I’ve owned three Gold Wings in my life. My first was a beat-up 89 GL1500 I bought off Craigslist, and my current steed is a 2018 Tour DCT that’s seen more highway miles than a trucker’s rig. So when Honda announced the 2025 Gold Wing—the 50th-anniversary edition—I was hyped. Finally, I thought, they’ll give us the futuristic touring beast we’ve been begging for.
Turns out, Honda had other plans.
The forums are raging, YouTube critics are roasting the updates, and even my riding group’s WhatsApp chat is a warzone. Let’s break down why the 2025 Gold Wing has split the community—and why Honda might just be okay with that.
What Riders Wanted (And Didn’t Get)
The Dream:
For months, rumors swirled about the 2025 Wing. Leaked patents hinted at radar systems, self-lowering suspensions, and even LiDAR for autonomous riding modes. Enthusiasts on forums drafted wishlists longer than a cross-country route:
- Radar-assisted safety tech (adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring).
- More storage (Indian’s Roadmaster offers 142 liters; the Wing? 121 liters).
- Lower seat height (because not all of us have NBA-ready legs).
The Reality:
Honda delivered… a fresh coat of paint and wireless CarPlay. Here’s the kicker:
- No Radar, No Party: Those leaked patents? Collecting dust. The 2025 Wing has the same safety tech as my 2018 model. No blind-spot alerts, no adaptive cruise. For a bike that starts at $25K, this feels like showing up to a potluck with a bag of chips.
- Same Luggage, Same Complaints: The Tour model still packs 61 liters in the trunk and 30-liter saddlebags. Meanwhile, Indian’s Roadmaster laughs with its 37-liter saddlebags plus a 142-liter trunk. Need to haul gear for a two-week trip? Better pack light—or duct-tape a duffel to the passenger seat.
- Navigation? There’s an App for That: Honda axed the built-in GPS. Now you’re stuck relying on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Great… unless you’re riding through Yellowstone, where cell service is as mythical as Bigfoot.
My 1889 Gold Wing GL1500
Honda’s Calculated Gamble
Let’s play devil’s advocate. Honda isn’t stupid. They’ve sold over 1.2 million Gold Wings since 1975. So why ignore the forums?
1. “If It Ain’t Broke…”
The Gold Wing’s flat-six engine and DCT transmission are bulletproof. Honda knows riders buy this bike to log 100K miles without a hiccup. Adding unproven tech (looking at you, radar) risks reliability—and the Wing’s reputation.
2. The Silent Majority
For every vocal forum warrior, there are 10 riders who just want a comfy, reliable tourer. Honda’s market data likely shows most buyers prioritize proven features over flashy gadgets.
3. Cost Control
Developing radar systems and lowering suspensions isn’t cheap. By keeping the 2025 model familiar, Honda avoids R&D costs—and keeps the Price (mostly) steady. The base model’s $25,200? Only 1K more than in 2024. Try getting that deal on a Harley CVO.
The Ripple Effect – Will the Gold Wing Lose Its Crown?
Let’s be real: The touring bike arena is getting crowded. Here’s how the Wing stacks up:
| Feature | 2025 Gold Wing | BMW K 1600 GTL | Indian Roadmaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,833cc flat-six | 1,649cc inline-six | 1,890cc Thunder stroke V-twin |
| Tech | Wireless CarPlay | Adaptive cruise control | Ride Command+ w/ 7" touchscreen |
| Storage | 121 liters | 124 liters | 142 liters |
| Starting Price | $25,200 | $28,000 | $31,999 |
The verdict? The Wing’s still the value king, but BMW and Indian are gunning for its throne with tech and storage.
Forum Warriors Roasts
Let’s spotlight the spicy takes from the trenches:
- On the lack of radar: “Honda gave us a 50th-anniversary badge instead of blind-spot monitoring. Thanks, I’ll stick it next to my participation trophy.” – @WingOrDie (Salt Meter: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️)
- On the storage: “My Gold Wing’s trunk fits a six-pack and a sandwich. The Roadmaster’s fits a six-pack, a sandwich, and my mother-in-law.” – @BaggersOnly (Salt Meter: 🌶️🌶️🌶️)
- On Honda’s priorities: “They included a 3D model of the bike but didn’t fix the seat height. Priorities!” – @ShortKingRider (Salt Meter: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️)
What Honda Could Learn From This Backlash
1. Offer Optional Tech Packages
Radar and adaptive cruise could be add-ons. Let riders choose between “barebones reliable” and “I want my bike to drive itself.”
2. Involve the Community
Harley’s H-D1 program lets fans co-design bikes. Imagine a Gold Wing built with input from GL1800Riders.com diehards.
3. Drop the “Legacy” Lip Service
If you’re gonna celebrate 50 years, give us more than a coffee-table book. How about a retro-inspired trim with a throwback GL1000 paint job?
Is the 2025 Gold Wing Still The Touring Bike?
The Gold Wing isn’t for everyone. If you want cutting-edge tech, buy a BMW. If you want raw power, grab an Indian. But if you want a bike that’ll outlive your grandkids, coddle you on 12-hour rides, and turn heads at every diner stop? The Wing’s still your ride.
Honda’s playing the long game. They’re betting that reliability and heritage matter more than gadgets.
So flame me in the comments, call me a Honda shill, but I’ll leave you with this: My ’89 GL1500 still runs like a champ. Whatever magic Honda baked into these bikes, it’s not going anywhere.
