Best Touring Bike: Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

After two years of watching BMW take home the, uh, “gold” in this category, the Gold Wing is back on the top step of the podium, earning the Best Touring Bike award for the 16th time. Mechanically, the 2006 Wing isn’t much different than the ’05, but Honda finally made available some long-overdue accessories (GPS, as well as heated grips, seat and passenger backrest) this year, and that was sufficient to swing our vote back in the big Six’s favor. So, with a smoothie of an engine that could move mountains, a plush, spacious cockpit, great weather protection and remarkably competent handling for a motorcycle of its size, the Gold Wing returns as the finest over-the-road traveling companion on two wheels.