The Honda Motorcycle That Ages Better Than Its Competition
Timeless motorcycles are usually limited to retro cruisers, baggers, and full-dressers. After all, once we introduce modern technology, the curse of updates and obsolescence follows. Constantly evolving technology and cutthroat rivals mean that newer, tech-savvy motorcycles, no matter how bleeding-edge, tend to feel outdated quickly. But there are exceptions, and a specific Honda luxury touring bike bucks the trend by lacking nostalgia or old-school appeal. It is a sophisticated, tech-loaded metric touring bike that has aged gracefully. Its current-generation model has remained largely unchanged since 2018.
Aging Gracefully Is A Tricky Affair For New Bikes
Motorcycles that age better than their rivals usually feature simple mechanical designs, timeless styling, and over-engineered, low-stress engines. This is why, as we mentioned above, traditional cruisers, baggers, and tourers top this list. In fact, analog motorcycles do most of the heavy lifting for Harley-Davidson in terms of sales. But among the list of motorcycles that age better than their rivals, there is a healthy share of Japanese models, too. The defunct Yamaha VMax and the intimidating Suzuki Boulevard M109R are prime examples.
But Honda Shows Us Otherwise
Among the big four Japanese bike makers, Honda seems to have mastered the art of making timeless motorcycles, and the formula isn’t confined to old-school looks, bare-bones mechanical components, and nostalgic appeal. In fact, Honda disrupts the norm by showing that even motorcycles with little nostalgic appeal or old-school charm can age better than their rivals.
Some popular examples of timeless Hondas include the Shadow Phantom, the Rebel 1100, and even the defunct Valkyrie Rune. Honda offers a varied lineup of motorcycles that don’t play safe or compromise on top-spec technology and features, yet still age better than their rivals. Today, the Honda that ages the best is undoubtedly the luxurious Gold Wing tourer. But the Gold Wing breaks every rule of graceful aging — it’s heavy, complex, and loaded with technology that should date it fast. So why does it keep winning?
The Sixth-Gen Honda Gold Wing Still Feels Bleeding Edge
Honda launched the current-gen Gold Wing in 2018. That’s when the motorcycle got a complete redesign: an updated engine, two versions, more refinement, a more compact package, and top-spec technology features. The underpinnings were also unique and more sophisticated than most competitors’. Given the constant competition in this space, it’s right to expect the Gold Wing to become outdated quickly. Yet, the 2026 Gold Wing has continued to lead the luxury touring bike segment, despite only nitty-gritty updates.
When it launched, the sixth-gen Gold Wing was eons ahead of its American big-twin rivals. That is still the case. In fact, the only true rival to the Gold Wing was and still is the BMW K 1600 GTL. Even over that, Honda has an edge in superior, proven refinement and reliability. Compared to Harley, Indian Motorcycles is more enticing, masking liquid-cooled, refined big-twins and top-spec technology under a classic-vibing design, with its bagger and full-dresser series comprising the Chieftain, the Challenger, the Roadmaster, and the Pursuit lineup.
Its Unique Six-Cylinder Engine Doesn’t Have Any Room For Boredom
Powering the Gold Wing is the only flat-six motorcycle engine. The 1,833 cc mill has a squared construction with an identical bore and stroke. The compression ratio is cozy at 10.5:1. As a result, its performance figures of 124.7 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 125.3 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 RPM are delivered early and linearly. As standard, it comes with a six-speed manual gearbox with an assist-and-slipper clutch and a final-drive shaft.
But the cooler option is its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It eliminates the need for manual clutch engagement and offers a mode that delivers the breezy twist-and-go feel of a scooter. Years of refinement also make this one of the most reliable and adaptive automatic transmissions, adjusting shift points based on riding style and terrain changes.
Complemented With Surprisingly Agile Underpinnings For The Size
The current-gen Gold Wing sits on a unique die-cast aluminum frame designed to balance weight and rigidity. It utilizes the huge flat-six engine as a stress member. The frame is supported by a distinctive suspension: a double-wishbone front and a Pro-Link monoshock rear. The front suspension adds to its nimble riding dynamics by separating the steering and suspension functions. Compared with a traditional setup, this reduces brake dive and improves stability. It also helps shorten the wheelbase and lets the rider sit closer to the front wheel.
Offers The Best Of Touring Comfort And Luxury
Its low-slung design helps with a very accessible seat height of 29.3 inches. Coupled with the upright, relaxed rider triangle, this adds to touring comfort and luxury. Its sharp and modern design also offers superior wind deflection. The front fascia features a large, integrated windscreen that adjusts electronically across a 4.9-inch range. The side fairings are also strategically sculpted to divert wind away from the rider’s legs. Weatherproof saddlebags with approximately 16 gallons of storage space sit at the back, meanwhile. The Gold Wing Tour full dresser builds on that with a huge top case that boosts storage to 32 gallons and an integrated backrest and armrest for superior pillion comfort.
From the cockpit, you look at a digital-analog setup with a seven-inch TFT and two analog dials on each side. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard here for added connectivity and entertainment. Honda also offers HomeLink on the Gold Wing. Other convenience features include heated grips, keyless ride, cruise control, standard 55W speakers, and even a dedicated gyrocompass to help with uninterrupted navigation on roads with weak connectivity.
On the safety and assistive front, Honda has stacked the features well. Notable features include four ride modes (Tour, Sport, Rain, and ECON), Hill Start Assist, Honda Selectable Torque Control, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The DCT-equipped models also have a Walking Mode that offers a slight push to help riders creep forward or backward at a walking pace. This is handy when getting in and out of tight parking spaces.
Rounding Things Up Is Its Bulletproof Construction
With so much uncommon technology and mechanical componentry at play, it’s normal to expect higher failure rates than with other, safer options. But thanks to Honda’s stringent production standards and proven refinement and reliability, the Gold Wing impresses with lasting appeal. Its flat-six engine, despite being the only one of its kind, has been around since 1988.
Over the years, Honda has honed it into a durable, reliable machine. Even its unique chassis and suspension setup, despite being complex, reassure owners with its durability. This is a very comfortable 1,000-mile motorcycle, and older Gold Wings have easily surpassed 150,000 miles with only yearly maintenance and preventive care. A 2015 Honda Gold Wing has even surpassed 700,000 miles on its original engine.
Source: Honda Powersports
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