Honda Gold Wing - the return of shaft drive

[Dirt_Dad]

Yes, I said it. Three weeks ago I put a '23 Gold Wing Tour DCT in the garage with the KTMs. Everyone is playing nicely together and there is still harmony out there.

To help it blend in... I made it look like it belonged in the garage.

Almost can't even spot it out there.

I've put about 900 miles on it so far. Been a real learning experience. One thing that has shocked me, it feels like my smallest motorcycle. Well, until you try to roll it across the garage. Then, not so much. It's so low to the ground compared to the Adventure bikes, and I'm pretty sure the SAS with cases is wider in the back than the Wing. Even up front, just not that wide feeling. Absolutely did not see that coming.

As long as you keep it in Sport mode it scoots along very nicely. I have found it's helpful to supplement the downshifting with the left thumb on the paddle. Tour mode is very sedate. It put me in 4th gear by the time I was doing 18MPH. Oh hell, no.

January, and it looks like February, are great months to buy a Gold Wing with seemingly all dealers on Cycle Trader showing huge discounts. So I took the plunge.

Before you ask, the KTMs are staying. This did not replace anything, only added with the idea that I, for the first time in my life, will attempt motorcycle commuting. That can be accomplished with highways and Hot Lanes, which are free to motorcycles. The commuting thing is just a theory right now, but I'm going to try. We'll see how it goes.

 

[gv550]

160k on my 2018 Goldwing, nice enough bike but I still ride the T12 more, 260k now but it is 2 years older.

 

[Sierra1]

. . . . it feels like my smallest motorcycle. Well, until you try to roll it across the garage. Then, not so much. It's so low to the ground compared to the Adventure bikes, and I'm pretty sure the SAS with cases is wider in the back than the Wing. Even up front, just not that wide feeling. . . . .

From what I've read its size is a point of contention. They either love it or hate it. Everything is smaller, more compact, but claimed to give as much weather protection. Engine is supposed to be smaller, but with a power and mileage bump. From the front, it reminds me of an updated ST1300. I tend to wonder if the new 'Wing had anything to do with the ST13 being dropped.

 

[Cycledude]

Congratulations

 

[Donk]

From what I've read its size is a point of contention. They either love it or hate it. Everything is smaller, more compact, but claimed to give as much weather protection. Engine is supposed to be smaller, but with a power and mileage bump. From the front, it reminds me of an updated ST1300. I tend to wonder if the new 'Wing had anything to do with the ST13 being dropped.

Last year of the ST1300 was 2012 first year of the new 'Wing was 2018. Not going to guess how Corporate minds work but that's a pretty good stretch in between.

I think the new 'Wing is a beautiful bike and it's easy in parking lots although I was riding the non DCT. Out on the road it felt more like it was taking me for a ride than I was riding it. Does everything well just a big bike.

Best of luck with your new ride. Oh wait, it's a Honda no luck required. Make that enjoy your new ride.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Thanks guys.

I do like the smaller size of it. 2018 to 2020 did have a smaller top case and I intentionally went for the larger case model.

Another surprise was how loud the bike sounds in the higher RPMs. It's not a quiet bike. It red lines at just 6K, so the higher RPMs really aren't that high.

 

[JJTJ2]

Thanks guys.

I do like the smaller size of it. 2018 to 2020 did have a smaller top case and I intentionally went for the larger case model.

Another surprise was how loud the bike sounds in the higher RPMs. It's not a quiet bike. It red lines at just 6K, so the higher RPMs really aren't that high.

Your 2023 looks just like my 2021

 

[Jlq1969]

Thanks guys.

I do like the smaller size of it. 2018 to 2020 did have a smaller top case and I intentionally went for the larger case model.

Another surprise was how loud the bike sounds in the higher RPMs. It's not a quiet bike. It red lines at just 6K, so the higher RPMs really aren't that high.

With 6 cylinders…you have 4 more pistons making explosions (comparing it to the 1290 at the same 6k rpm)...The goldwing is pure refinement...but since you have already tried the honey of the 1290...it seems to me that you are going to find many "buts"...with the new acquisition….The 1290, at 6k rpm, is just beginning to show you, what it has to give...

 

[Donk]

Thanks guys.

I do like the smaller size of it. 2018 to 2020 did have a smaller top case and I intentionally went for the larger case model.

