2006 Honda GL1800 Gold wing: review

[@bigbearbland]

I bought my first GoldWing last week. 96' 1500 35k 1owner. I bought another 2017 yesterday. I've owned everything, built custom HD's since I was 15, I've won shows, had my bikes in all the mags ect. GoldWing is by far the nicest overall bike I've ever been privileged to ride. Simply awesome.

[@colinm1325]

What the ,bbb, u bought two bikes in a week? That was 3 years ago, how has your time with them been? Cheers.

[@gwynnromano5881]

If anyone thinks these bikes can’t handle, there’s a video on You Tube of a guy on a bright yellow Gold Wing schooling some sport bike riders on the Tail Of The Dragon in Tennessee. I rented one for a few days three years ago and by day two I realized that I could use it in place of my vehicle. It’s an incredible machine.

[@justanotherinternetmusicia1248]

This generation of Goldwing is easily one of my dream bikes, as a matter of fact two of my favourite bikes are this and the peculiar DN-01. Thank you for the in depth, informative and enjoyable review.

[@stevenbaron1496]

Great video! So nice to see a KZbinr rider who actually does shoulder checks! Gotta love the gold wing ❤

[@wingandhog]

Picked up a low mileage (27k miles) 08 GL1800 last night and rode it 430 miles home today. Two words….. ‘Dream Machine”

[@waynekerr2397]

Just toying with purchasing one of these. So glad that the first review I have seen of one these, was actually done by Roadcraft Nottingham. Value your opinion very much.

[@Mysticfizz24]

I’ve an ST1100 and a Harley and always thought the Goldwing would be a great all rounder, a bit more refined than the Pan and offers just a bit more comfort for 2 up riding. I like it, and hope you still have it.......and you’ve proven it can even pull the birds! 😂 Nice review chap 👍

[@hitchawk4789]

Hurrah, a new vid from Roadcraft! Welcome back :) Via Gellia? Nice!

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

Just purchased a used (very) low mileage 2016 GL1800. Always wanted a wing, already have a 1983 GL1100, so the new GL compliments it nicely. I wanted the comfort of a car with the practicality of two wheels, so the wing fits the bill for me. AS you stated I also find the gearbox just a bit clunky. Going to change the oil to 10:40 weight (Motul) to see if it improves matters a bit. The bike is a so smooth to ride with minimal vibrations from the engine. I find the handling through the twisty bits is fine, I tend to gently `drive` the bike through using just a bit of throttle. As per your comments in the video the mirrors are excellent. My location is not too far from you - just down the road near Eastwood. Will probably take the bike to MFN bike night one upcoming Wednesday evening.

[@petermcdevitt3984]

Greetings from Canada. I really like your reviews. This one was really interesting. Weight wise, I ride a HD CVO Road Glide and it comes in about 420kg. I really wish I had reverse sometimes :) A good friend has a GoldWing and it must have 150000 km and still purrs like a great big cat.

[@roryonabike5863]

About time that you uploaded a new video. I have no interest in the Goldwing, but I'll watch anyway :)

[@sidneylol]

Oh dear, I've finally watched this having previously purposely hid behind my hands ignoring what I can't see. I think I can see my future now lol. What a cracking review Russ. I do like real reviews like these because this is what you ride like in reality and not round a race track testing every limit the bike has. Concrete arse! Hahaha like it. I'd buy one of these tomorrow if I could but I now know for sure what type of bike I'm saving up for. Thank you again for the great review and I'm looking forward to more vids soon. Cheers, Stu

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks Stu, I was surprised myself. You'd love it. Cheers

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Not a huge fan to be honest but after that video you've certainly made me think a little! Good to see you back, superb video as always.

[@andyhewitt7588]

Great to see you giving the alternative point of view from a person who has actually ridden the bike in question. You did, however, take up all the parking in Monyash 😅

[@bigwu100]

I think a lot of people would be surprised by how the big girl handles, i ride a '05 and enjoy her a great deal of all my previous bikes the gl1800 puts a big smile on my face. did your passenger like it? My wife won't ride with something about my last accident, no sense of humor.

