Redesigned from the wheels up, the new Honda Gold Wing is sharper, more compact and lighter than ever – and we’ve got the stats to prove it.
Since its introduction as a naked 1000cc machine in 1975, the Honda Gold Wing has created an enduring reputation for luxury, quality and comfort. But, in response to the ever changing motorcycle industry, the GL development team has gone much further than usual with its latest update.
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Don’t worry though, it’s still a Gold Wing. It still has an evocative, flat six-cylinder engine that delivers an avalanche of torque and power, and it still remains Honda’s flagship premium tourer, loaded with features that allow two people to ride in style. But, it’s now smaller, much lighter and much more agile – as happy on an urban commute as it is out on the open road.
Mr Yutaka Nakanishi, Large Project Leader (LPL) 18YM GL1800 Gold Wing
“We wanted our new Gold Wing to maintain its luxury but to be a much more ‘rounded’ motorcycle. A machine as useful to its owner around the city as it is out on tour. And more exciting to ride than ever. So we started from a blank piece of paper and made the Gold Wing smaller and lighter, and added all the technological hardware and software the modern rider could wish for. Now, just as in 1975, it remains a flagship model for Honda – and we are very proud to start this new chapter for such an important name.”
Its massive flat six-cylinder engine features 4-valves per cylinder and comes equipped with Throttle By Wire, 4 riding modes, Honda Selectable Torque Control and Hill Start Assist. The new chassis features an aluminium beam frame, double wishbone front suspension and single-sided Pro-Arm – damping which is electrically adjustable, as is the rear spring preload. There’s an electric screen, Smart Key and Apple CarPlay all as standard too. Plus, it’s available with an entirely updated version of Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission – with seven speeds.
Sharing a common engine and chassis platform, the new Gold Wing will be available in three different versions, the base model will be the GL1800 Gold Wing, the Gold Wing Tour, which has a removable top box, and the Tour DCT, which will also be available with an air bag. Still nothing from Honda on price, but with the current model starting from £24,999 you’re likely to be looking around that mark, and beyond.
Styling & Equipment
Taut lines with a contemporary edge show off the motorcycle underneath
Comfort, heat management and air management vastly improved
Electric windscreen adjustable for angle and height
Cruise control operates smoothly via Throttle By Wire (TBW)
Ample luggage capacity for touring, and top box still takes 2 full-face helmets
7-inch TFT display provides navigation and audio information
Apple CarPlay allows iPhone users to use their device
Full LED lighting and auto-cancelling indicators
Smart key control adds convenience for ignition and luggage
Technical Specifications
| ENGINE | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 24 valve SOHC flat-6 |
| Displacement | 1,833cc |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Bore x Stroke | 73mm x 73mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Max. Power Output | 124.7bhp/5500rpm |
| Max. Torque | 170Nm/4500rpm |
| Oil Capacity | 4.4 litres (MT) / 5.6 litres (DCT) |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Carburation | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
| Throttle Bore | 50mm |
| Air cleaner | Viscous, cartridge type paper filter |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.1 litres |
| Fuel Consumption | 50.4mpg |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |
| Starter | Integrated Starter Generator system |
| Battery Capacity | 12V/20AH |
| ACG Power Generation Capacity | 12V/120A |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
| Clutch Type | (MT) Hydraulic, wet, multiplate with coil springs, assist slipper cam
(DCT) Hydraulic, wet, multiplate with oil pressure |
| Transmission Type | 6 speed MT (including overdrive. Plus electric reverse)
7-speed forward and reverse DCT |
| Primary Reduction | 1.795 (79/44) |
| Gear Ratios | (DCT) 1st: 2.167 2nd: 1.696 3rd: 1.304 4th: 1.038 5th: 0.821 6th: 0.667 7th: 0.522 Rev: 1.190
(MT) 1st: 2.200 2nd: 1.417 3rd: 1.036 4th: 0.821 5th: 0.667 6th: 0.522 |
| Final Reduction | Engine side 0.972
Rear Wheel side 2.615 |
| Final Drive | Enclosed shaft |
| FRAME | |
| Type | Aluminum die-cast, twin tube |
| CHASSIS | |
| Dimensions (L´W´H) | Gold Wing
L: 2,475mm W: 925mm H: 1,340mm
Gold Wing ‘Tour’ L: 2,575mm W: DCT 905mm / MT 925mm H: 1,430mm
|
| Wheelbase | 1695mm |
| Caster Angle | 30.5° |
| Trail | 109mm |
| Turning radius | 3.4m |
| Seat Height | 745mm |
| Ground Clearance | 130mm |
| Kerb Weight | Gold Wing: 365kg
Gold Wing ‘Tour’: MT 379kg / DCT 383kg
|
| SUSPENSION | |
| Type Front | Double Wishbone |
| Type Rear | Pro Link |
| WHEELS | |
| Type Front | 130/70R 18 |
| Type Rear | 200/55R 16 |
| Rim Size Front | 18 x MT3.5 |
| Rim Size Rear | 16 x MT6.0 |
| BRAKES | |
| System Type | Electronically-controlled combined ABS system |
| Type Front | 320mm x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with 6-piston calliper, floating rotors and sintered metal pads |
| Type Rear | 316mm x 11mm ventilated disc with 3-piston calliper and sintered metal pads |
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.
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