Is the 2026 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT still the best luxury touring motorcycle you can buy?
In this honest, unsponsored review, I share my real-world experience after putting over 1,000 miles on my new 2026 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT. After owning six Honda Goldwings over more than 20 years, I discuss what Honda got right, what has changed for 2026, and the surprising issues that disappointed me the most.
If you’re researching a Honda Goldwing, comparing the 2026 vs. 2024 model, or trying to decide whether this is the right touring motorcycle for you, this review will help you make an informed decision.
In this video:
✅ 2026 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT first impressions
✅ Ride quality and touring comfort
✅ Engine performance and DCT transmission review
✅ Apple CarPlay and updated electronics package
✅ AM/FM/XM radio issues
✅ Bluetooth and Sena headset connectivity
✅ Paint quality and fit & finish concerns
✅ Long-distance touring capability and fuel range
✅ Reliability and ownership costs
✅ Is the 2026 Honda Goldwing still the king of touring motorcycles?
While the mechanical platform remains one of the most refined and dependable motorcycles on the market, Honda’s updated electronics and user interface bring both welcome improvements and frustrating compromises. I also discuss why I believe the Goldwing continues to outperform many competitors for everyday touring and long-distance travel despite a few notable shortcomings.
Whether you’re a current Goldwing owner or considering switching from a BMW K1600, Harley-Davidson Road Glide, or another touring bike, this review offers practical insights from thousands of miles of real-world riding experience.
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I don’t understand the aversion to XM Radio. It is awesome and very consistent throughout the United States. I pay $6 a month. It’s so worth it to me that my music is the same no matter where I’m at. Also, using cellular data to stream is also not a big deal. I would say most people have unlimited data in their plans so there’s no additional cost. I never listen to AM radio and only FM occasionally. My FM reception is fine. I can get Oklahoma City stations 65 miles away at home just fine. My bike is a 2019 DCT Tour.
I’m in Scotland, I have never been able to connect to any radio station with the Goldwing, we have a radio station about 2 miles from my home, and even sitting outside their broadcast centre I can’t get a signal. The Goldwing audio system is a complete waste of time, luckily I have the CarPlay working perfectly now.
Hi Cruiseman, I have the identical bike and colour and I have never noticed nor do I see the orange peal. Could it be isolated to only a few of the bikes?
I have a 2025 in Bordeaux Metallic Red. Love the bike. But I find Honda paint/clear coat finish soft. I used to use a single finger to close the side luggage panels until fingers slipped a couple of time. Finger nails so easily leave a mark in the finish as they skim across the finish. Was able to buff out with a Turtle Wax so the mark is barely noticeable. I have now changed my habit to use the palm of my hand to close the panels.
World class bike, third world electronics.