Honda Gold Wing F6B: one of a kind also in 2013

La Gold Wing it has always been a one-of-a-kind motorcycle. Launched in 1975 as the GL1000 with an opposed 4-cylinder engine, it stood out not only for its exhilarating performance but also for its completely different driving sensations: powerful like a maxi but with a smooth delivery like a super-cruiser, it proved to be
immediately the ideal motorbike for spending entire days in the saddle.

In 1987 the engine became a 6cc opposed 1500-cylinder engine, definitively transforming the Gold Wing into the queen of touring motorcycles. It was 2000 when the most sensational touring motorcycle ever conceived definitively became the 'luxury super-tourer' we know: the GL1800 Gold Wing was born, evolved to the present day to remain simply unrivaled.

What more could be added to a motorcycle concept that combines the best that can be asked of a touring motorcycle? Nothing. If anything you can... remove something! A trend that has emerged over the last ten years, particularly in the United States, has seen fully equipped large tourers stripped, leaving a
pair of bags, a low windshield and a minimal fairing, to give a custom accent to motorbikes designed for a very demanding and detail-oriented market.

The term that defines this type of motorcycle is "bagger": a concept based on a mix of aggressive elegance, extreme practicality and timeless charm that has attracted the attention of the younger public.
To meet the needs of these super-demanding enthusiasts in terms of style and performance, Honda has conceived a new generation of Gold Wing to complement the luxurious super-equipped version. Essential, elegant, harmonious and masculine, with custom and cruiser influences, the new Honda Gold Wing F6B is the only true 6-cylinder "bagger": the purest essence of the touring motorcycle.

MODEL OVERVIEW – The 1.832cc six-cylinder engine that powers the Gold Wing F6B is a masterpiece of motorcycle engineering which, precisely for this reason, also takes on an important role from an aesthetic point of view. The design immediately captures attention: with only the side cases and the new shortened windshield, the Gold Wing F6B, low and elongated, has a soft and streamlined line from the front to the tail. The wonderful seat with perfect padding ensures exceptional comfort for rider and passenger, while the audio system with 4 speakers helps to make every journey an absolute pleasure thanks to the excellent sound performance, even at high speed.

The massive double-spar aluminum frame offers strength and agility at the same time, as does the anti-dive telescopic fork with 45 mm diameter stanchions and the Pro-Link single-sided rear suspension. Furthermore, the Dual C-ABS braking system guarantees flawless and safe action on all surfaces and in all conditions.

Conceived to offer extreme driving pleasure in urban driving as well as on large motorways, the Gold Wing F6B shows a weight saving of 24 kg compared to the Gold Wing GL1800, of which it uses the same chassis and the same powerful engine with incredible power and torque.

cycling– The goal of the Gold Wing F6B development team was to create a custom cruiser with an agile and comfortable ride. It had to be easy to drive on busy city streets and fun on extra-urban routes, obviously offering true super-tourer performance on the motorway.

The aluminum double-spar frame associated with the opposed 6-cylinder engine creates a structure with a low center of gravity which contributes to creating a chassis that is easy to handle at all speeds. The 45 mm telescopic fork features an anti-dive system, while the monoshock with Pro-Link linkage can be manually adjusted in spring preload. Both suspensions have updated set-ups based on the new weight distribution. The rake of the steering head is 29,15°, with a trail of 109 mm. The wheelbase of 1.690 mm ensures great stability at any speed.

The braking system with Dual C-ABS is composed of 296 mm floating discs with three-piston calipers at the front, and a 316 mm self-ventilated disc with three-piston calipers at the rear, a guarantee of efficiency and safety on slippery surfaces or wet. The beautiful 5-spoke aluminum rims are fitted with large-section low-profile tires in sizes 130/70-R18 at the front and 180/60-R18 at the rear.

The beautiful superstructures with the tapered fairing were designed with the aid of the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) methodology, while the brilliant paintwork emphasizes the low and elongated line, also thanks to the contrast with the dark shade of the wheels, engine, fork, chassis and lower body parts. The
final touch that enhances the look of the bike is the chrome “F6B” emblem on the side panels.

The windshield has been reshaped to convey a sense of freedom without sacrificing adequate aerodynamic protection. The elegant instrumentation with analogue circular elements and the LCD display provide all the riding parameters, while the handlebar controls are easy to reach and easy to operate even with heavy gloves. The side cases offer exceptional loading volume and comfortable front compartments are absolutely perfect for every need for transporting everyday objects. The fuel tank capacity is 25 litres, including 4 liters of reserve with warning light.

