HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING (2001 - on) Review

Version: Tour DCT - Black

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £1,200

Engine - handling great - recalls and finish on Wheels terrible

Buying experience: Dealer good but on a tight leash from Honda UK

Version: touring

Year: 2024

Annual servicing cost: £250

This bike is best suited for the American market, its highways and very long distances. It is a big and heavy bike although it feels light when you are on the move. Mechanically it is faultless which is what you expect from Honda. Software, like mobile phone connectivity to the auto-carplay is shockingly bad. Inbuilt satnav is clunky. Cruise control is not variable. All those things that the Chinese will soon perfect on their much cheaper and increasingly reliable bikes.

Buying experience: I bought it from a dealer in France. It was 3 month old and 365km on the clock. New, it is priced at 38500 Euros. I paid 33000 Euros.

Version: DCT TOUR WITH AIRBAG

Year: 2022

i would recommend this bike to a friend in fact i would recommend any biker to try one I love everything about this bike i think all the features on this bike A bike this size should nt handle as well as it does it just does what it says on the tin and more besides i have been asked several times what my dream bike is and each time i say i have my dream bike it is a Honda Goldwing DCT Tour

Buying experience: I bought my bike from a dealer in April 2022 who was absolutely brilliant from the day i ordered it new he kept me informed of where it was upto and when it arrived he rang to tell me and on day of collection the salesman Paul went through everything on the bike with me The Dealer was Smith s Honda near Chester North West England

Version: DCT Bagger

Year: 2022

Excellent gearbox very smooth change. Well balanced ,very responsive, very comfortable, easily turns into bends. Recommend to anyone

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer JS Gedge in Pevensey Bay Excellent customer service well worth the drive down 220 miles. Advertised price £21,500 paid £19,400 but lots of extras as well

Version: DCT Bagger

Year: 2022

The DCT , the ride quality, the engine, the responsiveness. No Negatives and yes i would recommend to anyone.

Buying experience: From a dealer advertised at £21,500 paid £19,400 from JS Gedge Pevensey Bay, excellent customer service.

Version: 40th Anniversary

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £200

Without a doubt the most comfortable motorcycle I have ever owned and toured on. At 73 and been riding all sorts of bikes over a 60+ year period and been touring in Europe and beyond since1969 I would definitely recommend a Goldwing to a friend.

Buying experience: This was brought direct from Smith's Honda Chester and registered 1st September 2015. The Advertised price for a new Anniversary model was £25995 l traded in our 2003 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 and paid £21500 to the dealer the day I picked up the bike.

Version: 40th Anniversary model.

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £400

As we all get older we need more comfort if like myself you do lots of touring holidays for months at a time with my wife on pillion. I have had lots of bikes in the 60 odd years I have been riding and first ventured abroad in 1969 on a Honda CB77. Over the years I have had sports bikes and sports tourers our last being a ZZR Kawasaki but in 2015 I traded it in and brought what I personally think is the ultimate bike fore long distance touring a Goldwing. Since we have had it we have been to France many times and toured Greece and the Greek Islands plus Islands in the Cyclades plus Turkey in all this time the bike has been faultless it handles very well and traversed some mountain passes that I have seen adventure riders struggle to cope with. It's Great I can't fault it in any respect and it looks like it will see me out till I give up riding hopefully we'll into my 90s.

Buying experience: We brought our bike new from Smith's Honda Chester and paid £25000 less our part exchange Kawasaki ZZR which was immaculate and Smith's gave me what I wanted for it so I was very happy with the deal.

Version: DCT Bagger

Year: 2023

Go buy one, it really is that good. Forget the old perceptions based on heavyweight sofas, this is a truly stunning motorcycle. The 7 speed DCT is also fantastic and the bike is a doddle to handle at low speeds. In my 50 years of biking it's nearest comparison is my fantastic old ST100, the new Wing is just twice as good in every department!

Buying experience: North West Honda did the bizz for me, excellent service from start to finish. Gave me a very fair price on my Hog and everything delivered on time. Great crew to work with.

Version: Non tour

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £500

I know everyone will big up their own bike. It’s my only bike and needs to everything. Tour commute shopping and carry a pillion in comfort. It returns 60 mpg on a regular basis. It’s heavy but has reverse gear. It’s expensive but I paid no more than a decent specified bmw RT or GS. I got DCT which allows my old bones a few more years in the saddle.

