Why The Honda Goldwing Tour DCT Is The World's Most Luxurious Motorcycle 

Yep, this is why I traded my Harley RGU in for a new Goldwing DCT. It's simply the best touring bike I've ever owned or ridden.

I have this bike and love it, your review was spot on. I’m 6’2 and added a slightly larger screen and now its whisper quite in the riding position. It is fantastic for long trips and I travelled from Scotland all the way down to London very comfortable and not needing any more comfort breaks than i would have had in my car. The luggage could be slightly bigger for the helmets but not a big issue. Thanks for the review.

I have that exact bike. I've had it for about 6 months and have put just over 8k miles on it. You are dead right in your review. This bike is amazing.

Just recently bought a 2019 leftover 6-speed manual. I opted for the 6-speed manual, rode a DCT and was always used to shifting. I Do not mind shifting on this bike. Besides that you can pretty much leave it in 3rd gear and go from 15 mile per hour to 70mph with ease. Nice review

I own an FJR1300AE with Yamaha’s YCC-S clutch. It is a fantastic similarity to the DCT. I will not go back to a standard clutch bike. Never! Great review!! The FJR still holds that “Sport Bike” reputation, and does not have all of the “infotainment” ammenities. I like that! But I am a 56 year old youngster. A used DCT Goldwing is on my radar, at a reduced cost, in the next few years.

Just stumbled across this channel and this is easily one of the better reviews I’ve seen! You’re very well spoken and informative. Be safe out there!

That's a really well done round up of your time with the GW. Factual and simplified and easy to follow.well done. I'm sure it's the best at what it's for .

I've been riding motorcycles for 50 years, and currently have a 2015 Gold Wing 40th Anniversary. I've had Wings for 44 years starting with the GL1000. Quite simply, there is not a better touring bike the Wing. I have not ridden the new Wing but I don't like some of the changes Honda made from mine. I particularly don't like the smaller bags and trunk, the smaller fairing, and the smaller gas tank. Also, why doesn't Honda have Android Auto on it. The very low center of gravity makes it easier to handle than many smaller bikes even though it weighs about 900 lbs. The flat fours were very smooth on the early Wings and the sixes are even better. My idea of the best touring bike would have the GL1500 bags, trunk, and fairing, and the last generation frame and suspension, and the current bike's engine and transmission and electronics with Android Auto added.

I have just purchased the DCT px’in my 2018 manual version. I’ve toured with my wife for the first time and a week on our travels we found the luggage provided plenty of room even for beginners. I normally ride sports bikes and have a Ducati V4R which is a complete opposite to the GW but let me tell you the GW is flat out amazing and this is the bike I ride the most.

Thank you, MotoBob. This is the best made, most concise review of the GL18 on RU-vid. I’ve seen videos twice as long that didn’t have all the information you presented. Well done! I own a 2018 DCT Tour and would like to add two minor points. While, the aerodynamic envelope for the rider is the best I’ve experienced on any motorcycle (been riding for 40 years and owned eight bikes), the passenger gets buffeted quite a bit at freeway speeds. Also, the on-board navigation system is, to be diplomatic, utter crap. Using Apple CarPlay or an aftermarket navigation device will be a necessity for the serious long-distance cruiser. These points are, for me, minor and I wouldn’t trade my Wing for anything. Thanks again for the excellent vid.

I've got the 2014 Goldwing Valkyrie F6B. It's just a naked goldwing - no windscreen or faring, no bags, no electronics, rider aids, radio, manual gearbox, etc. Nothing. It's the 1800cc engine and wheels and a seat. I love it. At 90+lbs lighter it looks and handles like a streamliner locomotive. It goes great and turns well enough but it's still a big beast. Good video!

I owned the last generation of goldwing and loved it,but I bought the dct when it came out in 2018 and never regretted it, done 650 miles in one day no problem.

