Honda Goldwing 5 (or is it 6) Year Review - Was This Goldwing A Good Choice?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2024
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In the video, I refer to it as a 5 year review, but in March, I will have owned the bike 6 years.
I got my dream bike yesterday. A brand new 2023 Goldwing DCT. Can't wait to chew up the miles with it. :)
Good choice!
I’m 56. I’ve had numerous Harley’s and my last bike was a Roadmaster. I loved them all. However, my new Goldwing, for me, is the best bike I’ve ever owned. Heading to Daytona in March and can’t wait.
I’m 54 I’ve had dozens of bikes over the years. Currently on a Indian Challenger. Within the next 6 to 8 months I will have a Goldwing.
@@youcanthide004 I went with the DCT model. You’ll love the bike. Smooth as heck and man they are fast.
@@jefftodd2598 yeah, definitely going with the DCT. i’m stoked man. Thanks for responding.
Same here! Rode Harley’s before but, just got a new 2024 dct tour and it’s simply stunning! Ok, Harley has its things but, the GW is something else! Happy rides!
I’m 38 this was my first touring bike. It was a 21 goldwing I got the Manual version and I’m in love best bike I ever rode.
I was 21 when I bought my first goldwing. Gl 1200 interstate. Now I'm 51 years young and I have 2002 GL 1800 and I love this bike. Greetings from the Netherlands
I just bought a 2024 white Goldwing tour DCT in December 2023. I'm 69 and this is my 5th Goldwing. I never thought I would get a DCT but after test riding a 2023 I loved it. I have just over 800 miles on it and I still occasionally reach for the shifter when I am slowing down. I'm pretty sure this is my last new bike but I would buy another one if Honda came out with something really new and different. Really enjoyed your review
I’m 58 and I got mine in July 2018. Mine is a long way from stock, with Ultimate seat, Helibar risers, and plenty of added lighting. It is also my 3rd Wing. It’s great for me for everyday use, and the long vacation rides. I really like this bike and hope to enjoy it for many years to come.
I’m highly considering helibar risers.
As a 3-year owner of a 2018 Goldwing Tour DCT, I can quickly tell you my experience.
As a machine, the new Goldwing is phenomenal! The engineering is exceptional! The engine, well, I cannot begin to tell you how I think it's the Mona Lisa of motorcycle engines!
The engine is a flat six mounted low for exceptional bike balance. While slowing to a stop I could practically keep my feet up until just before the dead-stop point.
Did I mention that you have SIX cyclinders? The torque pull is a thrill!
The DCT shattered the roof of my expectations. Like The Cruiseman, I'll never go back to manual shifting.
Three times a rider on a big Harley challenged me at a stop light. I put the bike into Sport mode and then leaned well forward and low, and, three times, I left the Harley in my dust! Caution: Lean FORWARD and LOW if you don't want the Goldwing to jump out from under you!
Demerits! There are a few in my opinion.
The NAV is the WORST! I could write paragraphs about how bad the NAV is but, for now, just take my word.
Planning a trip at your desk and following that plan on the bike is not well thought out.
I traded my 8-month old 2018 Indian Chieftain for the Goldwing. There were a few things on the Indian that were far better than on the Goldwing.
On the Indian, I had a joy stick on the left handlebar that could choose up/down/left/right and, with a press, an OK response. No need to look at your left hand to know what your hand is doing.
The flat pad on the Goldwing is a NIGHTMARE! If you need to access buttons to the right of the flat pad, a gloved hand will often accidentally press buttons on the flat pad! I HATED that flat pad!
Also, if you need to make a choice on the flat pad, you have to take your eyes off the road to see what you're pressing. HATED that!
On the Indian, you could push a turn signal and hold it long enough (one second) to change lanes, then the turn signal would stop on release. Beautiful! I really missed that on the Goldwing. Also, a right turn signal on my Goldwing was quicker to expire than the left turn signal for some strange reason. My right turn signal would often stop before I reached my turn!
Changing the engine air filter is a NIGHTMARE that requires removing farings and the button panel. I'll bet the farm that 2018 and later Goldwing riders are letting their engine filters stay longer because of the DRED of changing that filter!