[@walterheukels]

I have to admit, ten years ago I thought these were awful. But now that I'm almost 40 years old, that thing is looking awfully comfortable... maybe when I've paid off my 3 litre Jag XF I'll have a go on one!

[@davidlockett6213]

Good to see you back again. Nice bike as well!

[@ianwalker883]

I also ride a 2006 GL1800. I just had over a year now, and I am so pleased with it, it a joy to ride. It didn't come with a CD player. But I had fitted a MP3 player instead . I am making a base to fit a different MP3 player and a fuse box so it will be positioned inside the box where a CD player is

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

That's a good idea. Much more convenient than a CD player these days. ☺

[@craigdouglasmartens7037]

It looks perfect for touring South Africa. Would love one!

[@karlk6834]

Great to see a vid from you pop up after months on end of watching them over and over prior to getting my licence. Lovely bike not my cup of tea but anything with 2 wheels is beautiful and after 3.5 hours on my blade to Peterborough the other weekend I'm a little envious of the comfortable seats!

[@feetroby3174]

Glad to see you back, Russ

[@kurgo_]

Honestly, this is much better for US roads than European roads. Yes you can get it around corners but it clearly is made for going straight as much as possible, it's for touring and more about enjoying the travelling in a smooth sort of way rather than enjoying the bike in and of itself. If that's what someone wants that's fine by me, I wouldn't drive a Harley Davidson if they gifted me one, yet there's plenty of people who shell loads of cash for those. To each his own.

[@BN1960]

Not so These things handle extremely well and are very torquey They make 500 mile days easy and when I had mine, we did the Alps and across Europe by National roads, enjoying every minute. You need bigger eyes sometimes with things like this.

[@AnalogueInTheUK]

Good to see you back. Keep 'em coming, mate.

[@wombat2330]

Great to see you enjoying yourself on a bike that looks also a lot of fun after your review.

[@adventurebikerentalscapeto4852]

Very cool bike A small trick you might know of...when you want to cancel cruise control, increase the revs ever so slightly , then touch the clutch ...gives a smooth cancellation.

[@adventurebikerentalscapeto4852]

... provided you aren't actually wanting to stop suddenly LOL

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

... Good call, I'll have a play. ☺

[@jennydiazvigneault5548]

That seat looks sooo much more confortable than on the new sport tourer version.

[@CharlieDeltaEchoVict]

Glad to see you back and thanks for the review.

[@InformalGreeting]

Don't know why this is in my feed… but now I want an Old Wing. Too bad Honda wont make an ADV version. I would miss the fire roads a lot.

[@StuHolland]

Great to have you back. More more more!

[@cerealtiller]

They have always been excellent Machines I own an '86 1200 Goldwing....it is always joyful to ride..it has 80 K Miles on it and the Engine Purrs.. Until it is powered up..then it makes a Beautiful sound Wings have had Air Suspension since '82 'ish...and have always been a perfect touring Bike.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

If I had room I'd have the naked gl1000 or 11. ☺

[@wowaddict878]

The Goldwing will always be a cool bike, no question

[@Quickblood1]

I dunno I'm beginning to sorta fancy one of those. Getting old but I can't imagine filtering in London on that.

[@SanjaySingh-uq2tj]

My dream bike too brother... You are lucky man.... Go miles and miles on gold wing ... Good luck bro😎

[@raymondhumphreys5122]

Where u been more please I learned so much from ur videos taken me all over Europe off to Italy soon.

