I own one. I have also owned two Harley Davidsons, two BMWs, one Victory, and one earlier version of the Goldwing. This Goldwing is by far the best long-distance touring bike I have owned. Quiet, powerful, smooth, and fast. The DCT automatic transmission is outstanding. 12/10 would recommend.
@@gregoriopassport Agree. I don’t think I’ll ever own another shifter bike. I went to an Indian demo and rode their top of the line touring bike - it’s nice! - but kept wondering why I had to shift up and down all the time. A buddy had a similar experience when he traded an older Porsche on a newer Porsche that has the PDK automatic transmission.
I’ve been on 4 different Harley Ultras since 1990 and over 250,000 miles. My present bike is a 2012 FLHTK Stage II with 36k miles. I rode a 2021 DCT Tour at Americade in 2021. I can’t get it out of my mind. At 73 with almost 500,000 miles under my belt, if I am fortunate enough, and healthy enough, the Goldwing will probably be my next, and possibly my last motorcycle.
I’m on my 4th Wing. A used 94; a 2007/2019/2022 out of the crate. The last 2 being DCT.. Excellent bikes. 2007 was the most comfortable for me, I’m 6’4. This year at Americade I test rode an Indian Challenger Elite. I’m pretty sure somewhere in the next 2 years I’ll add it to my garage. I’ll never get rid of my WING..
Perfectly said! And if I paid for a Gnarly Davidson, my heart would stop with the prices they charge. My Gold Wing is the ultimate touring machine, and it is also excellent in the twisties!
There was the old stereotypical demographic you referred to, but that was left long ago on prior generation of Gold Wings. This newest generation is very cool. It’s been downsized, lightened and underwent a major restyling program. This bike has great handling abilities in the twisties and mountains. In terms of sheer power and handling the DCT will walk all over most large touring motorcycles from all brands. This bike is like a Formula One. You just can’t out-shift a DCT. Live with a DCT long enough and you will be a convert. In traffic and around town. The DCT is immediate off the line. A great bike.
I have one, have ridden 70,000km, been across the country multiple times, mostly 2-up. You can really push it in the curves, the suspension, especially the front, is phenomenal. I test rode every competitor but, being a previous Valkyrie owner, couldn’t give up the smooth and linear flat 6. Haven’t had a single problem. Being its a GW, I know it’s barely broken in. And CarPlay would be hard to be without, now that I’ve had it.
I own the previous generation GL1800. It's so smooth my wife sometimes takes a nap on long trips (with the trunk behind her, me in front of her, and the arm rests, she can't fall off). Most people say the Goldwing is a touring motorcycle, and it is fantastic for that. But it is more of a sport touring bike. Have you seen the video of the rider on a Goldwing on a closed-circuit track with sport race bikes and he's right in the middle with them? And he was riding the second gen 1800. The newest version this guy is riding is even better. With an experienced rider, it will leave sport bikes in the dust. I too have ridden them all and the Goldwing is by far the best all-around bike out there. It's great for long hauls, it's great for commuting, it's great for short trips in town, and it's really great in the mountain twisties. Oh, as far as buying a Harley... I would wait a year or two to see if they pull out of their latest fiasco. Enjoy the Goldwing as long as you have it on loan and get your dad to ride it!
I own an 18 and have had a 2005, both amazing bikes. I also own Harleys, and if I could only have ONE bike, it would be the Goldwing. The newer bikes' Luggage is tight (they made the top trunk bigger in 2021), but it's by far the nicest bike I've ever owned and drama-free. Handles like a sport bike with bags.
I've had an 82 Wing and a 2001 Valkyrie which I loved and regret selling only to buy an Electra Ultra Glide (Harley) which is also very comfortable and shows well. My Valkyrie had more torque than an Harley I've riden. I only wish Honda would not enclose the engine and cover the bike over in plastic. The have sloped the trunk as Harley has done. The GW Valkyrie is a sharp bike as well.
