Honda Goldwing GL 1800 Reviews

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Latest Reviews

“Bought the 1800 after doing 36000K on my 1500, Had 16K...”

★★★★★

written by on 30/03/2011

Bought the 1800 after doing 36000K on my 1500, Had 16K on my 1800 when i bought it, now has 67K on clock, been to europe 5 times and do a lot of touring in scotland. most of my bike mates who ride sports bikes cannot believe how this bike handles.
Been threw a few tyres, very few problems, although i did brake down in france due to a faulty Alternator bearing. Just glad im a mechanic and fixed it for 130 euros. Love the bike would have no other, only thing i dislike is parts and accessories are rediculously high in price

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“While I haven't had mine long, I ride it at every...”

★★★★★

written by on 23/11/2010

While I haven't had mine long, I ride it at every opportunity - It definitely was expensive, even used - Having the opportunity to live with this machine for a few months now, I now know I will NEVER own ANY other motorcycle if these are available, and, am absolutely certain to get another one, perhaps the 2012, now from Japan - I traded in my 2008 Silverwing and was quite concerned about the weight difference - I hope you'll believe me, it's quite easy to maneuver - I jump on it and take off with this "bike" as quickly as I did with the Silverwing - extremely well balanced and effortless to drive - power is just phenomenal - I did consider tire wear before purchase - but, tires every 8 to 10k miles seems a bit much - for me, that equates to from a low of 3 or 4 months to maybe 5 months - seems VERY easy to service and work on (limited to an oil change and adding accessories so far) - I don't know if I should complain about this, but it seems "real easy" to scrap the pegs - that scares the "wee" out of me when they hit (I do have the hydraulic spring loading up to 18, even riding single) - I'm trying to overcome the "feeling" when those pegs hit - creates a crowd anywhere I go - the previous owner did a great job with lots of tasteful Kuryakyn chrome pieces and parts - Don't test drive it if you not ready to buy - One drive and I was so hooked I simply don't know how it can be improved - It's exciting EVERY time I even look at it, much less drive it!

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“Bought mine new in 2006, as of 07/29/2010 I have...”

★★★★★

written by on 29/07/2010

Bought mine new in 2006, as of 07/29/2010 I have almost 12000 miles on it. Mine is the Navi one in dark red! The last year it mostly sat in the Garage because of being laid off and money went to house and bills! But never have in my 37 years of riding have I rode in such comfort! The bike is awesome and not once had a problem with it! The only thing I don't like is that the tires wear out too fast! Those are not cheap! So there it sits in the Garage crying to me to take it out! I've added a lot of access. to it but it still looks like the day I drove it off the show room floor!
That I should of asked how long the tires last, I test rode the BMW K1200LT before this purchase was sold on that until the test ride of the Goldwing!

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“What a machine. the old rolls royce of motorcycles....”

★★★★★

written by on 03/11/2009

What a machine. the old rolls royce of motorcycles. Comfort, cruise ability and presence. I have just upgraded from a sports tourer never to go back!

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“I rode a 1100 goldwing for over 20 years because it...”

★★★★★

written by on 14/09/2009

I rode a 1100 goldwing for over 20 years because it worked so well. Decided I had to have a Harley, purchased a new Ultra Classic, 2008. Not a bad bike, nearly comparable to my 1983 Goldwing, for only $18000 more. Purchased a new 2009 Goldwing after visiting a dealer to have some screws replaced on the Harley, that had vibrated off. I could not believe the ride, power, handling, and quietness of the new wing. Sold the Harley, got the new wing and love it more every time I ride it.

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“My Honda Goldwing GL 1800 has to be the finest touring...”

★★★★★

written by tbowen on 24/03/2009

My Honda Goldwing GL 1800 has to be the finest touring bike ever built! My first big bike was a 1968 HD Electra-Glide, purchased new... it dropped the jackshaft at 100 miles and sat in the shop for 3 months... 2nd was a 1972 HD Electra-Glide, followed by a 1976 Electra-Glide LIberty Edition. Purchased first "Wing" in 1976 and put 60,000 trouble-free miles on it. Followed with a 1979 model (52,000 miles), a 1982 model (39,000 miles), then stopped until the kids were grown. The current bike has 11,000 miles on it and is going strong. The dealer is a good 60% of customer satisfaction. I purchased from Al Lamb's Honda in Dallas, but haven't been back due to the problems I had getting them to install all the accessories they agreed to in the price. Use Honda Polaris of North Texas in Sherman, Texas for service... and they will sell me my next "Wing"... Their service department is second to none!

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“Mine is 2002 model purchased 2nd hand in 2003. It...”

