Over those five decades, Honda’s seminal touring flagship bike has grown in physical size and displacement, while consistently introducing new levels of comfort, luxury, and technology to motorcycling. For the incredible 50-year milestone, the 25YM Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour gain several detail changes to keep them as the benchmark long distance tourers. Paying homage to iconic Gold Wing models of the past, the 25YM GL1800 Gold Wing Tour 50th Anniversary edition boasts two new evocative paint finishes and unique badging, channelling in particular the 1988 GL1500 in bold Eternal Gold and Mahogany Brown Metallic combination, which has been subtly updated for 2025. Alongside this is a refined Bordeaux Red Metallic finish, finished with stunning black and gold graphics and discreet gold lettering and detailing. Pride of place on the centre console and Smart Key is the Gold Wing emblem, with 50th Anniversary and ‘since 1975’ detailing, where its crisp 3D, two-tone chrome design merges the strength and dignity of a lion’s head with the majestic wings of an eagle, ready to pounce with open talons. The comprehensive digital dash has also been updated to display a unique start-up animation. Keeping to the Gold Wing’s reputation as a platform for not only comfort but also technological innovation, the new 25YM GL1800 Gold Wing models have received upgrades to both audio and rider/pillion connectivity, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality enabled and new, improved audio system speakers to deliver a high-quality, rich sound at all speeds. Cutting a striking figure, the 25YM GL1800 Gold Wing Tour 50th Anniversary DCT and airbag will be available in two new colours: Eternal Gold and Mahogany Brown Metallic – a bold combination channelling the spirit of the 1988 GL1500, subtly updated for the modern era – and Bordeaux Red Metallic, offering a refined finish accented with black and gold graphics, discreet gold lettering, and detailing. The 25YM GL1800 Gold Wing is available exclusively in a beautiful, brand-new Mat Ballistic Black 50th Anniversary edition paint scheme completed with full size, subtly softened Gold Wing logos on the rear panniers. And with final revisions based around the addition of an O2 sensor and updates to the ECU’s settings, both the Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour attain Euro 5 ratings, providing even greater peace of mind for riders hitting the open road.

The Honda Gold Wing's journey began in 1972, conceived as the ultimate Grand Touring motorcycle that was by 1975 revolutionised as the long-distance riding GL1000, with its powerful engine and refinement quickly building a reputation for reliability. The 1980s saw its evolution into a true Grand Tourer with the GL1100, introducing features like air-assisted suspension and factory-fitted touring amenities, with subsequent models, including the GL1200 and the benchmark-setting 1988 GL1500, continuously adding luxury and technological advancements. The 2001 GL1800 transformed the Gold Wing into an even more dynamic machine, boasting a powerful six-cylinder engine and aluminium frame, and introduced innovations like the world's first production motorcycle airbag in 2006. Styling updates and family expansions with the F6B and F6C followed, while the 2018 GL1800 marked a complete redesign, featuring an all-new engine, frame, advanced suspension, and modern technologies like DCT, Apple CarPlay, and Smart Key, ensuring the Gold Wing remains at the pinnacle of touring motorcycles. Available for order and test drive now, the 25YM Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 50th Anniversary models will no doubt continue the lasting legacy of the beautiful touring machine.