New changes for 2021 GL1800 - finally!

[WingAdmin]

It seems like Honda might have been listening to the complaints - sort of. They have announced the changes coming to the 2021 Goldwing.

The biggest complaint we heard about the 2018+ GL1800: storage space. The previous generation of GL1800 had 150 liters of storage space in the trunk and saddlebags. Starting in 2018, that dropped to a paltry 110 liters, the smallest amount of space ever in any Goldwing.

For 2021, Honda is enlarging the trunk on the Tour model by 11 liters, bringing the trunk capacity from 50 liters to 61 liters, and the overall storage capacity to 121 liters. While not a tremendous increase, it does mean that a pair of helmets may fit inside, whereas they did not with the previous trunk:

Helmets in larger trunk

The seat has been changed to a mix of suede and synthetic leather, purportedly to increase rider and passenger comfort. Also changed: as part of the trunk lid redesign, the passenger backrest has been made taller, with thicker foam padding, and angled back more, to give a more relaxed, reclined riding position for the passenger:

New seat and backrest

The audio system gets an upgrade: a more powerful amplifier, driving 45-watt speakers (the previous 2018 had 25-watt speakers), a reworked automatic volume-adjustment level, and all bikes now come with a satellite radio antenna installed by default. Android Auto is also now supported as well as Apple CarPlay.

The navigation system gets a few upgrades as well: more map color options, and the long-asked for feature of speed limit information will now show on the maps.

There are some additional suspension setting options on the new bike, and a saddlebag-mounted USB charger. No changes were made to the engine or transmission, and the weight of the bike is also unchanged.

And...a decidedly BONEHEADED decision by Honda: For no other reason than for "style", Honda has decided to regress to one of the worst things about cars and bikes in America: it has changed the turn signals on the back of the bike from the standard, highly visible amber, to red. That's right, the new GL1800, for no good reason, has removed one of the simplest safety features that keeps people from being hit from behind - and that's statistically proven. Now your turn signals blend in with (and are virtually indistinguishable from) your brake lights, just like all the other cars on the road in the US.

All-red taillights

Of course, it wouldn't be a Goldwing model year announcement without some new paint colors:

Gold Wing Tour Air Bag DCT: Candy Ardent Red
Gold Wing Tour DCT, Gold Wing Tour: Candy Ardent Red; Metallic Black
Gold Wing DCT, Gold Wing: Deep Pearl Gray

MSRP Prices announced for 2021:

Gold Wing Tour Air Bag DCT: $32,600
Gold Wing Tour DCT: $29,300
Gold Wing Tour: $28,300
Gold Wing DCT: $25,100
Gold Wing: $23,900

You can Download the new 2021 GL1800 Product Brochure which shows the new features.

Notice also that Honda is now adding the word "Automatic" to the DCT - because people apparently had no idea what DCT means.



   Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!

[dtrider]

Just saw the news about that this morning. Looks like they actually listened to our complaints. Sounds like they have taken the trunk storage capacity back up to 61 liters (the same that it is on my 2012). In addition they have made some improvements to passenger comfort (What? The passenger isn't just an afterthought on a long-distance touring machine?). They have relaxed the backrest and added more padding to the seat.

What I don't see mentioned though is the capacity of the saddle bags. It looks to me like the 2021 saddle bags are significantly smaller than what I have on the 2012. I'm hoping that the total capacity is at least approaching the 150 liters that is described for my 2012. I would also like to see if there are or will be any after-market racks that can go on the trunk. When we are taking our multi-day trips we want as much capacity as we can get.

My wife and I will have to go take another look at these new 'Wings when they hit the stores in the spring. Since I'm looking at full retirement next year, this may be good timing for me. If we get a new bike this year we'll have a chance to get through the first oil change before heading out on a cross-country tour next year.
/dwight

[thboyd29]

Will be interested to see if the new trunk (or pieces needed to perform the expansion) can be retro-fitted to the 18-20 models.

[WingAdmin]

Another video from Honda detailing changes



   Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!