Smaller size? Compared to what? A cruise ship? I get it, it's all about comfort but the words "smaller size" really don't apply. Does it really redline at 6k? I thought it was slightly higher? So that would mean it has a "smaller" rev range than the NC750X(7500rpm). There you get to use the word smaller if you want! Honda did a nice job with the exhaust note if that's what you mean by louder?

Let me know how it is to gas up. I was always afraid that would become an irritant. Pull a lever open a door, push another button open another door, then remove gas cap. Thought that was too many unnecessary steps. Maybe you get used to it pretty quick.



I always thought this was one of the sharpest looking bikes ever. I could buy it on looks alone but I'm only 68, not quite old enough for a 'Wing

 

[Donk]

With so many people going towards smaller midsized bikes wouldn't it be wicked cool if Honda reintroduced something like the original Wing? Could you imagine a 1000-1200cc 4 cylinder flat 4 with todays technology and styled like a new 'Wing? Sort of a 2/3s or 3/4 scale 'Wing! I bet that bike would actually sell well.

Dirt Dad bought a 'Wing. I find myself riding an NC750X albeit only as a winter bike. Or so I keep telling myself. Sort of begs the question, Is there something in KTM ownership that drives people to Hondas?

 

[Kemlyn⚙️]

“Donk“what a great idea…I think the part of the trend to smaller motorcycles is attributed to an aging population of riders who started riding in the 70’s and 80’s.
In my motorcycle group of 175 the majority of members are 45-75 years old and we aren’t seeing retiring members being replaced by new members under 35 years old. Many older riders are sizing down for improved handling on road and off road making maneuvering at low speed and even moving in the garage easier. Manufactures have vastly improved smaller engine output and drivability which makes a smaller motorcycle desirable to an older rider especially off road if you have to pickup your machine up solo.
As for the Goldwing they are iconic motorcycles precision engineered to provide car like reliability for decades. The 1800 in-line 6 engine is sewing machine smooth delivering instant torque on demand. I was fortunate enough to ride a Wing for a few days when my ride was in for warranty service. I’ll say at first I was intimidated by its size and instrumentation but once she’s moving over 15 mph the 800 pound weight just disappear into cushion of smoothness. I’m positive Honda and other manufacturers could build 1000-1200 in line 4 ,“non hyper sport bike”, engine super smooth torque focused to fill a gap in an evolving market.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Your 2023 looks just like my 2021

I don't believe there are any changes between the '21 and '23. The update year was 2021, much like the 2012 vs 2014 Super Tenere. The 2021 vs 2020 saw an update to the DCT transmission, the larger top case, all LED lighting, a power outlet in the left case, and I thing a few other things. Since 2021 only bold new color updates...and honestly, 2021 vs 2023...exactly the same color.

With 6 cylinders…you have 4 more pistons making explosions (comparing it to the 1290 at the same 6k rpm)...The goldwing is pure refinement...but since you have already tried the honey of the 1290...it seems to me that you are going to find many "buts"...with the new acquisition….The 1290, at 6k rpm, is just beginning to show you, what it has to give...

Yes, the honey of the 1290 is very, very tasty....but, the reason I went with the Gold Wing over the K1600 is because it isn't the SAS. It is totally different, and that's ultimately what I wanted.

Watching the videos of people responding to power the K1600 was very familiar to me. Laughing, saying "how is this possible?", whooping it up and being blown away by the twisty performance and absolute amazing power of it. I definitely was leaning heavily towards it for a few days. In the end, it was nixed because I already have a bike that does all of that astonishing stuff. I don't need two of them. It's taken a few rides to get the DCT and paddle shifting combined to make the Gold Wing almost as inspiring as the SAS. Almost...

Smaller size? Compared to what? A cruise ship? I get it, it's all about comfort but the words "smaller size" really don't apply. Does it really redline at 6k? I thought it was slightly higher? So that would mean it has a "smaller" rev range than the NC750X(7500rpm). There you get to use the word smaller if you want! Honda did a nice job with the exhaust note if that's what you mean by louder?

Let me know how it is to gas up. I was always afraid that would become an irritant. Pull a lever open a door, push another button open another door, then remove gas cap. Thought that was too many unnecessary steps. Maybe you get used to it pretty quick.

