Think the Gold Wing is just a comfy cruiser with lots of chrome? The 2025 model quietly packs a handful of clever, tourer-first features that shift how you ride long distances — not flashy gimmicks, but real-world upgrades that matter on the road.
Quick facts: 1,833-cc flat-six engine, 367 kg wet weight (DCT), trunk 50 L (expandable to 61 L), 7-speed DCT with reverse, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, factory airbag option, starts at US$27,800 (₹39.90L Ex-showroom for the 50th Anniversary CBU).
1. Wireless Apple CarPlay That Actually Works
What really turns heads is the Gold Wing’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tom Roderick tested pairing and found “wireless CarPlay pairing … real-world latency under 0.5 seconds,” — which means navigation, voice control and music are instantaneous without the helmet-Bluetooth juggling most touring riders endure. For anyone who’s ever fumbled with cords at a highway stop, this is a small convenience that stacks up to a big time-saver on a long day.
2. Automatic Load Management
Unlike old-school manual preload that needs a spanner when you add a pillion or luggage, the Gold Wing’s system adjusts spring preload automatically and near-instantly. In practice that keeps ride height and geometry neutral whether you’re solo or two-up with luggage — which translates to less steering fuss and lower rider fatigue on twisty roads.
3. DCT with Reverse
The Dual-Clutch Transmission pre-selects gears for smooth shifts, cutting clutch work on long runs. At highway speeds, the DCT is buttery smooth; in tight, stop-and-go traffic, some riders report a little hunting at low speeds — nothing catastrophic, but worth test-riding in the city if you commute. The built-in reverse is the unsung hero when maneuvering a 390-kg machine out of a parking lot.
4. Expandable Storage
Storage on the Gold Wing isn’t an afterthought. That 50-liter trunk (expandable to 61 L) is sized for real use — owners report two full-face helmets fit upright, and you won’t need a rack of aftermarket bags for weekend trips. For touring, that means faster pack/unpack stops and less fiddly strap work at the petrol pump.
5. Factory Airbag
Honda offers a factory-fit airbag option, not common on motorcycles, and the 50th-anniversary edition adds tasteful badging and special finishes. The airbag isn’t a marketing stunt: it’s a genuine safety option that underscores the Wing’s position as a flagship tourer where comfort and rider protection meet.
Luxury Touring
The 2025 Gold Wing turns common tourer headaches into non-issues. Wireless CarPlay keeps nav and comms smooth; electronic preload handles two-up loads without a toolbox; DCT lightens the workload on long trips; the reverse gear removes stress in tight parking; and the trunk means less aftermarket clutter.
For riders who do long multi-day trips, ride with a pillion, or want tech that helps rather than distracts, these aren’t incremental tweaks. If you tour often, the 2025 Gold Wing isn’t just a luxury statement — it’s a practical toolkit on two wheels.
