Honda has updated the 2027 GL1800 Gold Wing for the European market with a new Gunmetal Black Metallic exterior finish complemented by Mat Ballistic Black Metallic detailing. The latest model-year update focuses on appearance, with the motorcycle retaining its 1,833cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and established touring technology.
The standard Honda Gold Wing sits alongside the more extensively equipped Gold Wing Tour in the manufacturer's premium touring motorcycle range. Unlike the Tour, the standard GL1800 has a sleeker profile without the large rear top box, making it an option for riders who prefer integrated side luggage and a more compact touring design.
Honda has not announced a major mechanical revision for the 2027 model year. The motorcycle continues with its double-wishbone front suspension, electrically adjustable windscreen, seven-inch TFT instrument display and smartphone connectivity features.
2027 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing: New Colour
The key change for 2027 is the revised exterior finish. The Honda GL1800 Gold Wing will be available in Gunmetal Black Metallic with Mat Ballistic Black Metallic detailing.
The new colour replaces the previous model year's Mat Bullet Silver finish with Mat Pearl Morion detailing. The darker combination gives the Gold Wing a more understated appearance while retaining its recognisable fairing, integrated side panniers and exposed mechanical elements.
The standard Gold Wing differs from the Gold Wing Tour primarily in its luggage configuration and associated touring equipment. It does not have the Tour's integrated rear top box, resulting in a more streamlined rear profile.
1,833cc Six-Cylinder Engine and Seven-Speed DCT
The 2027 Honda Gold Wing retains its 1,833cc, liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The 24-valve, single-overhead-camshaft powerplant produces a maximum power output of 93 kW at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 170 Nm at 4,500 rpm.
Power is delivered to the rear wheel through a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission and an enclosed shaft final drive. Honda has offered the standard Gold Wing exclusively with DCT since the 2022 model year.
The transmission supports automatic and manual gear selection. In automatic mode, the system selects gears according to riding conditions and the selected riding mode. Riders who prefer greater control can change gears using the paddle-style controls on the left handlebar.
The DCT also features a Walking Mode that helps with low-speed manoeuvring. It allows the motorcycle to move forward at approximately 1.8 km/h and backwards at approximately 1.2 km/h, making it easier to position the large touring motorcycle in parking spaces and other confined areas.
Honda's Throttle By Wire system provides four riding modes: Tour, Sport, Econ and Rain. Each mode adjusts engine response and transmission behaviour to suit different riding conditions, with corresponding changes to braking characteristics.
- Tour: Provides balanced engine response and smooth transmission operation for everyday riding and long-distance journeys.
- Sport: Offers sharper throttle response and a more performance-oriented gearshift pattern.
- Econ: Uses a more relaxed throttle response to support fuel-efficient riding.
- Rain: Delivers softer power response for riding in wet or slippery conditions.
Hill Start Assist helps prevent the motorcycle from rolling backwards when moving away on an incline. The Idling Stop system can shut down the engine during a stationary stop and restart it when the rider opens the throttle.
Double-Wishbone Front Suspension and Braking System
The GL1800 Gold Wing uses a die-cast aluminium twin-beam frame designed around its double-wishbone front suspension. Unlike a conventional telescopic fork, this arrangement separates steering inputs from much of the suspension movement, helping maintain front-wheel control and stability over uneven surfaces.
At the rear, the motorcycle uses a single-sided Pro-Arm swingarm with Pro-Link suspension. The rear suspension preload is manually adjustable to accommodate different riding and loading conditions.
Braking hardware comprises dual 320mm front discs with six-piston callipers and a 316mm rear disc with a three-piston calliper. Honda's Dual Combined Braking System (D-CBS) distributes braking forces between the front and rear wheels, while ABS helps reduce the risk of wheel lock-up during hard braking.
The motorcycle also features cruise control, full-LED lighting and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The TPMS displays tyre-pressure information and warns the rider when pressure falls below the appropriate level.
Technology, Connectivity and Touring Practicality
The Honda Gold Wing features a seven-inch full-colour TFT instrument display that presents riding information, audio functions and supported navigation information. The display also provides access to riding-mode settings and tyre-pressure information.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity allow compatible smartphones to connect without requiring a USB cable. Riders can access supported smartphone applications and media through the motorcycle's interface. Bluetooth connectivity supports communication between compatible rider and passenger headsets.
The cockpit retains Honda's Smart Key system, which enables keyless operation of the ignition and provides convenient access to the integrated luggage compartments. Two USB Type-C sockets are available for charging compatible devices.
The standard GL1800 Gold Wing has approximately 60 litres of luggage capacity across its two integrated side panniers. These compartments are designed for weekend trips and shorter touring journeys without the additional bulk of the Gold Wing Tour's rear top box.
An electrically adjustable windscreen allows the rider to vary its height and angle according to riding preferences. Honda also offers optional touring accessories, including a taller windscreen and additional wind deflectors, depending on the market.
2027 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs Gold Wing Tour
| Specification | GL1800 Gold Wing | GL1800 Gold Wing Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Body style | Bagger-style tourer | Full-dress touring motorcycle |
| Engine | 1,833cc flat-six | 1,833cc flat-six |
| Maximum power | 93 kW at 5,500 rpm | 93 kW at 5,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 170 Nm at 4,500 rpm | 170 Nm at 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Seven-speed DCT | Seven-speed DCT |
| Luggage capacity | 60 litres in side panniers | 121 litres, including the rear top box |
| Rear top box | Not fitted | Fitted |
| Airbag | Not fitted | Available on the Tour DCT/Airbag specification |
| Instrument display | Seven-inch colour TFT | Seven-inch colour TFT |
| New 2027 colour | Gunmetal Black Metallic with Mat Ballistic Black Metallic detailing | Iridium Gray Metallic, Graphite Black and Allumage Blue Metallic |
The main distinction is the intended touring configuration rather than the engine or transmission. The standard Gold Wing offers a more streamlined design with side panniers, while the Gold Wing Tour adds a top box and greater luggage capacity for extended journeys.
Price and Availability
Honda's 2027 model-year announcement does not specify retail pricing or dealership arrival dates for the standard GL1800 Gold Wing in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Prospective buyers should contact their local Honda motorcycle distributor for confirmed prices and availability.
The announcement does not confirm a launch or pricing plan for the 2027 standard Gold Wing in India. European specifications and colour availability should not be assumed to apply to other markets.
AkulRide Verdict
The 2027 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing receives a relatively modest model-year update, with Gunmetal Black Metallic and Mat Ballistic Black Metallic detailing providing a fresh appearance. Its established 1,833cc flat-six engine, seven-speed DCT, double-wishbone front suspension and extensive electronics remain unchanged.
For riders considering a premium touring motorcycle, the standard Gold Wing offers a balance between long-distance comfort and a more streamlined luggage arrangement than the Gold Wing Tour. The latest update does not introduce a new engine or major equipment upgrade, so the decision between the two models will largely depend on luggage requirements, preferred styling and budget. Buyers should confirm local pricing and availability before placing an order.
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