Honda FINALLY announces Android smartphone compatibility via a software update for 2018–2020 Honda Gold Wing motorcycles

American Honda has announced that its 2020 Honda Gold Wing luxury touring motorcycle will add Android software compatibility to its array of electronics. Riders who use Android 5.0 or later smartphones will be able to pair their phones to the motorcycle via the Android Auto app.

When Honda released its latest and greatest Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour models for the 2018 model year, it curiously only offered smartphone compatibility with iPhone/iOS-users via the proprietary CarPlay app. Finally it appeases all phone users with this new update.

This allows Gold Wing owners to use many of the motorcycle's features including listening to music and making phone calls and/or text messages. The software update will apply to all 2018 and newer Gold Wings and will be released for June 2020.

Gold Wing owners will be able to download the software from the powersports.honda.com domain and apply the update using a USB flash drive drive.

www.motorcyclistonline.com

2018 Honda Gold Wing Launch

Not many manufacturers can say they’ve had a model in continuous production for 43 years, but Honda can make that claim with their legendary Gold Wing. Over those model years, Honda has set aside just six versions representing what it calls milestone models – the last of which was produced way back in 2001 with the introduction of the GL1800 Gold Wing. The Wing has been well overdue for an upgrade, and the rumor mill was in full-on salivation mode about the prospects of a ground-up remake for 2018. 

One might imagine how excited we were at the opportunity to see the new 2018 Gold Wing in the flesh a full day before it would be unveiled to the rest of the world. With that modest head start, we could have a story – and video – ready in time to showcase the new model and its changes the moment our NDA with Honda expired.

www.motorcycle.com

Don rides the 2018 Honda Gold Wing - a Tour de Force!

Today Bri & I went up to South Coast Honda, in Chichester to try out the all new 2018 Honda Gold Wing DCT. Big thanks & Mikey, Nick & the crew.

The 1st thing that strikes you about this bike is it's big - not as big as they had become in latter years (Honda shaved about 50kg off this model!) - but big when compared to most ordinary bikes. Lets put it this way: my Crosstourer is no tiddler, but the Wing is over 100kg heavier! Sounds scary? Actually not at all: as soon as you sit on this fantastic bike, you notice the weight is so low down & well balanced - even putting the bike on & off stands (side & centre) is a snap. Amazing!

Riding is a joy - the 1800cc 6 cylinder powerplant is a dream. Loads of torque, smooth rapid acceleration, 4 riding modes, DCT gearbox (automatic - effectively), with wait for it: cruise control! Suspension is sublime: using a really clever double wishbone system, bumps and potholes are dealt with beautifully, but road feedback is great. Cornering is a joy: a big bike, but I could have it on its side round corners - didn't ground out either!

The spec sheet is unbelievable: fab sound system, electrically adjustable screen, heated grips & individually adjustable heated seats, airbag, keyless ignition, smartphone integration, loads of luggage capacity, forward & reverse crawler gears, the list goes on!

While playing around with the screen, I noticed on the A27 at motorway speeds, and with the screen at it's highest setting, wind totally misses the rider, but (somehow) gently pushes you forward, taking the load off your back - impressive for touring & long rides. While on that subject: when I engaged cruise control - oh what joy! Boy, wish I had that when we did our Camino...

I have to say this is a very special bike: I've ridden loads of different makes & models, but nothing like this! I've loved the Wing since the early 80's (Aspencade), but have never ridden one. I had a feeling that I'd ride it, bring it back & say: glad I got that out of my system. It wasn't like that at all - I loved it!

However, I see three slight problems:

1) The DCT model is just shy of £30k - ouch!

2) You'd need something smaller as well.

3) Need to get points 1 & 2 past the financial controller. Oh, well...