Finally, you would think that if you paid extra for the Touring model, that the bike would come with a complete wiring harness, but, no, it doesn't. Want to install a garage door opener? On the Indian, it was buying the opener that would snap into the faring after removing the rubber plug. Removing the rubber plug would reveal a wire and it's connector. Pull out the wire, plug it into the garage door opener and then snap the opener into the fairing. DONE in less than a minute. On the Golding, installing a garage door open is a nightmare. AND, the button on the top button panel is BLANK! Here we go AGAIN with removing the farings and the top button panel JUST to get the labeled button on! What manager at Goldwing thought that was a good idea? Want a light in the trunk? FIRST you have take off a lot of parts just to put in the wiring! C'MON Goldwing! Put in a complete harness when we're already paying extra for the Touring model! What are you THINKING!
Want to add a factory CB Radio? Prepare to pay for the most expensive CB Radio you'll ever buy following by the NIGHTMARE of its installation. Again, an incomplete wiring harness.
After all this, I still say that the 2018 and later Golding is the best riding bike I've ever mounted.
Just rode one. Had 3 wings and 30 other bikes over the years. I cant believe people like the dct. Not a chance. Who made you a expert.
Hi, I have a 2008 wing I love. If I could afford a new wing, i would buy it today. Your channel is great, and I watch it every time a new video comes out.
I will say in 08 i had wingsoft do my seat at a rally in tenn. Honestly, it was the worst decision I made. Riding home from Tenn. To Mi. I felt like I was sitting on a bolt. Again, this is only my experience. They also installed a back rest. That has been great. Cudos to them for that.
When i got home, I filled in the hole they cut in for my tailbone, and the seat was great after that.
I have since replaced it with an oem seat, and all is well. I've got 118,000 happy miles on it.
Keep the great videos coming
I agree on the DCT, I own Africa Twin with it and truly amazing. I have found the only people that complain about it have never rode or own one.
I concur with your review. I have a 2019 DCT Tour that I purchased new in Aug of 2020 and I have just under 85,000 miles. Love the bike. Many of the same mods as you. I plan on putting many more miles on this bike. I commute to work every weekday. 130 miles a day. I don't ride in ice or snow or below about 20F. Otherwise, I'm on the bike. It's 8 degrees in Oklahoma right now and won't warm up much for the next week. The battery tender is on and I'll be back on the bike soon.
I absolutely love the white on your Goldwing! So clean and futuristic looking!
Never owned a Goldwing before but always wanted one since I was a kid. Placed my order in October 2023 for a new standard DCT. It showed up just in time for Xmas! Of course, living in Ontario, Canada I need to wait for spring to get it uncrated and road ready. But I've been to see her and that Matt armour green is gorgeous and I can't wait! Love your videos, keep up the great information sharing. Thank you. Oh, I am 55 this year, 6'3" and 215 lbs so I reckon I'll need to change out the shorty screen that comes in the standard DCT, but we'll see. Ride safe.
Your 5-year review was spot on. I have owned the 2008, and a 2012, and now have a 2021 DCT Tour.
Very good and fair review of the bike. I have 2 and zero regrets. Keep doing what you are doing!
Great review and spot on, in my opinion. I have a 2022 and absolutely love it on local rides and on long trips from Tennessee to the Lake superior circle Tour tour and others.
Great video Chris. I do believe that the GL is the best bike I’ve owned. My expectations and yours slightly differ. I enjoyed the performance of this bike as my favorite feature. I purchased 6 speed thinking I didn’t need a DCT. I now own a CRF1100DCT. Holy cow, what a feature. The shifts are better than humanly possible. It may take more than a few rides to fully appreciate.
The motorcycle is a true chameleon being sporty when you want it, and so comfortable to complete 500+ mile days. Such a mile water.
I never hated the styling but wasn’t looking back at it as I walk away. The electronics and navigation were useful enough for me.
I can tell you that your maintenance videos made my least favorite part better. It took me EIGHT hours to replace air filters first time. My skills improved greatly using your videos.
DJ
You do this so well Chris. Thank you for walking us through this! I agree with you. I love the bike and would buy it again in a heartbeat!
I won’t be riding in the morning 🥶
Thanks for the review.
Thanks Cruiseman. I have the 2021 Tour Manual model and love it. Yes I would buy another one tomorrow.
