2018 Honda Goldwing 6 speed vs DCT my thoughts

[@MotoMengy]

I rode manual bikes for 30 years but after a few test rides with the DCT I simply had to buy it. I love the way the DCT rides, it allows me to focus on actual riding more than I could having to manually shift. I'm not sure I can ever go back to manual bikes now, that's how much I love the DCT on the new Wing.

[@randybryant4216]

@@MotoMengy I’m in the same boat as you my friend. I agree, I would never go back

[@williamking3407]

Personally,I love the DCT and wanted a different riding experience. The more I ride the DCT, the more I love it. Sport mode is no joke for spirited riding and the transmission shifts fantastically. The manual mode makes for a fun ride through the twisties for more technical riding. I also have a Victory Vision so it’s nice to have two different touring options. Been riding since I was very young....never thought I would own an automatic but I do love having that feature. I would be interested in riding the 6 speed manual to see how different it is.

[@slyguyaction]

I’m intrigued by the DCT watching KZbin vloggers reviewing theirs. It would be a whole new way to enjoy the sport but I agree with you; it’s the tactile way we’ve ALL learned to ride and enjoy our bikes. It’s being one with the bike and the environment, and not a passenger like when you’re riding around in a car. It’d be a tough choice and the history/reliability of the Honda brand is legendary. Ride safe

[@smoothpistol]

I love the DCT! The DCT is the future of Motorcycling! The DCT is just another Safety Feature like the Quick Shifter, Slipper Clutch, Traction Control and ABS. The Automatic Transmission made Driving a Car and Truck Easier and Safer! The DCT makes Riding a Motorcycle Easier and Safer!

[@farminc.6804]

Two years ago I test drove both the 6 speed and the DCT models. The automatic felt so strange I found myself thinking "there's nothing to do". I wasn't ready for that. I was ready to get the manual model when a family medical emergency required my financial assistance and I could not get the bike at that time. A year went by during which I found myself going down windy mountain roads doing an awful lot of manual shifting, which took my attention away from some of the gorgeous scenery around me. The thought popped into my head "it would be nice to have an automatic right now". So 8 months ago when time came to purchase, I made the decision to get the DCT with a certain amount of trepidation. It took about two to three months to get fully acclimated, but now I absolutely love it. You do not need to be in manual mode to manually down shift or up shift. I can downshift two gears much quicker now than I could my manual 2012 Gold Wing. Just had to get used to doing it with my left hand instead of with my left foot. I know DCT is not for everyone, but I like it so much more than I ever thought I would. I would say go with what's best for you. But I would also say you cannot properly appreciate either one unless you've ridden them for more than three months.

[@James-cn9no]

You do much slow-speed maneuvering practice in parking lots? How does it feel there not having a friction zone to help control maneuverability?

[@johnanderson9735]

Exactly as you said.

[@gwilliamwallace]

+ 1 that. The DCT does things I never dreamed possible on a normal bike. I use Sport D mode on the highway and the bike will maintain a nice 65 MPH cruise in 7th gear. When you need to make a move hit the throttle, the bike comes out of cruise., downshifts into 6th, and you jet. When you're finished with the maneuver hit resume cruise and the bike shifts back into 7th and away you go. It's also awesome on mellow secondary roads from 40-60 MPH in manual mode (Tour or Econ). You lope along in 6th or 7th and when you need to slow for a corner the bike will shift down even though you're in manual mode. Then you leisurely shift up with the left index. It is so many different machines in one and despite what some people say it is far from a scooter and all motorcycle with some serious sporting DNA.

[@roadglide]

George Wallace Well said George! Agree.

[@roadglide]

James With practice you find the brake and throttle will do it perfectly.

[@ellobo1326]

I just purchased a 21 DCT and love it. Don’t miss a clutch at all, especially when stuck in heavy traffic.

[@jameshayes8910]

I have the 6 speed manual. I enjoy shifting and it just feels like your riding a motorcycle with it. I believe a lot of people feel the same about sports cars, shifting is just the right thing to do to get the maximum enjoyment. Yes, the DCT is faster but if that mattered to me I certainly would not be on a Goldwing. This is my first Goldwing and was for my retirement. Maybe in another 10-15 years I'll feel differently but for now the shifting is just like the leaning, I enjoy it.