The thing I love the most about this bike is exactly the analoge gauges, the fact not everything is a screen. I hate this trend that everything has to be a screen...............I worked at a Honda dealership for years, that made me a massive Honda fan after seeing how poorly Yamahas and Suzuki bikes were made in comparison(we were a Suzuki and Honda dealership in Europe). There is a reason why the Gold Wing has become a standard folks. Buy one and you'll find out why......So in my experience, You'll buy a Honda for having a working bike for the rest of your life, a Suzuki for 10 years or a Yamaha for 3 years... The headstuds on a Yamaha is 4-6mm on a Honda 9-12mm in the same bike class. Think about that.........
The Goldwing is an iconic motorcycle and the claim of “most comfortable” may be true, but only if your idea of touring is on tarmac. Where I reside, 50% of the named roads are unpaved and the USA as a whole still has about 35% of named roads that aren’t paved. Thing is, many of the unpaved roads are the most spectacular; they’re also less traveled often much calmer to ride. That’s why, while I admire the Goldwing, for touring I prefer the Africa Twin - it gets me to places the tarmac doesn’t go and, for many, it’s getting to those places that define touring.
I owned a manual Goldwing for about 50k miles. I now own an Africa Twin DCT. I would have the DCT on the Wing if I buy another. Two things I would like to hear from reviews, is the DCT from a sport perspective is better than manual. Shifts quicker, smoother and is always in the correct gear. The other neglected point is the A-arm front suspension. Because the wheel travel is almost vertical, the tire stays planted. This bike has more sport performance than many other bikes. Countersteer this bike with purpose is just amazing. What an all around bike. Mid 40’s fuel economy on regular and yes the comfort, I would choose over a H-D without a second thought.
On my 3rd Goldwing a 2023 DCT! I've owned 2 FJR 1300's they are OK but do not compare to a Wing. Harley's have the engine heat issue which is a deal breaker for me (I live in Texas). This is the only bike I can ride 10-12 hours in a day with no discomfort! It does everything well! Is it perfect no! But no bike is! After owning this DCT I will never return to a manual shift, it's that good!
I always looked at Goldwings as huge heave bikes. I sat on one of the new ones recently and was blown away how it light it felt under my feet despite its size. Still a big bike but it didn't feel unmanageable in anyway. I was impressed on how it felt. Just a note I'm only used to middleweight bikes and smaller.
I have ridden almost every bike in 35 years on 2 wheels. Either owning them, or open house test rides. The 6 gen Wing is by far the best machine for long tour on the planet. No bike comes even close to it, yet. Perfect? NOPE! But for me, she stays in my garage for many years to come.
I have a ‘21 Tour DCT, bought new that year. Great bike for long distance touring. Also a good commuter bike. You wouldn’t think so, for such a heavy bike, but the weight goes away as soon as you start to roll. The DCT works well in most situations, but falls short at slower speeds, sometimes changing gears when you’re not expecting it. Like part way through a turn at an intersection. I’ve just recently added an aftermarket seat. I put up with a sore butt long enough. After about 40 minutes on the stock saddle, I would start to squirm and then I’d have to stand on the pegs often on long rides to ease the discomfort. This bike loves mountain passes. Last year, my wife and I did a 7500 mile ride, towing a trailer and the bike handled whatever we threw at it with ease. Great bike with a couple of shortcomings. Overall, I love this bike, although I think there are more comfortable rides out there.
Try to select manual gear on the right handlebar control button (M) ...like this, you fully manage gear change instead DCT ,regardless mapping selection (tour, sport etc..)... it revs from low to limit if you wish, and leaves you gearbox control at 100%.... so you can enjoy keeping the gear is best at low speed or into corners✌
I used to have a Valkyrie Interstate, the mean brother of the Goldwing. They don't make them any more but boy that 6-cylinder horizontally opposed engines just purr at speed. I bet these latest Wings are a pleasure to ride. I switched over to a Spyder but throwing lots of respect out to the Goldwingers. Have fun and ride safe!
