Is It Really THAT Good? Honda Goldwing In-Depth Review 

What's your favorite long distance tourer?

Honestly it's weight is a sort of advantage in the city, in the sense that thieves cant just pick it up and put it in the back of a van.

I have a 2021 DCT Tour with 3k miles on it and it is the my first GW after 41 years on HDs (Ultras, etc.). I also have had younger years with Hondas and Yamahas, on and off road, so did develop a comfort for manual shifting, and most importantly going into and holding corners. But what isn’t emphasized enough about this new GW-DCT is the availability and acceleration of manual shifts while in “AUTO” mode. On the front and rear of the left grip are what I refer to as the paddle shifters and if you should feel that you may want a lower gear almost instantly, simply tap the rearward facing button with your thumb, and conversely the front button with your index finger to upshift. And there is no lag. It is right there. This bike is capable of a 0-60 in about 3.8 seconds and no one is going to do that manually and is kidding themselves if they think they can. Put this in SPORT mode and nail it and you will be through three gear shifts before you could accomplish one manually. I relate it to where high performance cars are today. Porches are no longer sticks and when those who stubbornly resist the paddle-shifting/automatics are put up against them, the outcome is always in favor of the new technology. They have put professional race car drivers and sticks up against the PS/A’s and again the same results. Yes, I have given up the visceral feel of the V-Twin, which is always preferred for the shorter bar-room hopping and short 1-2 hour foliage runs, but if you want a bike that has two distinctly different personalities that excel in both, these new GWs will give you a sport mode that will have you keeping pace or leading the other brand sport-tourers and a tour mode that lowers the tach and turns the bike into a Lexus for all day riding. Personally, I find the Sport mode to be too much performance for most of my rides simply because the auto gear shifts are programmed to present instant torque as well as instantly slowing you back when you roll off. And this is all good when running the twisties and some adrenaline driven straight-aways, but when you, and possibly your pillion, are looking for some relaxed back-roading or mileage-eating freeway runs, the Tour mode keeps the rpms low and everything quiet while still having all that torque available to accelerate at a reasonable level. And most noteworthy, and often used, is the ability to just tap your left thumb on the manual shift button and drop a gear, or two, instantly should you want to pass a couple of vehicles slowing things down. Now on the downside in my opinion is the reduced wind protection with these wings when compared to the H-D Ultras. Even after upgrading my windshield and adding a set of mild right and left side cowl deflectors, the air on the passenger is still quite noticeable over what one is used to on an Ultra. But I realize, many will just say hey, you are on a motorcycle, deal with it. The other adjustment for me, and with a 31” inseam, was the added ride height which I find a bit more challenging during slow speed maneuvers, and especially with a passenger. This also seems to impact my comfort level on dirt roads, which come along here and there if you are truly back-roading. At this point in ownership, I can honestly say that I just can’t see myself back on a H-D tourer. And when you experience this DCT along with the stock heated grips and seats along with this new WALK mode, I think the K1600 Beemer will drop quickly to your second choice as a luxury tourer or even sport-tourer. That is if you are not hell bent on having top HP bragging rights and possibly a bit more cornering finesse. I researched and test rode the GW DCT as wells as the Beemers - K1600GTL & Grand AMERICA, and still feel I made the right decision. Yes, you will have to deal with all of the sidewalk riders dismissing the bike as ugly and just a remake of the two-wheeled sofa, not too mention the H-D die-hards that just feel they are too young for a GW. But take a long test drive on a DCT and then offer an updated opinion on the benefits of manual foot shifting. These transmissions are silky smooth and do so because they have the even gears on one spool and the odd gears on another so when it is ready to shift, manually or automatically, the next incremental gear is already spooled up and running for almost a complete seamless shift. Add in the Hill-Start control, and I don’t think you will miss the need for the stressful starts in heavy traffic on a substantial incline when loaded down with a passenger and baggage. And keep in mind that this generation of combustion powered wings will likely be the last before the inevitable switch to batteries. It is hard for me to see how HD will keep the looks and feel of their V-Twins with battery power, whereas I can see this 1800 Honda power plant being easily replaced with DC power while maintain everything that the wings have worked up to.

To change the audio from the speakers to your helmet you use the button on the tank that says audio !

