Honda GL 1800 GOLDWING Tour DCT/Airbag 2024 — Specifications

Who can still claim that a 390 kg motorcycle has nothing exciting about it? The 2024 Honda GL 1800 Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag is living proof that you can set a cruise liner on two wheels and take sovereign pleasure in every kilometer devoured. Nearly half a century of evolution has shaped this touring machine into a class of its own, with no true equivalent in the motorcycle landscape. Up against the BMW K 1600 GTL, the Indian Roadmaster, the Harley Road Glide, and their ilk, the Japanese contender plays a singular tune. It is the only one to offer a standard airbag, and the only one to push the integration of its dual-clutch automated gearbox this far.

The 1833 cc flat-six, with its horizontally opposed six cylinders and four valves per cylinder, produces 126 hp at 5,500 rpm. A modest figure on paper, almost shy for such displacement. But the magic lies elsewhere. The 169.7 Nm of torque available from 4,500 rpm delivers a broad, smooth, unrelenting surge. This engine never screams. It purrs, it pushes, it envelops. The sound of the flat-six remains unique in the motorcycle world — a deep, muffled melody that accompanies every burst of acceleration with a mechanical nobility that is difficult to put into words. Honda reworked the block to make it more compact and lighter than its predecessor, while preserving the sonic signature and velvety character that have defined the Goldwing's reputation for decades.

The third-generation DCT transmission is the technological heart of this version. Seven gears, less weight than the old five-speed manual gearbox, and remarkably fluid operation. Three main modes structure the experience. D mode handles all shifts on its own with a disarming smoothness, capable of adapting to the rider's changing pace. S mode, available in three levels, allows higher revs and more pronounced engine braking. Manual mode remains available for those who want to keep control via the left handlebar switches. Layered on top of this gearbox management, four mappings (Tour, Sport, Econ, Rain) alter throttle response, electronic suspension firmness, and brake force distribution. The ISG system, which merges alternator and starter motor, enables an utterly discreet stop-and-start function. At a red light, the six-cylinder shuts off after three seconds. A twist of the throttle and it springs back to life without the slightest jolt, thanks to hydraulic clutch management perfectly synchronized with the progressive opening of the throttle bodies.

Then there is the matter of weight. 390 kg fully fueled is a fact. Honda did shave 22 kg compared to the previous generation, but the Goldwing still demands respect during low-speed maneuvers. The walking mode, which moves the machine at 1.8 km/h forward or 1.2 km/h in reverse without engaging a gear, becomes a precious ally. The low seat, perched at just 745 mm, makes it easier to plant your feet on the ground. The double-wishbone front suspension, carried over from the 2018 redesign, delivers a startling steering precision for a machine of this size. The braking system — two 320 mm front discs with six-piston radial calipers and a 316 mm rear disc — proves both durable and progressive.

This Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag is aimed at long-distance riders, at traveling couples who rack up hundreds of kilometers without keeping count. The onboard equipment leaves nothing to chance. A 7-inch TFT screen, Apple CarPlay, GPS, Bluetooth-enabled audio system, cruise control, heated grips, electric windshield, traction control, hill start assist, keyless ignition, and tire pressure monitoring sensors since 2023. The passenger benefits from a reclining backrest and a level of touring comfort that is hard to match. One might regret a luggage capacity limited to 121 liters, down from the previous generation, and a top speed capped at 180 km/h — reflecting a deliberate philosophy of serene travel rather than outright performance. At €37,899, the price tag stings. But in a category where every competitor easily exceeds €30,000, the Honda justifies its cost with a density of technology and a level of fit and finish that no one else offers in a single package. The Goldwing asks only one thing of its crew: don't arrive at the destination too soon.