Results of 2018 DCT test ride

[mhgoldwing]

Finally got around to riding the 2018 DCT Tour. These are my opinions based on my personal needs and wants. I've read every post and seen every video I could find on this bike so I didn't go into this test ride lacking information.

First, because it will be turned into a trike I was only interested in five main items:

1. Engine

2. DCT transmission

3. Suspension

4. Wind protection

5. Brakes

I purposely told the sales person to stop telling me about all of the electronic gadgets. I'll get to that in due time. If any one of these five categories, except #4, didn't pass muster then the 2018 would be out as probably my last trike purchase to finish my riding career.

Results:

1. Engine: marvelous. Power, response, smoothness. Nothing beats the flat six and Honda only made this one better.

2. DCT transmission: A real winner and probably the future of motorcycles. Fast, smooth shifts accelerating and livable downshifts. The bike seemed to know where I needed to be whether in the parking lot or on the highway and never missed.

The one thing I didn't like was that the DCT will not automatically downshift to pass. While in most cases it doesn't matter because the engine is so strong, I don't want to have to manually downshift when needed. That said, it's not a deal breaker for me.

3. Suspension: Max at Traxxion was right, particularly about the front end. While the new mechanics are amazing and smooth riding, the front is far to soft for my even my solo 240#. With co-rider, fully loaded, and pulling trailer and trike kit, it would have to be better. Note: I confess to being "Traxxionized" as I have the AK-20 cartridges and springs on my current '06 with Roadsmith kit. That said, Max was right on this one and I he's nailed it again. Not addressing rear suspension as it will be a trike.

4. Wind protection: based on windshield only, the new Wing is far better than my stock '06 was. Had absolutely no helmet buffeting until reaching 70 mph and it was still bearable. Raising the windshield slightly solved that. The air pocket was still and quiet. Not a show stopper because the aftermarket will cure any ills I might find later with passenger aboard.

5. Brakes: Only wish my current bike had these brakes! Wow, what an improvement. This is what should have been on the Gen I & II Wings. Impressive.

Now I wait with great anticipation until I can ride some of the new trike kits for this Wing. I only wish Honda would build the Honda trike designed as a total unit to match this bike. They would steal the market. Even after the new trike kits arrive I will have some serious considerations on whether to spend the sizable amount of money for a motorcycle. They are already pricing themselves out of many people's reach. Add a trike kit and the accessories and you're talking 40-45,000. Can I really justify that expense when my current ride does everything I NEED? Time will tell.

[3FOR2]

Good, good, good stuff.

Thanks for the report.

[TwoBye]

Thanks Mike, good review. It's always good to hear an honest opinion.

[David357]

Mike.

Great report.

[bikerbillone]

Good info Mike, pretty much in line with my thoughts from I've read. Especially that bottom line number, at my age, and my satisfaction with what I have, I'm probably not in the market, and this RoadSmith will be my last. Having said that, I'm quite certain I'd be more than satisfied with a CSC or RoadSmith 2018 conversion with DCT.