Buying experience: Can’t fault my dealer. CJ Ball of Norwich. He let me test the bike for 3 days to see if I liked it. After sales good as well. Pricing as per most Honda dealers.

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £500

First off, I'm an Englishman living in Australia so my wing is Aus spec. Had mine for 3 years now and clocked up just under 40,000km. Used daily as a commute to work (in all weather) and weekends for a cruise round the Victorian countryside. Downside was the stop/tail lights in the panniers were not wired up (again aus spec for some reason) so had to get the plug & play system from a Goldwing site in the US. Took half a day to rectify that. Setting off from a standstill and my feet are on the pegs within 2kph that's how balanced it is. Yes it's heavy but I'm 66 year's old and can manage it.

Buying experience: Brought mine from a dealer in Ringwood (suburb of Melbourne) for the advertised price of $12,000! Rang my insurance company to update from previous bike (V Strom) only to be informed that the wing is valued at $18,000 for insurance purposes. Only 40,600km on it when purchased so got a bargain.

Version: GL Airbag.

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £250

As a cruiser, the Goldwing has everything except an electric windscreen. It has a presence that stands out, unlike it's 2018 replacement that could be any large bike. The Goldwing is powerful, fast (enough),comfortable,600 to1000 miles a day without breaking a sweat. Yes it's big and heavy; it's a GOLDWING!! As for recommending it.NO! You either want a Wing or not.

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £350

Everything I expected was so much better than the previous model (GL1500)

Buying experience: Bought privately was a very good experience. Owner let me test it for an afternoon to make sure I liked it.

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £400

This is the ultimate tourer. Comfortable, fast and stands out in a crowd and on the road. Not for everyone but perfect for the man who has done it all on every size and format of bike. Been there, done that, now the true exploring the roads, begins. Not for the smallish person with weak arms and legs. Its heavy, its big, its a GOLDWING.

Version: DCT Tour

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £800

The 2018 gold wing compared to previous model, frankly is a joke, and not fit for purpose. I’ve owned both machines. If Honda think they have built a better “touring machine” they are living in Cuckoo land. 1.Two people off for say a two week tour? the luggage capacity is woefully inadequate. 2. Can’t even get two helmets in this bike stored up. 3. Weather protection compared to previous model less than useless. On previous model I never even got hardly wet once over 30mph. The new model pathetic. 4. Comfort? On previous model I did many 1,000 and 1,200 mile day rides. (Yes, in a day) irodeback from Scotlandon 2018 bike to Sussex600 miles it so? I could have cried. 5. Sat Nav useless. Had to fit a Zumo. BikeSst Nav seizes up, works, doesn’t work. You could not possibly rely upon this Sat Nav to do a long tour. 6. Electronics on bike, fuel gauge, TPMS, and other items mostly don’t work. 7. Two new tyres needed and brake pads at 6,200 miles!!!!!! I’m 60 years old, a ten your old kid would pass me on a by cycle!!! On previous wing I averaged 10,000 from a tyre. 8. All this hype ref front suspension, is it any better? If it is I can’t detect it. I’ve done 8000 miles or so, I find it no better whatsoever. 9. Apple car play? Mostly useless. Got so tired of it just”dropping out” I’ve stopped using it. 10. Electric screen. Why does it not have a quick release mechanism so it’s easy to take off and wash clean both sides? 11. Locking mechanism for a helmet to side of bike franklynis a pathetic joke. DCT I love on my 2018 machine. The rest of it is no where near as good as previous model. I will (100% sure) return to earlier model. Check out Ebay and other places where they sell second hand bikes, loads of 2018 models already. Mine will be one of them shortly. I would never recommend this bike to my friends.

Buying experience: I bought from my regular dealer. Great service nothing ever too much of a problem. 10/10. I’d return to buy other machines.

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £1

I have the 2018 model wing and had the previous 2012 model. After 7400 miles I am ready to let me new 2018 model go and replace it with a 2012 model. It’s no where (I mean no where as good as previous model) Luggage capacity is worthless Ride, weather protection less than useless compared to 2012 model Electronics unreliable Having spent a small fortune to buy it, it was a mistake, it is not a good touring machine and if Honda think they have made an improved machine they live in cuckoo land and don’t ride their own machines. I’ll end up losing thousands on getting rid of my 2028 machine. Compared to previous model It’s pathetic. That said the DCT? Is a love hate thing. Personally I love the DCT.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer who always look after me. Great dealer no gripes with them at all. They sell the bikes they don’t make them. Once again nonissues, no complaints, no gripes with me dealer. I’ll continue to buy from them.