Great review! I Love my 2021 DCT too! And one of the reasons i bought it, were your psrfect videos! Thanks for that. Greetings from Germany from Juergen
I still love my 2018...bought it in March of 2018....been riding it for 6 years now and still haven't seen anything I would replace it with.
I'm not as picky with the Navi...the Navi has served me well..while its operation is not intuitive, the system does work very well if you know how to use it..most who complain that they can't find an address is due to user error....and the Navi screen is far nicer than what the old wing had...but yea I agree Honda doesn't use it like it should be use and needs improvement.
The LED lighting is very good looking..love the looks of white light from the headlight...but the LED lighting doesn't out perform the old wings headlight. I got to question how the LED lights made the motorcycle better, especially when you consider the nearly 2000 dollar cost to replace a head light if a LED burns out compared to 20 dollars for headlight bulbs with the old wing..samething with the tail lights..400 dollars to replace the whole tail light verses 3 or 4 dollars for a tail light bulb...but it is what it is.
the trunk is alright for me..I can put my med size Shoei helmets in my trunk with the Sena still on the helmets...love the power windshield...the OEM seat was horrible. I rode on a Wingsoft for a few years and yes it was a hugh improvement over the OEM seat...but the Wingsoft is not in the same league as my RDL seat....love the hugh fuel mileage improvement over my 2003 wing...I get 48mpg on my local rides in the summer months and mid 50's on my road trips into the mountains even when pulling my Bushtec...the 6 speed transmission with its slipper clutch is a hugh upgrade over the old wings transmission...the weight lost, the brakes, the electronic, so many upgrades with this 2018 compared to my old 2003..... most online reviews don't ever mention that Honda redesigned the ADG and fixed the ghost shifting with the redesign, and those issues were the only issues that affected far too many of the old wings engine.
Thank you for this review!
I've been dragging my feet on the purchase of a new Goldwing. My 2012, like its 4 predecessors, has served me well and I have no reason to believe this one would not but it's still great to hear honest opinions from experts.
Great review I have a 07 and looked at a 2018 and I will wait a few more years to make sure all the bugs are worked out of it
Great review. Thank you so much.
I love my 08. No plans to replace it for a new bike. I am content with what I have and have no debt to go with it.
Very good, practical review of the pluses and some minuses.
Great video. Can't wait to get one.
Good one Cruiseman. Thanks.
Another nice video, Chris. Thank you. I noticed that you have the original Honda Foot Pegs on your 2018. On my 2018 Honda GoldWing DCT, I added the Goldstrike floorboards. I left them on for next owner since I decided to "upgrade" to a 2024 Honda GoldWing DCT!
Today, I just installed another pair of the floorboards from Goldstrike. Just wanted you and all other owners to know it is one more of those items that falls into the category of an extra special goody!
Awesome Review. I need to look and see if you have the review on the 2024 Goldwing.
Great info.
I’m 59, came from a VTX1800 and bought a 2023 Goldwing DCT Tourer last year. Amazing motorcycle. I thought my VTX could pull, but it has nothing on the Goldwing. I am 6’1” and there is absolutely no buffering front the wind. Could not believe it. I live in Texas and that might be an issue in summer, but then I will just lower the shield. Could not be happier.
After over 25 yrs on Goldwings, 4 different GWs with over 380K miles on them which includes over 30K miles on my current '19 DCT Tour I highly recommend the current GWs, especially the DCT. I do miss my previous '10 1800 as it was so comfortable with over 100K miles on it, but so was my '97 with over 130K . You carry on so much on tech for the new bike, but the riding, power and comfort of the newer GWs is what sets it above my previous GWs. With only 30K miles on my current bike, every year of more riding I get more comfortable and "in sync" with the bike. GET AWAY FROM THE TECH aspect and focus on the riding and dependability. Cruiseman, I appreciate your video package on the maintenance of the '18+ but I end up ignoring your "comfort critiques" in your blogs. None the less, keep them coming. I don't ride motorcycles to compare it to driving a BMW, Lexus or a high-end Corvette ... I ride to experience the freedom and excitement of being in and enjoying nature with little restrictions. Technology is just a plus, not a requirement. ENJOY THE RIDE!!