Yes, the new Gold wing is a superb motorcycle in ALL respects. I took one for a test ride and was thoroughly and totally impressed in all respects except wind coverage. Honda once again has hit the nail on the head !! However, nearly $40K Canadian out the door simply wasn't worth it over my superb 2003 Gold wing that has been customized to fit me....Wingsoft seat, floorboards, bar backs making a sofa like riding position. At near 80 years old, I expect it will outlast me. With 135,000 kms on it, it's barely broken in and is likely good for another 20 years of riding (hopefully but not likely, me....:) I was reluctant to take a new one for a drive as I was concerned that it would make my much older Wing seem really lacking. However, it didn't actually which is a testament to how great the Wing is regardless of it's age or generation. At my stage in life where I can easily afford pretty much anything I want, I just can't see springing for a new one that will need thousands of dollars of extras to make it as comfortable as the older one I own now. And honestly, the high tech stuff on the new ones are features I never use. When I ride, I want to enjoy the peace and quiet of the road and NEVER listen to either the radio or the telephone EVER.....old school maybe, but I like it that way. I love the purr of the motor and the beauty of the roads I ride and screw the modern interruptions. I can cover 500 kms a day even at my age, and enjoy every single moment of peace and quiet..... Honda I salute you. From my first 305 Dream in 1968 to today's finest Gold Wing, you continue to amaze me.......

I have a Goldwing and they are every bit as amazing as described. He nailed it with the description sports mode. I really puts a lot of fun on a fantastic tourer.

I bought that very model in May. Have 3500 miles already and I've never loved a machine like I love this bike. It's fun at every level. 2 things you missed that I love about the Goldwing.. first, the retractable windshield. When the June beetles are flying its all the way up, when it's hot, down it goes! The other is the rain mode on gearing. It really backs the torque down so you can't overdrive the slick roads. Great Review and spot on!

I have one. It is an absolutely amazing machine. I just took the Total Control course on it, and was able to do all the maneuvers just as tight and as fast as almost every other bike there.

An unexpected $ surprise, dealership air filter change is $300. It is unbelievable how much of the bike must come off to get to the filter airbox.

I bought the DCT Airbag model in 2018 when it first came out! I named it Draco (Latin for Dragon) because it rides and maneuvers like a Dragon! I love the bike…pure Ninja magic! My previous GoldWing was a 2005 1800 and was a Honda yellow beauty. Just under 60,000 miles towing a matching yellow Bushtec trailer! This GoldWing is pure touring motorcycle!

Enjoyed your Goldwing Tour review, nice job! 👍

The Honda Goldwing is the standard that all manufacturers are aiming towards to include Harley Davidson. With its full counter balancing and full liquid cooling and Cadillac smooth shifting makes it king of the highway cruiser motorcycles. Now you have Harley Davidson, Yamaha, BMW, and Indian going the way of Honda on this one for durability, comfort, smoothness, and temperature regulation.

Great review. I own a 2018 Goldwing DCT and it's the best bike I've ever owned or ridden. Even after over two years with it this bike still makes me smile every time I ride it. 😎

Spot-on review. This bike is amazing. The audio is so-so and the GPS is even less, but both will do the job (it IS a motorcycle, after all). I find that the audio sounds excellent in the helmet with the Cardo Pack Talk with 45mm JBL speakers. Pair your Cardo to the bike, let them connect. Once you hear bike audio in your helmet, plug in your phone and car play should start. Oh and push the button on the center console that selects helmet audio as opposed to speaker audio.

I'm falling in love with this bike

Great review, much appreciated Sir. Greetings from Walen School.

"let me put it in sport mode.. oh, it's downshifted. Oh. OHHH" 🤣🤣

What a beautiful bike! Great review, thanks.

Excellent review for an exceptional sport touring motorcycle. 👍🏼

Use the following order. 1) power on your bike 2) turn on headset 3) wait for headset to pair (unless first time then you must go thru the menu to allow pairing). 4) wait to hear radio thru headset. Make sure the button on the center console has been pushed for the headset icon to appear on the dash. 5) plug iPhone into port. Should be golden

Good review, mate!

You review very well and thoroughly. This is a bike that I never before could see me liking or wanting but I keep looking at her in my local dealership and watching reviews, worrying!!!

When i bought my 2019 GW 6 spd. It was the dealers last GW. IT was a demo with 75 miles. And i got in 2020. And really with so much torque the need for shifting is minamal. And i wasnt really sure about the DCT , until i bought a 2021 Africa Twin with DCT . And i really like it . This is probably backwards to what most people would think. Ive put over 5k miles on the AT in 3 months . The biggest problem i notice when getting on the GW is making sure to downshift when coming to a stop. After owning around 50 motorcycles these are the 2 best ive owned.

