If you ask any serious motorcycle enthusiast to name the king of long-distance touring, the answer is almost always the same: The Honda Gold Wing. For decades, this machine has defined what it means to travel across countries on a motorcycle. It isn’t just a bike; it is practically a luxury car on two wheels.
For 2025, Honda hasn’t reinvented the wheel, and honestly, they didn’t need to. Instead, they have taken a winning formula and polished it to perfection. The new model brings together premium comfort, a shockingly smooth engine, and the kind of technology you usually find in high-end sedans. Designed for riders who want to crush highway miles without feeling exhausted, the 2025 Gold Wing sets a new benchmark for what a luxury tourer should be.
The Heart of the Beast: Performance and Engine
Let’s start with what makes the Gold Wing so special: the engine. Powering the 2025 model is the legendary 1,833cc liquid-cooled flat-six engine.
If you have never ridden a flat-six, it is hard to describe just how smooth it is. Unlike a V-twin that rumbles and shakes, this engine hums. It delivers power like an electric turbine. For 2025, Honda has fine-tuned it even further to reduce vibrations and improve fuel efficiency. It pushes out approximately 125 horsepower and a massive 170 Nm of torque.
That torque figure is the important part. It means that even if you have the bike fully loaded with luggage and a passenger, you can twist the throttle in any gear, and the bike just pulls forward effortlessly.
Choosing Your Gearbox: DCT vs. Manual
One of the coolest things about the Gold Wing is that you have a choice in how you ride it:
- 7-Speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission): Honda’s automatic system. Fantastic for touring because it handles all the shifting for you. It’s incredibly smart—it knows when you are going uphill or downhill and adjusts the gears accordingly. It also includes a “Walking Mode” to help you creep forward or backward into tight parking spots.
- 6-Speed Manual: For purists who still want to feel that connection with the machine, the manual gearbox is still available and now optimized for smoother shifts.
Both versions come with a shaft-drive system, a huge plus for long-distance travelers because it is virtually maintenance-free.
Quick Specs Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1,833 cc Liquid-Cooled Flat-Six |
| Power & Torque | ~125 HP / 170 Nm |
| Transmission Options | 7-Speed Automatic (DCT) or 6-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | Approx. 180 km/h |
| Key Tech | 7-inch Touchscreen, Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Estimated Price | $46,000 – $50,000 USD (Global estimate) |
Designed for First-Class Comfort
The 2025 Gold Wing continues its legacy of being the most comfortable motorcycle on the market. Honda has tweaked the bodywork to improve aerodynamics, meaning the air flows around you, reducing fatigue.
The seats have been upgraded with better cushioning for both rider and passenger. The passenger seat feels more like a lounge chair. The windscreen is electronically adjustable, so you can raise it on the highway or lower it in the city.
Honda has also released a 50th Anniversary Edition with exclusive graphics, commemorative badges, and a stunning red-and-gold color scheme.
Technology That Connects You
In 2025, a touring bike needs to be smart, and the Gold Wing delivers. The bike features a 7-inch full-color TFT touchscreen supporting Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other tech features include:
- Smart Key System
- Premium Audio with integrated speakers
- Ride Modes: Tour, Sport, Econ, Rain
You can navigate, listen to music, and take calls—all without plugging in your phone.
Safety and Handling
Despite its size, the Gold Wing handles like a much lighter machine thanks to its unique double-wishbone front suspension. This system isolates bumps from the handlebars, creating incredible stability.
Top-tier safety tech includes:
- ABS and Traction Control
- Hill Start Assist
- Dual Combined Braking System (D-CBS)
All of this ensures the bike stays planted in all conditions.
Pricing and Verdict
This level of luxury does not come cheap. The global pricing ranges between $46,000 and $50,000 USD.
But what you get is the pinnacle of motorcycle touring engineering. Yes, it’s heavy, but once it’s moving, the weight disappears. For riders wanting to cross continents in pure comfort, there is no better option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much does the 2025 Honda Gold Wing cost?
Depending on the specific model, prices range from roughly $46,000 to $50,000 USD.
Q2: Is the automatic (DCT) transmission good for touring?
Yes. The 7-speed DCT is smoother than most manual riders can shift and reduces fatigue on long trips.
Q3: Can I connect my phone to the bike?
Absolutely. It supports Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.
Q4: What is the top speed?
Around 180 km/h, though the bike is built for comfort, not racing.
Q5: Is it hard to park such a big bike?
The bike offers a Walking Mode (DCT models), making tight maneuvers much easier.