[@JmaK17]

8:38 never seen a bus driver dragging his knee like that before 😂

[@InspectorGadget2014]

PS: no electric screen-adjustment could be a good thing; such a large amount of plastic will put a significant amount of strain on any moving mechanism, so manually adjustment allows it to a much sturdy built. Nut that is just an assumption from my side. And the BMW-version, being the K1600GT, also a very nice bike, also quite heavy, but that price ... yikes. And no CD-changer ;-)

[@kingsqueak2221]

Though probably a bad financial idea, I would love to see you test ride one of the brand new ones with the DCT auto transmission. It would be interesting your impressions since you are so fastidious about the fueling and subtle dynamics of bikes. Plus I have a feeling you would find it a very interesting thing in general to experience. Nice to see a new video from you.

[@burgerherzog]

I like your voice it sounds like an aircraft captain announcing the flight information before starting the journey😅👌

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thankyou "we'll be flying at approximately 1 and a half metres" 😂

[@burgerherzog]

@@RoadcraftNottingham I just borrowed the Gl1500 from a friend for some days and it was already such a beautiful ride I would not believe it if I had not tried it myself 🙄 and as you said for the newer model it is such a agile bike for this size. Just wow. I need one now 👌👍

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Sometimes test riding one isn't the best thing to do 😂

[@burgerherzog]

@@RoadcraftNottingham isn't or is? 😋 I have to admit I will test ride every bike before making my opinion 👍 looking forward to new videos from you

[@truckingbiker7354]

I would love to have a go on the Goldwing but I think they have too many gadgets on it, and for someone like me that's not technical minded would struggle, the cop pit looks like an airplane. I like the look of them and I bet they are really comfortable to ride.

[@Rsmith600]

So did it have missiles or not?

[@bigwu100]

I wish, and machine guns too.

[@2Timone7]

The Goldwing IS a missile.

[@shelliecarlson7015]

It's sad the original owner didn't check that box when he bought it.

[@jameslaughlin3298]

I don’t think ANY OTHER bike beats the Gold Wing for touring comfort!

[@robertbates1079]

Had one like yours in blue... went to france 46 mpg carrying the kitchen sink ... handled pretty good even on the twisties.The mrs would often doze off so i had to wang it now and then to keep her from falling off... lol good review, watch out Tmf.

[@SBKPete]

Great to see you back again Russ; and with a new partner too I see?

[@lukej6555]

Nice to see another video from you. Been subscribed to you for a few years now. A shame you packed the KZbin in.

[@aidandoyle7982]

Sounds absolutely amazing, I'd love to get one, I've already gotten slagged when mentioned to friends, maybe it's time to get new friends? 😁

[@username-dg3ic]

They say money won't make you any happy they say...If I ha d enough money I would buy this masterpiece and be the happiest girl in the universe. ...

[@cyberjack]

yey .. new vid .. am sure you a busy man .. but can we have some more regular uploads please :-) As for the goldwing .. its OK but NOT for English roads, its obviously made for US roads with its long highways and not many bends.

[@georgeminns]

honestly why doesnt the goldwing have its own race series, it clearly deserves one, matlock bath would make a great backdrop for the yearly goldwing TT, providing the kayakers wouldnt mind dodging the odd one in the river

[@mikewynne6549]

Thought you emigrated lol. Nice to see you back👍

[@chappy2121]

Never been a fan of those types of bikes but always had a bit of a soft spot for the goldwings. Not sure why? I ride a daytona 675r

[@barrkel]

I have to say, every time you say "... when you accelerate" or "let's have some fun", I keep expecting things to speed up, but it just seems to accelerate so slowly. The K1600GTL does look like it has a lot more poke.

[@1998TDM]

No stereo review? I'm a bit miffed about that. For the doubters, check out the vids of the guy riding his wing through Deals Gap. He's flying! Great bikes. Thanks for the review.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Mark Oliver..... If I played any music KZbin would take the monetisation away so sod ya. ☺

[@1998TDM]

Bugger. Never thought about that.

