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Considering how few motorcycle models last 50 years and have the kind of impact that the Gold Wing has had, Honda has been rather understated about the 50th anniversary of its touring flagship. But now the milestone is getting some recognition with anniversary badges and paint treatment for 2025.
The world got its first look at the original Gold Wing at a show in Germany in the fall of 1974, so last year we took a look at the history of the Gold Wing, through the experiences of owners. But it was 1975 when customers started buying Gold Wings, and starting next month, 50 years later, these 50th anniversary Gold Wings will begin rolling out of dealerships to be released into the wild and begin the migratory journeys they're built for.
The changes for 2025 are almost exclusively cosmetic. With two luggage setups, two transmission choices, and four colors, the buyer ends up with seven options in the 2025 Gold Wing lineup. One of those colors, what Honda calls the Light Silver Metallic version, is not labeled as a 50th anniversary model. The other three colors get a 50th anniversary badge just in front of the seat. Is this Honda understating the case again? Instead of screaming about the milestone to others, reminders of the anniversary will be seen mainly by the rider only. In addition to the badge, a "Since 1975" message shows on the display when the motorcycle is switched on.
The Gold Wing comes in three configurations: the base model, with saddlebags only, the Tour model with a taller windscreen and a top box, and the Tour Airbag, which adds Honda's unique-in-the-industry airbag system. On top of those options, the buyer can choose between the manual six-speed transmission with reverse and the seven-speed DCT transmission which has both forward and reverse Walking Mode.
Though the changes for 2025 are mainly cosmetic, Honda also gave the Gold Wing wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, to make it easier for riders who are used to using those.
Aside from its unusual longevity, one of the interesting aspects of the Gold Wing's history is how it changed motorcycling in ways that were never really intended when it was introduced. In 1975, Honda thought it was building a muscle bike. Customers saw a different potential, and an icon of touring motorcycles gradually evolved.
"The Gold Wing has long demonstrated Honda's engineering prowess, but it's important to note that its development has often been customer-led," said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. "For these reasons and many others, the 50th anniversary of the Gold Wing platform is a significant milestone in Honda's history."
I will get a chance to ride the Gold Wing in a few weeks, so if there's something you're curious about, leave your questions in the comments below and I'll answer them once I've had some time in the saddle to admire that 50th anniversary badge.
| 2025 Honda Gold Wing | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) |
Gold Wing Tour: $28,700 (Light Silver Metallic) Gold Wing Tour DCT: $29,700 (Light Silver Metallic) 50th Anniversary Gold Wing: $25,200 (Matte Black Metallic) 50th Anniversary Gold Wing DCT: $26,200 (Matte Black Metallic) 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour: $29,200 (Bordeaux Red or Eternal Gold) 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour DCT: $30,200 (Bordeaux Red or Eternal Gold) 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour Airbag DCT: $33,500 (Bordeaux Red or Eternal Gold) |
| Engine | 1,833 cc, liquid-cooled, 24-valve, horizontally opposed six cylinder |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic DCT, shaft |
| Claimed horsepower | NA |
| Claimed torque | NA |
| Frame | Twin spar |
| Front suspension | Double-wishbone system with Showa shock; 4.3 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Showa shock; 4.1 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Dual radial-mount Nissin six-piston calipers, 320 mm discs with linked ABS |
| Rear brake | Nissin three-piston caliper, 316 mm disc with linked ABS |
| Wheelbase | 66.9 inches |
| Seat height | 29.3 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 gallons |
| Tires | 130/70-18 front, 200/55-16 rear |
| Claimed weight | 802 pounds wet (base Gold Wing) to 856 pounds (Gold Wing Tour Airbag DCT) |
| Available | March 2025 |
| Warranty | 36 months |
| More info | powersports.honda.com |
