TMF . : )
Went to Bike Night in Orland and it was full of Harleys until a fella on a GW pulled in When I asked him why he was riding a GW he said well I want to get back home after this 😂🤣
Most of my riding of over 200K miles has been in Canada and the USA, but am starting to explore Europe with a 2-month tour in 2019. I currently own and ride a 2012 BMW R1200GS stored in Germany, a 2014 BMW K1600 GTL Exclusive with 75K miles and currently in Arizona (winter home), and a new (June 2020) 2018 model year Honda Goldwing Tour (non-DCT non Airbag) with 13K miles done in the last 5 months. I belong to a couple of riding clubs in different locations and am always getting asked which I prefer. My preferred ride remains the BMW K1600 GTL because I feel as though BMW has implemented all of the "systems" far better than have Honda. The standout feature for the Goldwing however is the seating position. I can sit upright with knees hardly bent (I'm 6'1") that makes it easier to munch the miles which is what this is meant to do. So far I have found the cost of ownership much lower with the Goldwing and while it is easy to put a huge gobsmacking smile on my face it is the GTL that really revs my soul. Comparing the GTL with the Goldwing: both engines are a sight to appreciate, with plenty of torque. No one's been on my pillion seat, but I did have to buy a gel car seat to be able to ride more than 2 hours. Both bikes have excellent riding positions with the GTL slightly more aggressive. It is easy to see where Honda never paid any attention to some of the important details. Compare the two windscreens. The Honda screen has no complex curves which show me that they never thought to make their screen better than a wind barrier. BMW however has spent the time to engineer a proper wind and rain deflecting screen. The same as the amount of wind and more importantly rain protection for the rider's hands, BMW doesn't require anything to be added to provide this essential design element. The top of my hands get both cold & wet on the Goldwing. Fuel range is less than the GTL's and RT's that I ride with although it is less expensive for fuel. BMW's require a higher grade of fuel than does the Honda. The amount of information displayed on the BMW's dash to the rider is so much more detailed than on the Honda that it makes riding easier. I found that I did not like the Honda SatNav, it is a generic model poorly implemented. It does not display the speed, speed limit, or elevation which I want and deem necessary. The rider can not do anything with the SatNav while the bike is in motion other than skip waypoints or end navigation, and I have had it lock-up and was unable to change the dash screen after ignoring the GPS selected route when I knew where I preferred to go. As for trip planning using the Honda Trip Planner is not robust enough for someone wanting to plan long, complex, or multiple day rides, I have actually mounted my BMW NAV 6 (I am always looking for European multiple day tours to ride using Garmin GPS routes) onto the handlebars to get around this (the GPS mount is the ONLY modification that I found was essential). Both have keyless ignitions except only the Honda leaves the most convenient and obvious compartment unlocked. Sorry for the length of my comment, but I repect your reviews and felt I had some insights. Please continue to produce such informative content, no matter where we may live.
Man I love your videos. They're so informative and well presented. But you know all this already :) Loyal subscriber and viewer and expect it to stay that way for a very long time!
I suspect there are far more Gold Wing fanciers out there than you ever thought possible. Go on, buy one. Maybe not today or even tomorrow, but buy one.
Really enjoyed that review, big faired bikes are a joy to ride. You could’ve been sat in a pub chatting over a pint it was that relaxed. Would I buy a GoldWing?... out of my budget by a country mile. What you have given is the next best thing...an honest and open review. Spot on.
I have never been a wing fan but last year at the adventure bike reset festival, I lined up for Honda test rides and by the time I got to the front of the queue the only bike left was the wing. Well I must say, it took a few bends to get used to the weight but after that it was amazing. I found sport mode and let her rip, it's like a missile. If it wasn't for the price I would seriously consider buying one. Maybe a second hand one in the future.
Yes amazing bits of kit Ross aren't they - it's the post 2018 you need, the ones before that (although they have a massive fanatical following) are just too lardy looking and weighty for me....
one really has to rethink bikes when one has a frequent passenger.. safety comfort and practicality outweigh looks and race track performance. But giving up the pocket rockets to share motorcycling with your loved ones is well worth it. I had 30 years of solo riding then one day Mrs Springy wanted to join in , and for the last six years we've shared the fun , never looked back 👍🏻☮❤
I have ridden this bike, Thunderoad, Bridgend, -Demonstrator. I would agree it is refined, and beautiful engine..however it is like many modern cars..soulless..my girlfriend who is a bike bike fan, and loves being pillion said this too. Last year I traded my 2015 Guzzi California 1400 for a 2007 Harley Electra glide Ultra Classic,(£9,500) we recently toured Wales, but did more of the back roads, and the bike gets looks everywhere, it sounds like a bike!, and has as more luggage space , and it is easier to pack, as the panniers open from the top. Also as an aside, sat nav has its uses, but Its far more interesting to use a map rather than depend on sat nav, I find by planning routes using a map you find you have the back roads to yourself and its more exciting. We prefer the lazy rides on the Harley, the power is enough, and its cool! Each to their own but I just wanted to share this. Still enjoyed your video and thanks for taking the time to do it 👍
Looks like I'll be having to make my Pan last as long as possible then. Lighter, more luggage space, over 300 miles to a tank, great weather protection, electric adjustable screen (I never ride with visor down - unless its persisting it down), superbly comfortable (no numb bum or aching wrists after 500+ mile days - trust me I know), all the power you need to pass white van man. It's just a pity that Honda stopped making them. It's going to make choosing a replacement for the trips abroad very difficult but luckily for me she's only done 55K so hardly run in yet lol. As always though TMF another great informative vid. Keep them coming.
