Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing 50th Anniversary

Celebrating 50 years of touring in 2025, the Honda Gold Wing, since its introduction as a naked 1000cc machine in 1975, has always represented the ultimate in two-wheeled travel. And it’s a motorcycle that’s been very much on its own journey, growing in physical size and displacement over the decades, all the while creating an enduring and unrivalled reputation for luxury, quality and comfort.

The most recent comprehensive upgrade came for 18YM, when, in response to the evolution of demographics and the motorcycle market, it made a radical departure from what would have been a traditional update trajectory. The GL1800 Gold Wing* and Gold Wing ‘Tour’ took a new direction and, brand new from the wheels-up, became sleeker, lighter and more agile – very much a rider’s motorcycle – while adding a host of new features to cement the bike’s reputation as a technological flagship, including the option of seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

And, as a result, the Gold Wing Tour’s appeal became instantly broader, reaching out to a younger generation of motorcyclists that may have overlooked – or simply not been aware of – the previous incarnation. In 20YM, standard-fit LED fog lights, larger pillion grab handles plus improvements to suspension and slow speed manoeuvrability further complemented the evocative, flat six-cylinder engine beating at the heart of Honda’s premium tourer.

For 21YM, the Gold Wing Tour gained carrying capacity, improved pillion comfort and an audio upgrade. Now, in 25YM, the GL1800 Gold Wing Tour receives a host of detail improvements, alongside a 50th Anniversary edition, and is set to mark the millions of kilometres this incredible machine has covered – with its legion of riding devotees – since 1975. The legend continues.

Model Overview
The Gold Wing Tour’s engine and chassis were designed in unison for the 18YM rebirth, to move the riding position forward and create a much more compact motorcycle. The aluminium beam frame is constructed around a double wishbone front fork, which allows the engine to sit forward in the machine – as the front wheel moves up and down in a more vertical plane – while providing high quality suspension control and front-end stability thanks to its stiffness and reduced friction. Suspension damping adjusts electrically.

Optimised for size, the 24V flat six-cylinder engine lost none of its power, avalanche of torque or addictive power delivery. The addition of Throttle By Wire (TBW) control brought with it four rider modes: TOUR, SPORT, ECON and RAIN; the operation of the Dual Combined Brake System (D-CBS) alters depending on the mode selected. Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Idling Stop (on the DCT option) offer ease of use and improved fuel efficiency. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) maintains rear wheel traction. EURO5+ compliance has also been applied for 25YM.

The DCT features seven-speeds, with clutch feel, shift speed and rpm range of up/downshifts tailored specifically to each riding mode. It also features a ‘creep’ forward and back function.

The Gold Wing Tour offers a total sense of freedom, with sheer riding enjoyment and performance matched by stylish design. An aerodynamically efficient fairing channels air around the rider, while the extended electric screen adjusts for preference; the seats, too provide all-day comfort and feature a suede/synthetic leather cover. The angle of the pillion back rest is also relaxed. High quality (newly upgraded) speakers show off vivid sound quality and features like Smart Key operation, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and Bluetooth™ add modern-day convenience and connectivity.

For 25YM the GL1800 Gold Wing Tour receives upgrades to both audio and connectivity, with updates to ECU settings. The 50th Anniversary edition receives bespoke detailing on the Smart Key, centre console and start-up animation. Also, the first 1,833 GL1800 Gold Wing 50th Anniversary models sold in Europe will come complete with a (limited) premium half and half scale model; 11-inches wide by 6-inches high it features the original on one side and the current model on the other.

The 25YM GL1800 Gold Wing Tour 50th Anniversary DCT and airbag will be available in the following retro-inspired colour options:
- Eternal Gold and Mahogany Brown Metallic
- Bordeaux Red Metallic

The 25YM GL1800 Gold Wing Tour will be available in the following colour option:
- Digital Silver Metallic

Key Features
Styling & Equipment
- Taut lines with a contemporary edge show off the motorcycle underneath
- Electric windscreen adjustable for angle and height
- Ample luggage capacity for weekend touring; top box features 61L storage
- Suede/synthetic leather seats, relaxed pillion back rest angle
- Seven-inch TFT display provides riding, navigation, audio information with new ‘Home Bar’
- Upgraded audio quality at higher speeds
- Cruise control operates smoothly via Throttle By Wire (TBW),
- Ample luggage capacity for weekend touring
- Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ allow smartphone use, now connected via Wi-Fi
- Rider/ passenger Bluetooth intercom functionality simplified and improved
- Full LED lighting, LED fog lights and auto-cancelling indicators
- Smart Key control adds convenience for ignition and luggage
- Two USB Type-C sockets

