When I found out that the 2018 and up bikes stereo were so much worse than the previous bikes. It ended my thoughts of trading up my 2016. Overall, the 5th gen is better at being a Goldwing than the newer ones. Better wind protection, ride comfort, and superior stereo makes it a no brainer.
It's unfortunate that Goldwing tried to copy Indian and Harley. They tried to make a sport performance cruiser, but lost some of the essence of the Goldwing.
I drove both. I had the chance to buy a used fully loaded very low miles, clean like new and a 2020 DCT Tour. I just enjoyed riding the new one better. The older style feels like a tank and the 2020 is just more fun to ride. Also, I love all the electronics and options on the new style. Happy riding !!!
Love the Gold Wing! All new. 84, 96 and 21. Absolutely not necessary, but if you want to take the new generation to another level have a Traxxion Dynamics suspension upgrade. I absolutely love the look, reduced weight and handling nimbleness of this newest generation. No complaints. Nothing is perfect. Just what is perfect for you. As for storage, consider a cool looking trailer or pack more efficiently and take less. Ride safe and ride often. Peace.
Just transitioned from an 07 to an 2018. The 07 was much smoother, had better wind protection and much better headlights. More luggage space. But it was getting to be a beast to get in and out of the garage. The 2018 is about 90 lbs lighter but it handles like it was 200 lbs lighter. It is like an ST1800
Long time Harley guy here but new to the Wing family. I picked up an 08 GL1800 with 26k miles and absolutely love this bike. I did look at the 2018+ models when shopping, but never owning a Wing before, I was hesitant to pony up 30k+. I had no problem spending a third of that for my bike and have no desire at this point to upgrade to the newest Gen. They are sweet though!
@@rutkowsky1000….. funny this video popped up again after I commented nearly a year ago. Hope you finally found what your looking for. I just took mine in to the dealership to have the 32k service completed. The service manager told me that the 2008 was one of the best year for this model. Zero issues. Everything was in spec and torqued to factory settings.
@@wingandhogI'm close to pulling the trigger on a clean Black '08 38k miles with Nav...Does yours have any steering wheel wobble under decel?? I heard the steering bearing on most need replacing
After putting 240,000KM on a VFR 1200 DCT from 2010-16 and bought a new FJR 1300 6 speed in 2016. First week of ownership on the FJR, came to a traffic light (after 20 mins of non stop riding) and was still in 6th gear when I came to a complete stop. It took me a while to shift down to 1st gear.
I there dear friend...i have now an Vfr1200f Dct wich i love, i just wanted better wind protection for the big trips with the wife, im thinking in one Fjr. Are you happy with the trade?
I have a 2012 Wing and have been thinking about changing lately. My friend changed in 2019 and in a way regrets. I already had 2 wings way back, one 2001 and my 2012, not easy to decide wich one to take although I prefered my 2012 (Red and Grey). Thank you so much for your video that is a great comparison.
Hey, I'm not going to argue with you on that BUT I just recently took a trip from Houston,Texas to Red Lodge, Montana and my 2020 handled everything that I and mother nature threw at it. I was really surprised. Just needed my new Corbin seat for that trip. But as you know, I have a 5th gen Wing as well again. Be safe out there and ride with pride, SJ
Other than DCT transmission I have no use for the 6th generation wing. A small narrow square-shaped windshield and a fairing that doesn't cover the riders hands, arms,or legs. In my opinion Honda should not have replaced basics with gizmos, gadgets, gimmicks and doodads.
Well stated….these 6th generation GW’s are held together by dozens of push pins and layer after layer of body panels. Bringing a new 2018 plus GW into a dealership for maintenance is a recite for disaster IMHO! The complexity of this bike and imagining a 16 years old kid tech with an attitude ripping apart my bike….would be a nightmare beyond words. I’ll keep my 5th generation and spare myself the horror.
@@samcipparone3637 Thanks for making this point. I was on the fence between 5th and 6th Gen, but I've decided 5th gen is what I will be getting. I was at the dealership picking up my 14 CB1100 from the shop ( a bike I will never part with) and met an older rider who just purchased a 6th gen. He loved it for the DCT, but said the same thing about the body panels/push pins. He was getting his fixed as he broke a piece of body panel throwing a leg over it.
I rented a F6b and was hoping to love it. The engine breaking was more than i could bear. The 5 speed thing weighed on me as well. Over 75 just watched the gas gauge drop. I bought a 2021 DCt non tour and man what a difference. Love the bike and my girlfriend loves it to. Just super smooth and really fun in the twisties once you get to know the bike. I do not like the fact their aftermarket in pretty non existent. Pipes and flash by GUHL.. just missed the cut off too. Sad face!!! Be careful out there!!