I appreciate your honesty regarding your choice being partially a business decision. Most bloggers wouldn't admit that.
I like the video and agree with you 100 percent on everything. I have a 21 dct and love it. As far as the seat goes it could be a little softer but suits me fine. It doesn’t matter what bike or car for that matter you are riding your butt will get sore after awhile. On a long road trip I try to stop and stretch my legs and give my butt a rest about every hour to hour and a half keeps from getting too fatigued. Keep up the good work.
Enjoyed the review cruiseman..totally agree with comments on the technology...i run android auto on my bike and after trying everything possible I now just let it do its own thing...if it connects...great..if not no problem.
I've got a 2006 Goldwing with 80,000 miles and have had no problems running 87 octane. My brother does the same with his Harley with no problems.
So many good videos in your channel Chris. Deserve 100k subs +
Working on it!
My friend is so tall he had a 4 inch seat pad put it on top of his factory seat. His bike is a gold wing this year will both be 60 years old. We have known each other since 6th grade. We ride together. I'm from Eugene Springfield Oregon area, and he lives close to Seattle WA.
I attached a small clear circular kitchen cabinet bumper which has self adhesive onto the horn button.
This is Robert from Albany Oregon. I got the 2018 DCT I got 60,000 on mine appreciate the info right often be safe.
I’m 64 years old and bought the 23 DCT. Have a Harley also. The GW is my favorite bike. It’s been raining a lot here in NorCal. Looking forward to getting out there when the weather changes. Don’t like riding in the rain. I enjoy the videos you put out. Only got 400 miles on this one. Sold my 2005 GW. Thanks for the videos.
The horn button location is terrible and they should have one on both sides. Tech is low rent but the bike itself is great. Nice review.
im about to be 30 and I'm definitely liking the redesign. Also looking forward to the comfort of this beast!
Thanks for your thoughts, Cruiseman! I bought a 2021 GW Tour DCT in late 2021. I still have the Suzuki M109R that I used to take on longer rides out of town. Now, every time I get on the M109R, I think to myself "wow, I actually used to ride this thing long distances? How did I do that?" The GW is simply night and day difference as far as comfort, wind protection, handling, convenience, and for me, WAY less fatigue during longer rides. I didn't realize the difference until I went back for a long ride on the M109R. The GW is what I call 'sneaky' good. Would I buy it again? Without a doubt!
I had 3 wings and now on myGTL Beemer ,just wanted a change ,BMW is incredible motorcycle,but when had my Fix ,I’m definitely going back to Goldwing,Yorkshireman Hurst TX
Hey Chris I am a proud owner of a 2018 Goldwing and the only things, there are two that are not that bad are the small trunk and the screen could be a lot better but I use the apple car play and pending on the app you can get the speedometer on the screen, and thats all the bad things that I can say otherwise I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS MACHINE IT IS THE ULTIMATE RIDDING MACHINE NOT THE OTHER ONE LOL. THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR RIDDER INFO AND UPDATES.:)
Well hello over there from Suffolk, UK.
Thank you for another great video, Informative, engaging and factual. Great presentation.
I think we have probably been riding Goldwings for a similar amount of time.
I do agree with almost everything you have said in your latest video however, there are two issues for myself which need addressing which you touched upon.
1. Damping. I think the damping on this bike is appalling, it is way too soft. For one up riding, I have to have the pre setting in two up riding which eliminates most issues, ie bottoming out but it does not make any difference when travelling along a bumpy/undulating road, I almost get a yawing effect, a little like towing a trailer where nose weight is a little heavy. ( I also ride an RT1250, the suspension on this is brilliant, similar suspension setup). When I am loaded two up for touring and the preset is set for this, the suspension is way over loaded, I'm only 80kg and wife considerably less, so the suspension quite often bottoms out. I have often wondered whether this has something to do with the UK's road network, our roads are quite different from yours, more twisting, undulating. If I ride the bike on open flowing roads, great, love it.
