2021 Honda Gold Wing Features & Benefits

January 5, 2021

Gold Wing Tour Airbag DCT
Gold Wing Tour DCT
Gold Wing Tour
Gold Wing DCT
Gold Wing

Engineered to become the "King of Motorcycles," Honda's original Gold Wing quickly adapted to life on the open road, its earliest successors helping to shape the modern touring category through a combination of unparalleled power, comfort and ride quality. In the subsequent generations, the machine evolved because of the way motorcyclists used it, and for 2021, that trend continues with updates geared toward extended experiences and increased comfort. Key to the enhanced experience is increased luggage capacity and improved passenger comfort for Gold Wing Tour models, along with platform-wide updates like a new seat, audio equipment and body trim.

NEW FOR 2021

Since an all-new platform in 2018, the Gold Wing has enjoyed focused upgrades, with navigation software updates followed closely by styling- and comfort-minded features including reshaped passenger grab handles, blacked-out components, updated suspension settings, a saddlebag-mounted USB charger and standard fog lights for all Tour models. The 2021 Gold Wing further expands on the goal, with updates aimed at even greater comfort and convenience.

Top trunk on Gold Wing Tour versions is 48 mm wider, 46 mm taller and 34 mm longer. With an added 11 liters of storage (61 liters vs. 50), the trunk can fit added luggage or two XXL helmets, even when those helmets are outfitted with headsets.
Passenger backrest angle reduced from 17º to 24.5º for a more relaxed riding position that reduces pressure on the passenger's hips
Passenger backrest is 30 mm taller, and thickness of the backrest foam is increased 5 mm, for increased comfort on long rides
Resurfaced seat on Gold Wing Tour and Gold Wing features premium suede-like cover with enhanced feel and appearance
Gold Wing seat includes colored piping for added color contrasts
Android Auto™ capability joins Apple CarPlay™ integration, enabling customers with Android 5.0 or later smartphones and the Android Auto app to seamlessly enjoy application services such as music, phone calls and messaging
Upgraded, 45 watt speakers replace 25 watt speakers for richer midrange audio (Gold Wing Tour includes two speakers at the front fairing and two at the trunk, while Gold Wing features two speakers at the front)
Automatic volume-adjustment level optimized for improved experience in a wider range of riding conditions
Navigation software updated to include speed-limit information and four map color options
XM radio antenna standard, reducing installation steps for available subscription services
Rear turn signals in all red for a clean, stylish look
Gold Wing Tour available in Metallic Black or Candy Ardent Red color options, while the Gold Wing will be offered in a new Deep Pearl Gray

DESIGN

The Gold Wing's design emphasizes the bike's performance-minded origins, its sharp lines and exposed engine hinting at the machine's lithe handling. Through careful design, aerodynamic efficiency and heat management are also considered, the bike slipping through the air with impressive efficiency while offering ergonomics that are a staple to long days on the open road.

High aerodynamic efficiency complements an impressive power-to-weight ratio to maximize fuel mileage
Compact, high-performance side-mount radiator allows space for narrow front cowl
Air-guiding ducts flow optimal amounts of air into the rider area, allowing a true motorcycling experience
Electric windscreen, in varying heights depending on version, gives rider control over airflow through stepless adjustment for height and angle
LED headlight incorporates distinctive "wing line"
LED turn signals with auto-canceling function are integrated into mirrors at the front, and into the all-red taillights at the rear
Two-piece seat is shaped to allow rider to easily move around in the saddle during spirited riding, and to let passenger tour in comfort

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

A liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine has a low center of gravity, minimal vibration and quiet running. Available with a 6-speed manual transmission or with Honda's highly advanced, 7-speed automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the engine offers impressive performance and the magic-carpet-ride experience for which the Honda Gold Wing is known.

