2023 GL1800 Announced

[WingAdmin]

The 2023 Goldwing has been announced, and as we've come to expect...there are very few changes.

The TPMS tire pressure monitoring system now comes as standard on all trim lines. Why it wasn't this way from the start, I have no idea.

As for functional changes, that's it. The only other changes are what Honda usually announces: new paint colors.

It's somewhat confusing...it's reported on the Internet that the 2023 Goldwing Tour will come in Graphite Black with a brown engine cover, as well as Beta Silver Metallic/Iridium Gray Metallic. That’s in addition to Pearl Glare White, which is already available.

However, according to both the Honda press release and the Honda web site, the only colors available in 2023 are:

Colors:
Gold Wing Tour Airbag DCT: Candy Ardent Red
Gold Wing Tour DCT: Black; Candy Ardent Red
Gold Wing Tour: Black; Candy Ardent Red
Gold Wing DCT: Matte Gray

MSRP's:
Gold Wing Tour Air Bag DCT: $32,900
Gold Wing Tour DCT: $29,600
Gold Wing Tour: $28,600
Gold Wing DCT: $25,600

Matte Gray DCT

[Jhox]

The internet announcement refers to "colours" which might indicate those are for markets other than US. Somewhere else I saw the US gets Black and Red, with Matte Grey for the base model.

[bdrive1800]

Here in Europe there is a small difference.
The TPMS system change is the same as in USA
The red version won't be sold in Europe.

On the official Honda Europe website https://hondanews.eu/eu/en/motorcycles You can see the colors and all information.

[sr71cbx]

Not much difference at all, except likely higher price.
I bought my '04 GL1800 new at the end of '04 for $19.5K OTD, but that was 18 years ago, prices have gone up about 10 grand and the dollars just don't stretch as far these days. Nice looking bike just the same, and it appears that Honda is selling only one manual trans bike(tour model)and the rest DCT's(ugh).

[77Goldwing]

I may be the only one, but I find that "futuristic" look ugly as hell. Combine it with a $30k price tag and DCT transmission, and I will happily ride my 77 (in spite of points, carbs/lumpy idle, low horsepower but because of the five-speed and it looks like a motorcycle should). For those who love the newer looks, bon chance and enjoy.

[boblepp]

Not much difference at all, except likely higher price.
I bought my '04 GL1800 new at the end of '04 for $19.5K OTD, but that was 18 years ago, prices have gone up about 10 grand and the dollars just don't stretch as far these days. Nice looking bike just the same, and it appears that Honda is selling only one manual trans bike(tour model)and the rest DCT's(ugh).

I’m sure I won’t be the last to suggest my DCT would leave you well behind. I’ve ridden for 58 years, my first Honda was also clutch less, a 55 cc step through. All clutches after that till 2022. I would never return to a clutch with a transmission l8ke this, if for no other reason than I never get a head bump from behind every shift.

Please beat one up for a day, then tell us what you thought.

If you’ve done that already, could you specify details of why you dislike it?

[77Goldwing]

I don't know about CBX, but I feel there is more driver engagement when riding (or driving) with a manual transmission. Two of the four cars I regularly drive are MT6 and it is a challenge to consistently make clean, smooth shifts. One has to pay attention. There is a tremendous sense of satisfaction in making a smooth start when stopped on a [up]hill. And shame when one stalls. Same on the GL1000, although I never take a passenger any more and no need to worry about a bump in the back of the helmet.

I started riding in 1972 (so, 50 years total now) but have always had Hondas with their glitchy 5-speeds.

[boblepp]

I don't know about CBX, but I feel there is more driver engagement when riding (or driving) with a manual transmission.

I started riding in 1972 (so, 50 years total now) but have always had Hondas with their glitchy 5-speeds.

I had a 72 750 and sold to a friend when I bought 81 Goldwing… he won’t sell it back. So we are the same vintage. I too enjoy manual shifting, I kept a 71 Vette my brother sold me and my son and I did a fame off restoration. It’s a joy now.

Here’s the thing, the new wing has manual mode where only you control shifting. And each shift is simply perfect as you describe. You wiggle your finger and another perfect shift happens. As my limbs age I find this just as satisfying because I waited so long for it. Just because only one finger and zero toes moved does not make it less satisfying. I just keep imagining what fun the engineers had making it so perfect. How they chose to blip the throttle on downshifts in Sport mode but not in Tour mode. They managed to replicate ME that one day I never missed a shift.

When I go back to the 81 I find that beautiful bike I’ve driven so far now seems so clunky. It’s an odd feeling of “Why did I think this was a great bike?”

Well they’re both great. It’s just the DCT lets me have a perfect shifting day every day. I always wiggle a finger in automatic mode to feel involved.

But what I really dream about is a Harley guy pulling up at a light, laughing at the DCT and trying to run me. I then see myself leaving him in the dust with a shocked look on his face. It would be a deserted road of course.

Please give it a try and get back to us. Your assessment would be valuable. I find I can enjoy the corners more now. I can instantly correct with throttle or a gear change without worrying I’ll flub it and crash.

Thanks for your thoughtful reply. If you’re close to Ontario, the real one up north, let me know. I’ll wash it up for you.

