When Honda introduced the sixth generation of its iconic Gold Wing touring motorcycle in 2018 it was universally praised for offering more dynamic handling than any ‘Wing before it.
The latest GL1800 was lighter and more compact than the fifth generation model it replaced, as part of a plan to widen the cult bike’s appeal, however for some die-hard Wing fans the reduced luggage capacity and pillion comfort blotted its copybook. Now, three years after the introduction of the model, Honda has taken on board that feedback to update the ‘Tour’ version of the uber-tourer. It now has a bigger top box, up from 50 litres to 61 litres (enough to store two full-faced helmets), a more reclined pillion back rest and a fancy new seat cover in synthetic leather and suede. These changes come on the back of some other small modifications to the launch design last year, which included bigger pillion grab rails, LED fog lights and changes to the suspension aimed at improving low speed manoeuvrability.
The standard Gold Wing, which comes with 60 litres of storage in the side panniers but no standard fit top box, remains in the range and both models benefit from upgraded audio systems, with new and improved speaker units which are lighter than the ones they replace. For 2021, there’s also the option of a passenger audio control switch, which is mounted on the right hand fairing and allows the pillion to adjust the volume and switch the music source.
As always, the Gold Wing is packed with cutting edge technology like smart key operation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, controlled through a 7” TFT dashboard, in fact the Gold Wing really has had the proverbial kitchen sink thrown at it – no surprise when you consider the price tag it carries. The manual Gold Wing Tour comes in metallic black and costs £28,349. The popular DCT automatic transmission version costs £31,449 and comes with an additional candy red colour option. The standard Gold Wing costs £22,849 with manual transmission and comes in a ‘Pearl Deep Mud Grey’ livery.
Honda says that the announcement of the revised Gold Wings marks their final updates for their 2021 range, which has seen 24 new or updated models, from the humble Vision 110 step thru scooter to the Gold Wing tourers.
