Honda Gl1800 Goldwing Review
"The used bike market's most sensible luxury touring purchase, full stop."
Key Specs
Used Buyer Review
The GL1800 is genuinely one of the finest motorcycles ever built, and buying one used is one of the smartest moves in motorcycling. Honda engineered this thing to last forever — find a well-maintained example and you're looking at a bike that'll absorb interstate miles with zero drama. The 1800cc flat-six is silky smooth, the integrated luggage swallows a week's worth of gear, and the audio system actually works at highway speeds. Don't let the 833-pound wet weight intimidate you on paper; it carries low and surprisingly well once you're rolling. That said, do your homework before handing over cash. Check the tire age regardless of tread depth — these bikes sit in garages. Inspect the lower fairing panels for parking lot tip-over damage, because dropping a Wing is embarrassingly easy at standstill. Early 2001-2005 examples can show alternator issues, so get a battery and charging system test done. Budget for fresh tires immediately — non-negotiable.
Pros
Cons
You lack garage space or strength
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