MOTORING NEWS - Redesigned from the wheels up, the new Honda Gold Wing is sharper, more compact and lighter, plus its flat six-cylinder engine now features four valves per cylinder and comes equipped with throttle by wire, four 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 is electrically adjustable, as is rear spring pre-load.
An electric screen, Smart Key and Apple CarPlay are also standard equipment.
An entirely new, third generation of Honda's unique dual clutch transmission, with seven speeds, will also be available.
The Honda Gold Wing was introduced as a naked 1000cc machine in 1975 and it has grown in physical size and displacement over the decades, retaining an enduring reputation for luxury, quality and comfort.
For 2018 the GL1800 Gold Wing is brand new from the wheels up.
It still has an evocative, flat six-cylinder engine that delivers an avalanche of torque and power, and it remains Honda's flagship premium touring bike, loaded with features that allow two people to ride in style.
Yet it's smaller, much lighter and much more agile - very much a true "rider's motorcycle".
As a result the new Gold Wing's appeal is broader, reaching out to a younger generation of motor-cyclists.
As happy on an urban commute as it is the open road, the Gold Wing is now a bike for all reasons, rather than just one.
Sharing a common engine and chassis platform, the new bike will be available as the base model GL1800 Gold Wing, and as a "tour" edition with top box, which will also offer a version equipped with DCT and airbag.
Depending on the variant, up to 48kg has been saved compared to the previous model.
The new GL1800 Gold Wing Tour's information system.
The engine and chassis have been designed together, to move the riding position forward and create a much more compact motorcycle.
The aluminium beam frame is constructed around the link front fork, which allows the engine to come further forward - as the front wheel moves up and down in a more vertical plane - while providing high-quality suspension control and front-end stability thanks to its stiffness and reduced friction.
Suspension damping can also be adjusted electrically.
The new flat six-cylinder engine has lost none of its power, torque and addictive delivery.
Throttle by wire has been added, with four rider modes: Tour, Sport, Economy and Rain.
Honda selectable torque control (HSTC) maintains rear-wheel traction while the suspension damping and combined brake system (CBS) alter, depending on the mode selected.
Hill start assist (HSA) and idling stop provide ease of use and improve fuel efficiency.
The manual transmission is now six-speed, while the new dual clutch transmission (DCT) features seven speeds, with clutch feel, shift speed and revolutions range of up- or downshifts tailored specifically to each riding mode.
The manual machine employs the same reverse system as the previous design.
New features like the smart key system, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity bring even more convenience.
Much thought went into the Gold Wing's paint finish.
The upper bodywork features a deeper tone colour, with thick clear-coat complemented by seats finished in high-quality, high-grain materials. The lower body is highlighted with vivid textures that make a strong visual statement.
Colour options available are: GL1800 Gold Wing in Matte Majestic Silver, GL1800 Gold Wing Tour in Candy Ardent Red and Pearl Glare White and GL1800 Gold Wing Tour with DCT and air bag in Candy Ardent Red or Darkness Black and Darkness Black metallic.
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