I have a similar problem I have a 2012 and the 2018 and I have reached the same conclusion with just one difference is that I really enjoy long trips on the 2018. I just got back from Knoxville on my 2018 and it was almost perfect except the seat. I even ended up riding 300 plus miles in the rain and the bike did very well. I have noticed the same thing as to the smoothness of the 2018 I appreciate you honest opinion. My wife has family in Beaumont and the next time I am in town will try to catch up with you, I live north of Houston. I enjoy you vids keep up the good work, keep the sunny side up muddy side and ride with pride. Stay blessed
So surprised to see you get a 2014 GL1800. Love the bike but thought you were happy with 2020 especially after the Corbin seat. I recently purchased a 2018 GL1800 Tour and had a tough time deciding between Gen 5 and Gen 6 for all the reasons you've cited. I preferred the ride and handling and tech of Gen 6 (still have stock seat) but preferred the cargo space and wind protection of Gen 5. I'm interested to see which of your bikes gets more miles and more "love" (aftermarket accessories etc...). Good luck and stay safe!
Yeah Don, after I got the 2014 and took that 4.5 hour ride home, comparing it to the 2020 espically with the Corbin seat, I would have waited on the purchase had I not bought the bike before I got the Corbin seat in. The day my Corbin seat arrived was the same day I went to purchase the 2014. After installing the Corbin seat and riding the bike, came the first time since I bought the 2020 Goldwing that I said I loved it. And I do, but my 2014, I love the big bike as well. I can't wait to see which bike comes out on top either, because right now...I don't have a clue. I'll keep you posted, SJ
@@sjontheway Thanks and good luck with both bikes. Another motorcycle vlogger that I follow just got a 2021 GL1800. He also has issues with the comfort of the the stock seat. Myself, I've been thinking about RDL for seat replacement. Again, good luck with bike(s) and continue putting out quality content
It's kind of odd to hear the '18 thru '20 Wing owners compare them to the '12 thru '17 Wings. If you never owned a '12 thru '17, I guess the '18 and up seems wonderful. Or if you don't do big miles two up and pulling a trailer. It sounds to me like if you change enough things and buy enough aftermarket items, then the '18 and up will be almost as good as the last gen bikes. Or you can just buy a new one and an old one. Honda sold this new Wing to people that love electronics and gizmos. The new one is faster and lighter. I really doubt the claims on fuel mileage though. I love the DCT, but I really doubt Honda will warranty the DCT if pulling a trailer or with a trike conversion. It's great to be able to ride and ride what you like! Thanks for the video and your opinion/comparison!
Hello 👋 from Harrisburg Pennsylvania 🇺🇸 I’m new to Goldwing Family I own a 2018 GW-DCT/Tour 🏍️ And 💗love this motorcycle especially around town or stop 🛑 and go traffic 🚦 plenty of power and fun 🤩 to drive ,The only thing I don’t like is the storage or lack of storage but I also my a 2016 Can Am Spyder and have a Freedom Trailer so I will be using my Can Am Freedom Trailer with my 2018 Goldwing DCT Tour whenever I take a long trip.
I have a 2015 Anniversary edition and I couldn’t want for a better bike for how I live with a bike. I’ve had so many scoots since I bought my first back in Guam in 1963. I had three bikes there: a Miyapet 75cc, a Triumph cub and a 750 cc Norton. I had to leave Guam. After a difference of opinion with a Spanish teacher but bikes have always been there. I’ve had sport touring bikes and bought the 2015 for the seat height
The last couple years of the 1500 were hard to beat, bought a 92 for my dad and couldn’t get over how comfortable and smooth they were in comparison with my 2013.
@@Kwhopperfan I've had 3 GL1500s. The 1999 is even better than the 1989. People get all caught up in the latest and greatest, when we should instead find the one that we LIKE the most. I wouldn't trade my 1999 Wing straight across for any made between 2001 - 2020. And I like the looks of the 1500 more than the 1800s, but that is purely subjective.
@@SoloPilot6 the 1500 had more character and class than the 1800’s. 1800’s despite being extremely capable look like a giant scooter in some ways, I have an 86 1200 and like how it’s more like a motorcycle with chrome and a large engine displayed for all to see. The 1500 was a great transition between the two.
Loved my 2006 Goldwing but my 2019 6 speed is definitely better except for luggage storage. It is lower to the ground, handles better in curves, easier to move around (lighter) has great digital information, allows Apple Car Play (this is big for me), definitely shifts smoother and cleaner, love the electric windshield, the key fob is great and the modern design is awesome. Sure there are things about the 06 I liked better but for the overall riding and handling experience the 19 is hands down a better bike.
