The first major update to the Gold Wing since 2001 has shaved off 90 pounds, increased power, enhanced stability and braking and added a state-of-the-art infotainment system. Two hundred miles in Texas told us a lot about the Tour DCT Airbag model above. (Photos by Brian J. Nelson and Kevin Wing)
According to the bike?s thermometer it?s a chilly 45 degrees when my wife and I set out from the hotel outside Austin, Texas, on our first ride in the U.S. aboard Honda?s completely revamped Gold Wing Tour. That?s a heckuva lot warmer than it will be the next day in mid-January, though, when all y?all Texans will remember the Blue Norther that descended upon the state, bringing freezing rain and 20-degree temperatures that closed roads and Interstates and ended up limiting our ride to one 200-mile day instead of two. So today we?re making the most of our time, trying every feature the new Wing has to offer as we cruise around the Texas Hill Country enjoying the rise and fall of the winding roads and finally getting to experience the soul of this new machine on real American blacktop. Read our tech rundown and ride review on the 2018 Honda Gold Wing in Japan
Colors for the standard model (I call it the Sport) are Pearl Stallion Brown, Matte Majestic Silver and Candy Ardent Red.
The story linked above has a pretty thorough description of what?s new on the Gold Wing as well as a brief riding impression from my first hands-on experience at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan. After a...