2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour

Comfort and Cargo

• NEW LARGER TRUNK: Here’s some big news for 2021—or should we say bigger news? That’s because we’ve made the Gold Wing’s trunk bigger. It now holds 61 liters, up 11 liters from last year’s models. That means in most cases you can get two XXL full-face helmets in there. Combined, the trunk and saddlebags give you 121 liters of storage, plenty to hold what you need for a weekend’s travels.
• ELECTRIC WINDSCREEN: You’ll notice a couple of things about the Gold Wing’s windscreen. First, it’s electrically controlled, moving both up and down over an 4.9-inch range for the Gold Wing Tour as well as changing its angle as it raises and lowers. Plus, it automatically remembers the last setting. Because you sit closer to the windscreen, it has a narrower, lower, more sporting profile, yet still offers excellent protection.
• FAIRING: Back in the 1980s, the Gold Wing was the first bike to introduce full-coverage fairings as original equipment, and this latest one is one of our best. It offers excellent wind and weather protection, yet is trimmer and more aerodynamic than in previous generation models. It also flows more air through refined ducting, helping keep you cooler on hot summer days.
• RIDER/PASSENGER LOCATION: The shorter engine and innovative front suspension let us move the rider farther forward, enhancing the bike’s handling and making you feel more connected to the motorcycle’s steering axis.
• INTEGRATED PASSENGER GRAB HANDLE: Once a passenger has ridden on a Gold Wing, there’s no going back. Functional design touches like the integrated passenger grab handle help make your copilot’s riding experience an absolute pleasure, especially on longer rides.
• HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE (HMI): Ever have to scroll through some abstract menu to access a feature on your electronic device? You’ll find plenty of simple, dedicated switches and controls on your Gold Wing’s handlebars, ergonomically placed, which give you simple, intuitive control inputs that zero out frustration. There is also a centralized control knob in the console similar to modern autos.
• RIDER/PASSENGER SEATING: Here’s another refinement for 2021, on our Gold Wing Tour models. The seats feature a new, suede-like cover.
• NEW PASSENGER BACKREST: We changed up the angle of the passenger backrest on our Tour models (from 17 degrees to 24.5 degrees), increased its height, and added more cushion. It’s always been a great seat, but now it’s like your favorite easy chair at home!
• LUGGAGE: All 2021 Gold Wings feature integrated saddlebags, designed to hold enough for most weekend trips. The bags open electronically with the push of a button, and lock and unlock remotely with the smart key. They’re hydraulically damped for smooth operation, too.
• FUNCTIONAL STYLING: Sometimes less is more, at least when it comes to motorcycles. We’ve noted that the Gold Wing is lighter, more responsive, more athletic than in previous generations. That goes for its styling as well. While the bodywork still offers excellent weather protection, it’s crisper now, exposing a little more of the engine and chassis. It’s definitely not your grandfather’s touring bike.
• HEATED GRIPS: Part of riding a bike is enjoying the elements. But nobody likes being cold. That’s why every 2021 Gold Wing comes equipped with electric grips as standard equipment.
• HEATED SEATS: Now we’re talking about riding in the lap of luxury (no pun intended). In addition to heated grips, every Gold Wing Tour model also comes with heated seats for both you and your passenger.