[@frankward8003]

DCT faster...well..the 6 speed has gone 11.6 in the 1/4...fastest I've seen with the DCT is around 12.4..but your right this is a touring machine and it really doesn't matter..love my 6-speed ...much nicer transmission than the old models 5-speed and a very nice upgrade for the Gold Wing...Honda really doesn't get enough credit for this new 6-speed transmission.

[@qroadrunner1996]

I’ve got the six speed and I couldn’t be happier, I did test ride the DCT I felt like this would be the bike type once I hit about 70 and only needed the bike to be as easy as possible to drive plus it just doesn’t to me feel like a true Motorcycle unless I’m changing the gears myself, nothing against the DCT I enjoy the traditional experience with the clutch and the way the GW can dip into the curves like I like, coming from the Sports bike side feels amazing and I don’t yarn for the sports bike because the honda is very capable and has plenty power for the fun and adventure.

[@petercdube]

I made the mistake of buying the manual, thinking it would be similar to my 2013. But IT IS NOT. On the 2018 you will find yourself constantly shifting. On the previous models you could get into 5th and pretty much keep it there. I traded the manual for the DCT 6 months ago and could not be happier. It's awesome.

[@frankward8003]

Not my experience...my 2018 6-speed feels like my 03 did but with a lower cruising rpm that the 6th gear provides.

[@drmdtodd]

The previous generation ONLY had 5 gears... 5th gear was overdrive so of course you'd keep it there... 🤷🏾‍♂️ I had the 2013 GL1800 and just went with the 2019 Goldwing Tour MANUAL 6-speed... It's different but very smooth shifting... I have to get use to the gearing compared to my 2013 because I've stalled a couple of times in 1st at takeoff... I'll get used to it though...

[@frankward8003]

@@drmdtodd The new 6-speeds clutch feels different than the old models 5-speed..you will adapt and with some time and miles your wonder how this new wing ever stalled it the first few times...after some miles you will realize what Honda was going for with this new models clutch feel...the bike shifts so smooth and effortless. I love the feel of this 2018..the 6-speed transmission is a hugh upgrade over the old models transmission...another upgrade, no more ADG to worry about like you have with the old model.

[@BriNaCa]

I have a CTX700N DCT and love it. It works well with a low reving bike that you have to shift often. I also have a Goldwing F6B. It has so much torque you rarely have to drop more than a gear as you slow. I am with you. If I were to buy a new GW, it would be a manual.

[@mikejacks1939]

I rode both on long test rides of a couple of hours in all types of traffic and preferred the Manual. The better deal on a used 2018 DCT and the availability of a foot shifter swayed me to the DCT ( never missed the clutch ) I have driven auto cars for years so why not I thought and I'm glad I did, apart from slow maneuvers which can take a little getting used to without clutch control.

[@nwflyer7197]

Good comments Pete, I've been riding motorpickles for over 60 years and I think the "what do I do with my Left hand Bobby" comment fits me perfectly hahahaha. Us old guys always talked about when would the industry make auto transmissions right and bammmmm Honda again. I'm waiting for my 2023 Tour with the manual. Should be delivered anyday. I've been riding an ST 1300 for the last 16 years and Loving it but I needed to move to a Couch instead of a Race Horse. Take care and keep the greasy side down !!!

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Thanks for watching.

[@gwilliamwallace]

Hear you loud and clear. I had a deposit down on the manual bagger but wanted reverse so I went with the DCT. And I absolutely hated it. For the first 10 minutes. Now a year later I wouldn't trade it for the world. The riding modes with the DCT make the bike and that's not something I ever thought I'd say. It really is magic. And by the way the DCT clutch initialization procedure is a snap to perform. I've done it a couple times after oil changes and a couple of other times just because I felt like it. You do it after a ride before you get off the bike and it takes 2 minutes. That said I'm sure the manual is awesome as well. The DCT turned out to be a home run for me. Out of the park.