@@TheMissendenFlyer I agree. Like my RT with locking panniers, top box (all holding helmets easily), fuel cap and cubby box! Hell, even my slim-looking F9000XR panniers hold a lid...
I have a ‘97 Honda Valkyrie purchased new with over 100k miles on it. Still runs great, but also have a Bonneville T100 and BMW R1100RS and R1200RT. The lighter better handling bikes are simply more fun. For long trips nothing is as comfortable as the Valk though.
I got a red one early 2018. Airbag DCT tour. Just under 9000 miles now. Did 900 miles in one day. Unbelievable. On the down side, a few annoying failures. Alternator starter motor, a £3k part, under warranty then a lock out due failure of release motor on side flap. Means you can not release the fuel flap, means you discover the failure At the fuel pump. End of journey, very frustrating. It gets better the more miles you do. Re storage, buy a huge fitted designed rear seat bag ... it’s the same volume as a huge suit case. Love it to bits yes £30k is a lot, but this is the very best touring bike bar none. Pleased I bought it.
Thanks for the practical review! I'm a 61 year old bike lover that always had a bike for the last 50 years. So it was with great excitement that I started to review the video with the wife: Comfortable, Awesome wind protection, heated seats, powerful engine, great for cross country touring, audio system, etc, etc. Great! After listening to all of it and showing it to my missus expecting a big thump up, she cleverly said: "What about a Mazda MX-5 ? we don't need to dress looking like astronauts in the middle of summer, it uses about the same space in our garage, it's more comfortable, heated seat, great wind protection (and A/C with top), better luggage space and you can find more easily car spaces than for motorcycles". Before I had the chance to open my mouth she placed the final dagger in the idea: AND IT COST LESS! Sorry mate, the Miata beats it to the punch! I guess that by the time one start considering such big elephants of bikes, the comparison with 4 wheelers is inevitable.
I never understood why anyone would want the DCT version of a motorcycle, but watching the video of your tour through Wales made me reconsider. If I had an extra $30,000, I would definitely go for the automatic version of this bike; it fits the relaxing nature of two-up touring. Very good review, as always, but one comment: I don't know how you can find both that it lacks cargo space AND that you cannot fit your helmet in the panniers. If you want to fit you helmet in the panniers, then you cannot use them for luggage. It's one or the other, it seems to me.
There is a moment somewhere after your first 100k and before your 200k of miles of riding bikes that reveals the depth of useability of this bike and lights a candle in the old brain pan. Riders that dont ride long distance don't see it ... Athens anyone ? Have a ride out to your friends in Slovinia .. :)
If you liked this new engine you should find one of the original 1000cc motors. My 76 was scary fast and totally undercover. If you were out and about you might be suprised seeing a police car with lights going pulling up on you from behind. Lo and behold you are doing 80-85 mph! No vibration, no noise just ripping around The seat, to me is atrocious. After 50miles your tail is likely to be on fire. I did add a bead rider to mine and it helps
@@TheMissendenFlyer It's strange because normally an Italian version of a tourer type would be my cup of tea, something a bit more lissome than a big squidgy Wing...a Guzzi Spada, Norge....but since the Norge write off, your review and a friend got me to try something else I would have never considered... naked and chain drive.......and ended up buying and thoroughly enjoying...a Bonneville T120. Strange days!! The Wing is mightily impressive and a little more svelte than previously?
@Rutger Smets, I sat on one of the non tour models, and he's correct, it's heavy! I went for more of the do all bike and picked up a z900rs. No super long touring, but plenty of pep for fun in twisties, and not too big for commuting.
I’m also a convert - the redesign has changed this from being “the Winnebago” of bikes to “the Range Rover” of bikes. If they tweak the pannier sizes, and the grab handles - close to perfect for long range touring.
...actually on the newest 2020's the grab handles are changed (and you can buy aftermarket ones for the 2018 onwards....and bigger pannier and "boot" lids for that matter...)
I just test rode one and loved it! I prefer the look of the standard model minus the top case, but I liked all the tech features. Great review of a great bike. Thank you!
Now you're making me want to buy one! If only I had tarmac roads all round the islands. Another great watch and looking forward to the next. Cheers, Andy. 🍻 🍻 🍻
Small tip if you are still watching the comments, try a pre 2012 and then see what you think, personally i refused to upgrade from my 2006 (had her from new and never found anything better) because the new models have less wind protection, storage, rear comfort, and front comfort to be honest, and less realistic feel to the dash, and I dont really like the DCT, but try one and compare, see what you think. ;)
I’d love a go on one but doubtful I ever will as they are not common in the UK. I’d never own the pre 2018 bikes though as they were just to big for me and I don’t like the look - the 2018 plus defo appeals though and DCT is brilliant...