Electronics

• TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS): Correct tire inflation is a necessity for safe, economical motorcycling. And it’s especially critical with a touring bike, because of the varying loads. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) automatically warns you of low tire pressure on all Gold Wing models. On Gold Wing Tour models, including a readout of the actual front and rear pressure in PSI is a premium touch.
• ADVANCED METERS: The Gold Wing’s cockpit meters are information central. In addition to the basics like vehicle and engine speed, loading configuration, ride mode, fuel level, engine temperature and dual tripmeters, you can also monitor outside air temperature, cruise control speed, heater levels and even selected apps linked through CarPlay® on an Apple® iPhone® or Android Auto on an android phone.
• APPLE CARPLAY™ INTEGRATION: A first for the motorcycle industry! Apple’s CarPlay™*1 seamlessly integrates your iPhone®*1 into your new Gold Wing. That means you can use your iPhone® to access Apple Maps®, Apple Music®, and other services easily. You’ll have access to weather, playlists and telephone numbers while aboard. Available Bluetooth®*2-enabled wireless headsets let you communicate more easily than ever. And best of all, with more apps available every day, Apple CarPlay™ keeps your bike’s technology and convenience on the cutting edge. *1 Apple CarPlay and iPhone are the trademarks of Apple Inc. *2 For using Apple CarPlay, connection to a commercially available Bluetooth headset is necessary. See owner’s manual for Bluetooth headset requirements.
• ANDROID AUTO INTEGRATION: Do you prefer an Android phone? We have you covered! Now the 2021 Gold Wing fully integrates with your phone, thanks to Android Auto. That means you can connect your android phone to your Gold wing to access Google Assistant, and to use navigation tools like Google Maps, Waze, and more. Plus, you’ll have access to weather, playlists, music-streaming services and telephone numbers. Available Bluetooth*-compatible headsets let you communicate easily too. *For using Android Auto, connection to a commercially available Bluetooth headset is necessary. Please refer to your Bluetooth headset manufacturer for optimal audio settings for use with Android Auto.
• NAVI: Every Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour is equipped with a big, bright, seven-inch full-color TFT LCD screen to display routes and other navigation information. Plus, since it’s equipped with a gyrocompass, the system even functions inside a tunnel. Independent of the Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto feature, it works with or without your phone. Added bonus only by Honda: 10 years of free map updates!
• VEHICLE SETTINGS: Your new Gold Wing is packed with smart rider aids. A glance at the dash keeps you informed of things like ride mode (Tour, Sport, Rain, Econ), rear suspension preload settings (solo, with passenger, loaded, unloaded on Tour models), tire pressure* and much more. *Depending on chosen model.
• AUDIO: Your new Gold Wing’s audio system is an excellent example of state-of-the-art electronic technology. In addition to listening to music, with an available Bluetooth* headset you can make or answer phone calls without taking off your helmet. In addition to a standard USB connector, options include a separate passenger audio control switch, a high-output amplifier and speakers, Sirius XM® satellite radio, a CB radio, and more. Plus, there’s a second USB connector in the left saddlebag of all Gold Wing models. *See owner’s manual for Bluetooth headset requirements.
• 45-WATT SPEAKERS: Gold Wings have always offered excellent sound systems, but for 2021 they just got even better. The speakers now have a higher 45-watt rating, and we’ve optimized both the equalizer settings and automatic volume adjustment, so you’ll get a sound that’s a little richer and more pleasing to the ears.

Engineering

• THROTTLE BY WIRE: The 2021 Gold Wing’s throttle-by-wire system enables features like the bike’s four ride modes and our exclusive Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), available on our Gold Wing Tour models.
• HILL START ASSIST: The Gold Wing Tour models feature Hill Start Assist (HSA). This feature momentarily holds your motorcycle’s position on inclines after you’ve released the brakes and before you apply the throttle, eliminating any roll-back drama. It’s a great convenience when starting from a stop on a hill.
• SMART KEY: Your new Gold Wing features an electronic smart key. When the key is in close proximity (say, in your jacket pocket), you can just hop on, press a button, and ride off. An “answer back” feature lets you find your bike in the dark or in crowded rally parking.
• INTEGRATED STARTER GENERATOR (ISG): Most cars and motorcycles have separate starters and alternators. Not your new Gold Wing. We’ve combined the starter and alternator into one assembly that’s light and compact. It’s part of the Gold Wing’s overall weight-savings program, and you’ll hear the difference the first time you press the start button.
• REVERSE: While the Gold Wing Tour with manual transmission offers a unique electric reverse. The systems make it easy to maneuver your bike out of a parking space, especially if you need to roll back up hill.
• HONDA SELECTABLE TORQUE CONTROL (HSTC): On our Gold Wing Tour models, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) constantly monitors your bike’s rear-wheel speed, and adjusts torque instantly. It’s a great feature when riding in the rain, on sandy, gritty roads, over wet leaves, or anywhere else where surface conditions can compromise traction.
• LED LIGHTING: All 2021 Gold Wing models feature a complete LED lighting package. The headlights, the taillights, and every bit of instrumentation is LED. LEDs not only last longer, but they’re also lighter and run cooler.
• NANO-TECH PAINT: Even the Gold Wing’s paint is high tech, using BASF’s nano technology. The darks look darker, and the lights look brighter. The paint itself has a luxurious wet look. The Gold Wing Tour come in two colors (Candy Ardent Red and Metallic Black).
• TURN SIGNALS: You’ll notice that the Gold Wing’s front turn signals are integrated into the rearview mirrors, and use three LEDs each. The rear LED turn signals are built into the tail- and brake-light assembly for a clean, integrated look. Best of all, they’re self-cancelling.