View attachment 108992

I always thought this was one of the sharpest looking bikes ever. I could buy it on looks alone but I'm only 68, not quite old enough for a 'Wing

As far as it feeling small - in the video below at the 10:40 mark you can hear my astonishment at how the bike feels small to me. That was after riding it for several hours.

My perception of the loudness of the bike was a surprise. Exhaust note is pleasant, but way louder than I anticipated. To be fair, I am wearing a different helmet on this bike (Shoei Neotech2) and using different ear plugs (orange foam vs my usual custom), so that is possibly a factor in what I'm hearing. Those above the neck changes are directly related to preparing to commute with the bike. I might feel differently in my XD4 and custom plugs, but I haven't tried. It's hard to imagine the XD4 being quieter than the Shoei.

The 4 times I've added gas have not been an issue with the door at my right knee...until yesterday. I filled up, forgot to close the door then had to do it in-flight. A slight hassle, but not terrible so far.

Not old enough for a Wing...you sound like me not that long ago. I definitely had that perspective, and heck, I'm only 58. Then I started researching it (watching all the videos). The new generation of Wing is not just for old guys.

Yes, it really redlines at 6K

Sort of begs the question, Is there something in KTM ownership that drives people to Hondas?

Funny enough, it was a number of factors that drove me to the Honda, none of those were KTM related. One big factor was inheriting the Honda Ridgeline from my wife. It sucked so bad as a commuter car, it got me thinking. So in the end, a Honda, drove me to another...Honda.

 

[Kemlyn⚙️]

I don't believe there are any changes between the '21 and '23. The update year was 2021, much like the 2012 vs 2014 Super Tenere. The 2021 vs 2020 saw an update to the DCT transmission, the larger top case, all LED lighting, a power outlet in the left case, and I thing a few other things. Since 2021 only bold new color updates...and honestly, 2021 vs 2023...exactly the same color.



Yes, the honey of the 1290 is very, very tasty....but, the reason I went with the Gold Wing over the K1600 is because it isn't the SAS. It is totally different, and that's ultimately what I wanted.

Watching the videos of people responding to power the K1600 was very familiar to me. Laughing, saying "how is this possible?", whooping it up and being blown away by the twisty performance and absolute amazing power of it. I definitely was leaning heavily towards it for a few days. In the end, it was nixed because I already have a bike that does all of that astonishing stuff. I don't need two of them. It's taken a few rides to get the DCT and paddle shifting combined to make the Gold Wing almost as inspiring as the SAS. Almost...




As far as it feeling small - in the video below at the 10:40 mark you can hear my astonishment at how the bike feels small to me. That was after riding it for several hours.

My perception of the loudness of the bike was a surprise. Exhaust note is pleasant, but way louder than I anticipated. To be fair, I am wearing a different helmet on this bike (Shoei Neotech2) and using different ear plugs (orange foam vs my usual custom), so that is possibly a factor in what I'm hearing. Those above the neck changes are directly related to preparing to commute with the bike. I might feel differently in my XD4 and custom plugs, but I haven't tried. It's hard to imagine the XD4 being quieter than the Shoei.

The 4 times I've added gas have not been an issue with the door at my right knee...until yesterday. I filled up, forgot to close the door then had to do it in-flight. A slight hassle, but not terrible so far.

Not old enough for a Wing...you sound like me not that long ago. I definitely had that perspective, and heck, I'm only 58. Then I started researching it (watching all the videos). The new generation of Wing is not just for old guys.

Yes, it really redlines at 6K

Funny enough, it was a number of factors that drove me to the Honda, none of those were KTM related. One big factor was inheriting the Honda Ridgeline from my wife. It sucked so bad as a commuter car, it got me thinking. So in the end, a Honda, drove me to another...Honda.

Great Video by the way.. loved your explanation of the 2 piece flying wire !

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Thanks, I did figure that 2 piece wire would be very distracting without an explanation. It certainly was to me.

 

[Donk]

Nice video but damn you Dirt Dad! I've had GoldWing on the brain for a year now and that didn't help! At 5'7" with a 30" inseam there are a lot of days when climbing on and off adventure bikes gets old. The 890 Adventure isn't too bad but still it's not like a sport tourer. Maybe that's why I'm enjoying the NC750X so much. I do have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of an 1800cc engine. It's just unnecessarily large. I keep hoping the NT1100 will show up here in the States but doesn't look likely for '24. I realize all my bragging on the 890 may have influenced your decision to buy one but please don't feel obliged to return the favor!

