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NEWS
HONDA GOLD WING
ENTERS 2027 WITH A FRESH NEW LOOK
Few motorcycles have become as synonymous with long-distance touring as Honda’ s Gold Wing. From its beginnings as a relatively simple 1000cc naked motorcycle in 1975, the Gold Wing has evolved into one of the most sophisticated and recognisable touring machines ever produced, with five decades of development behind it.
Now, as Honda looks beyond the model’ s 50th anniversary, the GL1800 Gold Wing enters the 2027 model year with a relatively modest update – but one that keeps the flagship tourer fresh without disturbing the formula that has made it such an enduring motorcycle.
For 2027, the Gold Wing is offered exclusively in Gunmetal Black Metallic with Mat Ballistic Black Metallic detailing. It may be a simple change, but it gives the machine a darker, more contemporary appearance while retaining the muscular, understated character of the current-generation motorcycle. The current Gold Wing represents one of the most significant departures in the model’ s history. When the GL1800 arrived for 2018, Honda effectively started again, producing a machine that was smaller, lighter and considerably more agile than its predecessor. The change was deliberate, aimed at responding to an evolving motorcycle market and attracting a younger generation of riders who might previously have overlooked the Gold Wing. That transformation did little to diminish its long-distance credentials. Instead, it created a motorcycle that combined the traditional Gold Wing virtues of comfort, refinement and quality with a much more engaging riding experience. Subsequent updates have steadily added to the package, including suspension and low-speed manoeuvrability improvements, upgraded audio, revised electronics and tyre-pressure monitoring.
At the heart of the Gold Wing remains Honda’ s distinctive 1,833cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. Producing 93kW at 5,500rpm and 170Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, the flat-six provides the effortless delivery expected of a flagship touring motorcycle, while retaining the character and distinctive sound that have become part of the Gold Wing experience.
Rather than relying on conventional motorcycle architecture, Honda continues to use its unusual double-wishbone front suspension. The design allows the engine to sit further forward in the chassis while separating steering inputs from suspension movement, reducing friction and contributing to the Gold Wing’ s stability and surprisingly manageable steering. At the rear, a Pro-Arm swingarm and Pro-Link suspension system provide the long-distance comfort expected from the machine.
The result is a motorcycle that remains substantial – tipping the scales at 373kg – but one engineered to make that mass less intimidating once moving. With a 1,695mm wheelbase, 30.5-degree rake and 109mm trail, the Gold Wing combines stability at touring speeds with a chassis designed to remain composed when the road becomes tighter.
One of the defining features of the current Gold Wing is Honda’ s seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, which is now standard equipment. The third-generation DCT was specifically developed for the Gold Wing and uses two clutches to provide rapid, seamless gear changes, while allowing the rider to select either fully automatic operation or manual shifts via handlebar-mounted controls.
It is a system that goes beyond simply removing the need for a conventional clutch. Honda has tuned the
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