Nice to see you back home with your dad. Nice to get his insight on the big bike. Don't recall seeing TFLbike ever doing a review on this one. I always thought they were huge. This one looks a lot more compliant. It is interesting, even if it is not my style.
I haven't ridden the GL-1800 in this generation, so I can't say anything first hand. I'd like to try one, but none of the dealers in my area (upstate NY) allow you to try one out before buying it. I'm like your father - prefer to shift myself. This bike is very heavy, which is part of the reason I bought a BMW R1250RT. The RT is over 200 pounds lighter and handles great! No reverse, but for me it was the best bike available (and the RT was several thousand dollars less than the Wing).
Yes the color of the kislux is beautiful and it is a great decision, maybe one day they will add feet and straps. It would be nice to have a bigger bag during the colder months when we have to store gloves, beanies, scarves, etc…
Been there done that. I had a 2018 Majestic Silver GW DCT bagger. Yup, great for touring but it was very heavy / bulky and I thought Honda could have done a much better job with it. Lots of stuff should have been standard that wasn’t. My bagger should have come with a center stand but I had to add that myself. Should have come with Homelink, and a digital readout of the tire pressures instead of that incessantly blinking “I’m unhappy about the tire pressure” light (touring models had it, baggers did not). I wish the saddlebags were easy to remove like on an R1250RT, oil and air filter changes couldn’t be harder if you tried…. Every once in a while the DCT transmission would make a big clunking noise while driving. Wished for a TFT display and a simpler more intuitive infotainment system. I think the bike is already antiquated in some respects. I got rid of mine for a simpler retro bike that’s very easy to maintain (Kawasaki Z900RS).
Well, the ride is about the journey not the destination. I passed on the gold wing and the K1600 for the BMW RT 1250, does the distances, and the weather, but also dances in the twisties with 240 less pounds. RT even handles gravel well with a tire switch. Gold wing has its place, but not for me.
I own a 2018 Goldwing DCT tour , I agree with the newer Harley, Indian, BMW screen is better but when it came out back in 2018 it was far ahead of the others, the Goldwing's tech is going on 6 plus years old , it will be interesting to see what the next generation Goldwing will have.
I still have a Hayabusa in the garage but I absolutely love the DCT, I do not miss shifting in the least. The DCT is so much better at shifting than I am. I just get to enjoy the ride without worrying about a clutch or shifter.
Good to know when it comes to CarPlay on Honda's: you only need a headset the first time you are using CarPlay for the initial connection. After that, when you connect your phone and the screen prompts connect bluetooth, you choose don't pair. Then you hold the back button a couple of seconds and you can use CarPlay without a headset.
I owned a 2018 GW tour for three years. I loved it for touring. It was perfect. But when I wasn’t touring and doing local rides (95% of my riding) it felt too big and kind of boring. So I sold it and bought a Honda shadow 750 and put bags on it, windscreen and luggage rack. Now I have a very fun local bike that can do shorter tours if I want to.
All bikes are great. To each his own. You have to find what fits your personality and your soul is happy with it. I've had all kinds of bikes, never a Harley. Three years ago, I bought one, a used Electra that was an amazing deal. I thought I should just try it. Never fallen in love with the bike so hard. I still have Italian bikes in my garage. Faster, amazing in corners, technologically advanced, you name it. None of them make me so happy like the Harley does. My friends laugh at me. Motorcycles are like girlfriends or wives. I wouldn't want yours but you are perfectly happy with her. Happy for you.
For a long time, as the price of Chanel increased, I no longer thought I could afford it. I think I'll be happy that I have the kislux as my travel bag that I don't have to take care of. By the way, I'm sure no one will have a hard time telling the difference. Thanks for the comparison.
