To create an exciting yet comfortable touring bike, Honda added numerous electronics and features to the Gold Wing. This has made it one of the most versatile motorcycles currently on sale. It comes with everything, including an electronic windshield, an optional airbag, reverse mode and more. Here’s everything you need to know.
To give you the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article comes from authoritative sources such as Honda Powersports.
The Gold Wing is the most functional Honda Tourer
Starting Price: $25,200 (50th Anniversary Gold Wing)
Think of all the features you’ll ever need on your touring motorcycle, and chances are the Gold Wing has that and more. Of course, the basic amenities are there, such as a butter-smooth, powerful six-cylinder engine, couch-like comfort and enough luggage space for trips with two people. Big Red has built on that with one of the best technology packages in the segment, including features like an advanced infotainment system, electronic windshield, driver aids and more. The Gold Wing is also the only 2025 production motorcycle to come with an airbag.
A handful of variants ensure that there is something for everyone
Honda also offers the Gold Wing in several variants, starting with the caseless model and the Gold Wing Tour, which has a huge trunk that can fit two full-face helmets. The latter’s trunk also serves as a backrest for the passenger. Depending on your driving style and preferences, you can also choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Such a range of features and equipment levels make this the most refined and luxurious Gold Wing yet.
No rival offers these types of packages
Even when comparing the Gold Wing to its rivals, it stands out as one of the most feature-packed models. The only other rival that comes close is the BMW K 1600 series, but it quickly gets expensive once you start adding optional features. Meanwhile, American tourers like the Harley-Davidson Street Glide Ultra or the Indian Roadmaster Powerplus Limited don’t come close to offering a similar level of features. While features aren’t everything, it’s good to know that if you pay that much money, you’ll at least get everything you need for your tours.
Packed with all the features you could ever need while touring
That brings us to the Gold Wing’s long list of features, starting with the huge TFT screen. This display has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supplemented with 55 watt speakers with automatic volume control. Honda claims that this infotainment system provides all the information and connectivity along with a rich auditory experience. Honda also offers an optional HomeLink system on all models, which allows you to activate devices such as garage doors, RF-controlled lights and locks.
All safety aids are standard
Various driving aids also come into action, making your Gold Wing more comfortable on the highway and more maneuverable in the city. All models are equipped with cruise control and heated grips as standard, while the Tour models also have heated seats. Hill Start Assist, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and ABS are at your service, and four riding modes help you tailor the motorcycle’s performance to the occasion. Completing the package are self-cancelling indicators, TPMS and Smart Key, along with an extensive list of optional extras.
Plenty of luggage storage for your weekend shenanigans
Then we come to the luggage, but don’t confuse this with something basic either. The integrated cases on each model open automatically at the touch of a button. With the Smart Key you can also easily lock and unlock the suitcases. On standard models, the two suitcases together hold approximately 15.85 liters of luggage. The Tour variant features a large top case, increasing the total storage capacity to 32 gallons, which can accommodate two full-face helmets. The top case is also optional on the standard caseless models.
Business Class experience on two wheels
On a touring motorcycle, comfort trumps all, and Honda has spared no expense here. As a result, the Gold Wing goes beyond the basics of comfort and offers much more than just relaxed ergonomics, easy-to-reach bars and neutral pegs. This bike features suede-like seats, which are said to be supportive over long distances. Take the Tour variant, and the top case has a sturdy backrest with armrests for the pillion passenger, allowing them to take a nap on endless highways without becoming part of the landscape.
The windshield is electronically adjustable
Adding to the motorcycle’s comfort is the full-coverage fairing, which focuses the air around you, keeping you cool and fresh despite long hours on the highway. The windshield is electronically adjustable with a range of 4.9 inches. You can continuously adjust the height and angle, so you can always find the perfect position that suits you. Honda also added small channels in the front to direct some air to cool you down on hot days and give you that ‘wind in the face’ feeling without the gust of wind.
The only motorcycle with an airbag
An example that shows just how high-tech the Gold Wing is is that it is the only motorcycle in the world to offer an airbag, and it has been doing so since 2006. Although the airbag is only available as an option on Tour models, it is worth considering if you want that extra protection. Honda developed the airbag based on real-world crash data, which showed that many injuries and fatalities occur when the rider goes over the bars in a frontal impact.
Don’t worry, the airbag won’t deploy if you drop your bike in the parking lot. It is designed to be deployed only in high-impact frontal collisions. Here the airbag absorbs the rider’s forward momentum, preventing him from going over the handlebars or testing the strength of his bones against the metal of the motorcycle. It is also a technical marvel because, unlike cars, there is no support surface behind it. Instead, it uses V-shaped airbag mounting straps to anchor itself to the frame. It’s an amazing piece of technology that promises to save you one day.
Likewise, high-tech power plants and underpinnings
This Honda touring bike also gets a top-spec power source and underpinnings. For starters, the horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine is known for its smooth yet powerful nature and reliability. It produces 125 horses at 5,500 rpm and peak torque at 4,500 rpm, which will surely translate into a relaxing driving experience on the highways. Honda says this version of the six-cylinder engine is 13 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and it gets a number of high-tech components, including aluminum cylinder sleeves and an integrated starter generator system (ISG).
Automatic transmission makes life easier
On standard models, the engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive in top gear. You can also opt for a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for an effortless twist-and-go experience. To make the bike easier to maneuver, both gearboxes have a walking mode and reverse, allowing you to crawl forward and backward at a walking pace. In manual mode, it is powered by an electric reverse, unlike the automatic, which is powered by a motor. You can operate it via the + and – buttons on the left handlebar switch.
Showa suspension lets you slide over bumps
The bike also features a unique Showa double wishbone suspension at the front, which positions the rider and bike closer to the front, improving the bike’s handling. It is mated to a Showa monoshock with a single-sided Pro Arm swingarm with integrated shaft drive at the rear. On Tour models, this suspension features electronic preload adjustment, which allows you to adjust preload at the touch of a button. In addition, on the Tour models, the damping force is electrically adjusted to mood-specific settings, from soft to stiff.
There is almost nothing on the bike that does not serve a function in terms of comfort and performance. Whether you look at the extensive features list, wind protection, underpinnings or the six-cylinder engine, everything about the bike is top notch. That makes this Gold Wing the most high-tech Honda touring motorcycle, but also one of the most high-tech motorcycles in the segment. It’s a bike that can make $25,000 seem like value for money.
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