[@8agpuss]

Lovely trip to Monyash

[@luc1ferblack]

i really love the look of this bike without the trunk and with a bagger screen. im into big bikes i have a pan 1300 but i heard you cant get xl helmets in the panniers and if thats the case that sucks for me as im looking for a new bike

[@davidmuir6849]

Fantastic review I just got the same bike and colour Superb machine Regards Dave from Scotland

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks. Enjoy Dave. ☺

[@HakanKoseoglu]

Nice boat! (having a K1100LT, I should really shut up but that is way smaller than this!)

[@gasdive]

Funny, I was absolutely *sure* you were going to be the pillion and do the review from the rear seat.

[@VeeFour]

39 mpg isn't to bad. My 2014 Tuono used to do 27 on some rides

[@dalalalasad3348]

Can you explain how to set the gold wong bike watch?

[@richardshilling2958]

Top video, really enjoyed your review. The bike looks great. I much prefer the look to the 1600 bmw

[@vinjofin1972]

Beautifull bike you ride.

[@shirosawaluishide1359]

Hello that Goldwing is for sale?

[@addmeonebay2626]

6 People are obviously not strong enough in the leg department to keep up such a magnificent beast :'( On a serious note Mr Nottingham I'd like to see you rip around on a supermoto .. for science..

[@GaryMCurran]

Russ, at 8:02, you said 'Wrong position, mate.' Why was he wrong, and what position should he have been in? So, are you going to get rid of your Pan? Dealer down the street from me has a 2009 K1300GT with 60K miles, and of course, that kind of mileage scares me on a bike, but I guess it shouldn't. I'd like that bike, but just am not in a position to buy one, and everything else to go with it right now. Nice bike, it looks great, and as you said, it rides great, etc. I thought you were going to do a review on the new 2018, which is supposed to be a totally different Gold Wing, but that's okay. I enjoyed this. Thanks!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Gary C.... Hi, he had his head near the centre white line on a right hand bend, imagine how close we'd be if I was in a car or truck.

[@GaryMCurran]

Okay, that makes sense. That's kind of what I thought it was, since you were near to the edge of the road in the same curve.

[@troglodyte1407]

Are you going to do a Leanna ride review next?

[@michaelosborne4944]

just watched your review, did you keep it? i know you're big on fuel mapping how did you find it, thinking of getting one to keep alongside my 83 Gl1100 standard

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Sold it due to the weight and wide seat, me only being 5 feet 8. Gl11, mmm, me like!

[@keyop1970]

Bikes're bikes. People shouldn't judge.

[@giantinside]

Thanks for a great video.

[@Omfgwhtavid]

Congratulations on getting your HGV licence

[@thetewintourer]

More vids of Leanna please.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

She's just done the zero review with me

[@zombiebiker5581]

Where’s the button/levers to make the wheels tuck in just before take off? So your the pilot and the lady is cabin crew 😂🤣. But yes I do like it,just too big,too much to go wrong,but it is nice and my mate had one.

[@chrmah]

IHi..... actualy ride triumph trophy SE, but have some issues about wind in the neck and to much pressure on the ..... when sitting more than one hour on it. I'm seriously thinking of swapping it for a GW 1800. But do you think it's worth paying a bit more for the 2012 model....? I heard it has even better suspension than the2006 ;;;; and whats your opinion on the comparaison with the trophy SE....? Greetings from Belgium

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Christian Mahieu... Hi, unfortunately I've never ridden your bike so can't comment. I was out on the gl today for 7 hours with no problems. I'd always advise buying the newest you can afford. Good luck.

[@chrmah]

good advice..... :-) I was thinking the same.... thanks anyway. I keep following your channel. Cu..

[@jamesweber4938]

Do you still own the Goldwing ?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Eventually sold it. I just have too many bikes but still loved it.

[@paulmathison2906]

Keep it, nice bike!

[@roberthickman4092]

That bike is huge, dosn't look like you have much choice in road position.

[@Boodieman72]

I would get a BMW K 1600 GTL before a Honda Goldwing.

[@HyperHorse]

Boodieman72 JAPANESE RELIABILITY!!!!

[@Boodieman72]

Haha, my Honda broke after less than two months.

