2024 Honda Gold Wing Review
Review
By Lawton Outlaw
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The 2024 Honda Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT.
Overview
The Gold Wing name is one of the most iconic names in motorcycling for good reason. It’s not just because it’s been around for nearly five decades and casts a long shadow (both literally and figuratively). No, it’s because underneath it all, the Gold Wing is an exceptional motorcycle by nearly any metric. It’s refined, fast, handles amazingly well, and that flat six-cylinder engine feels like a Porsche-beater.
The Gold Wing’s extensive history has been the result of continual refinement over 49 years, with the engine going through six generations of development—from a 999cc eight-valve flat four-cylinder in 1975 to a 1,832cc 24-valve flat six-cylinder powerplant in 2018. Ironically, the original Gold Wing didn’t even come with a fairing or hard luggage. It wasn’t until the introduction of the Gold Wing Interstate model in 1980 that the Wing became what it was destined to be.
In 2018, Honda introduced the sixth-generation GL1800, complete with a more powerful four-valve per cylinder engine, a new die-cast twin-spar aluminum frame, and the latest electronic rider aids and convenience features. At the same time, Honda whittled away 90 pounds and made the entire bike more compact.
The Gold Wing remains the gold standard of long-distance, two-up motorcycle touring. Not only is it one of the most comfortable motorcycles on the market, its performance is downright impressive. The thing slays twisty roads and rushes from apex to apex with aplomb.
Updates for 2024
The Gold Wing is unchanged for 2024, which is no surprise. The fourth- and fifth-generation GL1500 and GL1800, introduced in 1988 and 2001, respectively, endured practically unchanged for a combined 29 years!
Pricing and Variants
The Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour are each available in several trims. The Gold Wing, distinguished by its lack of top box, bagger-style, is available with a six-speed transmission ($24,700) and with an automatic DCT transmission ($25,700).
The Gold Wing Tour, which includes a top box, comes in three versions: the base model ($28,700), which has a six-speed manual transmission; the automatic DCT version ($29,700); and a DCT version that comes equipped with an airbag ($33,000).
Competition
With its domination of the luxury tourer market, all of the former Japanese competition to the Gold Wing has long since vanished. The most obvious challengers to the Gold Wing Tour are the BMW K 1600 GTL (starting at $27,295) and the K 1600 Grand America (starting at $28,130).
The Gold Wing may not look as impressive on the spec sheet, but it shines in the real world.
The base-model Honda Gold Wing lacks a top box, which brings total luggage capacity down to 60 liters.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Gold Wing is powered by a SOHC 1,833cc horizontally opposed flat six-cylinder engine. Last time it was on the CW dyno it produced 97.9 hp at 5,500 rpm and 108.4 lb.-ft. of torque at an amazingly low 1,250 rpm.
The flat-six’s carlike powerband is linear and silky smooth, which makes it ideal for long stints behind the bars.
Chassis and Handling
The latest-generation Gold Wing chassis is characterized by its twin-A-arm front suspension, a version of Norman Hossack’s invention from the 1980s.
Brakes
The Gold Wing uses 320mm discs and six-piston brake calipers up front, and a single 316mm rear disc and single-piston caliper in the rear.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2019 Gold Wing Tour with standard six-speed transmission achieved 37.1 mpg during a CW comparison test.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
One of the main reasons to buy a Gold Wing is comfort. Ergonomically, the Gold Wing offers an ideal rider triangle for long days in the saddle.
Electronics
The Gold Wing features an array of rider aids and convenience features that improve safety, comfort, and performance.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
All Honda Gold Wings come with a three-year, transferable, unlimited-mileage warranty.
Quality
Fit and finish is top-shelf. Any company that backs its long-distance touring product with a three-year/unlimited mileage warranty obviously has confidence in its build quality.