More photos here / South Coast Honda / Gold Wing

Don Rides the fantastic Honda Gold Wing Tour - part II

 

So, I had the fantastic Honda GoldWing Tour (with DCT & airbag) for 48 hours - Weds, Thurs & Fri. "What travels & adventures did you get up to then Don", I hear you ask. Actually not so much! For the three days that I had the bike it tipped down with rain!  I had a great but very wet & windy ride down on Weds. Nothing at all on Thursday - owing to non stop rain & pressure of work. On Friday, for half of the return journey to Doble Motorcycles in Coulsden the skies threw with rain! When I got to Guildford it started to dry up - then the rest of the journey was dry. My route was Waterlooville, A3 to Tolworth, Stoneleigh, Ewell, Banstead, Chipstead, Coulsden.

I'd have loved to have spent much of my 48 hour loan - in the saddle of this lovely bike but the weather truly wasn't conducive to truly having fun on a 383Kg (yes you did read that right) bike. Such a shame. God willing lets see if we can revisit this experience in Spring or Summer next year? When I wasn't worrying about the downpour or the state of the roads - the ride was sublime: smooth but powerful ability to cruise. This would be a wonderful bike to tour on - for rider & pillion. Kim didn't get to go for a ride on the Wing, but she had a go in the rear seat & found it very comfortable. Calli liked it too!

The Gold Wing is a truly impressive machine: 1800cc flat 6 engine, 7 speed DCT gearbox, 4 speaker sound system, SatNav, cruise control, heated grips, heated rider & pillion seats (pillion seat is independently adjustable), perspex air dams offering wonderful wind & rain protection, electrically adjustable windscreen, keyless start, start / stop technology, great luggage capacity, & amazing fuel economy for such a big beast (best part of 50MPG).

The finish is typically top drawer Honda - paint was beautiful in "pearl hawkseye blue". You could imagine the pride of ownership that comes with such an amazing motorcycle. However as I observed in Sept 2018, you'd struggle if this was your only bike - it is very big(!), not sure it's the right tool for scratching round the back lanes on a weekend... 

I handed the wonderful Wing back to Paul @ Doble & collected my amazing Ariel from Robin in the service dept. I have to say, I love my CB1000R+ - what an incredible, life affirming bike! It rained for ~1/2 the journey back but because she is so short, light, fast & dynamic - I didn't really notice it! I had to give her a good scrub (Praise the Lord for Muck-Off!) before tucking her away in the garage.

www.doble.co.uk

Find out more about two of Honda's flagship models: Gold Wing & Africa Twin

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Choose an event that suits you and discover everything you ever wanted to know about these flagship models: Gold Wing & Africa Twin - from technical specifications and features to the all-important question ‘what are they like to ride?’

In partnership with Bennetts BikeSocial, the LIVE stream events will be presented by a Honda expert and experienced and passionate motorcycle journalists. The events are interactive so you can ask any burning questions you may have, and all from the comfort of your home.

Register today to guarantee your place on one of our LIVE streams

www.eventscloud.com

Why Honda ditched the forks: 2018 Honda Gold Wing technology

Honda has revealed its new Gold Wing; shaving 42kg off the previous model, but now making 125bhp, it’s lighter, more powerful, has a seven-speed DCT (dual clutch transmission) gearbox - with reverse - and a unique suspension setup. 

Bennetts spoke exclusively to Yutaka Nakanishi, Large Project Leader of the 2018 GL1800…

www.bennetts.co.uk

Ariel my CB1000R is in for a service @ Doble - look what I have for a 24 hour loan!

Ariel: my lovely CB1000R+ is in Doble Motorcycles for a somewhat overcooked 600 mile service. While arranging the service I asked the nice chaps if I could have a 48 hour loan of the 2020 Gold Wing - they agreed - so I have her from Weds to Fri this week!

When I woke up this morning, it was raining cats & dogs in Denmead! I thought this is going to be a very wet day's riding! Doble are in Coulsden (near Croydon) so a fair old trek in the rain... However, as it happens (thanks Lord!) the ride up was pretty much bone dry. Ariel is a fantastic bike - wonderfully quick, nimble & satisfying to ride, especially on fast, twisty A roads. This morning I didn't notice the buffeting (she's a naked bike - so no wind protection) that has plagued me on motorway journeys in the past. Perhaps that's just an issue on particularly blustery days? I went up the A3 to Tolworth, then East to Ewell, Banstead, Coulsden - a fab ride!

