HONDA GL1500 GOLDWING (1998 - 2000) Review

Overall rating

So definitive a full-dress tourer, the Honda GL1500 Gold Wing remained in production for over a decade and (nearly) all rivals gave up bothering to compete. Third generation Gold Wing boasted all-new, super-smooth, super grunty flat-six, fabulously equipped and integrated design and lavish comfort to beat all-comers. Only recently superceded (by GL1800 and BMW K1200LT), and even then not by much.

Find a Honda Goldwing for sale, read the latest reviews and check out the history of the bike range.

Ride quality & brakes

As far as ride goes, the GL1500 Gold Wing, with its air suspension, low cofg, and plush seating, redefines motorcycling comfort. But the actual surprise is how well it still handles. The big Wing is far more nimble and easy to manage than its bulk suggests and weaves and wallows only

Engine

The Honda GL1500 Gold Wing is arguably more car than motorbike (six cylinders, 1520cc, water cooling and reverse gear anyone?), but still impressive nevertheless. If you want smooth, easy, grunt, look no further. For effortless 85mph there’s no other. The 1500 Gold Wing only now loses out to rivals for sheer get up and go…

Reliability & build quality

Think on this: the Honda GL1500 Gold Wing is the third generation version of a massively refined machine built by Honda. Yes, Honda. So, of course it’s quality, of course it’s durable. Wings have been known to rack up in excess of 250,000 miles, and with good reason…

Value vs rivals

The best costs but with the Honda GL1500 Gold Wing it’s hard to whinge (sic) that you don’t get what you pay for. Not only is it a hell of a lot of bike, it’s head and shoulders above its rivals, fantastic quality, reliable and has a massive following. If you want a ‘Winnebago on wheels’, that is. Find a Honda Goldwing 1500 for sale.

Equipment

The Honda GL1500 Gold Wing has got everything including the kitchen sink (well, almost), as long as you’re prepared to pay for it. The base Gold Wing is actually fairly basic (fabulous comfort and luggage hauling capacity aside), but if you want the fancy stereo, cruise control, air vent systems, fancy detailing, two tone paint jobs etc, you need the SE version, and they cost more. Much more…