2021 Honda Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour First Look

Dennis Chung
by Dennis Chung

Honda sprung news today about upgrades for its 2021 Gold Wing, the biggest of them being a capacity increase for the Tour version’s trunk. Shrinkage in luggage capacity was the chief complaint with the heavily downsized 2018 ’Wing: the new trunk holds 61 liters of storage, compared to the previous 50 liters, which Honda says will easily accept two XXL full-face helmets (even when equipped with headsets).

The passenger seat’s backrest now has a more relaxed angle, thicker foam and a taller profile to keep your passenger even happier. The seat gets a new faux suede cover with an enhanced appearance, along with colored seat piping for added color contrast.

Fog lights are now standard for Gold Wing Tour models while the rear turn signals on all 2021 ’Wings are now red for a clean, stylish look, says Honda.

The top trunk on the Gold Wing Tour is wider, taller and longer, increasing storage while offering a taller, thicker seat for improved passenger comfort.

A number of audio improvements are also along for the ride, for both Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour models, including upgraded, 45-watt speakers (previously 25-watt) with richer audio; optimized automatic volume-adjustment level and a standard XM radio antenna. Android Auto integration joins Apple CarPlay integration. The navigation system has also been updated with four map color options plus speed limit information.

Other changes include updated suspension settings, a saddlebag-mounted USB charger, and blacked out components.

Mechanically, the Gold Wing remains unchanged. The 1833cc flat-Six returns, with a choice of either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT gearbox. The double-wishbone front suspension returns, as does the Pro-Link rear suspension. Claimed curb weights remain the same as the 2020 model, ranging from 787 pounds for the Gold Wing to 847 pounds for the Gold Wing Tour Air Bag DCT.

Colors and pricing for the 2021 Honda Gold Wing:

  • Gold Wing Tour Air Bag DCT: Candy Ardent Red – $32,600
  • Gold Wing Tour DCT: Candy Ardent Red; Metallic Black – $29,300
  • Gold Wing Tour: Candy Ardent Red; Metallic Black – $28,300
  • Gold Wing DCT: Deep Pearl Gray – $25,100
  • Gold Wing: Deep Pearl Gray – $23,900

New 2021 Honda Gold Wings should be making their way into dealers in February.

2021 Honda Gold Wing Specifications

Gold Wing Tour

Gold Wing Tour DCT

Gold Wing Tour Airbag DCT

Gold Wing

Gold Wing DCT

Engine Type1,833cc horizontally opposed, liquid-cooled, six-cylinder four-stroke, single overhead Unicam w/ 4 valves per cylinder, finger-follower rocker arm on intake, roller-rocker arm on exhaust
Bore x Stroke73mm x 73mm
Compression Ratio10.5:1
InductionSingle throttle w/ 50mm bore, Throttle By Wire (TBW)
IgnitionFull transistorized ignition
StarterElectric w/ Integrated Starter Generator System (ISG)
Transmission6-speed manual w/ Reverse7-speed automatic DCT w/ Walking Mode F/R6-speed manual7-speed automatic DCT w/ Walking Mode F/R
ClutchMultiplate wet(2) multiplate wetMultiplate wet(2) multiplate wet
Final DriveShaft
Front SuspensionDouble-wishbone system w/ Showa shock absorber, 4.3 in. travel
Rear SuspensionPro-Link system w/ Showa shock absorber, 4.1 in. travel
Front Brakes(2) radially mounted 6-piston Nissin calipers w/ 320mm rotors, electronically controlled combined ABS
Rear Brakes(1) 3-piston Nissin caliper w/ 316mm rotor, electronically controlled combined ABS
Front Tires130/70-18
Rear Tires200/55-R16
Rake x Trail30.5° x 4.3 inches
Length101.4 inches97.4 inches
Width36.4 inches35.6 inches36.4 inches35.6 inches
Height56.3 inches with low windscreen;
61.2 inches with high windscreen
52.8 inches with low windscreen;
56.9 inches with high windscreen
Seat Height29.3 inches
Ground Clearance5.1 inches
Wheelbase66.7 inches
Fuel Capacity5.6 gallons
ColorsCandy Ardent Red; Metallic BlackCandy Ardent RedDeep Pearl Gray
Curb Weight836 pounds (claimed)838 pounds (claimed)847 pounds (claimed)787 pounds (claimed)800 pounds (claimed)

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Dennis Chung
Dennis Chung

Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.

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4 of 22 comments
  • T L T L on Jan 08, 2021

    I rode a new 2018 Goldwing. In the very first corner I dragged toes pretty hard and it spooked me. I wasn't riding particularly quickly either. While I'm sure it's a capable bike, that made me nervous to test the limits on such a behemoth. I only rode it for abut 15 miles, so maybe a second ride is in order??

    • See 1 previous
    • T L T L on Jan 09, 2021

      No stranger to hanging off or dragging stuff, but the GW seat doesn't really scream hang off. I just counter steered at "slow and unfurious" pace and touched ground WAY sooner than I expected.

  • OSKP CEL OSKP CEL on Jan 14, 2021

    It's less lack of space for "luggage" :)

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