[@roadglide]

I couldn’t believe how smooth the Manual transmission is on the new generation Wings. I read Honda utilizes the slipper clutch system from their sport bike. It’s very noticeable. A breeze. You can’t go wrong with the basics. Parts availability and dealership maintenance know-how is another benefit. Dealerships are way more familiar with manual trans than DCT. That fact is apparent now I. 22. Lastly. I don’t think the level of smoothness in this manual transmission will negatively impact a person of any age. Ride safe and ride often.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Yes the slipper clutch made a big difference.

[@gwrider4329]

Drinking game for every time you say, You know!

[@brianensminger6166]

GW Rider yeah. You know

[@ut1004bp]

lol..gonna need a refill anything now

[@sabraitis]

If I know...why am I watching

[@jean-noelcouture5276]

I understand some of your apprehensions about the DCT. I loved my 5 speed 2001 and seemed not ready for it. But I bought one without even trying. I am now an unconditional. I too felt disconnected with changing gear and took some time to adjust. But after 2 weeks I discovered I could have the best of two worlds with the DCT. We are highly more connected with the road while cornering, speeding or commuting. So rarely mentioned but such an incredible security argument. I am an motorcycle instructor, and I will never buy a manual only bike again.

[@stephensmith1034]

Ditto what you say about a "disconnect". I have the DCT and I often wish I had the manual shift. But - I also understand why so many like the DCT. And many enjoy using the paddle shifting.

[@reyd8609]

It's almost like the same kind of talk when the cars transitioned from the manual to the automatic transmission. Now the exotic cars even have dct. The myth and that sentimental feeling.

[@letitrest4662]

I'll take the manual transmission version. I like riding a bike with a manual gearbox, and down the road if need be I can fix it myself.

[@richthereturnrider6737]

Just purchased 2019 Manual and shared my thought with a video online. I love doing the cone course and believe the clutch gives me more control. I also own an M109r and wanted to be consistent in my learning process. Creating muscle memory is important in motorcycle safety. I do believe that owning the DCT also have its advantages in safety not having to worry what gear your in.

[@TexasSteele67]

as an early rider 13-20 I'm about to get back on the horse at 54 and felt the GL1800 DCT was a perfect fit and one less distraction on the highway (i'll leave the shifting to my 7-speed vette) yeah those are gone as well

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Gotta go with what you want. No complaints against the DCT just preference. Ride safe Phillip. Saw some of your art work on Instagram excellent stuff.

[@johnanderson9735]

I understand your concerns, I got the DCT because it has been used in the CTX 700 since 2015, so I had pretty much thought it had been tested quite a bit by the time they put it in the Goldwing. I was on my way to an H-D Roadglide, but the weight, the price, and the features, like Walking Mode sold me on the DCT. I still have an H-D Low Rider, a great bike! I got a great deal on a 2018 Wing in 2019.

[@larrylentini5688]

Motorcycles aren't the most practical transportation to begin with, the point is to be the most fun transportation and the DCT compromises that. I don't have a problem with it in the Goldwing that's made primarily for comfort, but that conflicts with their decision to also slim it down and make it more sporty. I get it that they're appealing to car drivers because bikers are a sliver of a demographic, I just don't want it to trickle down and become the standard like it has on sports cars. Most bikes aren't for chasing numbers, just let them be fun.

[@rogerelkins9184]

I love my 6 speed. Auto is to far out there for me. I’m just old school about certain things. I’m sure the auto is cool but not for me. To each his own. I just feel more in control with mine. Good vid !

[@rolandpotter479]

Living in England most car's are manual gearshift ,in the USA nearly all cars are automatic so why the big deal with auto motorcycles?

[@gwilliamwallace]

I bought the DCT bagger without a test ride and hated it. For 10 minutes. Now 6,000 miles later I know I made the right decision. The transmission suits the bike perfectly and while I'm sure the manual is nice too I couldn't be happier with the magic the DCT brings to the picture. It is sick and I promise if it's performance you're after the DCT will spank the 6 speed manual every day and twice on Sundays.