The Gold Wing Tour’s lines exude a honed, athletic ethos. The styling presents a unique silhouette and counterpoints comfort with the dynamic abilities of chassis and engine, with the traditional Gold Wing premium level of fit, finish and materials. Its ‘face’ is daringly forward-slanting; combined with the compact fairing proportions, it presents an energetic frontal signature.

The key line of the body, stretching front to back, highlights the differing upper and lower bodywork functions. A central element is the fairing, with its sharp and solid flat surfaces, and its nuanced aerodynamic detailing. It adds a tension that hints at the performance potential on offer.

Also on display is the motorcycle itself – the double wishbone front suspension, flat six-cylinder engine, exhausts – in all their functional beauty. Drawn together, the design elements create cutting edge style, underpinned by incredible levels of engineering and electronics.

Comfort, heat management and, most importantly, air management are also high on the Gold Wing Tour’s agenda. The fairing channels airflow around the rider and pillion, effectively providing a pleasant cooling breeze.

An extended electric screen operated from the left handlebar provides excellent wind protection yet, at the same time, a sense of space and freedom when required. Screen angle and height adjustment is step-less. Available as options are a larger screen, a fully adjustable deflector for the arms and upper body and fixed deflectors for the lower legs and feet.

From a seating perspective, rider and pillion are separated. The rider can enjoy a total focus on riding the bike. The rider’s seat shape is comfortable and supportive while allowing movement and easy ground reach. Both rider and pillion benefit from a luxurious new suede/synthetic leather seat cover; the angle of the pillion back rest is set at a relaxed 23°.

All lighting is LED, and the Gold Wing Tour is equipped with dual LED fog lights. The lower portion of the headlights use 5 polished optical lenses on both sides to create a Jewel-Eye low beam light signature. Using high beam (in the upper portion) creates a stereoscopic impression. The front indicators are housed in the mirrors and the indicators also auto-cancel; the system compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the riding situation.
When riding, the speed that’s been set with the cruise control switch (located on the right handlebar) is shown in the bottom left area of the speedometer. Through TBW the system achieves a smooth transition to the specified speed and an ultra-smooth operation, especially when going uphill.

Luxurious instrumentation creates a unique cockpit. Different low-contrast colours with dark tones are applied to the dials, of which the peripheral areas form cone-shaped slopes to create a feeling of depth. A ring with a metal texture surrounds each dial, and the graduations glow in LED, giving concrete depth and a calm, cool image.

The seven-inch full-colour TFT liquid crystal display screen provides all the information for the audio and navigation systems, as well as managing riding modes and suspension adjustment. Information is displayed in differentiated segments in a very functional order, so the rider can get all the relevant data with the minimum of eye movement.

Brightness adjusts automatically (with the maximum luminous intensity of the screen being 1000 cd) and the rider can also choose from eight brightness levels. Tyre pressure is displayed as a numerical figure in the bottom left area of the instruments warns the rider quickly and clearly if tyre pressures become sub-optimal.

Pride of place on the centre console and Smart Key is the Gold Wing emblem, with 50th Anniversary models receiving bespoke ‘since 1975’ detailing. Its crisp 3D, two-tone chrome design merges the strength and dignity of a lion’s head with the majestic wings of an eagle ready to pounce with open talons. The Smart Key – similarly adorned with 50th logos for the Anniversary edition – activates all the motorcycle’s systems and also incorporates the emergency key. The ignition and handlebar lock can be turned on or off while carrying the Smart Key.

Total carrying capacity is 121L. Exclusively designed inner bags are available as an option. Luggage operation is simple. With the Smart Key present, a push button opens all of the boxes. It’s also possible to temporarily unlock via remote control; the unlock button on the Smart Key enables the passenger instant pannier access. Hydraulic dampers smooth the opening and closing. Pushing and holding the call button results in the indicators flashing.

