There are very few luxury touring bikes that can stand tall to match the heritage, comfort, convenience, and sheer visual aura of iconic offerings from Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle. The Honda Gold Wing is one of these. It not only matches the American luxury tourer aura but also outclasses the celebrated icons in technology and features. Now, despite being cheaper than a Harley Road King Special, a new Gold Wing is still an expensive affair that costs over $25,000.
But a used five-year-old Gold Wing brings a similar spread of features as a new one, because Honda has not extensively updated its luxury touring bike since 2018. So, depreciation is a blessing in disguise, as you get identical performance, comfort features, and even technological features, for a price tag that is cheaper by over $10,000. We tell you why a 2020 Honda Gold Wing is a much cleverer buy than a brand-new one.
To ensure accuracy, the information compiled in this article was sourced from the respective manufacturers, such as Honda Powersports, as well as other trustworthy websites, including Kelley Blue Book and CycleTrader.
A 2020 Honda Gold Wing Can Be Bought Today For Under $15,000
A Saving Of Nearly $10,000 Over A MY25 Example
According to the most recent listings on CycleTrader, the most affordable 2020 Honda Gold Wing is priced at $13,499, and it’s also the premium model equipped with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Kelley Blue Book indicates the used market trend for one of these luxury Honda touring bikes, with the base trim being traded at $13,025, which translates to exceptional value for what the Gold Wing offers. The trade-in value of $13,925.
While we applaud Honda for being one of the most reliable motorcycle makers out there, there are a few problems that have plagued the Gold Wing. This luxury tourer has been subjected to a total of three recalls to date, all of which are being actively adhered to. If you plan on buying a used 2020 MY, it would be a wise decision to head over to the Powersports recall website, enter the VIN, and check if the particular specimen has been affected by any of these recalls.
Things To Look Out For In A Used Honda Gold Wing (Based On Recalls)
- Ignition timing issue that could result in stalling
- Possible failure of the primary drive gear bolt
- Malfunctioning fuel pump
Packs Top-Spec Technology Even By Today’s Standards
As mentioned in the introduction, this is one aspect where this five-year-old Honda luxury tourer locks horns and even outclasses some of the newer American land yachts. The cockpit is adorned by a sizable 7-inch TFT screen, which serves as the window to control all the Honda Gold Wing’s electronically induced safety, assistive, comfort, and convenience features. An audio system with fairing-mounted speakers, along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (added later on via a software update), completes the entertainment side of things. Safety and assistive features are plentiful and bleeding-edge to help riders feel at ease, not intimidated by the sheer size and weight of this Honda.
Notable Technology Features
- Six-axis IMU
- Linked brakes
- Dual-channel ABS
- Bluetooth Connectivity For Elevated Handsfree Experience
- Audio System With Optional Passenger Audio Controls
- Apple CarPlay And Android Auto Compatible
- Electronically Adjustable Suspension
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Hill Start Assist
- 7-inch Full-color TFT
- In-built Navigation
- Four Ride Modes
Comfort And Convenience Features Are Of The Highest Order
A Smashing Bargain For Under $15,000
Riding comfort is given the utmost importance, featuring electronic suspension adjustment, deeply integrated ride modes that truly alter the riding characteristics, a wide saddle that keeps both the rider and pillion passenger comfortable, and an electronically adjustable windscreen. All of these features help the occupants stay in a comfy bubble and offset the sheer size and weight of this Honda touring bike, for a seamless mile-munching experience. The Gold Wing comes standard with remote lockable hardcase panniers that are weatherproof and can gobble up enough luggage for a relaxed weekend trip for two. Honda has also loaded the 2020 Gold Wing with a sizable 5.5-gallon fuel tank, translating to an easy 200+ mile riding range.
Luxury Features That Make It Worthy Of Rivaling Plush Harley And Indian Touring Bikes
- Electric Windscreen with Angle and Height Adjustment
- Full LED Lighting and Auto-cancelling Turn Signals
- Smart Key for Keyless Ignition and Remote Luggage Access
- Remote Lockable hardcase panniers
- Two USB Outlets
Premium Underpinnings Help This Land Yacht ‘Move’
Gets A Double Wishbone Front Suspension
Honda has equipped the Gold Wing with a combination of sturdy and sophisticated underpinnings. All of its under-the-skin features also contribute to making the Gold Wing the touring standard in 2025. And the good news is that you get the same underpinnings on the 2020 model, too. It is underpinned by an aluminum die-cast twin-spar frame, which is fitted with a unique suspension setup.
