Honda Gold Wing at 50: should you upgrade? 1,833cc, DCT, reverse gear and plush seats in 2025

The big tourer millions know now targets your every mile.

Honda marks half a century of the Gold Wing with a model that stays loyal to its long-haul brief while sharpening the edges. The 2025 machine keeps the calm, effortless character riders expect, then layers in smarter tech, reduced mass and comfort touches that matter on day three of a road trip, not just the first hour.

Revolutionary powertrain

Under the broad fairing sits the familiar 1,833cc, liquid-cooled flat-six. It’s tuned for silk rather than thunder, delivering steady thrust that keeps pace loaded with luggage, two-up and into a headwind. Honda offers a six-speed manual for those who like to work the box, and a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for riders who want traffic-proof ease and fatigue-free cruising. Low-speed control gets a boost from a factory reverse function that takes the strain out of backing into a tight spot or shuffling on a slope.

Honda has trimmed engine-related weight for 2025. Less mass perched low in the chassis helps the bike settle into corners more cleanly and eases slow manoeuvres in car parks. The result is confidence at walking pace and a planted feel once the speed climbs.

1,833cc six, manual or DCT with reverse, and weight shaved where it counts: stability without the strain.

Advanced features and smart technology

Wires take a back seat this year. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bring navigation, calls and music into the dash without a lead dangling from your jacket. Pair, pocket the phone and ride. The electric windscreen now remembers your favourite height, so it returns to your setting after each restart. Riding modes let you dial in response for damp lanes or fast A-roads, keeping the throttle feel and drivetrain behaviour consistent with the conditions.

Up front, the double-wishbone suspension replaces the traditional telescopic fork. That geometry reduces fork dive under braking, keeps the wheel tracking smoothly over broken tarmac, and secures consistent steering even with luggage and a passenger. Long days feel less busy at the bars, and the chassis stays composed when the surface turns choppy.

What the double-wishbone brings

• Reduced dive under braking, so the bike stays level into roundabouts and tight bends.
• More consistent steering geometry for stable line-holding on patchy surfaces.
• Improved bump isolation that takes the edge off miles of coarse motorway.

Premium rider and passenger comfort

Comfort remains the Gold Wing’s calling card. The 2025 seat supports lower back and thighs, and the cockpit layout gives room to shift position without nudging hard plastic. Wind protection creates a calm pocket behind the screen, easing neck and shoulder tension. Pillion accommodation mirrors the rider’s upgrade, with space, padding and footrest placement aimed at keeping both heads clear and awake after a long stint.

Luggage space stays generous for big tours, with neatly integrated storage that keeps weight close to the centre of the bike. The riding position suits a broad range of heights, and controls fall to hand without a stretch, helping you stay relaxed when the rain sets in or the route runs late.

A 50th anniversary edition marks the milestone with exclusive colours, special badging and a commemorative kit.

What stands out in 2025

• Wire-free smartphone integration for navigation and media without trailing cables.
• Electric windscreen with memory, set once and forget.
• Multiple ride modes for varied weather and roads.
• Weight reductions that aid balance at low speed.
• Reverse assist to take the worry out of parking.
• Refined seating and ergonomics for rider and pillion alike.
• 50th anniversary styling touches that nod to five decades of touring.

Core specs snapshot

Why it matters

Touring riders now expect comfort without the faff and tech without a learning curve. The 2025 Gold Wing leans into that shift. It keeps the serene long-distance stride that built the name, then strips away effort: fewer cables, less juggling of gears, and a chassis that works harder so you relax more. For newcomers to big-distance rides, it lowers the barrier. For veterans, it refreshes a trusted tool without throwing away muscle memory.

The brief is simple: all-day calm, fingertip control and tech that disappears into the background.

Manual or DCT: which suits you?

Pick the six-speed manual if you like engine braking set by your left hand and the feel of matching revs on your own terms. Choose DCT if city commutes and cross-continent days feature in the same week, or if wrist comfort matters more than clutch finesse. DCT also shines two-up, smoothing low-speed changes and reducing helmet knock.

Real-world touring gains

Wireless phone pairing matters when you ride daily. No cable to forget at a hotel, no fumbling at services. The windscreen memory saves time at fuel stops and avoids that first windy mile while you adjust. The suspension layout cuts fatigue by calming the front end on rough dual carriageways. Combined, those small wins keep you fresher after 300 miles.

Ownership notes for UK riders

• Practice slow-speed U-turns with luggage fitted; the weight distribution feels different loaded.
• Tyre pressures and preload make a clear difference two-up; set them before you roll.
• Think about heated kit: the charging system easily supports jackets and gloves, and the cockpit stays tidy without charging leads.
• Insurance often rewards approved security; the Gold Wing’s mass deters casual thieves, but a disc lock and tracker add peace of mind.

Planning your first big trip

Break days into 90-minute blocks and let the bike’s storage work for you: keep wet layers and a dry base layer within the top case, tools and compressor low in a side case. Use the ride modes to tame slick B-roads after showers, then switch back to a livelier map when the surface dries. The reverse function helps with sloped hotel car parks; face downhill when you can, and back in using the assist if not.

The 50th anniversary edition will tempt collectors, but long-distance riders benefit too: bright colours aid visibility in rain and dusk, while unique badging adds resale appeal. If you ride year-round, look for accessories that complement the factory kit, such as wind deflectors, a breathable seat cover for summer heat, and inner bags that speed hotel check-ins.