Honda Goldwing Insurance

The Honda Goldwing series has long set the standard for touring motorcycles. First introduced in 1974, the flat-engine, shaft-drive Goldwing has developed a cult following among long-distance riders. The most recent incarnation is the GL1800, which offers an 1833cc flat-six engine producing 125 horsepower and 125 lb/ft torque. More than 100 lb/ft torque is available under 1000 rpm — and the bike weighs some 90 pounds less than the previous version!

Of course, the Goldwing has never been an inexpensive machine, and that can translate into high insurance rates. According to this report, the average cost to insure a 2017 Goldwing was $1640 per year —  which is higher than both the Harley-Davidson Road King and BMW R1200RT. For this reason, it’s critical to compare quotes from multiple insurers for the best price and coverage.

Honda Goldwing Insurance Rates

Rates are calculated based on a wide array of variables that includes rider age, driving record, zip code, the way the insurer classifies the motorcycle, and even credit score in some cases. For this reason, it’s very difficult to estimate what your rates will be without getting a quote. That said, here are some sample rates reported from real Goldwing owners across the nation:

• Male, Colorado, Undisclosed Company:  $380/year (Full Coverage)
• Male, Alabama, Farmers:  $360/year (Full Coverage)
• Male, Texas, Progressive:  $800/year (Full Coverage)
• Male, South Carolina, Motorcycle Services LLC:  $300/year (Full Coverage)
• Male, Nebraska, Markel:  $841/year for two Goldwings + two trailers
• Male, Alaska, State Farm:  $470/year (250 deductible, no medical, 100-300)
• Male, Virginia, Markel:  $275/year
• Male, New York, Safeco:  $240/year (Saved $200 switching companies.)
• Male, New York, State Farm:  $327/year

Says one veteran of the GL1800 Riders forum:

“There are a lot of variables in comparing insurance on a GL1800 so your question is pretty difficult to answer. Just as a beginning: the coverages written, the limits on those coverages, and deductibles can all vary. Many companies will also vary their rates according to the annual miles you ride (with most, the general biggest cut is at 7500 miles annually), plus many also vary their rates by the total amount of added accessories.”

The best way to find out is to comparative shop among a range of insurers. Fortunately, we are here to help. We partnered with trusted motorcycle insurers to make it easy. Enter your zip code to get started!

Honda Goldwing History and Specs

The original GL1000 Goldwing was introduced back in 1974. The bike was intended to target a newly-emerging, fast-growing segment of the market:  long-distance motorcyclists. The bike was designed to afford these riders wind protection, comfortable ergonomics, abundant luggage space, and a smooth, powerful engine. The original GL1000 offered a 999cc, 80-hp flat-four and shaft drive. The GL1100 and GL1200, with rounds of improvements for each iteration.

In 1987, Honda introduced the GL1500, which offered the most significant set of changes since the model’s inception, including the debut of the flat-six engine — the engine that continues to power the Goldwing to this day. Other innovations included rear air suspension and a reverse gear.

The year 2001 saw the introduction of the GL1800, along with major updates such as fuel injection, larger engine, extruded aluminum frame, and options such an airbag and integrated GPS navigation. In 2018, the sixth-gen Goldwing debuted, weighing a staggering 90 pounds less than the previous GL1800 and offering a wealth of upgrades, including throttle-by-wire, traction control, LED lighting, and an optional 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Lower Rates

Given that full coverage for your Goldwing could cost between $250-900 per year, it would behoove you to take what steps you can to minimize your rates.

• Safe Rider Discount:  Many insurers offer a discount for riders who have a clean driving record devoid of citations and accidents. However, like many discounts, you may have to ask whether you qualify to take advantage of this discount.
• Motorcycle Safety Courses:  Taking a motorcycle safety course from a trusted provider such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) could result in a significant discount, often 15%. Again, you need to make your insurer aware of your graduation from such a course to get this discount.
• Multi-Vehicle Policy: For most Goldwing riders, their GL is not the only vehicle or bike they own. Bundling all of your vehicles under one roof could save you more money than insuring each vehicle with a different company.