I have a GL 1800. I know of two people so far that bought 2018 gold wings and traded them in on leftover 2017s..One guy said he just didn’t like it as much as his 2012 he sold to buy the 2018, the second guy said that his wife just did not like it as much as his old gl1800..So he also traded his 2018 in on a leftover 2017.. what is up with that? I remember selling my Yamaha venture to buy a BMW K 1200 LT with that weird front end that is similar to the Honda front end on the newer gold wings.. that front end did not compress under braking on the bmw..That made the machine fuel top-heavy and like it wanted to get away for me in parking lot maneuvers when I would dab the brakes. I’ve had to ventures with a combined 18 years on Venture’s, I never even came close to dropping either one of them. I dropped that BMW two times in parking lots because of that strange front end that the fork springs do not absorb/dissipate braking energy..I never felt comfortable coming to a stop on that BMW and I ended up selling it after just a year and a half. I wonder if the front end on the 2018 and newer gold wings is giving the same uneasy feedback to its rider..I certainly hope not, because I’m in the market to upgrade, but now I’m gonna wait and see, I am definitely going to take a test ride and it’s not just gonna be Once around the block on billiard table smooth roads, which won’t be difficult because I live in Pennsylvania where there are not-too-many billiard table smooth roads, which is why I ride a gold wing. To smooth them out which my wing does very nicely,Especially now that I have upgraded to progressive brand fork springs and shock Spring.I never realized how dead the old springs were until I wrote on the new ones. It’s a completely different motorcycle now. My Dunlop elite three tire was cupping. that is a sign that the front forks need rebuilt. While I was changing the springs and the fork oil and the fork seals, I installed a set of Dunlop elite four tires. I forgot to weigh the front tire before I installed it, but the new Dunlop elite four rear tire weighed almost 6 pounds less than the used Dunlop elite three I removed. That is a massive removal of unsprung weight. that the suspension has to cope with. Unsprung weight is so critical, that Porsche uses titanium Lugnuts on their car wheels to save a few ounces. I saved almost 6 pounds just switching tires, and my bike feels it. 6 pounds in the saddle bags doesn’t mean as much as 6 pounds of unsprung weight..

Mine is an airbag model just like the one here, but after a while, I had to have my seat redone. Much more comfortable now.

I have a 2003 Honda Shadow VLX 600 cruiser and love it. I did put a gas tank with a tank mounted speedometer from a 750 Honda on it and have an extra gallon of gasoline (petrol as called in the UK) , a solo seat with springs under the rear and a hinge in the front. Since my wife's seat was to small and rather stiff, I added more foam layers on her seat and made a cover for it. If anything, I do like Hondas. Mine is 17 years old and still runs great.

Will definitely own one of these some day...

Enjoyed your video and complete, concise information / opinion. Wishing you lots of fun and safe miles ahead.

I just got this bike and it is the world's best bike I,ve ever riden. Very smooth. Love everything about it.

I bought my very first DCT 2018 Goldwing in August of 2019. I only gripe i do have is that the compartments have been reduced dramatically. I really enjoy its light weight in comparison with the 2016 Goldwing I had before.

Although I no longer ride, or drive, I think this bike is awesome, thanks for the great review. Regards, Bob M. South Wales

I'm growing to love your reviews...and I'm not even a biker - yet! Love your calm presentation and rather interesting contents. Only thing for me was I wanted you to walk through all the knobs, buttons, bells and whistles a bit more. Lovely review though! (The baby must be here by now too - can you fit a sidecar??)

Gorgeous bike, great reviews. Can’t wait for your Africa Twin vid.

2020 Goldwing probably best bike ever made, an that's outrageous statement to make, but I'm thinking from 70+ years of riding an can't think of make or model that comes close?

My dad has a 1975 Honda GoldWing with the Pacifico speaker attachment.. It's dying to be restored to its Glory days ... The original red paint is still in decent shape

I'm 50,that thing has so many feature I'd have learn how ride again. My bikes always had hill hold,me..lol

I'm a Harley rider but I respect and love Honda

You really do a good job when reviewing your motorcycles. I'm a tried and true BMW Kbike fan and would really welcome your opinion and/or comparison. I'm not too stuck so as to not be able to accept feedback whether good or bad on one being better then the other, I just like to see what is in fact being compared.