2. Hill Start Assist (HSA). I was very surprised how you praised this so much. I must be getting this wrong. The HSA is a great feature to have but it cuts out after 3 seconds, what on earth is that all about, I would go as far as to say verging on the side of dangerous, for example, at a 'T' junction waiting to pull out, on steep hill, apply HSA but traffic does not allow you to go, HSA turns off and bike rolls backwards and potentially losing balance. I have also had HSA failure, dealer cannot find out the issue, (I have a manual 6 speed). So for me I never use the HSA and revert back to using rear brake. With the BMW, HSA on and it stays on until pulling away. Big design fault for Honda or like I say, am I getting this wrong?
Sorry a little long winded, you did ask us to comment.
Keep up the excellent work, you have our full support over in the UK.
Martin.
I love that it has reverse walking mode to park Honda did a great job no other bike I ever owned had it
As always, another fine Cruiseman review! On an unrelated note, I hope you're not freezing your nunnies off in the 15 degree weather!
Not at all
Great review cruiseman, stumbled across your channel as love goldwing. If u want better mpg you might want to try 97 octaine fuel E5 use in my honda motorcycle & cars much better mpg, premium fuel also cleans injectors ect & lot better for engine.
Thanks Chris. Great review!!! I’ve heard others, like you, mention that Honda redesigned the Goldwing, in 2018, to attract younger riders. Do you know if this strategy has been successful?
Fun facts: My first Goldwing was a 1981 naked GL1100. I added the Honda fairing (with the 50 lb weight to keep the front end front floating up) and Samsonite saddlebags and trunk that unscrewed so one could take them into the hotel. The paddle-board mirrors folded back like dog’s ears at ~100 MPH. I sold it with 110k miles on the odometer around 1990. My next one was a 2006 GL1800 which I traded in with 113k miles on Thanksgiving of 2015 for my current 2015 Wing. It has 60k miles and is going strong. I’m retired now at 70 years old and probably won’t be buying any new bikes but who knows what the future holds.
35F degrees outside?! Oh my! How tepid! Here it is -52C (northern Canada) and my Goldwing is hibernating. This is no country for old men! (or anyone else also!).
Couldn't agree with you more how Honda has done a masterful job in particular with this 6th Gen Gold Wing and for keeping the GL on top of the tourer market. No easy feat to be sure in the ever this evolving market. Appreciate the review and thanks for posting!
Great video! I have a '02 which I love. I have looked at the '23 models and love the technology on them. I love the fact that my bike is actually a color, Hot Rod Yellow Pearl, not some shade of gray or black. But its down fall is that accessories are no longer available.
Hello, I have a 2005 yellow wing. What accessories are you referring too? Thank you.
@@1967Rick
Extra lights, like front rotor covers or extra lights for the sides and rear bags. What I have looked at from the bigger or more well known suppliers do not show much in the way of extra stuff
Nice review. The only problem I have with purchasing one, is the absence of a rack at the rear to put an extra luggage case when touring.
Trunk for 2500.00 plus 1000.00 for paint job, talk about stupid money. That is ridiculous. Btw it is a great lookin bike. Making it smaller has made it look better.
Good afternoon Cruise man. I finished watching your review on the 2018 goldwing. Thanks for the very detialed and informative review. I previously owned a 2001 and 2004 Goldwing which my wife and I put over 400,000 KM on travelling across the US and Canada. I also rode on a Goldwing Drill team for over 5 years so know how well the slow speed maniverability of these Goldwings can be.
When it was time for a new motorcycle I looked at the 2018 Goldwing and decided against it. My primary complaint with the new Goldwing is the lack of storage in the side bags and the Trunk, as offered on the 2018 model. It is virtually impossible to put bags in the side cases, Packing these for a week or 2 touring is a nightmare and as you mentioned the trunk was poor as well. I also found the Navigation system very poor. I found the Motorcycle to be way too complicated. I think it would be easier to launch the space shuttle than try to remember the procedure to start the bike if you loose the key fob. I have had the opportunity to help my buddy with his 2019 Goldwing. Our first step was to order you maintenance videos because without them working on his Goldwing would have been very time consuming and difficult, so thanks for the great videos..
My friend decided to have XM Radio and after researching we found all he needed was the XM radio aerial which cost approximately 100.00 CDN. It took us about 8 hours to dismantle, install and reassemble the bike. Current shop rates around here are in the $120.00 Per hour range.
He then proceeded to hit a wild turkey and crack the headlight lens. You cannot purchase the lens, you must purchase the whole headlight assembly for $2000.00 CDN.