I like the looks and the power of the Goldwing but the bike that fits me the best and is the most comfortable bike for me is the bike I chose the Indian Pursuit
You out can own a Harley and a Goldeing . I had a Fatboy anniversary edition in the light blue metallic. Vance and Hines short pipes and a great Memphis Shades windshield and that low center of gravity made that Harley handle very well for a heavy bike . Corbin seat magnificent ! I purchased a 2007 Gold wing and a safe highway eater with the technology. Wouldn't get rid of either . Put some riding lights in the front pods in the wing that lit to p the road . Have both I do 👍
The Honda GoldWing may be the most advanced and comfortable touring bike in the world. But it lacks organized Owner's Group. I think Harley is unbeatable with their HOG (Harley Owner's Group) because almost every City you go there are weekly rides with wonderful people. This makes Harley ownership worthwhile. Riding solo sucks.
Always liked the Goldwings. I owned the bagger version F6b. But if I was in the market for a big touring bike I'd go with a K1600 GT. Cant beat that inline 6 power.
I've test driven the new wing, along with many high end legacy brand touring bikes. calling it the most comfy out there or highest performing isnt even close.
I currently have an FJR1300 and I am strongly considering the GoldWing Tour DCT as my next bike. I did two Iron Butts on the FJR and I have really enjoyed it but the time has come for more comfort on the long trips.
@@WolfinWolvesClothing713 I can't disagree. The FJR is a good looking bike. Just at a point the wife and I are both looking for something more comfortable. She has had to overcome some health challenges and is wanting to get back to taking long trips with me but now has to have something that works better for her and I am over the sport side of sport turning. I am also ready for something different.
Haven't watched the whole video yet, but I wonder sometimes about going from my high specs FJR1300 (second one I own) 2019, semi automatic (no clutch lever, just up and down buttons)full led, electronic suspension to the newest Goldwing, mostly for wife reason as she travels as a pillion. Been worried that itll be too slow compared to 150hp of FJR. Being curious what your dad is gonna say.😊
Honda is always the best at engineering. Motorcycles with the Goldwing and Shadow. Cars with the Civic & Accord. Trucks with the Ridgeline. Jets with the Honda Jet. Powersports with their ATVs & side by sides. I wish American products were at par or better. American products have come a long way but they’re still behind when it comes to engineering. The products from Harley, Chevy, Ford etc. sell more because of their “character” and “charm” and “brand image” rather than outright technical superiority for a similar dollar product
North Georgia roads are amazing. I've been on this one a couple times. Love running up to Cumming and Dahlonega. You should run this on wolf pen gap road up Suches area. Kind of a mini tail of the dragon. Lol
Like the Honda Goldwing and have owned 3 prior.. However I just could not resist the BMW K1600B... Maybe consider that for your next review... like your channel.
Maybe it's different on newer versions of CarPlay, but the one I have in my weekend car definitely does not require a microphone, I just lose certain features without it.
How's the seat for long distance riding. Usually the first thing I have to do is change out the stock seat. Are there aftermarket seats? I imagine there must be.
I have a 2024 DCT Tour. The motorcycle is outstanding in every which way...better than expected. BUT!!! The big BUT, is that it's pitiful seat actually makes it very uncomfortable for long distance riding. It looks great and is OK for shorter rides, but it's awful for longer day or multi day/week rides. And the fabric they chose is also ridiculous...it scuffs permanently every time a boot is even lightly dragged across it, the seam on your riding pants slides on it, etc. A $35,000 motorcycle built for long distance touring should have a seat that doesn't scuff , and that can be bearable to ride on for more than an hour or two at a time
Did you remove the driver backrest or did it just come like that? I’m trying to figure out if mine is detachable. There’s oddly very little information available about it.
I bought a new FJR1300AE in 2006 and put 40k miles on it. then a 2013 Victory Vision. I have since sold them both but if I buy aging I think the Gold Wing would be my choice. As for a HD no way now but maybe a Indian.
