2018 Honda Gold Wing

For more than 40 years, Honda’s Gold Wing has been an icon of long-distance luxury touring. But times they are a-changing, and to attract a new generation of riders while still satisfying the Wing’s core demographic, Honda had to create a lighter, easier-to-handle luxo-touring bike. You’re looking at it. The key differences of this sixth-generation Gold Wing are a redesigned 1,833cc flat-six engine, a lighter-feeling double-wishbone front suspension, an available automatic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and more infotainment features.

The essential Gold Wing comes in two flavors: 1) a “base” model with a low windscreen, hard side cases, and a manual six-speed gearbox; and 2) the DCT version that allows a choice of fully automatic or paddle-operated “manumatic” shifting, meaning no clutch lever, ever. Both basic Wings feature black wheels, exhausts, and other detailing. Moving up a significant level gets you into the Gold Wing Tour, which includes a taller touring windshield, a passenger backrest and trunk, upscale brightwork on the wheels, chassis, engine, and exhaust system, and more. The Gold Wing Tour also offers, optionally, both DCT and the industry’s only motorcycle airbag.

Likes: Honda went all out to make this 787-pound luxury boat handle nimbly

Dislikes: Apple CarPlay integration on a motorcycle

Verdict: Without question, one of Honda's masterworks