1,833cc liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine provides an enjoyable riding experience in a wide range of riding situations
SCM440H material for the crankshaft is strong, allowing a compact design
Unicam® valve train offers weight savings and maximum fuel efficiency while also contributing to the engine's compact dimensions
Four-valve head offers ideal combustion efficiency and fuel efficiency
Aluminum cylinder sleeves for low engine weight
Short engine configuration enables engine and seating area to be positioned forward in the chassis, affecting weight bias to promote sporty handling
Single, 50 mm throttle body for low weight
Low intake-manifold volume for direct flow of air to combustion chamber, enhancing throttle response
Sporty exhaust sound achieved through optimized pipe diameter on two of the six cylinders, and the absence of fiberglass in the muffler
Standout fuel economy enables fuel tank to be made small for optimal vehicle packaging and low weight
DCT features Walking Mode for creeping forward and backward (.75 mph in reverse direction, 1.1 mph in forward direction)
DCT models save weight through absence of reverse idle shaft, which is needed in conventional transmission
Minimal shift shock and noise on DCT models through use of fork-shaft dampers, master-arm damper, and DCT clutch-center damper
Assist and slipper clutch on manual-transmission models have light lever effort and low shift shock on downshifts
Cam damper on manual-transmission model minimizes shift noise and shift shock
Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) saves weight and minimizes noise at start-up

TECHNOLOGIES

The Gold Wing's cutting-edge electronics package is managed by a throttle-by-wire system that opens the door to multiple riding modes and electronic rider aids. Each of these systems is a tool for comfortably employing and taking advantage of the Gold Wing's improved performance.

Throttle-by-wire system provides basis for advanced electronics package
Four riding modes—Tour, Sport, Econ and Rain—help tailor the riding experience for specific riding conditions
On Tour versions, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system manages rear-wheel slip
Hill Start Assist makes it easier to start from a stop on an ascent
Optimized cruise-control function for relaxed cruising
Smart Key for keyless starts and bag access
Vehicle Viewfinder system simplifies locating motorcycle, for instance in larger parking lots
Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides real-time status of tire pressure, also indicating when tire pressure drops below a certain level
Apple CarPlay compatibility enables the rider to access Apple Music and Maps, make phone calls and send dictated messages using Siri
Android Auto integration enables customers with Android 5.0 or later smartphones and the Android Auto app to seamlessly enjoy application services such as music, phone calls and messaging.
7-inch full-color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display offers clear viewing of audio and navigation systems, as well as settings for individual rider-aid systems

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

The Gold Wing platform's chassis is designed to strike a balance between stability and maneuverability, an objective that's met in part through a carefully engineered aluminum frame and unique double-wishbone front-suspension configuration, which work in unison with the bike's Pro-Link® rear-suspension system to provide unparalleled comfort on the highway, while also helping riders tackle tighter sections of road with confidence.

Robotically welded aluminum twin-spar frame
Optimized plate thicknesses in frame spars achieve ideal rigidity and flex characteristics
Single-sided swingarm with attachment on one side. This solution changes stress on swingarm pivot plate, giving engineers more freedom in their approach to frame rigidity, ultimately enhancing vehicle maneuverability
Lightweight design for frame and swingarm
Short seat rail positions rider and passenger forward, enabling optimal mass centralization
Twin 320 mm front-brake rotors, single 316 mm rear rotor, for excellent stopping power
Radially mounted six-piston dual front-brake calipers and single three-piston rear-brake caliper
Electronically controlled combined braking system with ABS uses single modulator for low weight
Tires specifically designed for Gold Wing, in sizes 200/55-R16 (rear) and 130/70-18 (front)
Double-wishbone front-suspension system minimizes friction and enhances agility, reducing total shock transferred to the handlebars by 30 percent compared to the previous Gold Wing platform; the inertial mass of the components operated by the handlebars is reduced by 40 percent, for reduced steering effort
Bearings for all shaft bushings on front-suspension system minimize friction for both stroke and steering
Double-wishbone front-suspension system leads to compact vehicle package, as stroke trajectory allows a forward engine location
Pro-Link rear-suspension system delivers a comfortable ride
Convenient, electrically controlled suspension-damping adjustment uses stepping motor acting on a needle to control oil flow rate

ADDITIONAL STANDOUT FEATURES

30 liter storage capacity each for left and right saddlebags
60 liter storage capacity for rear luggage case on Gold Wing Tour versions (optional on Gold Wing versions), enabling storage of two XXL helmets
Dampers on saddlebag and rear luggage-case lids, for smooth operation
Airbag model's collision-judgment system arranged close to the center of gravity for optimal mass centralization
Four, 45-watt speakers on Gold Wing Tour (two on Gold Wing versions) offer enjoyable listening experience on the road

ACCESSORIES

More than 50 Honda Accessories are offered for Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour, enabling rider customization or to meet rider-specific needs.