The front gets a car-grade double wishbone suspension with 4.3 inches of travel. Whereas, the rear mono-shock comes attached to a linkage and connected to its unique single-sided swing arm. Its suspension is electronically adjustable for preload at the rear. The damping adjusts automatically using feedback from various sensors across the bike. This also plays a vital role in elevating the riding experience with each of its ride modes.
Grip duties are taken care of by 130-section front and 200-section rear tires wrapped around lightweight 18-inch front and 16-inch rear alloy wheels. The 2020 Gold Wing also flaunts some of the largest brake calipers ever on a motorcycle. The front gets dual 320 mm discs coupled to 6-piston calipers, with a sizable single 316 mm rear disc coupled to a 3-piston caliper. Its out-of-the-box hardware and material choices help keep this sizable touring bike’s weight under 850 pounds, which is commendable for the segment.
Chassis, Hardware Specs, And Dimensions
|
Main Frame |
Aluminum Die-Cast, Twin-Tube |
|
Front Suspension And Travel |
Double-wishbone With 4.3 inches Of Travel |
|
Rear Suspension And Travel |
Monoshock Attached To Its Single-sided Swingarm With 4.1 inches Of Travel |
|
Front Wheel And Tire Size |
18-inch Alloy Wheel Wrapped With 130/70R 18 Tubeless Tire |
|
Rear Wheel And Tire Size |
16-inch Alloy Wheel Wrapped With 200/55R 16 Tubeless Tire |
|
Front Brakes |
Dual 320 mm Hydraulic Floating Discs Coupled To 6-piston Calipers With Sintered Metal Pads |
|
Rear Brakes |
Single 316 mm Ventilated Disc Coupled to a 3-piston Caliper With Sintered Metal Pads |
|
Wheelbase |
66.73 inches |
|
Ground Clearance |
5.118 inches |
|
Seat Height |
29.3 inches |
|
Rake / Trail |
30.5 degrees / 4.29 inches |
|
Length |
97.44 inches |
|
Width |
36.4 inches |
|
Height |
52.75 inches |
|
Curb Weight |
804.68 pounds (Manual) / 802.48 pounds (Automatic) |
Powered By A Unique Six-Cylinder Engine
Power: 124.7 Horsepower
The 2020 Honda Gold Wing is powered by a segment-unique flat-six engine that gives this touring bike a unique place among its V-twin and boxer-twin rivals. The 1,833 cc engine is unique because it features a perfectly square construction with the same bore and stroke sizes. This results in this six-cylinder mill producing 125 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 125 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 RPM. The bottom and mid-range torque is substantial, and the power arrives early as well. This, when coupled with its standard 6-speed manual gearbox (featuring an overdrive top gear), translates to a high-speed mile-muncher that keeps the engine relaxed with a relatively lower RPM.
Notable electronic features that help make riding this Gold Wing a smooth affair include ride-by-wire, Honda Selectable Torque Control, and four ride modes (Tour, Sport, Econ, and Rain). Making the ride extra special is the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission-equipped Gold Wings that offer a more simplified riding experience. This automatic gearbox can be tweaked to make the Gold Wing ride with a twist-and-go throttle (just like a scooter) or in a spirited way with neatly integrated “paddle shifters” on the left side of the handlebars. There is no other used touring bike available today for under $15,000 that offers as many cool features as the Honda Gold Wing.
Engine And Gearbox Specs
|
Engine Configuration |
Flat Six; Liquid-Cooled |
|
Engine Displacement |
1,833 cc |
|
Bore X Stroke |
2.874 X 2.874 in. (73 X 73 mm) |
|
Compression Ratio |
10.5:1 |
|
Fueling |
PGM-FI Electronic Fuel Injection |
|
Torque |
125.4 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual (Including Overdrive And Electric Reverse) / 7-Speed Forward And Reverse DCT |
|
Clutch |
|
|
Final Drive |
Enclosed Shaft |
