Honda Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT 2024 — Specifications

Who would have bet on the renaissance of an icon as massive as the Gold Wing? This paquebot of the roads, which seemed frozen in a bygone golden age, has undergone a rejuvenation as radical as it is effective. We’re no longer talking about a simple facelift, but a philosophical overhaul. In 2024, the Airbag DCT Tour, with its €37,899 price tag and 390 kg fully fueled, no longer simply aims to be comfortable. It wants to be agile, intuitive, and almost mischievous for those who know how to tame it.

The heart of this metamorphosis beats to the rhythm of its 1833 cm³ flat-twin engine, a powerplant that has shed weight and gained character. With 126 horsepower and, above all, a monstrous torque of 169.7 Nm available from low RPM, it doesn’t roar, it whispers with a quiet authority. But the real revolution is nestled in its transmission. The 7-speed DCT gearbox, lighter than the previous mechanics, is a feat of integration. In the city, in D mode, it’s as smooth as a conveyor belt, managing the clutches with disconcerting clairvoyance. Switch to S mode, and it awakens, holding the gears for a more responsive feel. And this “pedestrian” walking system, allowing you to maneuver this colossus at 2 km/h with the simple press of a button, is an absolute blessing compared to rivals like the BMW K 1600 GTL or the Indian Roadmaster.

Inside, the atmosphere is that of a first-class lounge. The 745 mm seat, the adjustable backrest for the passenger, the electric windscreen, and the perfected sound system orchestrate a near-total isolation from the world. Add to that the airbag, a Honda exclusive, and a dashboard worthy of an airplane cockpit. Yet, not everything is perfect. The 21-liter tank imposes frequent stops on long-distance travelers, and the protection of the new fairing, although excellent, has lost a touch of the imperialism of the previous model. That’s the price to pay for a refined profile and improved maneuverability.

This Gold Wing is aimed at the demanding touring rider who places effortless riding above all else. It’s not a motorcycle for showing off; it’s a machine for intensely experiencing journeys, as a couple, without ever getting tired. It devours the asphalt with sovereign serenity, transforming every journey into an experience. It may no longer have the extravagance of yesteryear, but it has gained in spirit. It proves that a giant can learn to dance, without denying its soul as a continental cruiser.