★★★★★

written by on 16/03/2009

Mine is 2002 model purchased 2nd hand in 2003. It feels safe and rock solid, I think everyone should have one. Fantastic grin factor with most surprising performance. The most miles covered in a day is 625, we were tired but safe. We can carry enough stuff for a 2 week holiday around Europe without using a trailer. I am only allowed to go up to 85/90 with my better half on board but that is comfortable and eats up the miles without effort. I have yet to find a hotel that is not willing to give it a secure parking place once they clap eyes on it. Everyone feels very protective and friendly towards it. Having said that I have yet so see a better looking example. I have also found that the dealers haven't got a clue when it comes to servicing. They always leave bits off or incorrectly reassemble parts. My front fork seals kept leaking they tried to put this right 4 times. I ended doing it myself only to find a blemish in the fork shaft which I was able to polish out.
It's best bike I have ever owned. I am always looking for excuses to get out on it.

As I am unlikely to wear it out and the model hasn't changed really, I cannot see the point of purchasing a new one other than it would be new and cost me an extra 10K

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“GL1800 .. I do not have one YET the key operative...”

★★★★★

written by MountainMan on 14/03/2009

GL1800 .. I do not have one YET the key operative word here is .YET ! I have the Honda VT750 Shadow Aero. I took my bike in to my local bike shop here, and was there first thing in the morning as soon as they opened. Started looking at the GoldWings and while doing to was asked if I want to try one out. So I did Let just put it this way I got on it and did not come back in a hour. I was out on it all day and only brought it back at closing time which was hard I wanted to take it home with me. All I can say is that for the 7+ hours I was on it I loved it and I want one ! However this is Canada and well $29,000 + TAXS would make that bike cost something like $32,000 by the time I get it home if not more! In any case I am working on a way to get a NEW 2009 GL1800 this year with luck it will be before the summer is over.

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“Bought my 2004 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 on impulse...”

★★★★☆

written by oldwinger1948 on 03/09/2008

Bought my 2004 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 on impulse september 2007 with 9k on it, liked the colour (Titanium Silver) and tasteful chrome/lighting extras. Hadn't sold my GL1500. This enabled me to compare. Unfair I suppose since I had put 27k on it in 4 years. Loved my Goldwing GL15. Love my Goldwing GL18, ridden to France and Spain June 2008. Handling, much more manouvreable than my previous (3) GL1500's. Economy, getting 45mpg compared with 40mpg with my GL15, excellent considering I am riding faster. Performance, much more in the overtaking department (good/bad), undecided yet. Much more stable at higher speeds than GL1500, 80 - 120mph (continental riding of course). Much easier to remove rear wheel when changing tyres, can remove in 20 minutes now. GL1500 took 90 mins (included having to remove accessory wiring - not for you to think I am a slow worker). Much easier to change oil and filter without having to remove lower fairing - 20mins. Put 6.5k on since purchase. Wouldn't change it. Love it Love it Love it.

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“After 30 years of riding Hondas. Its a great bike to...”

★★★★★

written by steve Hill on 29/08/2008

After 30 years of riding Hondas. Its a great bike to ride, short rides and long rides. As for fuel its just about right. I have done about 5,000 miles so far and have being great fun. It brings a smile to my face every time I am rideing the wing.

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“I own a st1100 I have the bike for five years, not one...”

★★★★★

written by on 11/08/2008

I own a st1100 I have the bike for five years, not one thing has gone wrong. My wife and I did a 4,387 mile trip through, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, then back to england in 3 weeks injuly 2007 they are great bikes. The st1100 is a better bike than the 1300 but not as good looking.

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“After more than 30 years of riding practically every...”

☆☆☆☆☆

written by lcarpenter1 on 13/06/2008

After more than 30 years of riding practically every manufacture and style of motorcycle available, I finally let my wife have her way, and bought a Gold Wing. We took our brand new bike on our first ride over the Memorial Day holiday. On the morning of the fourth day, it broke down, with only 1100 miles on the bike! It suddenly overheated (red-lined), and gushed coolant and steam from the left radiator. We were left stranded 300 miles from home, in the middle of rural Arkansas on a holiday, with no dealership open! The problem turned out to be the cooling fan rubbed a hole in the radiator. It is still in the shop three weeks later, making my current ratio of downtime seven times that of its operational availability. Honda refuses to exchange the motorcycle, replace the overheated engine, extend the warranty, or cover my towing expenses. I certainly expected better from a motorcycle for which I paid more than $20k. Too bad it was too late to cancel the check! I've owned Russian motorcycles with better reliability! My recommendation: Do not buy a Honda!

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“The drive shaft on my Honda Goldwing is terrible. It...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by peter333 on 07/06/2008

The drive shaft on my Honda Goldwing is terrible. It started clunking at 3000 mile and the dealer has had it for times and can't fix it. The won't replace it under warranty and now say it is normal. Also the plastic fitting vibrates. I hate this thing, can't wait to trade it for a BMW.