JUust traded my HD Ultra Limited for a Goldwing DCT. Incredible bike, and wow, what a difference in ride and performance.

I like the brakes on this Goldwing they work very well . The DCT makes touring much more enjoyable. Nice video 👍 . The suspension is a week point . I have to put the settings at 2 riders for solo riding to prevent the suspension from bottoming out . I am spending $3,000 U.S. on a new suspension in Atlanta from Traxion Dynamics. The inventor is Max McCalister he’s on RU-vid too.

Awesome bike. I also have the DCT model.

I've had 4 Goldwing's and an array of other bikes so its says it all really amazing motorcycle

Great video, thanks for sharing.

About the price, here in Italy it's cheaper than a hd road glide which is a far worse bike. It's a unique bike, I hope to own one in the next years.

Not my kinda bike, but you have to appreciate the luxury and tech. Plus I think it's a great looking bike, almost beautiful, in a typically Japanese car way. Looks a little like an NSX!

Great video as always mate. Appreciate the detail you go into. Would love to try one of these big boys. Doubt I'll ever be able to afford one mind you. Your mate looks like another RU-vidr. You should tell him.

I appreciate fancy gadgets and driver aids when driving. When I go motorcycling I want to experience just that. Motorcycling.

I purchased a 2020 Indian Roadmaster 2 months ago but I wish I would have know about the god wing before. It will be my next bike

Nice...would give anything to have a trike version....bikes have come light years from the older models....

I'm in the market for a BMW Grand America but would definitely take this new Wing for a ride.

Absolute, top of the line...period.

Awesome review! What MPG were you getting? Thanks a lot! And congrats on the newborn.

I bought my first Goldwing 1800 in 2006 brand new i still got it and i can see no reason to part with it. i did a Sponsored ride from Alfreton Derbyshire to the top of stelvio pass northern Italy in under 24 hours (which i did 980 miles in 22.06 hours she as now done over 58000 miles with no problems.

Very well mate, I have just had purchased this bike righthere in my country Indonesia and it was cost me for a extra double prices compare to the pricetag to your country thou .. I got the Godwing DCT full specs pricetag of 105.000 pounds UK here due to the tax regulation is more than 300 % ... 😭 so silly thou.. anyway nice review mate👍👍✅😎

Like the number plate as well as the bike.

I think this is the first bike you’ve tested where the UK license plate looks properly proportioned on the back of the bike 😆😆🤪

I really like the Gold Wings, indeed, I have owned two of them over the years. Problem is I (like I suspect most owners) never used them for what they were truly best at, and as such eventually swapped them for far more practical bikes. Thus the Wing ends up as a statement: "I used to own a Gold Wing".....

I've been riding since 1976 and currently have a high-mileage 2005 BMW R1200RT. My wife and I have taken many vacations on that bike, some for as long as 10 days, so we are a veteran 2-up touring couple. As soon as Honda puts Android Auto on the Gold Wing Tour DCT, we are going to get one. Until then, we'll keep enjoying our RT. But also, a better touring range would be nice on the Gold Wing. We are used to taking breaks every 125-150 miles and getting fuel every other break so any bike that can't comfortably go at least 250 miles between fuel stops doesn't really seem like a touring bike.

Comprehensive review. If I was going for a bike of more than 300 kg, it would be the Rocket lll.

What a pity Honda stopped making the ST1300 Pan; or the NT700 Deauville for that matter. Good review, thank you.

I hate the gold wing but watch your because you manage to bring the interesting bits out well with great production quality

Which is the tire used in goldwing.

You forgot 1 thing it's a Honda . They make the best quality vehicles.

Hey Bob, on the GPS is that Blackheath in south London? If so I use to work for Myers Motors in forest Hill , I know peter that owns the hot dog stand there, my parents live in Eltham, and I grew up in Lee on the red brick estate. I live in Chicago now and have done for 20 years, I miss that place , good luck with the channel.

