Honda GL1800 Gold Wing: the model has also been renewed in the "Tour" version [PHOTO]

Refined and with a powerful six-cylinder boxer engine, the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing also in the variant “Tour”, for the 2021 it is further evolved considering functionality, dynamism and load capacity.

The specialised farming model

A balance between form and function. The front area of ​​the renovated Honda GL1800 Gold Wing appears slender and distinctive. The upper and lower areas highlighted by the waistline are also highlighted. The overall vision is also strengthened by the highlighted mechanical components, in particular by the six-cylinder boxer engine which is associated with a sinuous exhaust system.
The light clusters are also distinctive Full-LED, on the specimens “Tour” fog lights are standard. The upper section of the front light unit has five optical lenses on both sides which create an anti-glare light beam with a Jewel Eye and with the action of the high beams, a stereoscopic effect is created in the area below. The front directional indicators, then, are set in the rear-view mirrors and enriched with an automatic deactivation function, linked to the difference in wheel speed based on the information.

21YM HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING

Ergonomics are also highlighted, taking into account optimized management of air flows and heating. The plexiglass is electrically adjustable in height and inclination, through a practical control on the left electrical block. The driver and passenger appear separately on the seat, to make it easier for both. The angle of the passenger's back rest goes from 16° to 23°. The shape of the saddle for the rider offers comfort and lumbar support, also promoting freedom of movement and functional support on the ground, as indicated. The saddles feature a synthetic suede covering.
The cockpit is articulated and consists of elegant analog indicators for speedometer and tachometer as well as three LCD displays and a wider one seven-inch central TFT color screen which offers different information in addition to one pushbutton localized. You can see backgrounds with dark, low-contrast shades and external metal edges with a conical profile, with LED-lit graduated scales. Audio and navigation systems are also mentioned, as well as the management of HSTC traction control and suspension adjustment on the "Tour" versions.

21YM HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING TOUR

The screen brightness adjustment is automatic and it is possible to set it between eight different levels, according to the information. Among the indicators there is also the tire pressure indicator, placed as a numerical value at the bottom left of the instrumentation. We also note compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and the presence of two USB type-C sockets. The satellite navigation system is displayed on the TFT color screen with a gyrocompass system. The maps can be updated by inserting up to 99 waypoints. The example is also equipped with a Smart-Key, marked with the Gold Wing logo which allows you to activate all systems and incorporates the emergency key.
Another interesting aspect is the internal volume of the top box increased by 11 litres, reaching now 61 liters considering the model “Tour” and a total load capacity of 121 liters including side cases. The options also include a luggage rack to be fixed in the upper part of the top box and internal bags with an exclusive style. The flashing arrow button on the button is also functional Smart Key to locate the specimen in a parking lot. The tank can hold 21 liters of fuel. Furthermore, it is equally functional Cruise Control adjustable with the controls on the right block. Activation is confirmed by a light on the speedometer and the speed set at the top of the LCD display when looking to the left, according to the indications. On models with manual gearbox the Cruise Control function is dampened when the clutch lever is pulled, the brakes are activated or the accelerator is operated. On versions with dual clutch gearbox DCT, keeping in mind the automatic mode after a deceleration, the recall of the established speed can be linked to appropriate gear changes, as indicated.

Honda completes its comprehensive 2021 model line-up with updates to GL1800 Gold Wing and Gold Wing 'Tour'

Technology

The double-beam die-cast aluminum frame structure is designed to house the engine in a forward position. Combined with a double wishbone front suspension with advanced steering, which also promotes an advanced riding position. In total compression, according to the information, the rear area of ​​the tire is located 24 mm further forward than the position of a common fork. The rear suspension with mono-shock absorber is also functional and advanced, considering a Pro-Arm single-arm and a pivot structure that offers stiffness. The Pro-Link linkage promotes progressive suspension action and superior comfort, so the refinement of the link plates and the use of ball joints dampen torsion, as indicated.
THEABS operates on a combined braking system D-CBS (Dual Combined Braking System) with recirculating ABS modulator integrated into the braking system ECU and braking action modulated considering the set Riding Mode. At the front there are two discs 320 mm combined with six-piston calipers, while behind there is a disc 316 mm associated with a 3-piston caliper. The picture is completed by light alloy wheels from 18 inches e 16 inches, considering respectively the front and rear areas with 130/70 R18 M/C 63H and 200/55 R16 M/C 77H low-profile tires.

21YM HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING TOUR

On the "Tour" models the electronic adjustment of the suspension damping is automatic, based on the selected Riding Mode. The spring preload of the rear shock absorber is also electrically adjustable with an intuitive system independent of the Riding Mode. There are four settings, based on the load on board with the pilot alone, or in the presence of a passenger, only luggage or both at the same time. The setting is displayed on the right LCD display and made via the TFT screen and the handlebar controls or the central joystick. On the basic version, spring preload adjustment is possible manually.
The inclination of the steering head and the trail are 30,5°/109 millimeters with a wheelbase of 1.695 mm. The weight of the standard Gold Wing with DCT It weighs 367 kg including a full tank of petrol. The “Tour” model with 6-speed manual gearbox it weighs 385 kg always taking into account the full tank, whereas the variant with gearbox Seven-speed DCT e Airbag It weighs a total of 390 kg, according to the information.

21YM HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING TOUR

Motor

The engine is of type six-cylinder boxer with heads with 4 valves per cylinder, with a displacement of 1.833 cc. Maximum thrust reaches 126 horses at 5.500 rpm, while the maximum torque 170 Nm at 4.500 rpm. The compression ratio is 10,5:1 and the approval is Euro 5.
The accelerator Throttle By Wire (TBW) is associated with four Riding Modes (Tour, Sport, econ, Rain ) characterized by a different attitude for the engine, power delivery, braking force distribution of the D-CBS system with ABS and, on the Tour variants, suspension set-up and traction control HSTC extension. In the different Riding Modes, the HSTC traction control, present only on Tour versions, as indicated, always allows controllable acceleration.

Honda completes its comprehensive 2021 model line-up with updates to GL1800 Gold Wing and Gold Wing 'Tour'

Proposal

La Honda GL1800 Gold Wing for 2021 on the Italian market it is available in two models. A first example with side cases and standard windshield, then one “GL1800 Gold Wing Tour” distinguishable by high windshield and top box. The basic model only features a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and forward/reverse “Walking Mode” functionality. Leaning towards a "Tour" version, there is also a version with six-speed manual gearbox and electric reverse gear. While in the DCT variant the Airbag is also indicated.
Finally moving on to the colors: the GL1800 Gold Wing with DCT without top box is available in Pearl Deep Mud Grey; while the GL1800 Gold Wing “Tour” with manual transmission as well as electric reverse and HSTC in Gunmetal Black Metallic with dark colored rims, frame and exhausts; then the GL1800 Gold Wing “Tour” with DCT and Airbag in Candy Ardent Red e Gunmetal Black Metallic.

Honda's completes its comprehensive 2021 model line-up with updates to GL1800 Gold Wing and Gold Wing 'Tour'

Photo: Honda Motor Europe Ltd. Italy