2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT Review | MC Commute
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2021
- Honda’s Gold Wing is the zenith of motorcycle touring. Whether you’re running to the local convenience store for a Slurpee, or traveling across the American Southwest for a getaway weekend, few streetbikes are as capable as the Gold Wing Tour DCT ($29,300 as tested).
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Radically overhauling it for the 2018 model year, Big Red went in a leaner and meaner direction with its Wing. So much so that it skimped on cargo capacity inside the 13.2-gallon top case. Owners complained, and Honda answered by increasing the capacity by nearly 3 gallons.
It may not seem like a huge change, but the compartment now easily swallows two full-face helmets, of any make. The case would accept two helmets before, but they had to be of a certain model and size, and you had to insert them just right.
Additional fixed hard luggage is located on either side of the rear fender, though they are oddly shaped (rectangular and not very wide). The cases are opened via subtle push-buttons and are locked electronically via a nice-looking rectangular shaped electronic key fob. Hydraulic action makes for smoother operation. Our only gripe is that the cases are finicky to close. A dashboard-mounted indicator lets you know if they are fully shut. In total, the Hold Wing Tour offers nearly 32-gallons of cargo capacity.
The redesigned top case also allowed engineers to tweak the passenger backrest. It’s nearly 2 inches taller, a tad thicker, and positioned at a more relaxed angle. Both rider and passenger seats have nice-looking and more grippy suede covers. Both seats have electronically adjustable heaters. This along with the rider’s heated grips make riding in chilly weather more comfortable.
Pair that with the generously sized and electronically adjustable windscreen, and the Gold Wing elevates itself to one of the most cozy rides for short and long-distance trips. Other creature comforts include a more powerful 45-watt four-speaker stereo. An XM radio antenna is now standard too. Apple and Android smartphone compatible carry over as does Bluetooth. There’s also an AM/FM tuner.
Keeping tabs on everything is a 7-inch color dash display that integrates GPS-enabled navigation and vehicle and audio settings. It’s manipulated by a series of buttons on the raised clip-on-style handlebar and a joystick wheel on the center console.
The display is bright and easy to read, day and night. However, we wish it offered a traditional “dark mode” like modern iOS-powered devices. Menu navigation is clunky and the system could offer faster boot time when the engine is started. All modern Honda motorcycles (2018-plus Gold Wing, 2020-plus Africa Twin, 2021 CBR1000RR-R) could benefit from more well-thought-out and intuitive user interfaces.
Twist the throttle however and our nit-picky gripes fade away as quickly as the objects in the nice sized rearview mirrors. With upward of 100 pound-feet torque from 1,300 rpm, the Wing accelerates in a hurry-especially for a bike that weighs 838 pounds. The cockpit fills with a rowdy roar and the exhaust note purr is equally pleasing, sounding like a six-cylinder Porsche. Horsepower-wise the 1,836cc flat six pumps out 90 hp at 5,400 rpm.
It’s a downright hoot to run up through the seven-speed gearbox-especially in DCT trim ($1,000 upcharge). This option replaces the manual six-speed transmission with a fully automated seven-speed version that eliminates the traditional clutch lever. This makes the Wing as easy to ride as a scooter.
Riders can still shift manually via finger-actuated and trigger-like buttons. However, the transmission shifts gears so quickly, especially in Sport mode, that you’ll never shift more quickly than the machine.
The other three riding modes (Tour, Econ, and Rain) offer different shift maps. Overall, the Tour setting is our favorite as it is paired with more moderate throttle response. We wish Honda offered the ability to tune engine power, throttle response, and the shift maps independently. Easy-to-use push-button electronic reverse is also standard, which helps you maneuver in and out of tight parking spots. A manual cable-actuated parking brake keeps it from rolling when parked.
Even during high-speed rides, we consistently record around 38 mpg, impressive based on average speed and size. We also appreciate that the engine runs on regular 87-octane pump fuel. We do yearn for a larger-capacity fuel tank.
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Photography: Drew Ruiz
Video/edit: @AdamWaheed
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Anybody else think that after that red sports car flew past him on the canyon highway he would come upon it a few minutes later crashed or broken down on the side of the road? And as for all the haters on Adam's narration speed, I happen to like it. I am able to relax with my coffee, and hear each word he is saying clearly as opposed to some reviews that talk so fast you miss some of what they are saying. Keep up the great work Adam, I watch all your content.
What ? 85hp? You reviewing the wrong machine my friend. Those specs for a different bike - not this one.
I bought a Goldwing Tour DCT earlier this month. It’s the most amazing motorcycle I’ve owned in some 50 years of motorcycling. It’s like riding a Porsche motorcycle with the flat-six engine and PDK transmission. I don’t know how it does what it does but it’s always in the correct gear at the correct moment. Great bike!
I have had my 2022 for 8 months 7500 miles and I can assure you I can easily get 250 to 300 miles on that little tanks . By that time I like to get a drink of something in me . I could keep going but need fluids in the body . Great review 👍
I came from a sport bike to a 23 tour DCT. I said I would never own a tour bike. I was soooooo wrong on not doing this earlier. I commute 260 miles a day and this was the best purchase I've made. Trust me sport bike guys. Try it out!
No one can give such an in depth, detailed, comprehensive review as Adam does, he spoke non stop for 49 minutes and enjoyed all of it. Some reviewers specialize in specific categories i.e. :Sport, adventure, cruiser, tour etc., but Adam appreciates, understands and rates them all fair based on their intended usage. Well done Sir, and can't wait for next review, no matter what bike it is!
Excellent review. I have had my '19 DCT Tour for almost 4 yrs now and just got to 30K on it. After 3 previous GWs (manual of course) and about 350K total miles on the 3, my DCT is the best of the 4 I have had. I'm 70 now and this will be my last bike. Look for 70K on this one before I quit 2 wheels.
Don't know where you got 85HP from, the bike has 98HP at the rear wheel. 126 shaft HP.
auto takes all the fun and excitement out of riding a motorcycle. scooter??? i looked at the wing but chose a HD SGS. If im still able to ride when im 80 maybe the wing will be the way to go sorry to all the wing nuts out there. i will tell you that ive always loved HONDA
I know this is a manly moto channel but I wish I had his hair…
I rode my ‘21 DCT on The Dragon, Cherahola Skyway, and many other North Carolina twisties and was amazed at how perfectly the computer chose the proper gear. Butter smooth shifts. Awesome bike !
It doesn't matter if you're reviewing a pogo-stick or a rocket-ship, the reviews are always comprehensive and well-considered; count me in!
Purchased 2022 DCT, so smooth, really fun to drive in traffic. I love I can hear the radio clearly on the highway with a full face helmet entirely closed, almost as good as listening to it in the GARAGE. Awesome
Adam shares so much about the bike and mentions the pros and the cons while casually riding through the twisties. Sounds like an outstanding motorcycle. Awesome review.
I feel like I just rode this bike myself for hours. I’m actually enjoying this amount of dialogue. Usually, other reviewing riders sound like they’re sales persons.
Probably the best review of any bike I've seen on YT! Had almost all major brands and models including HD and Indian...loved them all but I'm looking forward to purchasing this one (hopefully it's the last one!!)! Technology, comfort and performance...the riding trifecta!!
There’s no better two up riding, trailer hauling, dealer network, reliable tourer than the Honda Goldwing!
Excellent review Adam. Your ability to ride the canyons like it's nothing, while talking effortlessly, is quite impressive. Keep up the excellent work.
Absolutely spot on and first rate review with both content and delivery!👍
I used to live in this area and recognized all these roads. Now I’m jonesing for the bike and the weather.