Honda GL 1800 GOLDWING Tour DCT/Airbag 2023 — Specifications

Who still buys a 390 kg motorcycle in 2023? The same enthusiasts who know that no other machine delivers that feeling of crossing continents in a rolling living room. The Honda GL 1800 Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag isn't aimed at weekend riders or track junkies chasing thrills. It targets the mile-eaters, those for whom 800 kilometers in one stretch is merely a warm-up. And in this very particular realm of absolute grand touring, the Japanese machine remains a benchmark that neither the BMW K 1600 GTL, the Indian Roadmaster, nor the Harley Road Glide can truly dethrone.

The 1833 cc flat-six is the beating heart of the affair. Its 126 horsepower at 5,500 rpm won't make anyone dream on paper, especially at a price tag of 37,649 euros. But reducing this engine to its power output would be missing the point entirely. It's the 170 Nm of torque available from just 4,500 rpm that defines the Goldwing's character. Every surge of acceleration happens effortlessly, with a smoothness that only a flat-six can deliver. The engine sings a deep, muffled, almost aristocratic melody. Honda reduced its footprint, lightened the assembly, and grafted four valves per cylinder for improved efficiency. The result is immediately felt in the mid-range responsiveness.

The 7-speed dual-clutch DCT gearbox transforms the riding experience. Three main modes coexist. D mode handles all shifts on its own with disconcerting fluidity, S mode offers three levels of increasing dynamism for those who want to feel the engine working higher in the rev range, and manual mode remains available for purists. Four mappings — Tour, Sport, Econ, and Rain — simultaneously adjust throttle response, suspension firmness, and braking strategy. The ISG system, which merges the alternator and starter motor, allows for a totally discreet restart at red lights after automatic engine shut-off. You'd think you were behind the wheel of a luxury sedan, with the wind on your face as a bonus.

The 2023 model year brings standard TPMS, a tire pressure monitoring sensor that was sorely missing on a machine of this caliber. The passenger benefits from a rear-reclining backrest for enhanced comfort on long hauls, while the top case gains 11 liters of capacity. The onboard audio system gets upgraded speakers, and the seat adopts a more flattering mixed suede and synthetic leather covering. You'll also find the full arsenal of technology accumulated over successive updates — from Apple CarPlay to the 7-inch TFT display, from cruise control to electronically adjustable suspension, along with the electric windshield, heated grips, and keyless ignition. The airbag, a Honda exclusive in the motorcycle world, rounds out an equipment level without equal.

Then there's the weight question. 390 kg fully fueled — it's a behemoth. The walking mode integrated into the DCT lets you move the machine at 1.8 km/h forward or 1.2 km/h in reverse without touching a gear, which saves parking maneuvers. The low 745 mm seat height also reassures shorter riders. The double-wishbone front end delivers stability and steering precision that the weight would never suggest once underway. The 2023 Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag doesn't try to please everyone. It's aimed at a specific audience of long-distance tourers, often riding two-up, who prioritize absolute comfort and mileage reliability. For them, no competitor offers this combination of mechanical refinement, onboard technology, and serenity over the long haul. The entry price is steep, the footprint imposing, the top speed capped at 180 km/h. But when you ride 30,000 kilometers a year, those details fade behind the simple pleasure of never wanting to stop.