[@MrRick5862]

Nice bike and thanks for sharing your perspective. Yes, essentially all aspects of motorcycle riding boils down to personal preference. My test ride was a 6-speed manual Gold Wing. The ride was awesome, the shifting smooth, however, what sold me on the DCT was the ease of riding and the fact that you have one less thing to have to focus on while enjoying the ride (and the tech they built into this bike! AMAZING!). While the DCT was new on the GW platform, it had been around for several years on other, smaller platforms, with plenty of time to perfect the technology. Honda, being renowned for their reliability, is selling DCT models in Raleigh, NC 4-to-1 over the manual transmission models. Like all forms of motorsports, the motorcycle is evolving. Consider the Harley-Davidson LiveWire. The GW being DCT is nothing compared to the departure from the norm that the LiveWire represents. Ride safe!

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I’m sure my next one will be a DCT.

[@Valkyrie0307]

I've test ridden several of these bikes over the last two years. Never pulled the trigger until last week when I purchased the DCT airbag model. Initially, I was skeptical of the DCT and I said that if I was to get a new Wing, it would be a manual. Some of the DCT bikes I rode were harsh on the gears while slowing down. The bike would buck and jerk while slowing. I wasnt impressed. Then I found out about the clutch plate alignment process.... that makes all the difference in that machine. That DCT is melted butter smooth. No extra oil with the DCT and the filter has to be replaced every 16,000 miles. The filter is only $10.00.

[@laryangel4082]

for making tight u turns and for pin point accurate agility, is the manual better than dct ??

[@Valkyrie0307]

@@laryangel4082 good question. I'll find out next year. My initial thoughts are, yes. I will still be able to do tight u-turns. Still getting used to the DCT.

[@northgork]

I have a manual 2018 too and its a great bike without a doubt. My conclusion is that the DCT is a better choice offering even greater comfort and faster smoother gear changes. I also think that electric automatic bikes are the future offering faster acceleration and the superior reliability you get from a DC motor. But the fact is that your bike is reliable, comfortable and superior in every way as a touring bike (apart from its DCT brother). I have get to see a Goldwing with an electric motor but I think that its the next evolution as we all switch to electric motor cars too. I still would not trade by bike except for a DCT, and that just about eliminates all other tourer bikes on the market. Lastly, every time you get on the bike you love it regardless.

[@jfro5867]

I had a Crosstourer DCT and it was great but it’s true there is a disconnected feeling over a manual box. Just is. I am currently looking at a new Gold Wing 6sp and it’s a good price, I am very very interested in getting it. Hardly any reviews on the 6sp version so thanks for posting this.

[@johndyer8381]

I bought the stick shift.I really did not consider the DCT. I am 65, but I can still shift and drop the clutch and lite them up in a parking lot.

[@Mike21175]

I have the 6 speed manual. Don't mind shifting gears. Just a short learning curve to get used to the hydraulic clutch over the cable type. Ford's DCT idea, which I have one, is the worst. My 6 speed manual Focus was way better.

[@wonnovmenny7441]

I’m currently deciding between a manual or DCT Gold Wing bagger (non tour) or a Harley Ultra, but things are on hold for now due to the virus situation. I’m edging towards the Gold Wing bagger manual and people tell me who have come from Harley Ultras that Gold Wings are better. I can see why people like DCT, sometimes when riding my Harley Heritage specially in heavy traffic, I’ve often thought how good it would be to not have to keep clutching. But I just can’t get away from what must be much higher ownership costs of DCT due to it being more complicated/specialized. I have DCT on my car, it’s great (for a car), but it’s much more complicated, servicing costs more, only main dealers will work on it and every 5 years the DCT system has to be completely overhauled (very expensive). I assume a DCT Wing will also be more expensive to own. I also think the gold wing DCT system is too new to tell regarding reliability but already see people saying they’ve had to do a DCT initialization so something must’ve gone wrong with it. Only with the Gold Wing have I seen more people choosing DCT over manual. Yamaha have done a similar twist n go system on the FJR1300 for years but very few people seem to opt for it, I’ve never actually heard of anyone buying that model.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Those are my thoughts as well, not sure what the long term DCT problems will arise in the future. Hopefully someone will have put up some serious miles on one to see how it holds up in the next few years. I’m talking over 100k miles on it. The DCT Initialization is a easy fix. Fred H has a good video on how to do it. If I wear to go with the standard GW I would probably go with the DCT as it has reverse. She can be like pushing a cow up hill if it’s loaded. The tour models come with a few more things that made me get it.

