The Honda Gold Wing is one of the most popular touring motorcycles in the world. It is known for its “bullet proof” reliability. There are Gold Wings on American roads today from decades ago, when they were still manufactured in on US soil in Ohio. However, the beloved Honda Gold Wing has run into a few problems over the years. These are the issues that Honda Gold Wing owners complain about the most.

Redesigned fork for 2018

The previous generation of the Honda Gold Wing implements the conventional telescopic unit for its fork configuration. Introduced in 2018, however, the Gold Wing received a new Hossack-style front end. The suspension for the new generation uses a bumper instead of a spring. Some have doubted the longterm integrity of this technology. Here is an entire video of suspension expert Max McAllister, president Traxxion Dynamics, explaining the differences between the two systems and why he doesn’t like the new setup up.

It’s good to keep in mind that, while this video raises some valid questions and make some great points, Traxxion Dynamics does sell aftermarket suspension products. As for the new suspension system, Honda has kept the double wishbone for the following model year. The new system has been proved to work by simply working. Some may want to add aftermarket suspension upgrades –– especially if they will often max out the Gold Wing’s payload of about 423 pounds.

The Honda Gold Wing DCT’s notorious phantom clutch

Several riders on this Gold Wing Owners forum complain about how they can’t help but reach for the clutch while riding. The DCT eliminates the need to grab the clutch, which for many long time riders is second nature. When they reach for the phantom clutch, though, the DTC shifts just as they reach for it. Owners and testers of the Gold Wing have been impressed, despite this minor issue for concern. The DCT has definitely inspired some complaints, however, like this one from one Gold Wing Owner on the forum:

The only very small issue I have with the DCT transmission is with deceleration to a complete stop, it can be a little clunky. I pride myself on making straight, balanced stops and start ups without weaving and the DCT takes some getting used to on the stops, but non-weaving stops is doable.

Also, in tight maneuvering situations it requires a gentle touch on the throttle to keep it from going further than you want. Honda has allowed for this problem by including a “creep forward” gear that utilizes the starter motor just like the “reverse” gear except you can go forward very slowly with a push button on the left handlebar control unit. This is kind of cool.

DesertRat

Difficulty accessing internal areas of the motorcycle in order to perform maintenance

Though they love the styling of the new Gold Wing, owners do note that it can be an issue to perform certain regular maintenance. Due to the necessity of cover removal even for simple tasks, maintenance can be a little annoying. One owner says that “just to get to the oil dipstick you have to pry off a cover.” This can be bothersome, surely. Especially considering most that own one of these will most likely perform much of said maintenance themselves.

Still a reliable choice

Despite these Honda Gold Wing problems that people complain about the most, the responses on the forum overwhelmingly sing a loving tune for the Gold Wing. This touring motorcycle frequently passes the 100k and even the 200k mile mark still “running like new.” Though people do complain about these problems, the Honda Gold Wing is a reliable long distance bike. in addition to the complaints, owners also say they would definitely buy another Gold Wing. In fact, several of the replies in the thread came from people on their second or third Honda Gold Wing.