to use (though I hardly took
advantage of what it all has
to offer), and the initial setup
was simple, but, of course, not
without some of the usual little
hiccups when hooking up any
electronic device for the first
time. Luckily, once you've ac
-
complished it, connecting from
then
on out is easy. Since I have
little experience with the Gold
Wing's previous infotainment
center, Honda reps assured me
the new one is more streamlined
than before. Of note, the new
system does not incorporate
a built-in navigation system;
instead, you'll rely on your smart
-
phone's GPS app for that now.
It seems a tiny
bit strange to
me that Honda didn't make any
notable hard changes to the Gold
Wing to celebrate its 50th birth-
day, but as one Honda rep half-
heartedly
joked, "What else could
we do?" I guess he has a point.
However, a conversation arose
among some journalists during
one break that adaptive cruise
control would be welcomed.
After all, many Gold Wingers ride
in groups, like we did, and not
having to readjust the Wing's
cruise control button all the time
would've been nice on those
seemingly endless, open Florida
roads. Otherwise, the Gold Wing
is still the cream of the crop for
long-distance touring.
Happy golden jubilee, Gold
Wing. Thanks for the first 50.
We're sure you'll be around for
another 50 and still be leading
the way.
Kit Palmer
VOLUME 62 ISSUE 17 APRIL 29, 2025 P123
2025 HONDA GOLD WING
TOUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY
(BASE $29,200)
ENGINE TYPE Longitudinal opposed flat-six
VALVETRAIN Unicam SOHC, 24-valve
DISPLACEMENT 1833cc
TRANSMISSION 7-speed Dual Clutch
Transmission (DCT) automatic or
6-speed manual
FINAL DRIVE Shaft
FRONT SUSPENSION Double wishbone
REAR SUSPENSION Pro Arm single-sided
swingarm w/Pro-Link single shock
WHEELBASE 66.9 in.
SEAT HEIGHT 29.3 in.
FUEL CAPACITY 5.5 gal.
WEIGHT (WET, CLAIMED) 845 lbs.
COLORS Eternal Gold, Bordeaux Red Metallic
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S
Of course, the Gold
Wing isn't a track
bike, but, hey, why
not? It can even do
that well.