The Gold Wing Tour is compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ – now via Wi-Fi with no need to plug in – so the rider can utilise the personalised information and content inside their smartphone, such as telephone numbers and music playlists. A new ‘Home Bar’ appears on top of the Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ screen; it is a layered design that overlaps the playing display, allowing for easy and quick control of main functions without the need to go deep into a menu.

Intercom connectivity through Bluetooth™ has been improved. Before, both rider and passenger had to connect independently. Now, for 25YM the bike acts as the intermediary and even single Bluetooth headsets can maintain audio while enabling passenger/rider calls. A ‘Ducking’ feature automatically lowers the background music level during conversations, for clearer and more comfortable talk. There are two USB Type-C sockets for smartphone charging. High quality, lightweight speakers – with increased speaker pressure – achieve superb sound quality with vivid presence, and even more so now at high speed.

The navigation system is displayed on the seven-inch, full-colour TFT liquid crystal display screen in the central area of the instruments and includes a gyrocompass – which means guidance is continued even inside a tunnel. Cancellation of any waypoint or ‘go home’ instruction operation while riding is also possible. Maps are updated and also offer the possibility of entering up to 99 different waypoints for detailed journey planning.

The capacity of the fuel tank is 21 litres with fuel economy of 5.4litres/100km.

Chassis
- Diecast, aluminium twin-beam frame
- Double wishbone front suspension and Pro-Arm rear
- Front and rear damping level adjusts to suit riding mode selected
- Rear spring preload electrically adjustable
- ABS and Dual-Combined Braking System (D-CBS)

The Gold Wing Tour’s diecast, aluminium twin-beam frame is designed to package the engine in a tight space; its structural thickness is optimised in each area to deliver a smooth and stable ride, from walking speed upwards, whether on tight city streets or out on the open road.

Aside from moving the front wheel forward under full suspension compression, another benefit of the double wishbone front suspension is the reduction in sliding friction (from bump deflection and steering input) that a standard telescopic fork creates, as the stanchions travel up and down in the fork leg. Bearings are used in all shaft bush areas for steering and suspension stroke, further reducing friction.

The steering input – via the dual fork holders – is also separated from the suspension provided by the single shock absorber, and the Gold Wing Tour’s yaw moment make it nimble and easier to steer. In addition, patented steering cross tie-rods connect the handlebars to the front axle and the handlebar pivot, delivering an entirely natural feel to the rider.

Rake and trail are set at 30.5°/109mm, with wheelbase of 1695mm. The Gold Wing Tour 50th Anniversary DCT & Airbag weighs 393kg.

The Dual Combined Brake System (D-CBS) optimally distributes braking forces to the front and rear wheels. The use of a single, light circulation type ABS modulator – integrated with the brake ECU – keeps weight down within the braking system. It also operates in linkage with the current riding mode of choice, automatically adjusting the braking characteristics to the riding situation. Dual 320mm front discs are gripped by six-piston calipers, the rear 316mm disc by a three-piston caliper.

The Gold Wing Tour also benefits from a Pro-Arm swingarm, which attaches to the frame on its left side. The right side serves as a maintenance access. This allows much greater freedom of design and makes the machine easier to manage; it also contributes to stability. Pro-Link provides progressive suspension action and comfort while spherical joints are used throughout, cancelling out torsion.

Damping level adjusts electrically relative to riding mode. Stepper motors housed within the front and rear shock absorbers move needles to control oil flow, tailoring damping force for the riding situation. Rear spring preload is also electrically adjusted. Separate from the four riding modes, there are four settings of preload relative to load from soft to hard: single rider; rider with luggage; rider with pillion, and rider with pillion fully loaded with luggage. The setting is displayed on the TFT screen and adjusted via switch.

Engine
- Horizontally opposed, flat six-cylinder SOHC 24-valve engine
- Throttle By Wire (TBW) with four rider modes to tailor power output
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- Riding modes also manage HSTC, suspension damping and brake force
- Idling Stop and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) on DCT version
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Addition of O2 Sensor plus new ECU settings ensure EURO5+ compliance

To realise the handling potential of the chassis – and maintain the addictive power delivery and feel that’s so much part of this icon’s appeal – the Gold Wing Tour’s 1,833cc engine was completely redrawn for its rebirth back in 2018. Still as a horizontally opposed flat six, but with four valves per cylinder rather than two, much more compact in size and 6.2kg lighter.