After a good chat with Robin, Steve & Paul at Doble, we swapped bikes & I headed back home - the scenic route: via Reigate, Dorking, Horsham, Petworth, Goodwood, Chichester, Denmead. Great roads, but terrible weather! Varied between fine skies, absolutely throwing it down, howling wind, roads were very wet & loads of slushy leaves - so not ideal conditions for playing with this wonderful & very powerful machine - ho hum. Fortunately my Rukka gear kept me dry & warm. What also helped was the the GoldWing's excellent weather protection including an electrically adjustable windscreen and toasty heated grips & seats!

I have previously spent an hour or so in the seat of a big wing - loved it then, still love it now! Deffo one for my fantasy garage. More of my thoughts & findings on this remarkable bike to follow over the next couple of days. TTFN!

www.doble.co.uk

Mike & Don visit the Norton Motorcycle factory in Shirley, Solihull

 

For some time Mike & I had been planning a two day trip on our bikes up to Brum. The plan was: Day one (Weds 22nd May): Norton factory tour & test ride. Day two (Thurs 23rd May) the National Motorcycle Museum. Dates & visits arranged, pub stayover booked, plans in place! However, as that day approached the weather round Brum looked grim. We bottled it & left the bikes / took Kim's Mini ;0). Just as well as it turned out: day one varied between constant rain & Biblical - literally couldn't see the surface of the motorway at one point!

When we arrived at Norton we were warmly welcomed by the lovely receptionist, then joined by Kevin from sales. He showed us round their collection of bikes in reception: several historic machines & variants of their two current models: Commando 961 & V4. The Commando 961 is a classic looking machine, built to very modern standards (reliable LOL!). The V4 is a state of the are superbike that ranks up there with the best of them!

We then commenced the factory tour! Sadly no-one is allowed to take photos / video in the factory itself. However here is an amazing drone flythrough video they produced earlier! This covered most areas of the plant: parts stores, welding, polishing, engine assembly, rolling chassis assembly, dyno / rolling road, and the various levels of checks to finished bikes. Attention to detail is unbelievable - skilled staff are involved throughout the process.

As the weather was still chucking it down we decided that taking the Commandos out would have made a lousy test ride, so kept our fingers crossed for the following day. We drove to our pub The White Lion Inn, Hampton in Arden & also had a drink & some really tasty Indian nosh at the Soho Tavern, Hampton In Arden. 

Day two, no rain, so we decided to abandon plans for the NMM visit (another trip there is planned for next month!). I called Kevin at Norton and hastily arranged for a test ride. We drove over, got introduced to our bikes & were off! We rode our two Commando 961 SPs 40+ miles over two hours, from the factory in Shirley: South through Henley-in-Arden, down to Stratford-upon-Avon. By some miracle we didn't get lost as Mike & I are both pants with directions / navigation. God Bless Kevin for numpty proof instructions!

The weather was cool, overcast. The roads were dry & scenery stunning! The first hour I struggled to gel with the bike - but it was me - or at least my mindset. I was trying to ride the Commando like I ride my Honda - which is a very different bike. When I started adapting my style to the way the Norton wants to ride: I had a hoot! Mike loved his Commando from the get go. The difference between us is that his two bikes are Triumph Modern Classics. A much closer style of bike to the Commando than my Honda CB1000R+.

Pros: Stunning design & looks! Fantastic build quality & attention to detail. Hand built in England. Top drawer componentry (Ohlins front & rear suspension, Brembo brakes, etc). Ride quality & grip is astounding! Fantastic soundtrack from the twin cylinder air/oil cooled engine & delicious exhausts! Walruzoar

Cons: Could do with more grunt (my CB1000R has 143bhp, Commando has 77). Turning circle is very wide. Vibes can be intrusive. The bike I rode had click up footpegs which I kept getting tangled up with - this has now been resolved in current production (spring loaded pegs). The sidestand was a bit fiddly to drop down.

