When it comes to touring motorcycles, few can match the legacy and comfort that the Honda Gold Wing has built over the years. Known for its powerful engine, cutting-edge technology, and luxurious ride, the Gold Wing has long been the gold standard for long-distance touring bikes. The 2024 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT, a modern iteration of this iconic motorcycle, takes the touring experience to new heights. With its advanced features, exceptional comfort, and the revolutionary Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), this bike offers a refined and effortless touring experience like no other.
Design and Comfort
The Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT is built with comfort in mind. From its low-slung, wide body to its plush seat, every aspect of the Gold Wing is designed to ensure that riders enjoy the long haul, whether they’re cruising across the country or exploring new scenic routes. The bike’s design is sleek and aerodynamic, with smooth lines and a balanced profile that exude sophistication and purpose. It is slightly larger and more substantial than many other touring bikes, but this only adds to its commanding presence and stability on the road.
The ergonomics of the Gold Wing Tour DCT are outstanding, with a range of adjustable features that allow the rider to tailor the fit to their personal preference. The seat is designed to provide maximum comfort for both the rider and passenger, with plenty of cushioning for long-distance journeys. Additionally, the passenger’s seat is spacious and includes armrests, adding to the overall comfort.
The bike is equipped with a large adjustable windscreen, which can be raised or lowered with the touch of a button, ensuring that the rider can find the perfect balance between wind protection and ventilation. The lower body also benefits from wind deflectors, making the Gold Wing Tour DCT an excellent choice for riders who want to avoid wind fatigue on long rides. Overall, the design of the Gold Wing Tour DCT ensures that it’s not just a motorcycle but a true touring machine built for comfort over long distances.
Performance and Power
Under the large, elegant body of the Gold Wing Tour DCT is a 1,833cc six-cylinder engine. This engine is a signature feature of the Gold Wing lineup and continues to impress with its smooth power delivery and refined performance. The 1.8-liter boxer engine produces around 125 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, offering ample power for highway cruising, mountain roads, and even passing slower vehicles with ease. The power output is enough to make long-distance touring both exciting and effortless.
The smoothness of the engine is enhanced by Honda’s innovative engineering. The Gold Wing’s six-cylinder engine offers linear power delivery, meaning riders can expect smooth acceleration without any jerky or unpredictable behavior. Whether cruising on highways or tackling winding mountain roads, the engine’s responsiveness makes every ride enjoyable.
What truly sets the Gold Wing Tour DCT apart is its Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The DCT system offers seamless shifting between gears, without the need for a traditional clutch lever. The system uses two clutches to ensure smooth and quick gear transitions, whether in automatic or manual mode. This makes the bike incredibly easy to ride, especially for those who may not be as familiar with manual transmissions. With DCT, the rider can focus more on the road and less on gear shifts, creating a more relaxed and stress-free experience on long journeys.
Additionally, the Gold Wing Tour DCT features an electronic throttle by wire, which allows for more precise control over the throttle response and smoother acceleration. The bike’s ride-by-wire technology also supports multiple ride modes, including Tour, Sport, and Econ modes, giving riders the ability to tailor the bike’s performance to their preferences and conditions.
Advanced Technology and Features
The 2024 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT is packed with high-tech features designed to enhance the rider’s experience and make long-distance touring safer and more convenient. The bike features a large, 7-inch full-color TFT display that offers easy access to navigation, ride settings, and other essential information. The display is well-organized and easy to read, even in direct sunlight, and can be controlled through the intuitive switchgear on the handlebars.
One of the most notable tech features of the Gold Wing Tour DCT is the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. With this feature, riders can easily connect their smartphones to the bike’s infotainment system, enabling them to use navigation, music, and even take calls—all through the display or via voice command. The system is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to stay connected while on the road.
Honda has also integrated Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to connect wireless headsets for communication with a passenger or other riders. The Gold Wing’s premium audio system delivers clear sound, whether you’re enjoying music or speaking with a passenger. The integration of all these technologies makes the Gold Wing Tour DCT one of the most advanced touring motorcycles available today.
In terms of safety, the Gold Wing Tour DCT comes equipped with advanced rider assistance systems like Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which helps prevent wheel slip in various road conditions. The bike’s Combined ABS system ensures balanced braking and helps maintain control when braking in difficult conditions. The Gold Wing also features electronically adjustable suspension, which automatically adjusts for load and riding conditions, ensuring a smooth and stable ride regardless of the terrain.
Storage and Touring Features
When it comes to touring, storage space is essential, and the Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT does not disappoint. The bike comes with a spacious top case and saddlebags, providing ample room for luggage, gear, and essentials for long-distance trips. The top case can hold a full-face helmet, while the saddlebags offer generous storage for additional items.
Honda has also equipped the Gold Wing with a range of convenient features that make long rides even more enjoyable, including heated grips and seats, an integrated navigation system, and a cruise control system that helps reduce fatigue during long highway stretches.
Conclusion
The 2024 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT represents the pinnacle of touring motorcycles. It combines an incredibly smooth and powerful engine with advanced technology, exceptional comfort, and intuitive controls to create a motorcycle that excels in long-distance touring. Whether you’re cruising across the country or embarking on a weekend getaway, the Gold Wing Tour DCT ensures a premium riding experience that’s second to none.
With its sophisticated design, advanced electronics, and the smoothness of the DCT transmission, the Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT remains the ultimate choice for serious touring riders. Whether you’re looking for performance, luxury, or technology, the Gold Wing offers it all, making it the perfect companion for those who seek comfort and excitement in every mile.