In creating the new Gold Wing F6B, Honda was inspired by the desire to bring this version of the exceptional tourer back to the essence of motorcycling. The equipment is refined but simpler and there is a new very comfortable one-piece saddle which offers a greater sense of freedom. The passenger now has classic footrests at his disposal instead of long footrests and can hold on to practical painted aluminum handles.

Despite a return to essentiality, an adequate stereo system certainly couldn't be missing! With four front speakers the sound is crystal clear and deep bass tones give rhythm to every journey. The system includes support for connectivity with iPod or USB memory drives for playback of MP3, WMA or AAC files.

The Gold Wing F6B will be available in two color options:

• Graphite Black
• Magna Red

Motor - Anyone who has driven a GL1800 Gold Wing cannot forget the sensations offered by this powerful engine: its smooth power delivery and infinite torque are characteristics you quickly fall in love with. Powered by the latest evolution of Honda's PGM-FI electronic injection system, the Gold Wing F1.832B's 6 cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine has a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with 2 valves per cylinder.

Peak power is 118 HP at 5.500 rpm while the exceptional level of torque at all speeds peaks at 167 Nm at 4.000 rpm. The five-speed gearbox has overdrive in the highest ratio for long journeys at low rpm, while the cardan shaft transmission guarantees maintenance-free driving pleasure. Being lighter and therefore more maneuverable than the top of the range model from which it derives, the Gold Wing F6B does not include electric reverse gear.

For excellent environmental performance, in addition to the secondary air intake system which allows the emission of unburned gases to be reduced, there is the HECS3 system (Honda Evolution Catalysing System 3) which, through a three-way catalysing process, enormously reduces oxide levels. of nitrogen, hydrocarbons and
carbon monoxide.

Accessories - A wide range of accessories is available for the Gold Wing F6B, which includes:

• 5-position heated grips
• High windshield
• Back
• Rear luggage rack
• Central stand
• Fog lights
• Front chrome moldings
• Rear chrome moldings
• Chromed front disc cover
• Chromed single-arm pivot cover
• Chromed side stand
• Motorcycle cover

ENGINE
Configuration 6 cylinder, 4 stroke, 12 valves (SOHC), liquid cooled
Displacement 1.832 cc
Bore x Stroke 74 x 71 mm
Compression ratio 9.8: 1
Maximum power 87 kW (118,3 hp)/5.500 min-1 (95/1/EC)
Maximum torque 167 Nm/4.000 min-1 (95/1/EC)
Total oil capacity 4,6 litres

POWER
Injection Electronic injection with PGM-FI and automatic choke
Throttle body diameter 40 mm
Air filter Made of paper, viscous, cartridge type
Fuel tank capacity 25 liters including reserve

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Computer controlled transistorized digital ignition, with electronic advance
Electric start
Battery capacity 12V/20AH
Press information Gold Wing F6B

TRANSMISSION
Clutch Lubricated, multi-plate with springs
Clutch operation Hydraulic
5-speed gearbox (last ratio overdrive)
Final reduction 2,750 (33/12)
Final drive Cardan

WOOD FRAME
Rhomboidal Configuration; double beam in aluminum with triple box section

CHASSIS
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2.605 mm x 945 mm x 1.455 mm
Wheelbase 1.690 mm
Steering head inclination 29° 15′
Trail 109 mm
Turning radius 3,3m
Saddle height 725 mm
Ground clearance 125 mm
ODM weight with full tank of petrol 385 kg (H: 179 kg; D: 205 kg)

SOSPENSION
Ant. configuration 45 mm telescopic fork
with anti-sinking
Post. Pro-Link, Pro-Arm with adjustment
spring preload manual

WHEELS
Ant. configuration With a 5-spoke honeycomb section in die-cast aluminium
Post. With a 5-spoke honeycomb section in die-cast aluminium
Front rims. 18 x MT3.5
Post. 16 x MT5.0
Front Tires 130/70 R18 (63H)
Post. 180/60 R16 (74H)

BRAKES
Ant. configuration Dual 296×4,5mm hydraulic discs with three-piston calipers and Dual C-ABS anti-lock combined braking, floating rotors and sintered metal pads.
Post. 316 x 11 mm ventilated disc with three-piston caliper and Dual C-ABS combined anti-lock braking, sintered metal pads.

The technical characteristics are provisional and may change without notice.
* We remind you that the values ​​indicated were obtained by Honda during numerous tests, all of which were carried out with the standards required by the WMTC regulations. The tests only concerned the "basic" versions of the motorbike (and without options), with a single rider on board. Indeed, fuel consumption can also vary significantly due to different conditions, capabilities or types of riding, but also in based on the presence or absence of the passenger on board (as well as any luggage), maintenance carried out on the motorbike, the weather conditions, the tire pressure and/or a thousand other factors.