[@wonnovmenny7441]

Petes1800 Thanks for getting back to me... The standard bagger (no trunk) GW that I saw at Honda dealership was not DCT it had a regular clutch but it definitely had reverse. I know this because it had a button marked R on lower left cluster. I asked about it at the time and was told it’s to engage Reverse. It also had a main stand in addition to the side stand which some people say is missing from this model.

[@RanGer-498]

"Honda has had the dual clutch transmission (DTC) on the European market since 2010. 140,000 motorcycles equipped with this technology have been sold in Europe alone. Ten different models were equipped with this unique technology. The first motorcycle with DCT in Europe was the VFR1200F Sports Tourer."

[@dogbone1358]

Don’t know what you’re missing. Actually, when I first started riding my DCT I was using the manual mode a lot. I guess I was either missing the clutch (needing to control shift points) or getting used to the auto. After a few clutch initializations the DCT has become smoother and now I rarely use manual mode. The last time I used manual was when I went on a week long trip to the mountains of WV and felt safer on the switchbacks and decreasing radius turns.

[@Bass.Player]

My riding style needs a clutch, I'm a corner junky so when I set up for a corner I don't want anything automatic kicking in or out, up or down. I guess you can do that with a DCT but would ya? shifting and the clutch has so much to do with my riding style because it's the way I learned decades ago, Plus I have had three Burgman's, two 650's and one 400 so I know what DCT is all about and it was OK on a scooter and it's OK in my car but those are just basic transportation... I ride a GL1800

[@shawnharty955]

No, you don't know what a DCT is about if your reference point is a Burgman Scooter. The only people who don't like the DCT are the ones who have not tried it.

[@Bass.Player]

@@shawnharty955 A Burgman 650 is a lot like it, it's fully automatic or manual. Would you like to convince me that that a DCT is vastly different? Good luck with that!

[@onuroto7689]

İ think manuel is better before 70 years old :)

[@randybryant4216]

You do realize Honda changed that gear box (transmission) from the 2017 model to the 2018. So technically you have a new first year manual transmission with the 2018. But it's all good.

[@wade5766]

can drink coffee and smoke a cigar while turning at a light with the DCT plus it power down shifts hard and smooth and up shifts perfect

[@stephensmith1034]

I thought you were in the Ft. Myers area. I used to live in Ft. Myers, many years ago. I don't even recognize the area on your navigation screen, or any of the names of the streets. Early on in the video I thought you went by Page Field, airport, but now I'm not even sure of that. Ha!

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I am. That is page field. It has grown a lot down here.

[@ericharrington2673]

There is no way I would ever buy a motorcycle that was an automatic… I don’t even understand that unless you’re 85 that is

[@juliusebanculla3649]

your first reason was legitimate. i can totally understand & agree with you. however, your following reasons felt like you were just trying to convince yourself. its like those people at church, sitting behind the guy eating chips and everyone is looking at him in disgust but secretly want some lol

[@goldwingman7887]

Nice to get your thoughts on the manual. Someone has set my clutch dial to setting 3 which meant the clutch did not engage until it was almost all the way out. Not sure why the hell anyone would want a late clutch setting - seems really dumb to me. After I worked out how to adjust it (by pushing the lever away from the bike then turning the clutch wheel while the level is pushed out) I set it to number 5. Perfect, a much nicer ride now. Does anyone have a recommended setting for the clutch, 1 to 6, where 1 is really late and 6 is early?

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I think it’s where it feels good to you.

[@agedwards63]

My main hold back on getting a DCT is slow speed maneuvers in a parking lot, there are time I need no power going to that rear wheel just coast power... and then suddenly power that I believe I can only get by feathering the clutch on my Valkyrie these are rather large unforgiving galoots at slow speed and yes I know i could stop and put it in walking mode but that’s particularly practical in a lot of situations

[@jfro5867]

Hi Tony. I have a DCT Crosstourer and thought the same as you BUT you soon get used to it and moving about slowly, really slowly is a piece of cake. Even though there is no clutch you still have a biting point where you get drive so you can do anything really. Love my DCT.

