The Touring Bike That Will Outlive Its Owner

Some of us always want the latest and greatest things, with the newest features that are almost science fiction. However, new technology has one very large drawback: it tends to break down quite often. This is accepted because, by definition, it is new and will not have the benefit of being tested in the real world for many miles and over a long period of time.

That means that if you want something reliable, you’re better off buying an older model with proven reliability. That, in turn, means you don’t get as much tech as the latest and greatest. Every once in a while, though, a manufacturer does something completely right, and you get to have your cake and eat it too.

The touring bike that will outlive its owner is one of these anomalies; it has enough tech to keep up with the most advanced motorcycles on the planet, and it also has a reputation for bulletproof reliability. Here’s how it manages to marry these seemingly opposite things.

The Honda Gold Wing Tour Is The Touring Bike That Will Outlive Its Owner

The Gold Wing is a brand unto itself, and it is possibly Honda’s most complex motorcycle. It doesn’t do anything by the book. Most of what underpins it isn’t used for any other Honda model. Sure, tech like the DCT and Unicam SOHC engine head is present across different Hondas, but most of its components are not present in any other motorcycle.

Manufacturers tend to get more reliability out of their products while saving money by sharing these components across models. That is why it is incredible that the Gold Wing Tour is as reliable as it is, and despite its apparent handicap, it is the touring bike that will outlive its owner.

Honda Gold Wing Tour Price: $28,700

We aren’t quite sure how Honda turns a profit on the Gold Wing, considering everything about it is boutique, from the engine and transmission to the chassis. There’s also the fact that it is built only in Japan, where the currency is strong, and tariffs are applicable to imports. Whatever the case may be, Honda has stubbornly kept the Gold Wing very much a Honda when it comes to pricing, and we are happier for it.

Honda Gold Wing Tour Engine

The Gold Wing’s engine is a flat six and is placed longitudinally. It is Honda’s largest displacement engine, and the focus is on torque delivery with enough power for a feeling of performance, but without sacrificing its smoothness. The current generation moved to a four-valve per cylinder setup, but Honda has used its Unicam SOHC technology to keep the engine’s width down despite the additional valves. It has a by-wire throttle, ride modes, and cornering traction control. Cruise control is standard as well.

Honda Gold Wing Tour Transmission And Final Drive

The Gold Wing Tour is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. This being a longitudinal engine, the gearbox output shaft rotates in the direction opposite to the crankshaft to prevent the side-to-side rocking motion that motorcycles with longitudinal engines usually have when you rev them. A driveshaft has been chosen for the final drive, which means one thing: longevity.

Honda Gold Wing Tour Chassis

The Gold Wing Tour uses a twin spar frame made of aluminum. The front suspension is a double wishbone setup, and the rear is a Pro-Link type monoshock with a single-sided swingarm. There is electronic damping, and the rear preload can be adjusted with the touch of a button. It uses an 18/16 inch wheel rim combination. The front brake discs measure 320 mm, and these join up with six-piston fixed calipers. An identically sized three-piston floating caliper is present at the rear with a 316 mm disc. Sintered pads at the front also help with the braking performance.

Honda Gold Wing Tour Dimensions

The Gold Wing Tour doesn’t have a very large fuel tank for a full-dress tourer at 5.5 gallons, but this is a very efficient motorcycle. It is quite long, at nearly 103 inches, with a 67-inch wheelbase. The wheelbase has been reduced slightly for this generation, thanks to the double wishbone front suspension, which has allowed the engine to be mounted further forward.

As a result, the weight distribution is better, and the rider’s reach to the handlebars has reduced as well. Its curb weight is 804 pounds wet, and the seat height is just over 29 inches. All figures that will make the Gold Wing Tour more approachable to ride.

Honda Gold Wing Tour Features

The Gold Wing Tour is Honda’s flagship motorcycle in many ways, and Honda certainly hasn’t held back. We’re not going to repeat ourselves talking about the mechanical bits again, other than the fact that a reverse speed is present by default, no matter what transmission you choose. There is an actual reverse speed in the DCT, while the integrated starter generator helps drive the rear wheel the opposite way to help you back up the bike in a parking lot.

Other features include a 7-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth, navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sat nav keeps working even in tunnels. The Gold Wing is possibly the only motorcycle to incorporate a TFT color display, analog dials, and reverse LCD displays all in a single instrument cluster.

Massive luggage space with remote locking, and heated grips are also on the list. What accessories can you give the motorcycle that already has everything, you ask? Well, the world’s only motorcycle airbag, for one! This is only available as an option on the automatic Gold Wing Tour. Also on the options list is a CB radio and ‘Homelink’, which you can configure to open your garage door at the touch of a button.

Honda Gold Wing Tour Competition

There are a surprising number of full-dress tourers vying for prospective buyers’ attention. The Harley Street Glide Ultra, Indian Challenger, and BMW R 18 Transcontinental are all great options, but they cannot match the Gold Wing’s reputation for reliability. There is another full-dress tourer powered by a six-cylinder engine that can, though. The BMW K 1600 GTL is a sporty way to see the sights and chase the horizon.

This engine and chassis have been around for long enough for all the niggles to be ironed out, and it, like the Gold Wing’s flat six, is one of the great motorcycle engines in history. You’ll have to delve into the options list a fair bit to get it up to the Gold Wing’s feature list, though.

Honda Gold Wing Tour Vs BMW K 1600 GTL

Source: Honda Powersports