I have a deep love of the Norton brand, going back to when I was a sprog. That's why there's been soooo many articles about them on my Blog - I truly care about Norton: it's heritage & future. 

Both of Norton's current bikes (the Commando & V4) are superb. The V4 is "above my pay grade" LOL! The Commando is stunning, I'd love one, but probably not as my only bike. Deffo in the fantasy garage along with a Gold Wing Tour & CRF250L. 

MikeyG adds: I own a Bonneville T100 and a Street Twin and I considered them to be the best retro-style machines until I rode the superlative Norton Commando. 
This IS THE true British retro motorbike. Its looks and sounds are unsurpassed, it is full of character and a delight to ride. 
The sound of the engine is the best around and once the bike was warmed I had a lovely smooth ride on the best-looking motorbike.  When I opened the throttle ...my goodness!!!! ...the vibration through the footpegs and seat was just brilliant. 
If I had an unlimited budget it would be my choice for the ride on a sunny day to meet up with like-minded friends to admire a thing of beauty.

Massive thanks to Norton, & Kevin in particular to give us this fantastic opportunity. I'd love to relive him of a black & gold Commando 961SP, but sadly not for now, at least...

Link to Google Photos

www.nortonmotorcycles.com

MCN's top 10 new and used Honda motorcycles

There’s no bigger or more successful motorcycle manufacturer than Honda, and to prove that fact in 2019 the Japanese company announced they had built their 400-millionth bike since the company was founded back in 1948. The first was the 1949 Dream D-Type.

In the past 70 years many of our favourite bikes have worn the Honda badge, and whether you’re after the smallest, most basic commuter or the most advanced superbike, Honda has a bike for you.

Which Honda motorcycles are best for me? The choice of new and used Hondas is so great the only limiting factor is you. What sort of bike are you after? An A1-licence 125? Novice-friendly middleweight or full-bore superbike, adventure machine or tourer? Next, what’s you budget? This might dictate whether you’re better off buying used. Oh, and don’t forget Classic now out-of-production Hondas such as the Super Blackbird. Here’s our pick of the best new Hondas plus a couple of brilliant used buys and some ‘golden oldies’…

MCN's guide to the best Honda motorbikes:

GL1800 Gold Wing

CBR500R

CB1100EX

NC750X

X-Adv

CBR1000RR Fireblade 

VFR1200X Crosstourer

CB650F

CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

C90 Super Cub

Yup, you've got that right MCN - Honda's top ten bikes includes my beloved Crosstourer. Wanna know more? Apart from the short write-up in this MCN article, have a look at my blog post here. Fancy a powerful Adventure Tourer, which will munch up massive miles in 2-up comfort with luggage, but won't give you cramp as soon as you look at it? Look no further!

www.motorcyclenews.com

Honda DreamTech Roadshow - Brockenhurst 26 April 2025

 

Get ready to take Honda’s latest technology for a spin! The Honda DreamTech Roadshow is hitting the road for four weekends, starting at the end of April, bringing you the chance to test ride some of Honda’s most advanced motorcycles. Whether you're curious about the seamless E-Clutch system or the smooth performance of DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), this is your opportunity to experience the next generation of riding firsthand.

I was really pleased to attend the Honda DreamTech Roadshow session at the stunning Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst on 26th April. Honestly - what a setting, in the heart of the beautiful New Forest! Honda had provided a number of demonstration bikes, including: NC750X, Africa Twin, NT1100, CB650R, CBR650R - the day was provided to experience their revolutionary gear shift technologies.

After a warm welcome, I spent the morning session riding a NT1100 DCT with Electronic Suspension. I've ridden a similar bike a year or two ago - and didn't gel with it, can't remember why though. This time - I loved it! Physically, quite a large motorbike (it has been referred to as a "baby Gold Wing"). However, as always, the weight disappears as soon as you start moving. Honda's latest generation of DCT makes for silky smooth gearshifts. I kept the bike in sport mode - which holds lower gears, and allows the bike to rev out somewhat. There's "paddles" to manually select gears too - on the admittedly fairly complex switch cluster. A really comfy ride, with a relaxed riding position. The parallel twin engine made a great sound, and had plenty of torque - picked up really well! I really liked this bike & believe it would make a fantastic sports tourer for Kim & me.