Handling

• DOUBLE WISHBONE FRONT SUSPENSION: One look and your eyes will immediately go to the Gold Wing’s radical, Honda-engineered double-wishbone front suspension. The innovative design changes the path the wheel travels through the suspension stroke, and that lets us move both the engine and the rider/passenger closer to the front wheel. You get more room, and stellar handling.
• FRAME: This latest generation all-aluminum frame is significantly lighter and more compact than previous editions. State-of-the-art die-casting lets us fine-tune chassis rigidity, giving you both a smooth ride and precise handling.
• SWING ARM/REAR SUSPENSION: Using our proprietary single-sided Pro Arm® design, the aluminum swingarm houses the Gold Wing’s shaft drive. The swingarm links to the frame using a patented pivot structure that both increases stiffness and reduces weight. You get responsive handling and a smoother ride.
• ANTI-LOCK BRAKES: Have to make a hard stop, fully loaded and two up? All our 2021 Gold Wings are equipped with combined anti-lock brakes for excellent stopping power under a wide variety of road and traction conditions.
• RIDE MODES: Gold Wing engines offer a wide range of user-friendly power, and you can even choose between four ride modes (Tour, Sport, Rain, and Econ). Each mode varies power output depending on the mode selected. On the Gold Wing Tour models, it also changes suspension damping.
• LIGHT IS RIGHT: Shaving weight on a motorcycle returns all sorts of benefits, from handling to acceleration to just being easier to maneuver around. We didn’t just shave ounces or grams with the latest Gold Wing. We lopped off almost 90 pounds compared to the previous generation. The lighter weight absolutely redefines this motorcycle. You thought it was fun to ride on twisty roads before? Wait until you experience this one.
• LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY: It’s not just how much a motorcycle weighs; it’s how it distributes that weight. Thanks to their horizontally opposed engines, Gold Wings have always offered a low center of gravity. The 2021 Gold Wing offers the lowest center of gravity of any bike in the class. That’s a huge benefit in handling, and it makes the bike feel lighter and easier to maneuver.
• RADIAL FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS: The brake calipers on the Gold Wing are mounted similar to that of our World Champion RC213V MotoGP racebike. Why? The stiffer mounting reduces caliper flex and improves brake power and feel.
• ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION PRELOAD: The Gold Wing Tour’s suspension features four electronically adjustable modes for varying loads. You can select (1) Rider, (2) Rider with loaded bags, (3) Rider and passenger, and (4) Rider and passenger with loaded bags.

Performance

• ENGINE: The Gold Wing’s horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine is famously smooth and powerful. The latest version is an 1833cc design that’s over 13 pounds lighter than the previous generation (more than 8 pounds for the DCT versions).
• ALUMINUM CYLINDER SLEEVES: High-strength aluminum cylinder sleeves help reduce weight, increase cooling efficiency, and reduce engine length. The 73mm cylinder bore and short, high-strength crankshaft also help make the engine more compact.
• UNICAM CYLINDER HEAD DESIGN: The Gold Wing’s engine uses four-valve, Unicam® cylinder head design. That improves engine performance and power, and also contributes to the engine’s weight reduction from its previous generation. The four-valve per cylinder design is also a big part of the Gold Wing’s superior fuel efficiency.
• 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION: Want a manual transmission? The latest Gold Wings offer the best conventional gearbox in Gold Wing history. Case in point: an overdrive sixth gear so highway cruising is smoother than ever.
• SLIPPER CLUTCH: We’ve given our manual-transmission Gold Wings a slipper clutch, just like our premium sportbikes. It only makes sense—the 1833cc engine delivers tons of power, and the stellar chassis lets you ride this Gold Wing like a sportbike. Twisty roads? Bring ’em on!
• DOUBLE-WALL EXHAUST PIPES: You may think this is just for cosmetics, but on a hot day single-wall exhaust pipes can throw off a lot of heat. The Gold Wing’s twin-wall design keeps things cooler. Plus, this is the best sounding Gold Wing we’ve ever built!
• FUEL EFFICIENCY: Because the 2021 Gold Wing is light, you’d expect it to be fuel efficient. But its weight is just the start. Combined with the bike’s engine, intake system, and four-valve design, estimated fuel economy is up 22 percent from the previous generation.* Want to really squeeze the last mile out of every drop? Try the “Econ” ride mode setting. *Honda's fuel economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
• CRUISE CONTROL: Of course the 2021 Gold Wing still features cruise control—it was one of the first touring bikes to offer the feature. And with our advanced throttle-by-wire system, it’s better than ever.