Let me know what you think of the riding position after a long ride. I wonder about having your feet in front of you vs under you. Not sure how that affects stress on your lower back?

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Nice video but damn you Dirt Dad! I've had GoldWing on the brain for a year now and that didn't help!
...
I realize all my bragging on the 890 may have influenced your decision to buy one but please don't feel obliged to return the favor!

Turn-about is fair-play. Yes, you definitely reinforced my confidence to get the 890. It was a good call, and there's no doubt your words were ringing in my ears as I bought it.

If you're cursing me for that first video...I'm working on part 2 and you're going to hate it.

I don't know the Gold Wing well enough yet to give it the same overwhelmingly endorsement that you gave the 890, but I can give a few more observations from the first 1K miles (slightly short of that now).

There is no forward foot position. I realize this frame I stole from the upcoming part 2 video is a little hard to see, but you should get the idea.

Seating/foot position is just as neutral as on the 890, SAS, or Super Tenere.. Leg positioning is completely familiar to you and what you've experience on your KTM or Yamaha.

Seat comfort is always unique to the individual rider. I can say I've done about 5 hours in the saddle so far. It is unquestionably the most comfortable seat I've ever had, or even experienced, custom or stock. I'm very pleased I will not be needing to drop $1K on a new seat. That's me, of course, ymmv. Another seat related surprise, 5 levels of heated seat and grips have allowed me to ride down to 41 degrees and not be interested in turning on the heated vest. That's never happened. Can't even begin to explain it. More on that subject in the part 2 video when I get it done. I have a bunch of stuff recorded for that specific situation.

Again, I'm very encouraged, but can't yet give it my SAS level of endorsement. If I had to guess, it's going to get there. I've learned so much in these first 1000 miles that I have significantly matured my opinion from what you heard me say in that first video. All of that maturity has gone in the PRO side for the Gold Wing.

Who knows, Donk, you might just end up with a garage that looks something like mine.

DM would like it to look neater, but I gotta be me.

 

[Donk]

My garage is 32x60. Only the front half is heated. It's been my mission NOT to fill it up! But if your talking a Honda and a KTM I'm already there just on a smaller scale. I"ll get a picture of the 890 and NC later today.

 

[Bmwdumptruck]

160k on my 2018 Goldwing, nice enough bike but I still ride the T12 more, 260k now but it is 2 years older.

Just Wow. Can you not find home? 420k miles in 8 years ish, amazing.

 

[simmons1]

Just Wow. Can you not find home? 420k miles in 8 years ish, amazing.

He lives in Canada may be kilometers not miles. Either way its a lot of riding.

 

[Dougbug]

I've got 55k on my 18, it's my cross country mule. If you were doing 18 mph in 4th it's because you were being sedate with the throttle. The bike will respond to your riding style, in other words it'll hold it in a gear longer when you ride it aggressive or shift sooner if you're riding mellow.

When in sport mode I prefer to be in manual shifting the DCT, lots of fun in that combo. I had a 08 previous to this Wing and it was much better for 2 up being it was a larger bike but my wife is finished as a pillion so this one works well solo other than I had to learn to pack lighter with less space. At least yours has more room.
With the new front suspension and motor upgrades (4 vales vs two per jug) this is one smooooooth bike. The carplay is a really nice feature on the long haul across the USofA, it's so quiet behind the wind screen but I wish it had a digital speedo like the S10. That and the cruise control works much better on the Yamaha.

Last fall a buddy on his 17 S10 and I spent a day bucking big winds across Texas and he actually ran out gas even though the Wing only has a 5.5 gallon tank, luckily were within a few miles of Dickins, Tx so I was able to ferry a bit of fuel for him. I usually get about 45 mpg at 75ish mph. One time I spent a day flower sniffing and stayed below 60mph and got 54 mph....one time that slow was enough.

If I could only have one bike it would be the Super Tenere for the ability to ride the roads less traveled but the Wing makes 650 mile multi days a breeze.

Enjoy your new ride!