Prepare to go deep.
Few bikers would dispute calling their motorcycles “therapists” or describing rides as “therapy sessions.” I definitely agree with that sentiment, having dealt with significant mental health challenges over the last ten years. Although I rarely discuss this topic on SANGGRALOKA, it’s crucial to mention here for the purposes of this piece.
Counselors, psychiatrists, and even monks: I’ve consulted them all. I sought solutions from both Eastern and Western healing practices, as well as various methods in between, adopting whatever proved effective for me.
However, I’ve always had one refuge, a solution to my problems that has never faltered in alleviating some of the burden—taking a drive.
Regardless of whether that experience involves riding my Street Triple through the nearby mountain roads for three hours, continuously circling
Willow Springs on a BMW S1000RR
, or
hitting a motocross track
It often seemed quite akin to a therapeutic session. After dismounting the bicycle, I’d feel more energized, lighter, and better equipped to tackle life’s challenges with an optimistic outlook.
However, after piloting Honda’s 50th Anniversary Gold Wing from Birmingham, Alabama to Daytona, Florida, which covered approximately 700 miles, I witnessed an aspect of motorcycle therapy that was entirely new to me since I had never previously ridden such a machine.
Unknown to me at the time, I was the ideal candidate for this two-wheeled therapy since I had been grappling with some personal matters just prior to taking the ride.
Never Ending Roads
The route ahead was marked by seemingly never-ending straight sections from the beginning of my journey all the way to where I needed to go. However, fortunately for me, I had the chance to take both the 2025 Gold Wing and the 1975 Gold Wing GL1000—a pioneering edition—for a spin around Barber Motorsports Park prior to our departure. This helped alleviate any nervousness about tackling those curvy stretches further along the way.
Straight, lengthy sections of road are typically what I consider merely a pathway to reach more winding routes. However, riding the Gold Wing altered my perspective completely.
Rather than feeling impatient or slightly annoyed—which is how I typically react on such routes—I experienced a serene sensation after allowing the Gold Wing to perform its primary function: smooth gliding. In this mindset, I covered countless miles, observed the leaves transform in both shape and hue, and became captivated by the flickering play of sunlight filtering through the surrounding foliage.
It felt akin to transferring art pieces into an untouched storage device.
However, eventually, my mind kicked back into gear and the mental machinery started humming along smoothly. As you can understand, I cycled for several hours, roughly the duration of an average ride. Upon regaining clarity, I felt just as euphoric as usual after such a session. Yet, considering this was merely one-third of a lengthy 400-mile journey, what should I have done next?
Well, those personal matters I brought up before came to mind and now appeared much more manageable.
The path continued endlessly, and thus I pressed on. This pushed me to confront my problems head-on; however, fortunately, I approached them with an upbeat mindset, thanks to the preceding hours filled with serotonergic cycling bliss. During this time, I managed to devise potential resolutions for these challenges. It was akin to having one of the most effective therapy sessions imaginable. Yet, knowing I still had many miles ahead, I returned to a state of Zen-like calmness.
Once I had logged approximately 300 miles, my mind became active once more, flooded with increased levels of dopamine and serotonin. Recalling the solutions I’d discovered for my problems, a voice inside me declared, “What are you waiting for? We’re going to be here for the next several hours.” Utilizing my Cardo, which is part of the bike’s integrated Android Auto system, along with the Gold Wing serving as my personal mentor, I began making phone calls.
I achieved greater advancement with the challenges over the course of those two days on the Gold Wing compared to what I might have accomplished in two weeks if I had stayed at home.
The revamped user interface and seamless support for wireless Android Auto definitely warrant praise since I prefer not to tweak settings when I’m out driving unless they’re extremely easy to navigate. Although I think there’s still room for improvement in refining the system, getting accustomed to using it during rides was quick and effortless.
Rather than progression through challenges, I’ve made certain life choices; however, these weren’t influenced by my time traveling. Instead, I feel it was the Gold Wing motorcycle itself that inspired me to take these steps.