Best regards,

Bob

[77Goldwing]

Good response, Bob. I have two 2005 Crossfires, one with a stick and one supercharged with an automatic. The latter definitely shifts consistently more smoothly than the roadster. Each is appealing in their own way. I bought the roadster new because I wanted a two-seat sports car with a stick, harking back to my youth when my first new car was a 1974 TR6. I bought the SRT6 because it is rare and bloody fast. Two different but enjoyable driving experiences.

I occasionally drive my wife's 2014 Lincoln MKZ. Not a sports car by any means, but it has paddle shifters. So I can do the "one finger" thing. I rarely bother and let it decide when to shift.

I have a 2018 Maserati with a very fine shifting 8-speed automatic. Not available with a stick (unlike the 2003 Audi A6 2.7T MT6 I owned for a decade+). My GranLusso does not have the paddle-shifters like the GranSport but I could add them, and decided not worth the effort.

I'm not far from Ontario, in SW MI, but do not ride the 'Wing that far any more. Extended sitting hurts the back and too much holding the throttle bothers the arthritic hands (even with a mechanical circa 1980 cruise control). However I regularly drive the 402-401-403-QEW-405 to visit family in NY.

Safe riding and Go Leafs.

[WingAdmin]

I don't know about CBX, but I feel there is more driver engagement when riding (or driving) with a manual transmission. Two of the four cars I regularly drive are MT6 and it is a challenge to consistently make clean, smooth shifts. One has to pay attention. There is a tremendous sense of satisfaction in making a smooth start when stopped on a [up]hill. And shame when one stalls. Same on the GL1000, although I never take a passenger any more and no need to worry about a bump in the back of the helmet.

I started riding in 1972 (so, 50 years total now) but have always had Hondas with their glitchy 5-speeds.

I kind of agree. Even my car is a MT6. I just like to control the transmission directly.

[boblepp]

Good response, Bob. I

I'm not far from Ontario, in SW MI, but do not ride the 'Wing that far any more. Extended sitting hurts the back and too much holding the throttle bothers the arthritic hands (even with a mechanical circa 1980 cruise control). However I regularly drive the 402-401-403-QEW-405 to visit family in NY.

Safe riding and Go Leafs.

Also a very good response… so I suggest this… next visit to your relatives you build in a day to stop, I have a guest room you ride my bike and then tell me your thoughts. Turn left at the 400 off the 401 and come to Hwy 9 for another left. 10 miles west and you’re here. We have a curvy road close by.

Deal?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/MHJ4e1pN26uNbNPg9

[Sassy]

Im sure the 23s are stunning to ride clutch or no so it comes down to rider preference.
If the 23s have a farm tractor 5 speed like my 89 1500 I might consider an auto. Totally disgusted with the box a parts banging around in there especially going the 1-2 shift.
For the most part I very much enjoy manual trans, wife drives our 5speed Focus like a pro, hotrod is a 5 speed same with my old bush beater Ford F150 4x4, even our John Deere garden tractors,, 5speed.
Love a clutch!
But we tour in an auto Toyota van.

[Devorlast]

I went from a "manual" Nighthawk 750 to DCT VFR 1200 in 2011 and after some initial adjustments, I have to say it's hard to go back. The "helmet bump" doesn't exist, but the beauty of DCT for me lies in the seamless downshift. You can "hot shift" up in manual with minimal lag but downshifting and utilizing hard engine breaking is another story together. I got to the point that I only need brakes at a stop light, and even that I can work around.
I commute on my Africa Twin DCT some 120 miles a day round trip and with the "not so bright" Virginia drivers who actively try to kill me now and then. I lost count of how many times I was able to slow down quickly thanks to just dropping gears and hitting the brakes simultaneously. With a manual, you have to clutch in between downshifts, and every time you do you lose that engine breaking, DCT you just press the button and roll off the throttle.
I haven't used the automatic mode on either bike in over ten years, on the VFR with no traction control I used to use the "grandma mode" when it rained, otherwise the rear would occasionally slip under too much power. The paddle shifter though is a whole other ballgame. I definitely missed it when I rode for three years in Japan on my 919, I had lots of fun but if I had a choice I would have gone with a DCT.

As a side note, I don't like the new GL look either, the main reason I actually looked for the 1100 Aspencade. Being kind of a die-hard Honda guy I wanted a comfy chair for a whiny wife but with a bike that doesn't look like a starship on wheels.

[RockportDave]

When the first Goldwing DCT came out, I read an article about it and couldn’t understand how an auto shift could be fun...until I rode my wife’s 2021 Rebel 1100 DCT. She didn’t have her bike license when we bought it, so I rode it home about 40 miles. About mid trip home I was really enjoying the DCT. Pull up to a light and when it turns green hit the throttle. I did notice not having to shift I was able to pay more attention to my surroundings.
Only thing keeping me from getting a newer DCT matte black Goldwing is the price. I can’t justify it yet.
Dave

[DestinyRider]

I was sceptical also about getting the DCT versus the manual. But I’m super glad I went with the DCT, my 2021 is so smooth. I also think it’s safer, your focus is not taken away at anytime thinking about shifting. I realize shifting comes naturally but can’t help but wonder - one less thing to think about has got to help??