[C-dub]

Getting two full face helmets into the trunk may still depend on which helmets you have. I could get my large and my wife's medium HJC-MaxII modular helmets into the trunk of my 2016, but cannot get both of our Shoei Neotec-II helmets in. I could probably get two mediums in since the shell on the medium is smaller than the large. The outer shell on the HJC's were either the same size or just smaller overall.

[newday777]

But still too small a gas tank for cross country full loaded trailering. I'll stay with my 08.

[thboyd29]

But still too small a gas tank for cross country full loaded trailering. I'll stay with my 08.

I haven't found that to be the case. In fact, my 19 seems to pull my Bunkhouse camper better than my 01 did, particularly at 70+ mph speeds, where the 01/Bunkhouse tended to begin swaying. Range on the two semi-long trips so far seem to be about the same at about 180 miles indicated, which was better than my 91 1500 which was usually only good for 150-160. Having said that, I live in the midwest, where fuel range isn't as big a factor as it is out west.
You pays yer money, you makes yer choices...

[newday777]

But still too small a gas tank for cross country full loaded trailering. I'll stay with my 08.

I haven't found that to be the case. In fact, my 19 seems to pull my Bunkhouse camper better than my 01 did, particularly at 70+ mph speeds, where the 01/Bunkhouse tended to begin swaying. Range on the two semi-long trips so far seem to be about the same at about 180 miles indicated, which was better than my 91 1500 which was usually only good for 150-160. Having said that, I live in the midwest, where fuel range isn't as big a factor as it is out west.
You pays yer money, you makes yer choices...

Staying pace with the interstate traffic will be far less mpg and per tank especially in headwinds of the mid and western states....... When you do that then reply back....

[thboyd29]

But still too small a gas tank for cross country full loaded trailering. I'll stay with my 08.

I haven't found that to be the case. In fact, my 19 seems to pull my Bunkhouse camper better than my 01 did, particularly at 70+ mph speeds, where the 01/Bunkhouse tended to begin swaying. Range on the two semi-long trips so far seem to be about the same at about 180 miles indicated, which was better than my 91 1500 which was usually only good for 150-160. Having said that, I live in the midwest, where fuel range isn't as big a factor as it is out west.
You pays yer money, you makes yer choices...

Staying pace with the interstate traffic will be far less mpg and per tank especially in headwinds of the mid and western states....... When you do that then reply back....

*Snort, chortle* No kiddin'?
I don't really have plans for a *third* trip to Canada's Northwest Territories (first one on the 1500, second on the 01, both pulling the Bunkhouse), but if I do, I'll let you know. FWIW, I'd have no qualms whatsoever about making that trip on the 19.

Only problem with that is - Canada's speed limits are probably too low for your liking, and you *do* have to keep an eye out for bison.

. Of course, getting to Canada from northern Indiana *would* involve higher speeds on American interstates, and it *does* get breezy in the northern prairies too. *giggle, snicker*
Fuel availability in some areas up there can certainly be a concern, but I was OK with the 1500's 150-mile range and the 01's 180 miler - I didn't need to carry extra fuel either time.
As I said, you pays yer money...

[dtrider]

If they are going to use Metric numbers, I really wish they would also provide US Customary values also. Might make it easier for some of us old dinosaurs in the States to visualize what they are talking about in terms of storage capacity.

I did the conversions, and with the increase of the trunk from 50 liters (1.77 cubic feet, or cf) to 61 liters (2.15 cf), we gain 11 liters (0.39 cf). Whoop-de-do. As Scott noted, the overall capacity of the new Wing is still down 30 liters (1.06 cf): 150 liters (5.3 cf) vs 121 liters (4.27 cf). 1 cubic foot may not seem like all that much, but on a long trip it could mean leaving behind a pair of shoes. 1/3 of a cubic foot is a pair of pants.