Peak power of 93kW arrives @ 5,500rpm, with peak torque of 170Nm delivered @ 4,500rpm. The bore size of 73mm matches the stroke of 73mm; the left and right cylinders are offset 4mm and the cylinder sleeves are aluminium. Compression ratio is set at 10.5:1. New ECU settings plus adoption of an OBD2-2 sensor ensure EURO5+ compliance.

The Unicam cylinder heads – the inlet valves are operated by finger-follower rocker arm, the exhaust valves by roller rocker arms – also employ a co-axial rocker-arm shaft for both inlet and exhaust.
The combustion chambers are a four-valve ‘pentroof’ design with the inlet ports designed to promote ‘tumble’ flows inside the cylinders thus improving efficiency. The piston skirts wear a molybdenum coating to reduce friction. Throttle By Wire (TBW) engine management adds four rider modes to alter character and power delivery, linked to suspension damping and the Dual Combined Brake System (D-CBS):

TOUR mode is the base setting for comfort and power. It gives a direct 100% opening ratio between throttle grip and throttle body butterfly, with ‘default’ damping and front/rear brake force distribution.

SPORT serves up the highest throttle to butterfly ratio and delivers strong acceleration, with firmer damping and rear brake lever pressure.

ECON mode offers maximum fuel economy and easy cruising, with lower throttle to butterfly ratio and default damping and brake force.

RAIN turns the dial down to suit wet and slippery conditions, with lowest throttle to butterfly ratio, default braking force distribution and soft suspension damping.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) also seamlessly monitors and maintains rear wheel traction, in all riding conditions, for an extra layer of riding confidence. Its level of input too adjusts via TBW relative to riding mode selection.

There are two air intake ducts sited front left and right rear. This structure generates swirling as the air is drawn in – the result is more effective use of the air filter’s entire surface area and reduction in resistance. The internal shaping of both ducts is optimised to align with the intake pulses of the engine’s low-rpm range, improving response and torque from smaller throttle openings. A single throttle body speeds up airflow and improves response.

To complement the engine’s deep bass signature the mufflers emit a powerful throb, without excessive noise. The cross-sectional areas of the exhaust pipes for two out of the six cylinders are reduced 20%, bringing the sound volume and depth.

The ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) combines the generator and starter motor into one component, with the generator effectively becoming the starter motor when supplied with reverse power. Its 2.4 kg lighter than a standard system. Helical gears are employed for the ISG driving gears, reducing mechanical noise.

Key characteristics of Idling Stop are the ultra-quiet start-up of the engine thanks to the use of ISG, and the smooth starting feeling achieved through a combination of DCT and TBW control. When stopping at a traffic light with Idling Stop on, the engine automatically stops after three seconds and, when restarting, the rider only needs to turn the throttle, which immediately starts the engine.
The system is controlled so that hydraulic oil pressure is applied in advance to the DCT line that activates the clutch when the engine starts, so the time lag from when the rider opens the throttle to movement is reduced. To curb any abruptness the TBW makes the throttle butterfly open gradually following the throttle opening – thus the smooth acceleration befitting of a Gold Wing Tour. Idling Stop can be turned ON or OFF from the right handlebar switch.

Hill starts on a conventional motorcycle often involve simultaneously releasing the brakes, opening the throttle and engaging the clutch according to the grade of the slope. To ease this effort, the Gold Wing Tour has Hill Start Assist (HSA).

After stopping on a slope, further squeezing the brake lever quickly results in the ABS modulator generating hydraulic pressure for the rear brake caliper. When setting off – even when the brake lever is released – the hydraulic pressure temporarily retains braking force (for about three seconds) so starting on the uphill slope with the throttle is possible. When in operation, the HSA indicator is switched on to inform the rider.

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
- Seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission
- Smooth and quiet, with fast upshifts and downshifts
- Walking mode allows machine to ‘creep’ forward or back
- The four riding modes also manage DCT for optimised response
- Optimised low speed manoeuvrability

Honda has sold over 250,000 DCT-equipped motorcycles across Europe since the system first appeared as an option on the VFR1200F in 2009. It delivers consistent, seamless gear changes up or down and very quickly becomes second nature in use. It uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1st, 3rd, 5th & 7th the other for 2nd, 4th and 6th, with the mainshaft for each clutch located inside the other for compact packaging.

Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit. When a gear change occurs, the system pre-selects the target gear using the clutch not currently in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged as, simultaneously, the second clutch engages.

The result is a consistent, fast and seamless gear change. Furthermore, as the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption of the drive to the rear wheel, any gear change shock and pitching of the machine is minimised, making the change feel direct as well as smooth. Extra benefits include durability (as the gears cannot be damaged by missing a gear) impossibility of stalling, low stress urban riding, reduced rider fatigue and increased ability to focus on riding lines, braking and acceleration points.

The DCT system offers two distinct riding approaches – the Automatic settings, with pre-programmed shift patterns which constantly read vehicle speed, gear selected and engine rpm to decide when a shift should occur, and the Manual Transmission setting for gear changes using the paddle-shift style triggers on the left handlebar.

Employing the third generation – and the only one to have seven-speeds – the Gold Wing’s DCT is specifically designed for long-distance cruising; it’s also extremely smooth and fast shifting.
It is also optimised for low-speed manoeuvrability, with close ratios reducing shift-shock. In the higher speed range, they are set wider apart to reduce engine rpm. In both speed ranges comfort is improved as shifting up or down is of the highest quality.

Shift noise and shock were addressed throughout the development of the third generation, with noise damper rubbers on both ends of the fork guide and the master arm greatly reducing any impact sound during gear changes.

A spring damper is installed between the clutch and the main shaft in order to absorb the torque in the rotational direction, thus reducing the noise and shock of the contact between the clutch and main shaft when shifting gears.

The Gold Wing’s DCT features a 1.8km/h forward Walking Mode with reverse of 1.2km/h, operated instantly from a +/- switch on the left handlebar.

The main shaft has a double tube structure, with the outer main shaft (connected with the even-number gears) linked to the inner shaft with a chain, by way of the gears on the counter shaft. This structure gives the outer main shaft the role of the reverse idle shaft, which has resulted in a lightweight reverse mechanism with a compact structure - with no need for any reverse idle shaft.

When activating Walking Mode, the two clutches of DCT are utilised to enable moving backward with clutch #1 and moving forward with clutch #2. In this way, moving forward or backward at walking speed is now possible with only clutch control, without any need for gear shifting. Furthermore, the throttle-by-wire system controls speed by minutely controlling the clutch capacity, while maintaining a certain engine speed, assuring controllability with a sense of security in wide-ranging situations.

The four riding modes are interleaved with DCT. All share the same engine character, delivery and suspension settings as the MT model but add extra DCT-specific parameters:

TOUR uses the default setting for smooth clutch engagement and gearshifts in AT mode, with a low-to-high rpm range for gear shifts.

SPORT deploys a more direct clutch engagement, with gear shifts programmed in a mid-to-high rev range.

ECON has a soft clutch engagement, with low-to-mid rpm gear hold and default shifting feel.

RAIN also operates a soft clutch, low-to-high rpm gear hold range and slower shifting in AT mode.

Accessories
The Honda Goldwing Tour has been complemented with a wide range of premium-feel accessories, available either as a pack or individually.

A Full Option Goldwing Tour pack has been created to further complement the standard equipment and enhance the Gold Wing experience and includes:
- Pannier Inner Bags & Floor Mats
- Trunk Inner Bag, Floor Mat, and Lid Luggage Organiser
- High Screen
- LED Trunk Inner Light
- Full Size Motorcycle Cover

The following accessories are also available individually:
- Passenger Audio Switch and its attachment: Allows the passenger to adjust the volume, source and track.
- Power Amplifier and its attachment: Providing clean and crisp music for the ultimate audio experience on the open road.
- Wheel Stripes
- Front Caliper Covers (Available in Chrome / Black)
- Chrome Side Stand
- Custom Seat: Provides plush seating and a taller rider backrest over the standard option.
- Upper and Lower Air Deflectors
- Wider Rider Footpegs
- Rider Backrest: Custom-styled, high-quality backrest with embossed Gold Wing logo, provides support for added comfort.
- DCT Foot Shifter: A complete kit enabling you to change gear in the traditional 1 down - 5 up format on DCT Models using a left foot shift lever.
- Alarm System: The alarm starts buzzing when an abnormality is detected.
- 12V Socket