Flying On Golden Wings
- The Honda Gold Wing Marks 50 Years of Smooth Riding, Features CarPlay
- What Are The Differences Between A 1995 Honda Gold Wing And A 2023 Harley CVO Road Glide?
Riding an Ocean
Usually, after spinning as a way to refresh my thoughts, I return with elevated, positive vibes, although they’re quite frenzied since that’s how I ride—the sort of energy demanded by my Street Triple. However, my mental state following those long hours on the Gold Wing felt entirely distinct.
I experienced both the serenity and strength of the sea working with me, much like the Gold Wing does.
It felt like the traits of the motorcycle had permeated my mind and body, almost as if I was becoming one with it—this probably happens when you ride for about 11 hours daily.
Above all else, I experienced a sense of empowerment, largely due to the bike’s unstoppable yet seamless 1833cc flat-six engine. This powerhouse delivers approximately 125 horsepower along with an astonishing 125 lb-ft of torque, propelling you forward smoothly instead of with intense acceleration. However, confidence on an over-800-pound motorcycle doesn’t just come from sheer force; it requires much more than that.
Honda’s advanced front suspension design and interconnected braking system provided me with greater stability than expected during brake applications or slow-speed turns. Maintaining control was one of the motorcycle’s standout features, which consequently allowed me to stay composed as well.
However, comfort, pouches of power, and a user-friendly bundle were what I anticipated. What caught me off guard was something that would cherish the edges as much as I do.
Following an extensive journey down the open highway and through my open thoughts, I encountered a series of swift curves and thought to myself, “Wow, turns, I really enjoy these.” As soon as I leaned into them, it seemed like the Gold Wing shared, “Yeah, you’re definitely not alone here.” The stability near the motorcycle’s peak lean angle of 40 degrees felt just as comfortable to me as cruising steadily on the expressway at 70 miles per hour.
In every aspect, I experienced both the tranquility and strength of the sea, be it during a U-turn, driving down the road, or pushing the cylinder heads nearer to rubbing against their casings. This ensured that those 350-mile journeys did not fly by unnoticed, but were instead met with due appreciation and awareness.
The Humble Pie Never Felt So Sweet
I admit I’ve joked about Gold Wings and their riders before, but I’m glad to be proven wrong. Now I get it: I see why this motorcycle model has surpassed nearly all others in longevity, why over 700,000 units have been sold, and why it has attracted a dedicated global fan base.
I’ve never had such an extensive journey on a two-wheeler as with the Gold Wing. It pushed my mental boundaries and took me to unexplored locations. With joy, I embraced lengthy stretches of road that would typically bore me due to monotony, but instead, they turned out to be incredibly rewarding experiences.
I once believed that Gold Wings were meant for older folks, but I was mistaken. It turns out this motorcycle is designed for riders who have both leisurely time and substantial funds at their disposal—characteristics typically associated with those in retirement. Were it not for my current financial constraints and busy schedule, I would certainly consider purchasing a Gold Wing myself. Moreover, Honda ensures that when I am financially prepared and age-appropriate for owning such a vehicle, the Gold Wing will still excel as an impressive sports bike.
The Gold Wing is undoubtedly comfortable; Honda would have to make significant mistakes to ruin this aspect. However, during a preview session where we rode the newest version at Barber Motorsports Park, it became evident that engineers concentrated on enhancing the bike’s sportiness over recent updates in anticipation of future generations of Gold Wing enthusiasts. This effort clearly paid off, as I can confirm.
If you have the luxury of taking extended leave and can shell out the initial cost of around $25,200 for the Gold Wing—or better yet, splurge an extra few thousand dollars for the special edition 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour DCT with a starting retail price of $29,700—head over to your nearest dealership immediately for a test drive. It will undoubtedly redefine your understanding of riding a sophisticated motorcycle.