[@Pococnosurvival]

no it didn't, you don't even own one

[@Boodieman72]

I did, there was a bolt floating around in the transmission. It was fixed under warranty. I have an NC 700X

[@Steve-iw1li]

THAT COMMENT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S COMING FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS NEITHER ?? AM I RIGHT. I'm about to trade my BMW K1600GTL Exclusive, back in for another GL1800. I've had two 18s, an '02 and an '09, and put up close to 65,000mls on them, and wanted to try living with an obvious alternative, the K16. After some touring miles this summer on the K16 I have decided to revert back for some of the following reasons. 1. Relatively poorer weather protection on the K16, even with a touring screen, and hand guards, there is definitely more parts of me and my passenger exposed to the elements. Not surprising really, as the GLs fairing is enormous. 2. The gearbox disappoints (no quick shift like on a new model K16), and it's almost impossible to shift up or down without serious clunking, and there is more drive lash than on a GL18. Just my opinion. 3. The seat gets unbearable after an hour or so, no comparison to the Honda really. And, the passenger slides in to me at the merest hint of braking...I know some seat mesh would fix this, but should that be required? Nor am I about to fork out hundreds for a replacement seat when the GL has a superb one as standard. 4. The audio system (I know, but I like tunes when touring), in particular the two puny speakers in the fairing, are just that...puny and inaudible above 50mph or in strong winds. 5. Pairing up my Autocom bluetooth is hit and miss...all the time, and often drops out completely. On the positive side, the K16 has a stomping engine, very rapid, and sounds amazing under hard acceleration. It also handles far better than a GL18, due no doubt to less weight and the BMW suspension system which (up until the 2018 new model GL18), is far superior to the Honda's. I will also miss the huge tank range on the K16. Just my thoughts, but a great video, no nonsense, and as a dyed in the wool winger, I appreciate a non biased review, well done.

[@memybikeni9931]

Has it got a reverse ?

[@memybikeni9931]

Doh... teaches me to keep watching. Reverse is a must on that

[@TheOzTurkish]

I would think it's a reassuring clunk from the gearbox rather then a worrying clunk

[@mthompson5048]

Didn't know it came in right hand drive. lol

[@tooresttrikie6744]

how would it do on Scottish single track roads I wonder? Bealach Na Baa anyone?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

toorest trikie... I'd say slightly better than a car. ☺

[@tooresttrikie6744]

hairpins, bad cambers and other traffic coming the other way! It would be awkward though! but yes better than a car!

[@Bass.Player]

It's not ride by wire

[@baccas66]

3.0 Jag? Give over, Mondeo man 😂

[@Tobiastobwy]

Legit statement

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

What a beast! Love a go on one of those puppies...and it looks like it's made you a hit with the ladies! Nice one!! Great to see you back Russ, more soon please!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

TheMissendenFlyer... Cheers buddy. Great to see you doing so well on KZbin. Well done. ☺

[@TheStressD]

Great to see both of you doing your videos, keep up the good work lads.

[@vinjofin1972]

I like both your video's. Keep them coming plz!

[@jamesweber4938]

3 years later you own a Goldwing !

[@tennwingman3350]

I have had Goldwings for years, I am on my third one and I live in Tennessee. I rode the Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway yesterday. You will be surprised at how fast this big bike really is. In the hands of a experience Goldwing rider it is amazing. We surprise other riders with this bike. As for the flexing it is designed into the suspension for comfort, install a Super Brace and problem solved. I hope you keep it you will be very happy. When using the centerstand keep side stand down in case it gets away from you. Ask me why I say that. By the way that ride yesterday was 470 miles in 9.5 hrs, this is what the Goldwing excels in. You did not mention the Linked Braking.

[@trumpisatruepatriot3431]

I just bought a 2012 white wing. Can’t wait to come up and do NC, TN and GA again. Man there’s some spectacular riding there. Love the Wolf ride!

