When it comes to buying a new motorcycle, everyone has their own preferences and desires. Some riders lean towards sportbikes, others prefer cruisers, and some even opt for multiple bikes for different situations. Recently, two individuals at Donut, Jeremiah and Zach, had the opportunity to compare two touring motorcycles: a brand-new 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide and a well-used 1995 Honda Gold Wing 20th Anniversary Edition. The newer Harley is understandably more expensive than the used Honda they found on Facebook Marketplace.
So, just how different are the prices? The base model 2023 CVO Road Glide starts at $42,999, but adding custom paint like the Whiskey Neat with Raven Metallic colorway seen in the video can tack an extra $6,000 onto the total. And that’s without even considering any additional upgrades. On the other hand, the 1995 Gold Wing they bought only cost them $500, although it does have some questionable decals on the top box that the previous owner clear-coated over.
The guys decided to put both bikes through three different scenarios, completing each challenge while riding two-up. The first challenge was navigating stop-and-go traffic, followed by highway cruising, and finally, canyon carving. It’s worth noting that despite being based in California, they did not attempt any lane splitting during their rides.
So, how did the two bikes compare? While the new CVO Road Glide had its advantages, such as the confidence boost riders typically feel when riding a brand-new bike, there was one glaring disadvantage when it came to riding two-up. The lack of a backrest made it less comfortable and less suitable for touring compared to the Gold Wing.
Harley-Davidson does offer different backrest options for the 2023 CVO Road Glide, but they are not included as standard on the base model. For an additional $861.75, riders can add the Day Tripper Package in Chrome, which includes the H-D Detachables Sissy Bar, Short Passenger Backrest, rear luggage rack, docking hardware for the luggage rack, and a chrome heel shifter. Opting for the Long-Haul Package (Chrome) at $3,074 adds even more passenger equipment, including a premium color-matched top box, King Tour-Pak backrest, top box rack, docking hardware, and a chrome heel shifter. To put it in perspective, the cost of the Long-Haul Package alone could buy you six used 1995 Gold Wings at the price they paid for theirs.
While it may not be entirely fair to compare a 20-year-old bike to a brand-new one, both are available for purchase in 2023. Different factors will influence why and how riders choose to spend their money on different motorcycles. The 2023 CVO Road Glide has great aesthetics and is an appealing option for those with the means to afford it. However, there’s a reason why people have been loyal to the Gold Wing for decades. Even with a bazillion miles on it, the 1995 Gold Wing is still going strong and offers excellent touring comfort right out of the box.