Overall I don't think I'll be trading in my 2012 just yet. It's still doing the job for me just fine.
/dwight

[thboyd29]

If they are going to use Metric numbers, I really wish they would also provide US Customary values also. Might make it easier for some of us old dinosaurs in the States to visualize what they are talking about in terms of storage capacity.

I did the conversions, and with the increase of the trunk from 50 liters (1.77 cubic feet, or cf) to 61 liters (2.15 cf), we gain 11 liters (0.39 cf). Whoop-de-do. As Scott noted, the overall capacity of the new Wing is still down 30 liters (1.06 cf): 150 liters (5.3 cf) vs 121 liters (4.27 cf). 1 cubic foot may not seem like all that much, but on a long trip it could mean leaving behind a pair of shoes. 1/3 of a cubic foot is a pair of pants.

Overall I don't think I'll be trading in my 2012 just yet. It's still doing the job for me just fine.
/dwight

Just for grins, I looked up Harley's full-size tour pak to compare. HD lists it as 4290 cubic inches, which if Google's math is correct converts to roughly 2.48 cubic feet or 70.3 liters. I wonder if anyone's tried to replace a stock GL trunk with a tour pak to get the extra storage? Another nice plus would be that the tour pak opens from the side, allowing you to open it with a passenger seated (or other stuff tied down). You'd need Honda's trunk removal kit, then have to fit a rack to that, then fit the tour pak to that. Maybe about two grand, not counting paint?

[autonoob]

Another video from Honda detailing changes



   Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!

It looks awesome. This motorbike will definitely be an eye-catcher on the road.

[in2it]

Good to see that Honda has increased the trunk on the 21's ... now if the add more room in the Saddle Bags and offer more Wind Protection they would be back in the touring motorcycle biz ... I do a lot of 2 to 5 days rides and storages plays a big part in my decision ... so I keep my 1500 for it does the job for me

[WingAdmin]

The 2021 GL1800's are beginning to roll into dealers. I'm not sure about the new trunk: the old trunk, while small, did fit with the lines of the original design.

This new, larger trunk...to me, really doesn't fit with the lines. It looks like a Goldwing with "too much junk in the trunk" if you know what I mean.

Maybe they now need to enlarge the saddlebags to make it look proportioned?

New 2021 GL1800 in packing crate

New 2021 GL1800 removed from crate

New 2021 GL1800 Trunk and saddlebags

New 2021 GL1800 Trunk from behind

[in2it]

The 2021 GL1800's are beginning to roll into dealers. I'm not sure about the new trunk: the old trunk, while small, did fit with the lines of the original design.

This new, larger trunk...to me, really doesn't fit with the lines. It looks like a Goldwing with "too much junk in the trunk" if you know what I mean.

Maybe they now need to enlarge the saddlebags to make it look proportioned?

145239891_4252429438119459_686202821725997283_n.jpg
144368684_4252429238119479_5865038653585015013_n.jpg
144668153_4252429378119465_5028411250167978318_n.jpg
144409834_4252429338119469_5352358439048433527_n.jpg

I agree

[thboyd29]

The 2021 GL1800's are beginning to roll into dealers. I'm not sure about the new trunk: the old trunk, while small, did fit with the lines of the original design.

This new, larger trunk...to me, really doesn't fit with the lines. It looks like a Goldwing with "too much junk in the trunk" if you know what I mean.

Maybe they now need to enlarge the saddlebags to make it look proportioned?

I dunno. Just from the pictures, it doesn't look much different from my '19. I may change my mind after seeing them in person, better yet seeing them parked next to one another.

And bigger saddlebags wouldn't hurt a bit. There was a reason that Corbin decided to offer those bigger lids...

The problem facing Honda is that all this flies in the face of all that work they did to make the bike lighter/smaller in the first place. Enlarging the trunk may very well have had a lot of Honda designers/engineers swallowing their pride in order to give the final go-ahead for the change.

[dtoth]

What they really need to do is something with that engine it need's to have more torque (mid range) so you don't have to shift so much. So far little has been done to the motor for a good touring bike.