All those problems ...which Goldwing to ride - lol. My local Honda dealer never seems to have a Gen 6 for me to test, but that might be a good thing since my '14 Audio Comfort is paid for 😉. But if I had the opportunity, the 2021 now comes with a bigger top case. Still, I needed to throw my old Tbag in the back seat earlier this summer for a 2 week tour. And as great as everyone says the 7 speed DCT is, I'd still prefer the 6 speed manual transmission. But man, could I get use to the electric windscreen, Bluetooth with Android Auto and the traction control. And since I'm in dreamland and I live in Georgia, it would need a visit to Traxxion Dynamics for their suspension upgrade. Thanks for sharing
I hear you, but I have to say. Right after I bought my 2020 I got stuck in a traffic jam in a construction zone on the freeway with no way to get off. For about an hour and half, I inched up at about 5 miles an hour. I was so glad I had the DCT and it paid for itself that day. But I went with the DCT because on some trips out to California, you can find yourself stuck in traffic on the 405, I-10, and I-5. You'll love the DCT then, espically if you're on a 5th generation Wing and you're concerned about splitting lanes. It's legal but not recommended on a Goldwing, but the 6th generation Wing is a little more narrow, making splitting lanes easier. I can't wait to get back there and try it out, if it all doesn't burn away. Ride with Pride, SJ
Want a 6th gear? Do a little internet search. There is a guy that can install a higher ratio final drive gear that makes like 6th speed. Lowers cruise rpm. Probably cuts acceleration slightly.
@@haroldpetersen5584What tire is on the GL1500?. I think whatever stock tire on the 1800 comes with just up the tallness number one more will drop the RPMs like 50 to 60 etc..
Do you see a difference in the MPG's between the 2020 and the 2014? I just bought a 2009 Goldwing and the RPM's seem high at 60 MPH. 2018 they added a 6th gear. I'm hoping to get 40 MPG with my commute to and from work. I've been cruising on a 2006 Kawasaki Nomad 1600 to get used to big bike rides and I think the seating position will need getting used to. I like the wing though, and I've had my eye on getting one for a while now.
The 2020 Goldwing does get better gas mileage but holds a gallon LESS gasoline. So overall distance remains the same. I get just over two hundred miles per tank.
Sorry I was out of commission for the last 10 months or so. My new video explains why but the navigation is built into the bike. Both of the bikes come with navigation.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the 2 Goldwings. I agree with you in saying the bike for smoother as Honda did not take a step back in that department. I linked my response to 5th versus 6th generation below. Thanks again and enjoy the video linked below. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HPAsNta1R7o.html
Comparing 2 completely different bikes, obviously the 2020 is a smoother plusher ride, different suspension system for a start ... why buy a 2014 when u have a 2020 Wing?
I’ve traveled for years on my 2008 Goldwing. Really there’s not that much difference in the ride. But for extended trips for me there is a certain comfort in the larger bike. It might be something that you would have to experience yourself to decide which is better for you. As for me, I love the 2014 more but the 2020 has a couple options my 2914 doesn’t. But not that many.
My only issue with the 2018+ is how narrow it is in the front. It reminds me of the 1200 gold wing. Now tell me do you notice more wind on your 2020 then the 2014. Just seems like you would.
Mo, oddly enough wind at the head and shoulders are close. The legs is where the issue comes in but I bought some Kuryakyn 6579 Air Management Motorcycle Accessory: Air Deflectors that helped alot but also looks like something Honda should have made part of the motorcycle anyway. I love it on my 2020. SJ
@@sjontheway I agree about honda should put that on at factory. Don't get me wrong it's a nice bike. Just don't think it's fot me just yet. But maybe one day. Thanks for the response. Very much appreciated. Be safe out there.
@@charliejamz. finally someone honest. Thank you for that. It is too narrow to not feel more wind while riding. Then they put this dinky windscreen on it. If honda put a bigger windscreen on it and supplied the baker wings on the side from factory I may be interested. Just reminds me of a 1200 gold wing.
You can’t compare used bikes. There could be many things that would not be on a new one. Such as abuse, mishandling or bad break in. Wake up this is a useless comparison. You can compare the wind.
@@seatime674 nope.....trans will go out on most long before 600k.....not all.....but most, The stats show the 1500 was the most dependable wing ever made
@@mattsez2879 Yes 600k miles is a definite stretch and a bad example, I saw one person did that on an 1800, but let's say up to 200k miles I don't see or read anywhere that the 1800 transmission is worse than the 1500 even worth mentioning...
Really good point. Sleek curves are beautiful. Hard angles are not beautiful or organic. Living things don't have sharp angles. Remember the Ducati 916? Wow.
It's a good position to have a 5th and 6th gen goldwing, my one car garage limits me to one bike and one sports car. So the 2021tour DCT wins over the GL1800. Yup the saddlebags are smaller (the 21 has the 61 liter top box) so a bag on the passenger (I always ride solo) is a small price to pay for a bike better in every way (for me). 👍 👍 on the honest video
Great, I think you'll be happy with 2021 Goldwing. And that larger top box should give you all the room you'll need. I bought my 2020 4 months to early. Wish I had waited for the 2021. Ride Safe, SJ