If I had a spare £30K I’d buy one after watching this and your Welsh tour. However, I don’t but I have just bought an R1200GS 2016 which arrives tomorrow (also thanks to you). The bike manufacturers should have you on a commission at this stage as I’m sure you’re one of their best salesmen. Another great watch TMF, thank you. Dave 🎥🏍
Its very impressive, but the lack of luggage space is a big mistake, its supposed to be a tourer. I imagine the average buyer has no intention of turning up with a tent and camping equipment lashed to it. This is for arriving at a hotel or B&B with a car park. As ever a great review with plenty of info.
Hey Andy hope all is well. I just finished a ride with my friend Jim down to Tombstone AZ, and the Goldwing is a nice bike, but I was a little surprised by the number of times he had to stop for petrol. For every tank he used on his Goldwing I was still showing half a tank of petrol on my BMW RT. Jim has had a number of Goldwing’s and they put in a smaller tank on the new bike. Beautiful bike though 👍
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if you ended up buying this very bike TMF! 😉 With all your videos on this you’ve certainly changed my view on the Goldwing. It’s an engineering and technological triumph! Perfect bike for long trips into Scotland from where I live just above Hadrian’s Wall. If only they’d made a space for my two greyhounds. Did you mention a trailer........🤔
You are right about gravelled surfaces. If the bike does go over it is relatively easy to put upright again - you "walk it" with your back towards it. However, if you try to do this on gravel, again you will struggle.
Hi TMF, I have viewed several of your videos and they, and your presentations are very enjoyable. I am prompted to comment here because I have owned a 1500 Goldwing Aspencade for the last 25 years and covered about 200,000 klm all but 5600 klm in my hands around Australia. It is a heavy bike as you have commented but I think that the 1500 is heavier than the latest Goldwing. It is, however, the easiest bike I have ever owned to pick up. I have been riding for 56 years and currently own 4 bikes, the Goldwing, a 1997 VFR750 ( 190,000 Klm in my hands), a Suzuki 1250 Bandit (80,000 klm) and a KTM Duke 200, almost no klms! The KTM might have been a mistake, what with bushfires and Covid19 there has not been much opportunity for riding the dirt roads in the hills in Gippsland! I have thought lustfully about the new Goldwing but decided that I will not live long enough to get full value from it, Then I watched your reports on it and my resolution is weakening! I did receive permission from the the finance controller (wife) to buy one but I will have to empty the third garage and shed (apart from the VFR) to do so. My main problem is that I am getting older faster than the bikes! I hate getting old but it is, as they say, better than the alternative! I was last in the UK in 2018 but Covid19 has prevented any more international travel. We hope to travel to the USA and the UK again but when this will be is anyone's guess. Keep up the good work!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Ah, news. I am afraid the Wing is written off, but I only suffered a cracked rib, now healed up. What was I going too do now? I had reached the point of buying a new 2021 wing, despite not expecting to really get the use out of it before I either drop off the twig or get too old to ride. However I started watch your other 'touring bike' videos and was seduced by the BMW R1250RT so I have bought one! It is all your fault! I rode it back to East Gippsland from the Dealer in Frankston, about 300 klm but have only been able to ride it one or twice since as Victoria is locked down again since our latest Covid 19 (Delta Strain) outbreak. I have fallen in love with the ST and echo all your comments. Time I had a modern bike! I would like to say I have mastered the electronics but that is a bit premature! Getting there though. I do miss the wing reverse gear but the BM is easier to push around. I just hope I remember to BACK it into the curb! I must tell you how much I admire you presentations on your videos and the edited results. My son has a small but neat, RU-vid channel, see Kaldek Boch.
Great review as always, but I reckon it's probably easier to carry more luggage on a BMW GS. You've said before "no bike is perfect" I think we'll all have to agree on that. Xclnt machine for what it is. cheers.
As the owner of a 2004 Wing for over 16 years, hopefully I'm qualified to add a few thoughts: >It is a big heavy machine so when stopping, decide where and don't change your mind, I did that once and dropped it. >It is supremely comfortable and smooth with massive road presence, it does handle much better than you would think though. However, once the feeling of 'awesomeness' wears off it is a little 'bland' >The older model has bigger luggage but won't actually carry any more than a large adventure bike and there is nowhere to really carry a tent if that's your thing >The owners club are a decent bunch but if you ask about luggage, their answer is 'get a trailer', that's a bit far for me >I paid £14k for mine and it's probably still worth at least half that. Although it is an expensive outlay, cost of ownership over 16 years has actually worked out cheap considering the awesome trips I've had on it >I try do do at least 3 long trips a year and take a different bike on each one. As I do this solo though, the Goldwing doesn't offer me anything much over an adventure bike. As a result I may sell soon and am not really considering a new one. I may try one though and who knows what will happen >My KTM 1290 SAS if just too bloody awesome to leave at home!