[@laryangel4082]

for making tight u turns and for pin point accurate agility, is the manual better than dct ?? the coast power is nice because it stands the bike back up when feathering clutch

[@jfro5867]

@@laryangel4082 Morning, I've only had my DCT a few months so it's still early days but I do really really like it. For absolute accuracy no I don't think it's as good as a clutch, it can't be BUT for 99% of the time it's terrific.

[@laryangel4082]

@@jfro5867 thank you! very helpful

[@anthonylambert6787]

I don't like the klunking when it changes gears just like changing my own gears

[@JimsTrikeAdventures]

I know exactly where you are. I go to Fort Meyers every year to the arena you just past.

[@trent6012]

OK its new technology but guys think about maintenance of DCT THE hole clutch assy cost almost 1000$ wich big amount

[@jfro5867]

Morning Trent. I have a DCT Crosstourer. I did loads of reading up on forums and online looking for horror stories Before I got anywhere near buying one. There aren't any. The DCT is extremely reliable and robust, we are talking tens and even hundreds of thousands of miles being racked up on bikes all over Europe. Keep them serviced and don't abuse them, they will last forever.

[@michaelcadiz1004]

good reasoning

[@juliusebanculla3649]

we have to embrace technology progress, otherwise, we'd still be riding horses.

[@hray42]

Honda has had a dct since 2010 …just not on the Goldwing until 2018

[@pascalmonier4642]

That is another point with the 2018 and younger Goldwings, they are starting to look like cars with 2 wheels. How can a motorcycle be automatic ? Scooters, mopeds, cars, etc... but a touring bike without gear control is no fun.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

That was my biggest problem did not feel that control i am familiar.

[@jeromehebert3184]

it's not much the dct or manual for me, it is do i want wing or tour model. I don't really tour around the country, and i ride solo. But the thing i would be losing is the top trunk, center stand, and electronic suspension adjustment. Not sure if i really need those or not.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

You can always take the trunk off and get the extra features.

[@michaelbayliss1794]

No center stand on the Gold wing ? Non tour.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Nope. And no reverse on the 6 speed only DCT.

[@shaneevc8879]

I bought the 2018 'Wing' (Aussie Model) DCT and fitted a trunk box (this also gives you rear speakers included) as I liked the blacked out Majestic Silver colour combo As for the centre stand, I fitted a ride on/off aftermarket stand, do that and you will never go back. The wing is focused more towards the sports side with no TCS and really how often do you adjust the suspension; it's almost set and forget and if you want to, it is a simple dial knob. I test rode both the Wing and the Tour and found the tour softer. I also found that the Wing does not have a visual TMS BUT it does have it in the form of a warning light, you just can't see the pressures through the dash display. I fitted an $80 valve monitor for visual pressures and that works fine with the inbuilt warning light. I love everything about my bike and I ride it hard, even through the twisties I can ride in Auto and shift manually and it has never shifted up half way through anything except when I was expecting it to. The ECU adjusts continually to the current riding inputs and works out what you're doing (that's the non-tech terminology). What ever you choice, you will be happy because it's YOURS!

[@shaneevc8879]

Pete your manual 2018+ should have a reverse, be it operated differently????? And the 7spd DCT has Fwd & Rev walking modes

[@kenspearacy6294]

How did you get that vhs camcorder in your helmet?

[@Choirnrd1]

You passed my dads house!

[@dleebox2268]

Is the dct heavier?

[@Petesmotoadventure]

2lbs difference between the DCT and 6 speed. 6 speed is lighter.

[@beardedbiker2647]

I’m sorry may be late to the party but why couldn’t you ride your BMW?

[@Petesmotoadventure]

It’s a r1200r. I’ve done one long trip on it and my back was torched after. It’s great in the mountains but getting there was hard. You get used to cruise control and a faring.

[@migueljonz3901]

I have ALS and I'll stick with my 2019 manual until I can't pull the clutch anymore. DCT are for lazy bastiches, lol. I told my Doctor that I'm pretty sure that pulling that clutch handle is the reason my left hand still functions. He said, keep it up then. I wonder if I can claim my bike as a medical aid? I may get a DCT if things get worse but for now, I'll stick with what I grew up with.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

That’s great that you are able to keep on riding. Of course the motorcycle should be a medical aid. Ride safe and often.