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50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour

THIS YEAR marks 50 years since the first GL1000 Gold Wing went into production , and Honda is celebrating its golden jubilee with 50th Anniversary editions of the 2025 Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour .

The 1975 GL1000 Gold Wing , developed by Toshio Nozue , was first presented at the Cologne Show in 1974 . Rider published a test of the bike in the Summer 1975 issue , and since then , we ’ ve tested every Gold Wing model multiple times . The Gold Wing has received our Motorcycle of the Year award twice ( 2001 and 2018 ), and as part of Rider ’ s own 50th anniversary in 2024 , we published a contemporary review of a 1976 GL1000 in the December issue .

The 50th Anniversary Gold Wing models feature an anniversary badge on the center console and Smart Key , a “ Since 1975 ” message on the TFT display when the bike is switched on , and special colorways and graphics . Aside from these anniversary details , the only update for 2025 is the addition of wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto .

The 50th Anniversary Gold Wing base model features large Gold Wing logo graphics across the saddlebags and side fairings . It will be available in Matte Black Metallic for $ 25,200 with a manual 6- speed transmission or $ 26,200 with a 7- speed automatic Dual Clutch Transmission .

The 50th anniversary logo is on the Smart Key and center console .

The 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour , which includes a 61- liter trunk , is available in Bourdeaux Red Metallic and Eternal Gold color options , the latter inspired by a color scheme available when the GL1500 was introduced in 1988 . Pricing starts at $ 29,200 with a manual transmission , $ 30,200 for the DCT version , and $ 33,500 for the Airbag DCT version . ( A Light Silver Metallic version of the Gold Wing Tour that is not badged as an anniversary model is priced at $ 28,700 for manual or $ 29,700 for DCT .)

Those who buy the anniversary models will receive two unique gifts , a coffee- table book about the Gold Wing ’ s history ( which includes chapters by former Rider staffers Mark Tuttle and Jamie Elvidge ) and a 1:12- scale tabletop model with half of a 1975 GL1000 on one side and half of a 2025 GL1800 on the other side , separated by a mirrored divider that makes each model look whole .

As part of the golden anniversary celebration , Honda had a special display during Daytona Bike Week that included one example of every generation : GL1000 , GL1100 , GL1200 , GL1500 , GL1800 SC47 ( 2001- 2017 ), and GL1800 SC79 ( 2018- 2025 ). We recently attended a press launch for the 50th Anniversary Gold Wing , which included laps at Barber Motorsports Park on a 1975 GL1000 and a 2025 GL1800 and a two- day ride from Birmingham , Alabama , to Daytona Beach , Florida . Look for a full report in the next issue .

50th Anniversary Gold Wing

50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour Airbag DCT

RIDERMAGAZINE . COM / APRIL 2025 / 7