While we had most of the body work off we also changed the air filter and did an oil change . In total it was 15 hours to dissemble, instal a new headlight and air filter and oil change on his non dct bike. I found there is a lot more dissemble and large panels to have laying around the shop than on my 2001 or 2004 goldwing so you need to be careful not to damage these. I do like there are fewer types of fasiners on this latest model.
So for me the new Goldwing did not fill my needs for a long distance touring motorcycle. Also the fact that I needed to purchase third party maintenance videos in order to work on it suggests the new Goldwing is an expensive motorcycle to maintain and wok on, I would not want it to be in the dealship very often.
So when my wife gave up riding and I purchased my latest bike I researched several different Motorcycles and went with Yamaha’s FJR1300 Sport Tourer. I’ve been very pleased with it and have spent 2 weeks in West Texas in the Big Bend area as well as a month riding Route 66 from Chicago to LA with my Buddy on his 2019 Goldwing. Both bikes works without any problems.
I had 2008 GL180 and always thought that I'm riding a semi-car. I test rode the 2018 one, (manual and auto) but it didn't speak to me. So I got a used ST1300 and it felt home the moment I set on it.
In spite of you not being a long distance tourer, you provide lots of insight on its pros and cons. On my white DCT Tour, I replaced the windscreen with a Klock Werks recurve and my seat with a Corbin, which sits me 2" further back to fit my 6'5" self without giving up passenger space, and its great for mile munching. As far as lots of miles, the wind protection is not great, even with upper and lower wind wings added. I plugged up the triple clamp area with foam and tape, which helps some. I have tried lots of different suspension settings, but they are still fidgety and bottom out (I weigh 225), or they are too stiff in the dampening and rebound. Not nearly as bad as a Harley's suspension, but not as good as the setup on my K1600 GTL either.
I need to correct myself about you not being a long distance tourer. I scrolled back and looked at some of the LD touring you have done - all over the country.
I'm totally satisfied with my 2018 GW by nearly all aspects. The only thing I've changed is the suspension. I opted for the TRAXXION Front and Rear suspension. I felt that the GW is a bit undersprung, especially with two people here in the Alps where we do have a lot of curvy roads. But for sure you don't need that kind of suspension in Texas where you drive "straight and level". My big wish for future Upgrades is the whole chapter of better Navigation, Entertainment and Apple Car Play integration and of course some driver assist functions.
I have just fitted the cut out switch for the handbrake. Stops me riding off with the handbrake engaged 🤗
Even though you wont stay as dry in the rain as previous wings, having an adjustable wind screen at the touch of a button is worth its weight in gold. Adjust for rain or temperature swings or adjust for buffeting. Despite a few shortcomings, this bike is fun, nimble, quick, and stops on a dime.
Cruiseman,
Do you think that Honda might consider a download for improving the GPS and screen to include the widgets you mentioned as an update?
There are many great luxury touring motorcycles on the market, but I think it's pretty universal that the Goldwing sets the standard for luxury touring motorcycles.
I don't like that the way you have to check the oil. Honda needs to address that issue.
The one motorcycle have owned for five years plus is my Gold Wing just like yours. I purchased in November 2018. It is long since been paid off, but I will not sell it…
Great summary of the goldwing, man if they could only add the indian info-tainment. Bike would be close to perfect. I am close to purchasing a 2024 dct tour in white. I dislike the blacked out nose , mirrors, and trunk lid. Errrrr. Got estimate to color match them. Reasonable but should have been unnecessary. I was wondering if youve driven the bmw 1250 Rt b4 your purchase and if so what's your take on it. I like the radar adaptive c/c and removable bags.
In the 5 years I’ve owned my 2018, I used its nav system just once. It was so cumbersome that I haven’t used it since, and have used Apple Maps on my phone through CarPlay. The radio is so bad it makes you wonder if they forgot to connect the antenna. The seat couldn’t be worse if they tried. My impression of quality, fit and finish, etc. seems to have slipped a bit with this generation, in my opinion. I can routinely get 50-52 mpg if I treat it right.
Mine is 8 yrs total on my 2023
Previous generation had a TPMS light and a Tire Pressure Light. TPMS light on meant the system was seeing a malfunction. Tire Pressure Light on meant at least on of the tires had low pressure.
