🏍️ Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Overview

The Honda Gold Wing GL1800 is a flagship touring motorcycle known for luxury, comfort, and performance. It's a top-tier choice for long-distance touring, combining cutting-edge technology with legendary reliability.

Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

📊 Specifications Table

Specification Details
Make Honda
Model GL1800 Gold Wing
Body Touring Motorcycle
Horsepower 125 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Top Speed ~112–115 mph (180–185 km/h)
Fuel Consumption 5.5 L/100km (approx.)
Transmission 6-speed manual / 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
Torque 170 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity 21.1 liters
Year 2024–2025 models
Exterior Colors Candy Ardent Red, Matte Gray, Black Metallic
Fuel Type Petrol
Fuel Economy ~18 km/l (highway cruising)
Weight 367–389 kg (depending on variant)
Cooling System Liquid-cooled
Seat Height 745 mm
Brakes (Front/Rear) Dual 320mm discs / Single 316mm disc (ABS)
Tire Size (Front/Rear) 130/70R18 / 200/55R16
Starter System Electric
Instrumentation / Display 7" TFT display with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Engine Type / Configuration 1,833cc horizontally opposed 6-cylinder, SOHC

Key Features

🛋️ Comfort & Convenience

  • Heated seats and grips (Tour model)

  • Electronically adjustable windscreen

  • Rider backrest (optional)

  • Adjustable suspension preload

🛰️ Technology

  • Full-color 7-inch TFT screen

  • Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support

  • Smart Key ignition

  • USB & 12V sockets

  • Integrated GPS navigation system

⚙️ Performance Enhancements

  • Reverse and walking mode (DCT version)

  • Cruise control

  • Throttle-by-wire with four ride modes (Tour, Sport, Rain, Econ)

  • Dual Combined Brake System (D-CBS)

🧳 Storage

  • 60L+ combined luggage capacity (Tour model)

  • Saddlebag and top trunk storage


💲 Pricing (USD & Estimated Range)

Model Variant Estimated Price (USD)
GL1800 Gold Wing (Base, Manual) $24,000 – $25,000
GL1800 Gold Wing DCT $25,500 – $26,500
GL1800 Gold Wing Tour (Manual) $28,000 – $29,000
GL1800 Gold Wing Tour (DCT + Airbag) $32,000 – $33,000

Note: Prices vary by region, dealer, and optional packages. Taxes and fees not included.


🔍 What Buyers Should Know

Pros

  • Legendary comfort and long-distance capability

  • Smooth and powerful flat-six engine

  • Top-class electronics and infotainment

  • Extremely reliable and refined

  • Great resale value in the touring segment

⚠️ Cons

  • Heavier than average motorcycles (challenging at low speeds)

  • Premium price tag

  • Storage on base version is limited (compared to Tour models)

  • Complex features may require a learning curve


🧭 Ideal For

  • Long-distance touring

  • Two-up riding with a passenger

  • Riders seeking luxury motorcycle experiences

  • Those who value technology, comfort, and performance equally

🥇 Luxury Touring Motorcycle Comparison

Feature / Spec Honda GL1800 Gold Wing BMW K 1600 GTL Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide
Engine Type 1,833cc flat-6, SOHC 1,649cc inline-6, DOHC 1,997cc V-Twin (Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121)
Horsepower 125 hp @ 5,500 rpm 160 hp @ 6,750 rpm 115 hp (est.)
Torque 170 Nm @ 4,500 rpm 180 Nm @ 5,250 rpm 175 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission 6-speed manual / 7-speed DCT 6-speed manual 6-speed manual
Weight (Wet) 367–389 kg 358 kg 385 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity 21.1 L 26.5 L 22.7 L
Fuel Economy (Approx.) ~18 km/l ~17–18 km/l ~15–16 km/l
Top Speed ~115 mph (185 km/h) ~140 mph (225 km/h) ~110 mph (177 km/h)
Seat Height 745 mm 750 mm 695 mm
Infotainment 7" TFT, CarPlay/Android Auto, GPS 10.25" TFT, GPS, Bluetooth 12.3" TFT, BOOM! Box GTS, Bluetooth
Ride Modes 4 modes (Tour, Sport, Rain, Econ) 3 modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic) Custom modes via CVO electronics
Suspension Electronic (preload adjustable) Electronic ESA Premium Showa w/ Smart Susp. Technology
Brakes Dual 320mm / 316mm (ABS) Dual 320mm / 320mm (ABS) Dual 320mm / 300mm (Linked ABS)
Starting Price (USD) ~$25,000 – $33,000 ~$27,000 – $32,000 ~$44,000+

🔍 Quick Analysis

🛵 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

  • Best For: Riders seeking comfort, bulletproof reliability, and refined ride.

  • Strengths: Smooth DCT option, Apple CarPlay, very balanced handling.

  • Weaknesses: Less aggressive horsepower, smaller fuel tank.

🏍️ BMW K 1600 GTL

  • Best For: Performance-focused tourers who still want high-tech luxury.

  • Strengths: Most powerful, smooth inline-6, superb suspension.

  • Weaknesses: Higher maintenance cost, heavier clutch feel.

🏍️ Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide

  • Best For: American V-Twin lovers wanting tech and touring in one.

  • Strengths: Unique sound/feel, aggressive design, premium audio.

  • Weaknesses: Pricey, less refined ride at high speed, lowest fuel economy.


Final Recommendations

If You Want… Choose
Smoothest ride and best comfort Honda Gold Wing
Best engine power and high-speed touring BMW K 1600 GTL
Iconic American cruiser with luxury tech Harley-Davidson CVO RG