New Honda Gold Wing GL 1800 2018 at Eicma 2017 [LIVE VIDEO]

Full-LED lights, automotive flagship technological features, LCD screen, 7-inch TFT infotainment, cruise control, smartphone configuration and much more forcefully enter the world of two wheels, making the new Gold Wing GL 1800 one of the most technologically advanced two-wheelers on the market. This and much more enriches the new version of a legendary motorbike which with the new generation adopts tauter and tighter lines, the result of a decidedly more complex and refined design study than what we have seen previously. Hot-stamped sheet metal panels and a wise mix of chromed and painted surfaces make the new Gold Wing extremely eye-catching and unlikely to go unnoticed. The Japanese Luxury Tourer retains its qualities as a road racer and traveller, thanks to its endless storage compartments and luggage compartments, redesigned with a view to aerodynamic efficiency. Lost around 48 kg (379 kg compared to 415 of the previous one), it also undergoes a small downsizing as regards the tank, which now reaches a capacity of 17 litres.

The first element that we would like to underline is above all the heart that drives the new flagship of Honda's technology, we are in fact talking about the superlative 6 cc 1883-cylinder boxer engine with 4 valves per cylinder that manages to release the beauty of 126 HP and 170 Nm of torque. Many technological features will allow safer and more comfortable movement of the motorbike which still retains an important size: the accelerator will be connected to the engine via a Ride by Wire system, which will adapt the power delivery depending on the selected riding mode from the on-board computer. Some aids will also be available such as Hill Start Assist (HSA) and walking mode, which will ensure decidedly quicker and less stressful maneuvers from a standstill. The new one will then take care of facilitating the progress 7-speed DCT gearbox and the slipper clutch with the Start&Stop system attached.

The slimming treatment also involved the innovative frame, which is approximately 2 kg lighter, facilitating the position of the saddle which appears visibly more advanced and lowered to allow for better weight distribution. The suspensions have also been revised, now adopting a double wishbone at the front and a Pro-Arm wishbone at the rear which would ensure better agility in maneuvering and travel. It is also possible to electronically set the adjustment of the rear spring preload depending on the passengers and luggage transported, to allow a better feeling with the motorbike. Honda never neglects safety, in fact to stop the mighty Japanese two-wheeler there will be two 320mm discs at the front and 316mm at the rear, with calipers with 6 and 3 pistons respectively. The car braking is also facilitated by the system D-CBS (Dual Combined Braking System) which will work in tandem with the ABS to make stopping the motorcycle more efficient and safe.

There will be three versions available, with the relevant dedicated colours, starting from the Basic version equipped with a 6-speed gearbox and rear but without top case. This is followed by the Tour version with a 6-speed gearbox with rear and anti-slipper clutch, rising ultimately to the Tour Automatic which adopts the 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.