Great review. I agreed with all points except the maintainability. Air filter replacement is very labor intense. With the aid of your videos, it took 8 hrs to complete and reassemble the bike. Other maintenance tasks are similar to other bikes not specifically better or worse.
I can almost guarantee you that the next time you do the air filter, it will take half the time. First time is always the worst.
100% accurate!
I would add that with the TPMS, it would be nice to see the tire pressure without having to ride the bike past 16 mph and almost a 1/4 mile before it will display what the pressure is.
The best way for manufacturers to stay competitive in the market is to observe what their competitors are doing. Every aspect of the infotainment system where it lacks is software and is a fairly simple fix. Honda just needs to allow the infotainment system manufacturer to do the software upgrades.
I think it was Harley Davidson that had hidden options that the dealerships could enable with their computers to allow enhanced options for the user. I believe Apple CarPlay was one of those options for a couple years until it became available as a standard feature for all their bikes.
Regardless, Honda really needs to do a better job of observing the competition and making the small enhancements to keep the Goldwing as the best luxury touring motorcycle on the market. It’s already a far superior motorcycle in terms of engineering. The fit and finish could only be improved with with more precise tooling to get the molds perfect where all the seams are perfect and improving the paint prep process to allow for a better finish, but those would push the price point way up to $40K-$50K. So I’ll happily accept the fit and finish we are currently receiving. Just wish Honda would just make the infotainment system software updates which could easily be downloaded and installed by the user.
This is why I got away from the Gold Wing back in 2013 and went to the BMW K 1600 GTL. It had everything that I've been asking for in a Goldwing but obviously wasn't going to get.
Bought an '18 in '20 . After a few sports touring bikes (3) I love the wing. It's not perfect ( shocks suck).
I've come to learn after decades of owning and riding that most of the high-end bikes are awesome but each provide a unique experience. This means I don't judge one as better than the other - rather, it just depends what people value. My Goldwing is no question an awesome bike, but I also love my Harley Road Glide, and my BMW's. They are incomparable. People often ask me why I like having multiple bikes and I answer - sometimes I want the Goldwing experience, but sometimes I like the Harley experience, etc. They're all awesome and it's great that us motorcyclists have so many great options.
Nice job Chris! Very well articulated and as others have commented, spot on! I agree on all points, especially the aesthetics. The DCT, suspension and trimmed down profile makes for a better handling and sportier package. I must say. Your bike always looks squared away. I’m smitten with my 22 DCT Tour Airbag. My 3rd Gold Wing. Thank you kindly for the 5 year review.
Road glide, are you sold on the dct? Have you ever had to reinitialize or otherwise had any issues?
Hi Eric. Yes I’m really loving the DCT. For me it’s just hard to out-shift such a seamless and quick accelerating or decelerating transmission as the DCT. The downsized, sportier, more forward mounted power plant and low center of gravity Gold Wing is really a great handling bike. The immediacy of power and it’s responsiveness is on demand. Requiring more than ever that I need to be especially “on the ready” for late yellow and red light runners when jettisoning from a light or stop. The new generation Gold Wings really are hot rods. Formula One-like
Initialization: I have done a 1x re-initialization procedure. It noticeably refined/smoothed out the shifting. It’s a simple & painless procedure. The DCT really has spoiled me Eric. Even with as good as manual transmissions have become these days the DCT technology is a tough act to follow. Manuals require “just a bit more thought”. 😂. To date there have been no issues. Knock on wood. Hope that helps my friend. If you considering one, you know DFW Honda a Level 5 high volume dealer would gladly accommodate you. Check with Chad the Sales Mgr and tell him Road Glide sent you. Or let me know, I’ll meet you there as I’m not far.
Only thing you missed is the Parking brake on DCT model - should be electronic (should disengage when put in drive - automatically).
If only they would make access to the darn air filter easier.