Superb review.....

Good vid....as usual. When will you do the Africa Twin review?

My 2010 GL1800 wins hands down. Been riding 48 years now. Had from monkey bikes, XL185's, XL500's, Yammys as well, Bol D'or 900's, a few 500cc other bikes, Honda Fireblades (2), Harleys, and of course 3 x 1000cc Honda VF1000 F2F's. For pure fun and enjoyment - yeah the Fireblades for sure (but they have a target on the back for cops). The GL 1800's thought, great for touring without a doubt. Cannot see any benefit in spending over $50,000 for a bike that does what I already have (excluding DCT).

Super sweet.

I test rode a 19 Gold Wing DCT last fall but ended up with a dealer holdover 2018 BMW K1600 GTL that I bought in early Feb.

Given most nakedbikes nowadays have headlights mounted to the frame, i wonder how huge a fairing could get that you'd mount somewhere on a nakedbike. Strictly for weather protection . Winter practicality with no thought spend on aerodynamics or aesthetics. Going above your head maybe. Winter suit basically

For the price of a decent new car would hope it's got some Luxury.

I have had 2 Goldwings and enjoyed . They both were comfy for long trips and fast when needed . It was a motorcycle not a electronic nightmare .

Hi! Nice video, guys! i'm wondering if you recommend this motorbike for a beginner rider with the DCT mode. If not, what would you recommend to do before riding the Goldwing? A course for motobikers a week or two, would it be ok? What about starting with Honda Integra DCT or Africa Tween DCT? Would it be worthy to by any of those before when the real dream is the Goldwing? Thx again and Best rgds, from ALC, Spain!

Are the buttons on the handlebar backlit for nighttime convenience?

I would prefer speed limiter rather than cruise control far more useful especially in 30/40 speed limits.

waiting for the gl1800 2020

The new one is a great machine but if one is to be completely honest, the older models are more comfortable (especially the seat) and have much better wind coverage. Pluses and minuses for each generation

Do you think the normal geared (non DCT) version is worth buying?

My 18 1800b is a Harley killer in even in tour mode.

Good video very nice bike but to heavy and pricey for me.

Have you rode an Indian road master? That's the other type of high end touring bike that people raved over. It would make an interesting comparison by someone as unbiased as you. I wouldn't buy a touring bike though, just too big and expensive. It might be because I'm getting old, but if I REALLY wanted something for serious touring (I can't believe I'm going to admit to this) but I'd be tempted to buy a big super scooter like a t-max 😮

Brilliant, is your mate the guy from Rarefied road?

This version isn't available in the US, more's the pity.

Im just a beginner & i've always wanted to buy my own bike.But im quite hesitant coz of d thought that what if i get caught in a sudden strong rain while driving & my bike gets rained on.What happens to d bike, especially to a hi-tech bike like this if it gets rained on?Do i kiss d electronics system goodbye?Hope somebody could give me a proper answer.

I was in the market for a touring bike, I looked at BMW, but spoke to a guy who had recently left a BMW dealer, and he told me to steer clear, because the K1600 had gearbox seizing issues, also the boxer twins had water pump and the new shift cam engine problems. So looked at a an electra glide, which felt a bit dated as did, the Indian roadmaster. I went to Dobles for a test drive, and I was hooked, it is by far, thr best bike I have ever ridden. So I bought one.

A motorcycle is a tool. To commute, to cover long distance, to profile on bike night, whatever. If it suits your needs then it’s a good choice. Having ridden an Indian Roadmaster, Harley Ultra and the previous generation Gold wing I like all three but none fit my needs. I prefer a middleweight that can do long miles but can maneuver through traffic.