After a very tasty lunch (thanks Honda 👍) I took out the CB650R with E-Clutch. This bike is the little brother of my CB1000R - so I was looking forward to going for a spin! The E-Clutch allows you to ride this sporty naked motorcycle (sort of) like a twist'n'go moped - but with a manual gearbox! The E-Clutch handles up & down shifts sweetly - on or off the gas. I really liked the bike, but found the E-Clutch a bit confusing - my fault as I kept going for the clutch lever - which seemed to put the system back in manual gear shift mode. If I left the clutch lever alone, the E-Clutch worked really well. It's sort of like the quick shifter on my bike - but at a cracking price of £100 over the manual gearbox - honestly, why wouldn't you?

Thanks Honda - what a great day. The CB650R was fun, but the NT1100 was viable... Might have to make some room in the garage!

Click here to see some photos from this great day

I've seen everything now: Honda Goldwing recovery vehicle - towing a car!

CF Motoring Services Ltd from Newcastle showcased their Honda Goldwing Retriever Motor Bike at the Emergency Services Show at the NEC in Birmingham. 

The tow bike operates under a special order granted by the Department for Transport after satisfying stringent road testing by the Vehicle Certification Agency and plays a significant role in rapid road clearance. 

The PR5 was on hand to capture the demonstration - lamentably the PA was actually this inaudible even to bystanders, but you can hear the clarity of sound from the mechanics of the demonstration.

I think the Honda Gold Wing is an incredible bike & have had a soft spot for them since the '80s. I had an opportunity to ride the new model last year, which I loved, but it's pots of dough: so probably not... Also as it's a bit of a beast, it wouldn't make a great everyday bike - but for serious two up touring it'd be fantastic! 

These videos (1 & 2) show just how much power there is in that magnificent 1800cc flat-six engine. No-one wants to break down, but:

www.cfms.co

The 51 Most Iconic Motorcycles of All Time - according to gearpatrol.com

They are equal parts simple and complex, a mechanical interpretation of form meeting function with attitude to spare. Whether it’s chrome glimmering in the sun, the artful engineering behind a single-sided swingarm or their ability to outrun just about anything, motorcycles are more than just simple transportation. They strangle attention. Ride one down the street and watch as babies point and smile mid-whimper, dogs chase joyfully, angsty teens fight the curling in the corners of their mouths, old biker types in leather nod with supreme comprehension.

There are countless combinations of weapons-grade speed, sex, beauty, design and freedom found between two tires, sure - but these fifty-one, specifically, are the icons hand-picked by Gear Patrol as our favourites of all time.

A good selection in this list - some of my personal faves were included: Honda CB750 (Jeff's bike pictured above!), Kawasaki Z1, Manx Norton, Brough Superior SS100, Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson V-Rod, Yamaha Vmax, Ducati Monster, Ducati Desmosedici RR, Bimota Tesi 3D, Kawasaki Ninja H2. 
Conspicuous by their absence though: Yamaha RD350LC, Suzuki GSX1100S Katana, Kawasaki GPZ900R.

www.gearpatrol.com

One bike show down... Time to plan the next!

Bri, Mike & I had a fantastic time that the NEC Motorcycle Live show!

We went up on Friday, stayed at the Ibis Styles hotel - which is a 10-15 minute walk to the NEC - perfect!

So much to see & do. My fave bikes were the new Honda Gold Wing & Kawasaki Z900RS. Bri liked the Honda Rebel. Mike the Suzuki SV650X.

I'm really pleased to meet with Donna & the crew at Two Wheels For Life, and Tim on the Ogri stand.

There were plenty of good deals to be had, and were had too! 

A number of beers were quaffed, & nosh was noshed. :0)

Well, what next, I wonder?...