Love my 02 wing, if I was going to change I’d defo get a 2016, just love the pre 18 styling… modern tech on a pre 18 style wing would sell like hot cakes…. Ps… do you do CM garage stickers? If so, how can I get some off you cm 🇬🇧👍
I currently have a 2000 Aspy and love the ride. I came into some money and I want your thoughts on the comparison with the 2018 (if avail) on the ride, handling and seat comfort. Thanks
I own a 2016 F6B and have loved Hondas for years. Would love to up grade but I'm really happy with what I have except for one thing. With the newer models 2018+ you have the option to do other things like put on a larger truck etc. I would love to be able to put on a larger OEM truck or any other options that are currently available for 2018+ models. It just pisses me off that the 2017 and below aren't able to have similar options. I've spoken to Traxxon on a number of occasions asking if they will be creating something similar for the other models and most of the time the response, and I understand, is that there isn't the market for those options on the older models. Like a lot of other earlier model owners I have the Garmin or other , I have the blue tooth / Wi-Fi, I have the phone mount, and have been thinking of adding one of the car play screens but don't know if that's worth it or not, but it just would be nice that if going on a longer trip with the other half we could put on the truck and seat instead of a larger bag that doesn't have any security. Surely someone has the means to market these sort of items at a reasonable price
It never ceases to me that when we pay 34,000 for a bike, we have to change out the seats because they are uncomfortable.We have to change out handle bars, etc.When will motorcycle companies put all this on there motorcycles so we don't pay out 45,000 for the bike to make it right!
I bought a2007 wing last spring with 32000 km. Great bike but I hate the suspension. I just silks it and looking at a 2024 this year.
Just started watching your video and I noticed that you’re off on your calculation a little bit as I bought my bike in June 2018 and I calculated a few months back that I reached five years and you bought yours before mine so you’re over five years and coming up in Marchto your six years. I know time flies, right?
My Challenger's extended warranty goes out to 7 years. The gps is fine and includes weather radar. Wish i had the reverse gear of the Honda. I'm 71 and the challenger is not light either.
you can never go wrong w/ GW
I really like this bike. There’s no excuse for not being bang up to date on the technology front. No Apple Car Play is poor to say the least. Poor oem navigation systems are not uncommon. If Honda nailed the tech, I’d buy one in a heartbeat.
I’m still upset that garmin will not update the map on the Goldwing nav 2012-2017. The last update was 2019 and they want $100 for it. Ridiculous!
I’m glad the current version has CarPlay so that you can use whatever app you want on the display.
On the Bagger Gold wings tire pressure read out not available
Cruiseman, thanks for all of the help over the years in keeping our bikes in shape. Quick question: I’m a rider who loves the twisties and I have a 2009 with 17k. In your opinion, which is better, 2009 with full Traxxion Dynamics suspension, or a 2018+? Thanks again!
Speak with Max at Traxxion. His 2018 is upgraded with his suspension tricks. You can even ride the shop bike and do your own evaluation. Nothing beats this DCT and sportier designed Gold Wing. In my opinion. Then get back with us.
I had a 2018 and I had a great time in twistiest. I had 40k when I traded for an ADV bike to do some gravel roads. You will not be disappointed with the handling characteristics of the 2018+ GL.
Great video and thanks. I agree with you on most but ease of maintenance. The air filter, need I say more!! The Japaneses engineer that designed that system has brought great dishonor to himself and his family for that debacle. No good comes from having to tear a motorcycle that far down and putting it all back together again every 16,000 miles as the manufacturer suggests.
Just replaced my air filter for the first time this weekend. 6 hours later...only cut my hand once, broke one mounting tab, and lost one pushpin. Very hilarious prank Honda!
I agree, for such an innovative, great styling Motorcycle, they really dropped the ball in the technology department. The Goldwing to me is kind of like the Porsche 911. Is it the best in every category? No but it’s pretty much a 9/10 in everything except for technology. Just my opinion.
Ultimate dad bike
Other bikes do have wireless CarPlay
Wireless CarPlay might be an add on
Hey I have a question on what you where for a jacket? Harley leather jacket or
Something lightweight?
You forgot to mention the lack of tip over protection…
Following my wife can am at 55 mph in the country roads I got just over 55 mpg with out trying lol😊
Cruise man, I ride a 2020 road glide limited, with the hydraulic clutch. I find that I am struggling to use the clutch in traffic due to arthritis in my left hand. I'm curious if you've heard of any of your subscribers having the same issue. I'm contemplating switching to the DCT for the reason. I love my harley, but the pain is getting unbearable. Thank you.