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“I never would have bought this bike due it's physical...”

★★★★★

written by hondaxr6 on 11/04/2008

I never would have bought this bike due it's physical size. Once you ride it, you forget all about it's size. Weight is carried so low, you don't notice it. I've lost inexperienced riders on R1's throught the twisties. You never want more power. You can ride 600-700 miles in a day and not be tired. Passenger ride in total comfort. My son fell asleep on a 600 miler.

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“I also had the ST1100 and thought the 1300 was not for...”

★★★★☆

written by lakelander on 13/12/2007

I also had the ST1100 and thought the 1300 was not for me so I bought the 2006 model with the heated grips and seat which I find are a valuable component for the UK.
The bike was delivered with pock marked wheels, scuffed chromed panels weld splatter on the visible part of the frame, and poor paint on frame, the wheels were changed under warranty, they also offered to paint the frame but I bought chrome covers instead as Honda would not pay for them.
I have covered over 16000 miles in less than 18 months in fact I had done 12000 miles in 6 months and if you are looking for a long distance tourer this one must be the best on the market.
My bike has the front end wobble at 25mph with no good reason, Honda don't seem to be taking complaint seriously.
Servicing and fitting of accessories by the dealers has not been very good, I have done better myself, and will not use dealers when my warranty expires at 2 years.
I love riding this bike more than any other I have ridden, wind protection is good though screen can mist up in the wet so you have to look over the top, the manual adjustment of the screen is a bit agricultural and coarse but does have plenty of range for taller people.
Handlebar position could be a little further back for my liking to allow me to sit upright a little more this could be done with risers.
Very stable on German autobahns at 125mph although the wife said above 95 the vibration on the back was unbearable to the point where she chipped a tooth, although I couldn't feel any vibration on the front.
Corners very well though you need to take care if you are carrying a passenger if you don't stiffen the suspension for the extra weight, I have grounded my foot rest and front cowl a few times on right turns and at rounabouts and it didn't feel like i was so far over.
overall great machine spoiled by poor build and dealer service.

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“Bought this bike three years ago. It rides great and...”

★★★★★

written by Mork on 10/05/2007

Bought this bike three years ago. It rides great and is very powerful, smooth and comfortable. I was surprised at how basic the bike was as a tourer. Honda charges criminal prices for the added goodies like a CB Large supply of aftermarket chrome and add-ons for it. My wife loves it and would not get on anything else. Just wish Honda was more reasonable with pricing and standard equipment list.
Cost including options and taxes out the door.... $37,000 CDN

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“I have owned since 16 years old. 1947 BSA 250,...”

★★★★★

written by Alan searle on 15/04/2007

I have owned since 16 years old. 1947 BSA 250, Norman250 [villiers twin] aerial square4 1000, BSA650, Triumph Thunderbird, Norton600, Honda250superdream, SuzukiGs 850 u.s.a. Honda GBR1000 Six, Kawasaki RSX 1000, Suzuki GSX1200, Suzuki GSX1400, now and forever my GL 1800, the best bike I tried before buying. I tried them all. Trust me you get what you pay for.

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“I bought my Honda Goldwing GL 1800 in March 2006, and...”

★★★★★

written by alanbaker on 08/03/2007

I bought my Honda Goldwing GL 1800 in March 2006, and I have done 13k miles touring the UK. I haven't experienced any problems with it. Hardly surprising, it has a 6-cylinder 1800cc engine! Servicing and rear wheel changes are very easy and straight forward to do, without having to take it to a garage or dealership. Service parts are cheap (plugs only need changing every 12k miles, same with air filter).

My bike doesn't have heated seat or grips. I've fitted heated grips, which do make a difference. Wind and weather protection are very good. Hardly any rain gets around the screen, and the rest of the body is well protected. Good fuel consumption (averages 45 miles per gallon, so not bad considering). I found the seating to be very comfortable for both rider and passenger. I owned a 1100 Blackbird before this bike, and I found it uncomfortable on long rides. The insurance is not too bad either - Cheaper than the Blackbird.
The handlebar controls are numerous and easily activated. I like the cruise control when motorway driving - I just sit back and relax. It is very manoeuverable - the reverse gear makes life easier.

I would recommend the Goldwing. I have an issue with the price. New ones are not affordable to most, and considering that you could buy three new small cars for the same price as a new Wing, it is ridiculous. The newest model with air bag and sat nav is now £19k. This price cannot be justified by Honda.
It is a great bike, but not worth the money. I would recommend it though.

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364271_Alan W Paterson's Response to 281095_alanbaker's Review

Written on: 05/05/2008

I found this review helpful because... i have just purchased an 04 goldwing and i am extremely pleased with the bike and i agreed with alan the bike costs a little fortune, new!

