In the world of luxury long-hauler street bikes, the Honda Gold Wing has long been the gold standard—literally. But for 2026, the question remains: can this legendary “sofa on wheels” still hold its own against increasingly high-tech European rivals? We took the 2025 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT on a high-speed sprint through the desert to find out if it still reigns supreme.
Performance and the Flat-Six Fury
The heart of the Gold Wing remains its massive 1833cc liquid-cooled flat-six engine. Delivering roughly 90 horsepower and over 100 lb-ft of torque right off idle, this engine provides a “tidal wave” of acceleration that feels entirely effortless. Whether you are merging onto a fast-moving interstate or climbing a mountain pass, the power is always online and ready to work.
Related editorial: 2026 BMW R 1300 RT Review
The standout feature is undoubtedly the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Unlike a traditional automatic, the DCT uses two clutches to ensure the next gear is always pre-loaded. This results in lightning-fast, seamless shifts that make a traditional clutch lever feel like a relic of the past. While some purists may miss the manual interaction, the convenience and smoothness of the DCT in “Tour” mode are perfectly suited for a bike designed to cross continents.
The Best Ride Quality on Two Wheels
Honda’s unique double-wishbone front suspension system continues to be a game-changer. By separating steering duties from suspension damping, the 845-pound machine feels remarkably light and agile at the handlebar.
The result is what we call a “magic carpet ride.” The Gold Wing glides over pavement irregularities, soaking up bumps that would jar a rider on almost any other motorcycle. While it lacks the aggressive “dive” that sport-oriented riders use to trail-brake into corners, it offers a level of stability and luxury that is unrivaled in the touring segment.
Tech, Ergonomics, and Room for Improvement
Inside the cockpit, the ergonomics are “uber relaxed.” The seat is wide, deep, and incredibly supportive—arguably the most comfortable perch in motorcycling. However, the user interface is starting to show its age. While the 2026 model includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the button-heavy “NASA-style” switchgear and the small LCD displays feel a bit dated compared to the massive full-color TFT screens found on the latest BMW or Harley-Davidson models.
Additionally, the 5.5-gallon fuel tank remains a point of contention for serious tourers. With an average of roughly 37–40 mpg, your range is somewhat limited compared to rivals with larger capacities.
2025 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 1833cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic DCT with Plus/Minus manual modes |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| Curb Weight | 845 lbs (Full tank of fuel) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.5 Gallons |
| Brakes (Front) | Dual 320mm discs with 6-piston calipers; Electronically Linked ABS |
| Brakes (Rear) | Single 316mm disc with 3-piston caliper; Electronically Linked ABS |
| Suspension (Front) | Double Wishbone; 4.3 inches of travel |
| Suspension (Rear) | Pro-Link single shock; 4.1 inches of travel |
| U.S. MSRP | $31,000 |
| Warranty | 3-Year limited warranty (Transferable, unlimited mileage) |