Nice review and good video quality..👍

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, keep it up the outstanding job, have a great day.

You know I would have never considered a Goldwing being a GS & GSA rider as well now a long distance T7 rider with a very cool, light weight soft luggage system and kit selection. After your review, I'm realizing that this might be the perfect thing to fulfill my Two-Up needs mixed with excellent long distance potential as well as other predispositions I might have around road-only riding - your style of ride reviews is most compelling - much thanks for all you do!

My Africa Twin DCT does have sport mode. Three levels of it. Excellent review video. Im still mulling over whether to sell my Twin and get one of these, but here in Ontario, you can't buy a new Goldwing even if you wanted to. They have been consistently sold out for the last two years. Honda dealers aren't expecting to get any more until next summer.

Brilliant Review, thank you.

Thanks for another great video.

Good review! Amazing engineering.

Great review sir!

Amazing Review Thank You Really So Much The Best Review I See For Goldwing 2021 ... Thanks

Great video, great review, great job, thanks.

I wish those cute rubber bumpers worked to protect the bags from scrapes if you lay it down at rest. I have. 2015 GW and it may be my last bike at 74. What the gentleman is saying about handling is also true of the older Goldwing a. I would love to try one out but I’ve got a really nice bike with only 60K miles on it.

Great review. Do you think the speedometer is accurate?

Excellent review, thinking of replacing my GS. Thanks

Spot on review. The no effort heavy bike.

Bulletproof reliability...it is a Honda after all!!! Another advantage of owning one.

I’ve followed the evolution of the Goldwing since the 1980s ..... I was passionately dedicated to this bike, and yet, with all its technology, engineering, aesthetics and performance, I still prefer my Harley Davidson CVO Limited. And nothing to do with “like to like “ comparison. Just personal preference and brand affection. Great review și mulțumesc mult. !!!

Great video!

Great video for a great bike. Thanks.

The audio via Bluetooth and Apple Car Play works extremelty well once you have it set-up. Really not that difficult. Honda has updated the firmware a couple of times since 2018 and it has helped make the connection much more reliable. It might be the best audio/infotainment interface on the motorcycle world, and I think it likely 2x better than what BMW currently offers. I understand the interface on the new RT is pretty wonky and has it's own set of issues. I do agree that the audio from the speaker system is pretty weak. Never use it and would prefer if Honda just didn't provide the external speaker system - save some weight, complexiity and money.

Had one for 3 1/2 years... it is undoubtedly the best tourer out there... drove 900 miles in one day now ..... has 8900 miles on the clock ... yes I would buy it again no doubt, just shy of £31,000 which is high.

Is there any assistance to put the bike on its central stand ?

Great review. Re the ergonomics. Im very tall 6feet4inches and currently own a 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Plenty of room on the Gold Wing do you think? Local dealer has none in stock for me to sit on. Thx

Man, what a fine machine!

Man you are great ......keep it going bro ....love from INDIA

OH MY FRIGGEN' God that is perfection on 2 wheels... Oh, the U-Turn at 3:42 is a deal Maker for me. That has always been a concern of mine and this solves that, so that leaves FUN !

in-depth review GW without pillion facts :) haideeeeeee

I wonder if there is an accessory to add more bass to the sound system, like an optional woofer of sorts.

It’s the Class A diesel pusher of motorcycles! Even has the paint job!

Great video. I love goldwings. But don't have the newer body style. I have the last generation. But great video. 👍

i cannot wait to get a touring bike, particularly the beautiful goldwing when i can afford it. stunning motorcycle, and cruise control?!?!? SIGN ME UP!

I still love the old one more,because is bigger. Looks good on you. Lovely bike,nice review. We are getting more and more reviews recently,nice one.

I know the Goldwing has a torque managing system but does it have cornering ABS or kind of breaking tech like BMW K1600? for me, it's one of the "must-have" specs.

If I understood correctly someone can approach from the rear when you are stopped at lights in the city and open your luggage, or do they automatically lock when you are in gear?

I care more about MPG than HP by a lot a lot But mostly, how easy is it to work on and do routine maintenance on everything that wears out or breaks.

How did you get that pain scheme? is amazing :-D

Ride it and you will love it. I rented one for a three day ride in Phoenix, AZ. Amazing bike. Loved the DCT and the balance of this bike. My wife was very comfy on the back. My personal bike is a Yamaha FJR1300. When the day comes to sell my FJR, the GW will be the one to buy.