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“Having owned a Honda Pan European ST1100 for several...”

★★★★★

written by WingCommander1 on 27/07/2006

Having owned a Honda Pan European ST1100 for several years and many other big bikes before that, I am used to comfort, reliability and power. When the new Pan (ST1300) replaced the ST1100 I was interested in trading up to the new Pan. That is until I test rode one. What a load of rubbish. Far from being impressed, I think Honda have ruined a good sport touring machine. I had a dilemma: I tried the FJR, which was better but did not have the carrying capacity of the old Pan. I considered the BMW RT, but was put off by other reviews. With only a 1200cc engine to pull a "tank", it is just too underpowered. Having driven the tried and trusted ST1100 (the police, AA and paramedics can’t all be wrong). The only alternative was to try out the Goldwing. I test drove the demo Wing at a local dealership for a whole day. What a machine!

At over £17000, I considered carefully before I bought one. I have now owned the new Goldwing (2006 model) for 3 months now and I can safely say that it is the best bike I have owned and ridden. I have done nearly 3000 miles which shows I can hardly stay off it! It is the ultimate bike and the new '06 model comes with heated seats and grips etc. The cockpit is very clear and easy to navigate despite all of the buttons and switches. A real posing machine which NEVER fails to turn heads. The windscreen is adjustable and gives excellent wind and rain protection but even in the recent heatwave conditions in the UK (recently 38 degrees celsius), there is an adjustable vent in the screen which allows a nice flow of air through to keep the pilot cool. Services are every 4000 miles (oil and filter) and because it is a six-cylinder, the major service is not until 16000 – rather like a car service schedule really. Fuel consumption is good – Im averaging about 40 45 miles per gallon and it seems to be a little better than my old Pan which averaged about 42 MPG. This depends on how it is driven. I was concerned about not being able to filter through traffic as well as I did with the Pan. I must say, the Wing commands respect in traffic and most other road users can both see and depending if you have the music on at mid range, they can hear you and most pull over to let you pass through. It is about 7-8 inches wider than the Pan, that is mirror-to-mirror edge, but because the Wing’s mirrors are raised higher, they usually glide over most car door mirrors when filtering is tight. The tyres wear much better – I would say about 7000 miles out of the rear and maybe a little more out of the front. Mine are about one third worn at 3000 miles. I have also been quoted £130 for the rear and £95 for the front, so cost about the same as the Pan’s despite being bigger.

Some superbike riders are fooled by the passive demeanour of the Wing. It can cruise comfortably at high speed and beats any superbike at prolonged motorway speeds – they soon fall behind after 20 minutes of wind buffeting. Motorway driving is a pleasure just slip the cruise control on and relax. When asked by the usual R1, Blade type biker, who I find are usually critical of anything not renowned for doing 200mph up, why I chose the Wing (I’m 40ish but look 30ish), I simply ask them how often they get the opportunity to take their “moped” above 100mph and what would they rather drive from the UK to say the Alps: a Lotus or a Rolls? Enough said! I have; piloted a Blade, a Firestorm and an R1 and for short journeys they are just about bearable. Try travelling more than 70 miles on one compared to a Pan, FJR or a RT1200! Well, the Wing is supreme in this regard. I did a 120-mile sprint from Nottinghamshire to the North Yorkshire moors recently with a group of other riders, some of whom were on mopeds such as Blades, Busa and the like. While these “moped” riders arrived fatigued, visors fly-encrusted, and walking like 90-year old arthritics (not to mention those with pillions who were equally saddle weary!), my wife and I hardly noticed the distance had been covered. Instead of spending 5 minutes stretching and straightening our legs and cracking our vertebra like the others, we went for a walkabout feeling quite exhilarated! So too was the Beemer pilot and his pillion. All I can say is: you only get what you pay for and you can have two new R1s for the price of a new Goldwing. Enough said! I could talk all day about the Wing. If you are thinking of getting one – don’t hesitate; you won’t be disappointed!

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Willow100's Response to 252916_WingCommander1's Review

Written on: 16/10/2008

I found this review helpful because... its balanced and accurate.

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Oldbiker777's Response to 252916_WingCommander1's Review

Written on: 08/12/2008

Hi I have also graduated from a Pan to a wing about 7 years ago, I agree with most of your comments apart from one. The width of a wing is only 10mm wider than a pan? Not 7 inches. It is a big bike but I filter where all the other bikes filter no problem. My mate has a Pan and he normally follows me and although the gap may look tight to him he works on the assumption that if I get through he must be able to. Watch out for transits as they have the same mirror height as you!
<br/>Ride safe kind regards ROGER.

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Asked by chefbette on 25th June 2014 Report this content
I am considering buying a 2008 Honda Goldwing GL 1800 with 150,000. Is this to many miles? They want 9,000.

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