Ok, put this up against the BMW R1250RT and see where the chips fall!

are you wearing Pando Moto Jeans? :)

But is it actually a really great motorcycle to really ride? A motorcycle isn't for me a car. If I want a car like experience I will drive one. Silky smoothness ... drive a car. I have owned a great Honda and fast yes but not tactile, not ultimately all that rewarding to ride. And sorry you can't have a love affair with cheap plastic. Brilliant engines but... But that's okay unquestionably brilliant technically but can you really love one? My ride an Indian Springfield, absolutely technically inferior but utterly tactile and fabulous character. And a magnificent touring machine. So many great bikes for different people. Great video as always

Ok does the bike handle as good as the bmw 1600 gtl or k1600 just wondering if you know thanks

Trading my Valkyrie cause may brain just exploded

Is that Tim from Rarefied Road? 🤔

No other bike company has ever attempted to take it on, which I find is unusual.

380Kg , that's almost my Speed Twin and Street Triple all rolled into one. HUGE ! To me, bikes are about agility, acceleration and getting through gaps. Not something that springs to mind with the Gold Wing. If I had the cash, I would probably have a Rocket 3 ( as a third bike ), not quite as heavy as this (although it's engine is bigger ), that too is a silly bike, not the most agile, but I just really like the look. The Goldwing's look just doesn't do it for me. I'd like a ride, doubt I'd ever buy one and that's even if I had the cash. The bike Honda might flog me is the CB1000R or CB650R. I need a 4 cylinder bike in my life too. Assuming Covid 19 doesn't get me first :)

Yep Blackheath like a walk down memory lane lol

The headlights look like wings, I see what they did there.

I will only disagree with you on the practicality side i think honda's over all other motorbikes are quite practical take it from the smaller capacity to the large ones,rest a very good video.

Kudos to Bob for not posing this as one of those Politically Correct, apologetic questions, he makes the statement like man. ...and it is so true, I don't own one, and BMW's are nice , but there really is no rival to this beautiful and powerful Bike. I have a smaller cruiser which is nice, but Gold Wings are exceptional. In my view, the Honda FJR, followed by the Yamaha ST1300, as lighter bikes are the 'best' value and best looking cruiser bikes if you need something a tad smaller and or lighter.

What I would really like to know is why the freaking freckles they force Apple car play? Why not Android compatible, like seriously?

380 kilogrammes!?!? JESUS. and here i thought the 1250GSA was heavy! how is this better than that?

FM radio will give you much better sound quality than DAB and is a damn sight more reliable, reception wise than DAB too. That is assuming you listen to Radio 3 & 4.

Only way it could get better is if the made it a trike like the can-am so that everyone could ride it . It's way too big for me to ever think about riding .

For pure fun that gets your heart pumping ! > K1600 all the way.

If you pick a Harley over this bike your smoking dope.

I think my 2016 F6B is the most luxurious bike, but wait, my 2014 m109R is the most luxurious, no wait, my 2020 Rocket 3 is....everyone has their opinions. Enjoy what you ride!

fare video, but honestly , if you want real luxury, you have to go back to the GL1500. The 1500 wieghs less , has good power, a softer sadlle, and can be upgraded to provide all the media comforts of a modern goldwing. The biggest difference is the mods. the 1500 is easily modified to the be the highest of all luxury touring motorcycles , i know i built mine ....

I’m not sure if “pure comfort on two wheels” is the most appealing indicator of motorcycling. Isn’t that like saying the best thing about great sex is a soft bed? Anyway, I suppose “comfort” isn’t the creepiest fetish, but as old as I am, if comfort becomes the main reason I jump into something, I think I’ll try something else. Good on Honda, I guess, for giving the well heeled something to kick around, but even though I’m pushing seventy I hope to enjoy hard beds and ride my VFR for a while longer.

Stop Start? I hope not.... 4:37

No Android, to sale here!

All the important stuff is getting smaller in capacities with the new models, not a good thing and reason enough for me to look elsewhere

I'm sorry I completely dissagree. I have ridden both the GL1500 and GL1800 Goldwings, I wasn't happy when they reduced my luggage space on the original 1800 but I put up with it, but now that they have take everything away that I loved, large fuel tank, reduced storage, no native android support, I dunno. This is a VERY expensive bike, i'm happier with the older ones.