HONDA GL1800 Gold Wing 2018: the legend never ceases to amaze

Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2018 – A name that alone means history and tradition. There Honda Gold Wing it's much more than a motorbike. for lovers of the genre it is a reason for living or perhaps even a way of life, one's free time and more. Since its release, way back in 1975, this model has been considered the maximum expression of Gran Turismo, a motorbike with enough power, refinement and reliability to allow two people to travel to the most distant destinations in absolute comfort. The name “Gold Wing” has thus become synonymous with long journeys and excellence in motorbike touring.

Now it comes back with a new name – GL1800 Gold Wing – and many structural innovations. Powered by its completely redesigned 6-cylinder boxer engine, it boasts extraordinary torque and power delivery, but is more compact, lighter and more agile, a 'Luxury Tourer' designed for true "bikers" who want to travel, even fully loaded and with the passenger, in style and in absolute comfort. The result is that the appeal of the new Gold Wing is broader, to reach younger and more dynamic motorcyclists, without neglecting all those who have always found the maximum expression of travel comfort in this sumptuous 6-cylinder. At ease both on city routes and on extra-urban curves and on fast motorways, the new Gold Wing is now a motorcycle to simply use, always.

The new GL1800 Gold Wing will be available on the Italian market in 3 versions. Model basis It is equipped with side cases, standard windshield and features a 6-speed manual gearbox with electric reverse. There named version “Tour” features a top box and a high windshield and is offered in two versions: with a 6-speed manual gearbox and electric reverse gear or with a DCT double clutch gearbox (Dual Clutch gear ratios with electric reverse gear. The version called “Tour” features the top box and high windshield and is offered in two versions: with 6-speed manual gearbox and electric reverse gear or with 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and forward/reverse 'Walking Mode' functionality. version, the weight reduction compared to the outgoing model is up to 48kg less.

Engine and frame have been designed together, to advance the riding position and create a much more compact motorcycle. The aluminum twin-spar frame is built around the revolutionary front suspension, which allowed the engine to be moved further forward. The front wheel, in fact, moves up or down on a more vertical trajectory, offering excellent control and great stability of the front end, thanks to the notable overall rigidity and substantial reduction in friction. The hydraulic damping of the suspension is electronically regulated.

The new 6-cylinder boxer engine has retained its exciting power and torque delivery unchanged. Throttle By Wire throttle control has been added, with 4 Riding Modes: TOUR, SPORT, ECON and RAIN. The HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) traction control always keeps the rear wheel stable and, like the suspension adjustment and the action of the combined braking system (DCBS) with ABS, varies based on the Riding Mode selected. The HSA (Hill Start Assist) hill start assist and the Start&Stop system further enhance the driving experience and improve fuel efficiency.

The manual gearbox is now 6-speed, while the DCT dual clutch gearbox is 7-speed, and provides specific settings for each Riding Mode in terms of clutch release, gear shift speed and rpm range at which gear changes take place superior/inferior. The DCT gearbox also offers the slow forward and reverse function (Walking Mode) to facilitate parking manoeuvres. The version with 6-speed manual gearbox features electric reverse gear as on the previous model.

But above all, the 2018 Gold Wing offers a completely new sense of freedom, which translates into pure driving fun. The improved performance is accompanied by even greater levels of relaxation: the elegant and aerodynamic fairing effectively channels air around the rider and passenger, the windshield is electrically adjustable and the seats ensure maximum comfort. New features such as the Smart Key system, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity increase convenience.

Yutaka Nakanishi, Large Project Leader of GL1800 Gold Wing 2018 expressed himself as follows: “We wanted our new Gold Wing to maintain the luxury that distinguishes it, while becoming a more versatile motorcycle, capable of satisfying customer needs both in the city and on the road, and more exciting to drive than ever. We started from scratch and made the new Gold Wing more compact and lighter, adding all the components and electronic options that contemporary riders want. Today, as in 1975, it is one of Honda's technological flags, and we are truly proud to begin a new chapter in such a passionate story."