[@GeekAndSon]

I am in the USA and watching you drive on the left kept making me flinch. :) Thanks for sharing.

[@nigelradley4421]

somewhere on KZbin will be a video from an HGV driver going "I'll move over to avoid the slipstream from that Goldwing"

[@JVerschueren]

I haven't ridden a Goldwing, but I think they're deceptively quick bikes, meaning that if one's not the archetypal 'as-tu-me-vu' fair weather rider or Russ the always level headed riding instructor, you'd be in 'points on your licence'-territory most of the time riding one of those.

[@ivanhelovanitch7444]

0-60 is about 4.1 sec, top end about 130 mph, I get around 40-45 mpg

[@frazersmith1768]

I've been riding an '03 Wing for a few years and have been coast-to-coast across Canada and the US three times. For me, its a perfect touring bike - which is what it is really designed for. Here's a little safety tip/comment on your video. When you are placing a large bike on the centre stand, you really should leave the side stand down until the bike is up. This provides just a little bit of extra drop safety.

[@brianbook3797]

How many miles on your 03? My 01 has 195,000 miles and runs great.

[@andrewlambert4934]

I want one... and a Leanne on the back.. plus il buy it from you

[@Anvilshock]

"Another Goldwing" - Hahaha, great one! Enjoy the ride!

[@ken18948]

Wonderful that you let that lady sit on the bike and even start it; you made some friends for motorcyclists!

[@Trafficaloco]

Learn to slow race. Its a biker thing.

[@trumpisatruepatriot3431]

I am a 56-year-old woman. That just purchased a 2012 1800 Goldwing white. That thing moves it turns and it’s a Cadillac on the roads love it I ditch three Harleys and a CTX 1300. I want to know did you keep the bike?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I sold it simply because I couldn't warrant keeping it as I don't really tour. Loved the experience though.

[@2Timone7]

I'm about a year late on this, but thanks for the great review. We are currently looking at an '06 w/35k miles on it for $7k so this review is a huge help. The bike is spotless, too! We don't like the new Goldwings (cramped and uncomfortable in our opinion).

[@wingandhog]

My reply is obviously late but if you bought the 06 for 7k, you did well. I bought an 08 with 26k miles in pristine condition for 10k this past June, but it’s loaded with a few expensive goodies and has the comfort / Nav / audio features. I’m happy with this bike.

[@dbest1aVlogs]

An enjoyable review. Even in the uk it has a place. I have never ridden one, and hopefully one day I’ll get too. Always love seeing your slow speed examples.. something that helped me immensely.

[@SDTProductionltd]

Amazing slow control Russ, good to see you back man.

[@paulsheehan2998]

Would you like to use my bike to do a review? I have a 2019 CB500X IMO the perfect A2/Beginner bike. It saves buying one to review. I've been past my full license a few years and it's all the bike I need too.

[@InspectorGadget2014]

It's a Chesterfield-sofa on wheels :-) But seriously, my instructors all rode GW's and back in the day (when I lived in the US) the GW was the bike I found beautiful & wanted. However, the looks nowadays do not appeal to me and its weight would be a major concern for me. Looks is something you can become accustomed to, I'm sure. And let's not forget it was & is quite a revolutionary bike compared to the Europeans back in those days. And most certainly the price & all the options. The only known problem my instructors encountered quite regularly, was oxidation and rotting of the (stock) exhausts. But with your's being non-stock it will likely be not a concern for you. I do wonder of the amount of buffeting for your passenger, if I listen to the recording she made, but not sure if that was indeed the case. It may not have the looks & flashy of modern-day tourers, but the enjoyment makes up a lot for that, I would vote this one for a keeper. With time you will likely siwthcd gears buttery-smoothly and it will be a smile from ear to ear to ride it. Hope you thus keep it! The only thing needed is getting a house-number and some plants. Just kidding! :)

[@T21-TwentyOneTrailers.]

Nice bike but so big and heavy, anyways thanks for sharing and good continuation 😀👊👍