Version: DCT

Year: 2018

Having had a 1500 and 2003 1800 this new one is in a different league . - handles and performs brilliantly with a host of great additions

Buying experience: Bought from dealer at advertised price PX old Gold Wing

Version: tour dct

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £400

After having had a gl 1800 for 10 years the new Goldwing is far superior in handling and ease of getting underway from a stop gone is the 1st gear surge in the throttle the riding modes enhance the motorcycles ability to deal with changing road and weather conditions overall very much pleased as bike feels much lighter and is easier to ride at slow speed due to good throttle control versus the older version.

Buying experience: Very good knowledgeable staff.

Year: 2013

After only 12 months old and 5,000 miles ridden on the road the the bike is due for its 3rd set of wheels. Condensation marks on the inside of the headlamps, the reverse gear plays up especially after being ridden in the rain or being laid up for a month or so. The £3,000 radio system is not without its faults, poor reception in areas where I get great reception in my car. The intercom does not work it does not have a bluetooth facility.2 years on and there is still no GPS updates. The heated grips and seat take ages to warm up and Honda customer service UK is the poorest I have come across. I would not recommend this bike to any one, Honda are living in the past with this model when you compare it to the BMW GTL 1600. The only good points that come to mind are the engine and the comfortable seat

Buying experience: bought from dealer

I have read the MCN review of Honda Goldwing 2012 gl1800. I found it interesting and informative. I have just bought a new 2012 Goldwing myself and thought I would write my own review. Firstly I am new to Goldwings. Been hankering after one for some time and have now taken the plunge. My previous bike was a triumph rocket 111. I mention I am new to Goldwings just to convey the point I come with an open fresh mind without any ideas of what they have made good or destroyed from the past. In short I am brand new to the bike and come with an open mind. Size and Handling. Many will view a Goldwing and dismiss it on the point of size. It’s as simple as that. However, it really is quite startling how easy it is to ride and manage a Goldwing. It is NOT a difficult bike to handle throw around and or manoeuvre. It is startlingly easy. Too be frank I have ridden bicycles that are more difficult to ride. I was shocked to the core just how much you can throw this machine around. It goes exactly where it’s pointed with out any surprises. The quality of ride I feel has to be the best bike ride on the planet. It’s the first bike I've had with no sign of spine jarring or anything un-pleasant at all. A pure dream to ride, it really is a great dimension to this bike. Power and delivery of power. The six-cylinder engine is a well-tried and tested platform. Honda have used this again in the 2012 model for one simple reason. It works perfectly. It’s not broken why fix it. The delivery of power through the whole range and the ease at which it delivers the power….smooth as silk is I feel as good as it gets. I’ve never had a bike that delivers power through the whole range as silky smooth as a Goldwing. Gear change. Silky smooth, accurate no mistakes…it’s great. Seating and Comfort. Ten out of ten for both pilot and co pilot. Just great a fabulous comfortable bike. You can eat the miles on this bike eat them up easily and still be comfortable. Brakes. For a bike of this size (any size actually) the brakes do the job. I ride mine hard from time to time and like everyone else need stopping power. You have it, and also the stopping power is delivered in a controlled fashion. Screen. Some have whinged about the lack of a motorised screen. I guess nowadays this is asked for. For me, to be frank I find that once I found the position I want, the screen is left in that place. Accordingly the lack of a motorised screen for me is no big issues. None the less it’s easy and quick to change position if you so wish from time to time. Lighting. I had additional front lights fitted to mine. I find the lighting up to the job with the option of altering the angle of lighting very useful. Lights work, they do the job. Sat Nav. Works perfectly and works quickly. I have many sat navs that seem to take forever to trace satellites. Mine on the gold wing seems to be almost instant Intercom. I love an intercom on a bike and have fitted one to every bike I’ve had for years. To be able to talk clearly and easily to co-pilot is great. Music systems. Not much to say, works does the job, IPOD connectivity etc. Works fine. All the normal options, mute volume etc. Not much to say other than it works. Quality of sound is good. Lets not forget it’s a motorbike and not your lounge listening to classical performances. Styling. A lot of mentioned that they do not like the re-styled re-end. Personally I come new to the Gold wing and don’t view it as changing the past but bringing in the new. I really don’t have a problem with it. Panniers/Luggage holding. It’s about as good as it gets and as big as it gets. Too be frank when touring never have enough but this is as good as it gets. Central locking actually is great, quick easy effective. Now… the bad points. I am delighted that I can think of few. I have to say welcome to the world of 2012 and blue-toothed bikes (bikes of this budget quality) really, really should be blue toothed. This is a big let down by Honda. Big let down. Overall impressions. I think this bike depending on what you do for pleasure tear around town or long tours is the business. The Goldwing is great at both. It is a startling easy bike to ride around town and for long tours I just don’t think it gets any better. The power, the smoothness, the delivery of power through the range is as near to perfect as possible. This coupled with just the most comfortable ride is just incredible. In parts because it is just so good, it runs the risk of running of becoming a little bit too easy to ride. It just works so well. If I had a complaint, it’s a stupid complaint, it’s just that the bike is so smooth so easy to ride it’s actually a “Bit Scooterish” Bizarre that may sound but this is not a monster of a bike to control it’s a real pussycat. I’m no pro writer; these are my own scrawlings with my own experience of a new wing. Anyone who says they don’t like a gold wing or don’t rate them as a great machine could not have ridden one. You may argue about price and that is a matter for us all to debate. No argument it’s a lot of money. However, the pleasure and life expectancy the mileage these machines can do, for many make it a must have. Other machines will come and challenge and that’s the way of the market place, that’s how things get better. However, don’t go writing the Goldwing off just because BMW are testing it and challenging it. Goldwing? Yeah….it’s a class bike. Not for everyone that’s for sure. However, I can’t think of a machine I’d rather own.

