The giant, high-definition, digital screen displays the radio station, rear pre-load adjustment, headlamp height and GPS map. All controlled via the handlebars. The Gold Wing has also inherited a better stereo and an updated navigation system. It even has bigger saddlebags that you can fit two full-face helmets in there.

The giant, high-definition, digital screen displays the radio station, rear pre-load adjustment, headlamp height and GPS map. (Photo: Honda)

Powerful and sound
Motivated by a potent flat six-cylinder mill, the Gold Wing zips along as effortlessly as a cruiser. It’s extremely smooth, offers great throttle response at low rpm and has a full, throaty voice. You barely feel it grumble under acceleration, and it gets those 412 kilos moving with disconcerting ease.

As for brakes, the Gold Wing uses Honda’s famous system combining the operation of the front and rear callipers in a single control on the handlebars or via the brake pedal. The C-ABS system works with the recalibrated fork for stunning results on the road. They really help stabilize the Gold Wing’s girth when braking abruptly, while keeping weight transfer towards the front to a minimum.

And the stiffer fork gives more feedback to the rider without overly sacrificing comfort. The wimpier among us that will bemoan the relative loss of comfort will quickly realize that the modified front suspension allows you to really feel the tire bite down in corners, which boosts your confidence.

User-friendlier than ever
You have to get used to the saddle in town; it’s a bit annoying around the thigh area and forces you to move forward to plant both feet on the ground. The centre of gravity feels very low (thanks to the flat six-cylinder engine) and creates a reassuring impression of stability at any speed.

The Gold Wing is a joy on the open road but also on local byways – as long as you put in the effort. Putting in the effort means, in practice, permanently anticipating the road ahead so you aren’t taken by surprise by a corner that’s sharper than it looks. Beware: the heavy front end coupled with the bike’s inertia slows manoeuvres down. Be that as it may, this Gold Wing proves user-friendlier than its predecessor no matter the road – and definitely more fun.

As for brakes, the Gold Wing uses Honda’s famous system combining the operation of the front and rear callipers in a single control on the handlebars or via the brake pedal. (Photo: Kevin Wing)