Honda’s Gold Wing family has long been regarded as one of the best touring motorcycles in the world, standing toe-to-toe with the American marques and, to a lesser extent, BMW and the rest of the Big Four. What has always set the Gold Wing apart is how easy it makes long days feel. It’s smooth, well-powered, and surprisingly nimble for its size, delivering rock-solid highway stability without the physical or mental fatigue that can creep in on lesser tourers.
For riders who want a serious long-distance machine without committing to a Harley-Davidson or Indian, the Gold Wing has remained a go-to choice, and its electronics suite is among the most polished in the segment. The 2026 Gold Wing Tour builds on that reputation with full touring comfort, modern rider aids, and multiple trim options that allow it to span everything from straightforward long-haul travel to fully loaded luxury touring.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Honda. The information provided is current as of the time of this writing.
The Legendary Touring Motorcycle That Refuses To Die
There are very few touring motorcycles that have lasted half a century. This one will go on for another without breaking into a sweat.
Effortless Power Where It Matters
Honda’s flat-six engine delivers exactly what long-distance touring demands. There’s surprisingly quick acceleration off the line and strong, predictable pull throughout the gear range, but the real story is how calm and composed it feels while doing it. The even firing order and inherent balance of the flat-six keep power delivery smooth and vibration low, making sustained highway speeds feel relaxed rather than draining. It’s the kind of engine that helps you arrive feeling fresh — or at least far less road-weary than you’d expect after a full day in the saddle.
A standard six-speed transmission offers clean, easy shifts, while the available Dual Clutch Transmission takes the “effortless” brief even further with true twist-and-go operation. The DCT’s reverse function and Walking Mode also make low-speed maneuvering and parking far less intimidating, removing stress before and after the ride, not just during it. Ride Modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control come standard, quietly working in the background to keep the Gold Wing Tour smooth, stable, and easy to live with over long distances.
Gold Wing Tour Engine And Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
Horizontally opposed 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
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Displacement |
1,833 cc |
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Power |
125 HP @ 5,500 RPM |
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Torque |
125 LB-FT @ 4,500 RPM |
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Transmission |
6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT automatic |
|
Top Speed |
112 MPH, governed |
The Most Practical And Balanced Luxury Motorcycle You Can Buy Right Now
The Gold Wing DCT manages to tread the fine line between desirable and overkill incredibly well. We explain how.
Stable By Design, Easy To Live With
The Gold Wing Tour’s chassis is a big part of why it feels so composed and confidence-inspiring on long rides. Its lightweight yet rigid die-cast aluminum frame gives the bike a planted, predictable feel, while still allowing surprisingly sharp responses when the road starts to bend. A single-sided swingarm integrates the shaft final drive, reducing unnecessary mass and contributing to a cleaner, more efficient overall layout.
Those weight savings matter. This iteration of the Gold Wing Tour is nearly 90 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and that reduction shows up everywhere. The flat-six engine keeps the center of gravity low, helping the bike feel far lighter than it looks, whether you’re carving through long highway arcs or easing around a parking lot at walking pace. ABS comes standard, quietly reinforcing stability and control, so the Gold Wing remains calm, predictable, and effortless when the miles start stacking up.
Gold Wing Tour Chassis And Suspension Specifications
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Front Suspension/Travel |
Double wishbone/ 4.3 inches |
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Rear Suspension/Travel |
Pro-Link® monoshock/ 4.1 inches |
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Wheels |
Cast alloy |
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Front Tire |
130/70-18 |
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Rear Tire |
200/55-16 |
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Front Brake |
Dual 320 mm discs, ABS |
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Rear Brake |
316 mm disc, ABS |
Honda Gold Wing: 50 Years Of The Touring Legend
The Gold Wing redefined the luxury touring segment and continues to be a benchmark
It’s Built Around The Rider
The Gold Wing Tour’s design is unapologetically focused on rider comfort. A broad front fairing and electrically adjustable windshield create a calm pocket of air, while a vent below the screen relieves pressure behind the glass, reducing head buffeting at highway speeds. The result is low-stress interstate cruising that stays comfortable hour after hour. Heated grips come standard, extending the bike’s usefulness into colder weather without adding complexity.
Storage is equally well-thought-out. Large saddlebags and a top case offer ample room for long-distance travel, while also giving the Gold Wing Tour real everyday utility as a commuter or errand-runner. Honda’s integrated infotainment system brings navigation, weather, and music into a clean, easy-to-use interface, reinforcing the bike’s effortless touring mission. Passenger accommodations are no afterthought either, with substantial grab handles and a wraparound backrest that make two-up travel feel secure and genuinely comfortable over long miles.
Gold Wing Tour Dimensions And Capacities
|
Seat Height |
29.3 inches |
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Wheelbase |
66.9 inches |
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Fuel Capacity |
5.5 gallons |
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Curb Weight |
845 lbs |
How The Gold Wing Tour Gets Touring Right
The Honda Gold Wing Tour meets the touring brief by removing friction from the riding experience in ways that only reveal themselves after hours in the saddle. Rather than relying on sheer size or spectacle, it focuses on a balance between comfort and control, performance and calm, technology and simplicity. Everything about the bike is designed to reduce physical and mental effort, which ultimately defines a truly great long-distance machine.
On the road, the Gold Wing promises stability without being heavy and responsiveness without requiring constant input. It settles into highway miles with a relaxed confidence that encourages you to ride farther rather than count the hours. Honda’s approach to ergonomics, weight distribution, and refinement pays off in how little energy the bike asks from the rider, even when conditions change or the miles pile up.
Just as important, the Gold Wing Tour never feels like a one-trick touring appliance. Its usability extends beyond cross-country rides into everyday practicality, two-up comfort, and real-world maneuverability. That versatility reinforces the sense that the bike is working with you, not against you. When the goal is covering long distances comfortably, steadily, and with minimal effort, the Gold Wing Tour doesn’t just meet the brief; it quietly defines it.