THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is the new Honda Goldwing.
It’s the most comfortable and luxurious way of covering miles on two wheels, ever.
Old versions used to be in your face, this 2019 version is subtle and fairly unassuming, unless you turn the stereo right up (yes, it has a stereo).
The 1.8-litre flat-six motor thrums like a Porsche 911, serving up masses of torque through the perfectly weighted throttle.
LOTS OF BUTTONS
There’s plenty of power too, but it’s when you’re riding that wave of torque and surfing across six perfectly placed gears that you’ll understand why some people think that bigger is always better.
It has riding modes, linked brakes, cruise control and a very easy to use satnav system.
It also has buttons, lots of them.
Sir doesn’t like the feeling of the wind in his hair? Simply push this button to raise the screen.
Sir can’t be bothered to push his bike out of the garage? Fine, there’s a button there to engage the electric reverse motor. Honda really has thought of everything.
The riding dynamic is incredible considering the machine weighs more than 350 kilos.
Pull away and the weight vanishes, the big Honda carries speed really well, changing direction with panache and generally defying what the figures on paper say.
It stops well too. Six piston radial brakes, linked between front and rear, defy physics if you want them too.
The Goldwing is one of very few bikes I’ve ridden that you get off feeling fresher than when you got on, making it ideal for big mileage trips.
MOST READ IN MOTORS
You’ll need to pack your kit creatively to fit it in the soft open panniers, they have the capacity but not the shape that you need.
Once your clobber is on board, you can throw a passenger on the back and head to the hills knowing you’re riding one of the best motorcycles ever made.
It’s not cheap at £22,400 but it’s worth every single penny.
- John is the editor at SuperBike and presents Bike World on YouTube