I have a 2006, but would love a 2021…sadly can’t afford one…ride safe !!

I never looked at the Wing because I spend most of my time in a metroplex, but this has got me thinking. Forward and reverse at touches of buttons? Great sport mode? Hmm.

Honda is the best! That bike is worth every single penny it costs. My Honda (2021 CMX1100DCT) is absolutely spectacular.

It seems the ONLY Goldwing tested these days is the "fully loaded" DCT version? It would be a good idea to test the MANUAL version straight after this series as a way of showing the differences and to judge the "value" of all that extra tech. (and the COST!)

Awesome video about a great bike. In a few more years Honda will have corrected all of the blunders they made with the 2018. Honda could use most of your video for their advertising.

There is a button on the switch block in front of you on the tank. Audio switch which shifts the audio from speakers to headset...

Is it posible to put a base-camp made tour in de navigation system ?

I'm waiting for OCT 2021 for a better deal? All the same, I've never sat on the fence for so long trying to decide this year. But given the finances, there can only be 1. This Bike checks every box and checks them well.

Great review. Makes me want to ride one. :)

Amazing 🤩

well explained. Love from India.

Pleasant clip and review, although I ride a Hayabusa that's my dream bike.

Hey what happened to the night time driving shot? I always look forward to those to see the headlight performance.

I really want a Goldwing!

Hail to the king, baby.

It has gotten younger, you have gotten less young lol. Awesome video!

Do your legs feel cramped after riding a bit?

I'm 6'3" tall, 275 lbs. without clothes/boots/gloves/helmet, etc. and I am 73 years old. Before I go down to my local dealership perhaps you can tell me your dimensions so I can guesstimate how I might fit on the bike compared to you. You look to be a perfect fit. Great video, thanks.

What about mileage and post maintenance?

Which would you say provides a smoother ride? The africa twin or the new goldwing?

Another big bonus is the power windshield!

I have a 2018 Goldwing 6 speed manual as it should be 🤷🏾‍♂️. If you have everything connected to the Goldwing, phone, headset, etc... you use the audio/ sorce button to move your music from the bike and headset... but I'm sure you got it by now 😅.

My dream bike.

If you mention your height it would be good to assume how does it look or comfortable for deferent height people.

I have seen quite a few reviews of the Goldwing that they did not know how to listen to music and set up Car Play. Here is the sequence you want to use. First you want to pair your Headset with the Goldwing as follows:

How is the seat?

What are the lights like

Great video as always. Is this better than the BMW R12050RT?

There's literally a button right in front of you to switch audio to your headset ... it couldn't be any easier bro. ;)

neat jacket where can i get 1?

Lol.... i loved the aladin comment. ... i think i am getting one, thought about bmw 1600 but going for goldwing

23 Honda Tour ! The best for touring!

Hello, great summary video. I enjoy my GW 2021 DCT TOUR since 3 months and already put 6000 km on it. To make a story short: it is the most fantastic bike I ever had in my 50 years biking experience...!! The automatic double clutch transmission is the equivalent of a Porsche PDK one, and the flat 6 with REMUS exhaust I installed remind me the CAYMAN S I had for a while....:):) I would not even talk about the suspension that are so well calibrated and automated when traveling mostly with my wife and heavy luggages. So, what to improve on this bike?... THE APPLE CAR PLAY implementation !! It is unbelievable to offer such a poor user interface with action button to press DOWN in order to see the menu going UP, or up and down to browse the apps left or right...!! And so inconsistent from one app to the others.... It is even DANGEROUS because it requires such a deep attention on the screen to make it work instead of watching the road.... So I hope HONDA will read the feedbacks of all the users and will provided an update of the software. If you forget this issue (but do you buy a bike for Apple car play..??) I HIGHLY recommend this bike as probably the best on the market today..!!

👍 I want this bike!

Nice Bike.. Though I would have like to see more slow speed maneuvers (18 foot figure 8's) and also they need Brake Lights on the tour pack.

Its the magic carpet of motorbikes

I'll get one as soon as I can sell my HD.

I like the GW. Honda makes an excellent product……but I still love my Harley Davidson SG CVO more……

LWH, Ain't had one ever ! But...hope it's gonna be Honda Goldwing 1800+cc (actually, waiting for 2000+cc, HIH3!!!) WITH AWESOMELY RELIABLE LANDING GEARS !!!

The best ! No doubt. The GW.

u didnt talk storage? Important component for a touring review?