[bookmaker]

If they still make it, I have got 18 years across all 48 states 2up using the pakit rak for added storage + simple to remove at motel stops.

Allowed one side for rain and cold gear, other free for souvenirs, and trunk held the helmets 6 pack cooler and so's purse
Has a rain cover and keep the weight down to 20 lbs or so you won't even know it's back there.
Pic, had to let the bike see it's birthplace in Ohio on a drive through

[Kirby]

The 2021 GL1800's are beginning to roll into dealers. I'm not sure about the new trunk: the old trunk, while small, did fit with the lines of the original design.

This new, larger trunk...to me, really doesn't fit with the lines. It looks like a Goldwing with "too much junk in the trunk" if you know what I mean.

Maybe they now need to enlarge the saddlebags to make it look proportioned?

145239891_4252429438119459_686202821725997283_n.jpg
144368684_4252429238119479_5865038653585015013_n.jpg
144668153_4252429378119465_5028411250167978318_n.jpg
144409834_4252429338119469_5352358439048433527_n.jpg

I agree, I have not seen the bike but in the pictures it looks like the trunk is not in proportion to the bike. Looks like an afterthought.

[TFDKRB]

Make no mistake about it I love the Honda Goldwing and is the flagship above all other bikes however, if Honda wanted to make some decent changes then they would consider working with Garmin to include a life time update rather than paying each time a map update is required and costing serious dollars each time.

[Ravyn]

The 2021 GL1800's are beginning to roll into dealers. I'm not sure about the new trunk: the old trunk, while small, did fit with the lines of the original design.

This new, larger trunk...to me, really doesn't fit with the lines. It looks like a Goldwing with "too much junk in the trunk" if you know what I mean.

Maybe they now need to enlarge the saddlebags to make it look proportioned?

145239891_4252429438119459_686202821725997283_n.jpg
144368684_4252429238119479_5865038653585015013_n.jpg
144668153_4252429378119465_5028411250167978318_n.jpg
144409834_4252429338119469_5352358439048433527_n.jpg

I agree with you. That goldwing is now competing with the old victory vision for the title of the ugliest motorcycle on the road. You couldn't give me one of the new wings.
Wait...... Yes you could give me one because I turn around and sell it and put to $30,000 in my pocket. Things are just getting way out of hand.
My 2002 GL1800 is for sale, I am keeping my 1994 GL1500. A much better motorcycle.

[Sharon2665]

Boy you are right about that larger trunk really looking out of place and way to large. I mean you need the larger size but it sure looks like it was an add on after thought.

[emwarrenfeltz]

I have to disagree with dtoth's comments about lack of torque in the midrange. I have a little over 10k on my 2020 Wing and I cannot see any lack of torque at any speed range and do not find myself 'hunting gears' to keep it in the best RPM range. My riding in 2020 was lots of mountains, curves, and flats with no lack of performance. The one thing I did have to get used to from my 2013 Goldwing was the 6th gear in the transmission.

Overall, the new Goldwing is a winner for me and my riding and touring style. Great bike!
Em

[thboyd29]

I find it kind of funny that several posters have noted that the new trunk "...looks like an afterthought...".

Erm, that's probably because it **IS** an afterthought. Honda is responding to all the (deserved, IMO) flak it has received over lack of trunk space in what for them is probably the quickest way possible. What makes it worse is that we've all had three years to get used to the original design, proportions, etc.

It's too bad that Motorcycle Consumer News is no more - they had a regular contributor (Glynn Kerr) who wrote about motorcycle design. This would've been right up his alley, and I'd be *very* interested in reading his thoughts on this, if he's still writing somewhere.

Since I haven't seen a new one in person (preferably alongside the previous version), I can't yet pass judgement. Who knows, I might end up agreeing with the "looks like an afterthought" group...

[Rambozo]

What they really need to do is something with that engine it need's to have more torque (mid range) so you don't have to shift so much. So far little has been done to the motor for a good touring bike.

Isn't that what the DCT is for?