CONTACT STEPHEN WELLER, ALSO THANKS TO BRUCE these guys gave a great customer experience and the bike is different feels better crisper, smoother, more refined, better handling and a great sound system and much better navigation. is it worht 24k yes nothing rides, lasts,like a honda goldwing my bmw before it was crude by comparison and GTL1600 may be faster but thats not what touring is about the NEW GOLDWIING 1800 IS THE ROLLS ROYCE OF BIKE END OF NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE. GET TO NORTONWAY HONDA LETCHFIELD GREAT DEALER SAY JAMIE SENT YOU AND GET THE BEST WHY SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS. SORRY BMW NO MATCH FOR THE GOLDWING SIMPLE.RIDE THE BIKE OF YOUR LIFE HONDA GL 1800 2012.

never thought i would say this but after years on sports bikes i now have a Gold Wing 1800 1 week old, and i can say it is amazing for its size easy to ride fun and relaxing i really love it. It proves you can just as much fun without getting your knee down and she handles well for such a big bike ask the guys on there 1250 bandits, FZ1 who i went round on three corners when we stopped they laughed and said shit you can handle that well we were playing and you outhandled us scrape, scrape awsome bike. be safe enjoy riding.

My GL1800 Goldwing is now six years old and is a low mileage machine for its age. In the main I have to agree with MCN’s verdict on this machine while it is new, it is definitely a big reassuringly comfortable finger magnet, if you like that sort of thing. I bought mine to go places and explore the many off the beaten track places that are all too often missed by the masses, both here and abroad. Having such a big mile muncher has enabled me to travel huge distances with only the mildest of discomfort, probably no more than one would get while driving a car. I also tool around on it occasionally surprising many other riders that dare to keep up with me. Ok, its not fast with a top speed somewhere around 115 - 125 mph, but who can get up to top speed between speed cameras now days anyway? Its also very good at filtering in slow traffic especially on motorways, it is better than having blues and two’s when traffic parts like the proverbial wave as I approach. If you do enjoy a nice bit of country lane and give it the beans, 25 mpg or less is a likely outcome. Stick to a French toll road or motorway with the cruse control switched on and you will get in excess of 55 – 60 mpg giving you the ability to get places. You will also get to see some sports bike riders pass you time and time again as they regularly stop for fuel and a stretch. The Goldwing is not all good, the brakes could still use a power servo to give the ABS something to think about occasionally. The rear suspension could do with a few lessons from the BMW 1200LT and the front end, despite having five and a half inches of travel is mostly consumed by the bikes weight. The anti dive system was, at best, an uncontrollable pain in the neck. I have altered my anti dive and beefed up the front suspension to allow me a bit more freedom in the corners and over the ever increasing speed humps and pot holes. The build quality could also do with a bit of looking at, hit too many speed humps with the anti dive refusing to yield and you will soon find that the pannier and top box will grind themselves to white dust. I have ridden many bikes in many places around the world but I still find myself grinning from ear to ear when I climb back aboard my tarnished wing.