Honda GLX 1800 Gold Wing

Honda unveiled the updated 2012 Gold Wing as a new model.

Although Honda doesn’t list a 2011 model for the Wing, we won’t discount the year-long lapse between 2010 and 2012 (even though Honda does) against what otherwise marks the 37th year since the Wing was set free upon the roads, way back in ’75.

We’re sure the new GW upholds classic Wing characteristics – like a stable yet responsive chassis, smooth, linear engine power, and Barcalounger-like comfort – that have made this Honda a favorite among the touring set. Yet this latest iteration of the Wing is well within the previous model’s shadow.

The 2012 Honda Gold Wing. A revised main fairing wears a sportier, slightly more aggressive look, while the side fairing appears more integrated, its silver hue creating a two-tone color scheme.

The few significant revisions the ’12 does see are devoted largely to the rider environment and styling, leaving the 1832cc, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine untouched, with the chassis mostly following suit.

What’s new for the GW?

Revised styling is seen in the reshaped taillight, and the main fairing is slightly sportier looking with new dual vents just above the dual headlights.

A new, sleeker side fairing/radiator panel in a silvery finish creates a two-tone color scheme on the four available colors (blue, black, red and white). The restyled panel also wears a new Honda emblem that looks identical to one found on the CBR1000RR. Honda says the revised fairing improves wind protection, specifically to the lower body/legs area.

A restyled taillight is part of the Wing’s updated appearance.

The new Wing wears a somewhat sharper, cleaner look; and we usually welcome a freshened up face. But in light of the revisions to the fairing and styling – not to mention the year off between models! – we have to ask Honda, “Why no electronically adjustable windshield?

To this day, the Gold Wing remains one of the few big tourers without a pushbutton adjustment for the windscreen. Honda’s own, long-running ST1300 has it. Why not the mighty Wing?

Saddlebag capacity is up 7.0 Litres, boosting total storage – including trunk and fairing pockets – to 150.0 Litres. Non-airbag models also get a central storage pocket, presumably where the airbag would otherwise reside on so-equipped models. Finish on the seat material is updated, and the wheels are now clear-coated to ease clean up and to help maintain a like-new look.

2012 Honda Gold Wing

The 2012 Gold Wing is now iPod plug ‘n’ play. Judging by this image it appears the iPod/MP3 player interfaces with the bike via a connector in the trunk. We’d like to have seen a more convenient location, perhaps somewhere up front in a space created specifically for the player.
The Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System (available on some GW models) has a brighter color screen, and offers “programmability for sharing favorite ride routes with friends and other riders,” which can be accessed online according to Honda.

The Wing’s primo sound system (on all models), featuring SRS CS Auto technology surround-sound, now readily accepts MP3 players and allows for full control over the player via controllers on the handlebar switchgear. XM radio remains an available option on the Navi package model. Honda says instrumentation is also updated on all Wings.

Other notable changes on the 2012 GW are “revised suspension settings,” that make for a more compliant ride leading to increased comfort, so say Honda press materials.

Though Honda doesn’t elaborate on specific changes to suspension, a quick peek at specs for the 2012 model reveals that, while rear suspension travel of 4.1 inches remains unchanged from the previous model, the new Wing sees a decrease of 0.7 inches from the 2009-10 model’s 5.5 inches of travel in the 45mm fork.

The new GW has also gained a few.

Claimed curb weight for the 2012 model is 904 – 933 pounds (depending on the trim level), where the most recent Wing’s curb weight was 895 – 928 pounds.

The GW’s comprehensive navigation system gets a brighter color screen and now provides the ability to share favorite rides and routes online.

Fuel capacity seems to have increased from 6.6 gallons to 6.7 gallons. However, it wouldn’t surprise us if this nominal increase in fuel capacity were merely an oversight in the specs. We’ve encountered bigger typos on other OEM websites and materials. But, hey, if one-tenth of a gallon means the difference between refueling and walking, we’ll take it!

Sizing up the new Wing

As Honda’s flagship model, the Gold Wing has arguably been an iconic leader in the touring motorcycle segment. For decades the big GW has set standards for the potential of chassis and engine performance in full-decked touring rigs.

Nevertheless, it’s a little disappointing the Gold Wing lacks innovation in 2012, receiving only cursory updates after so many years of relatively little change. This doesn’t bode too well in the face BMW’s soon coming all-new K1600GT and GTL.

These full-fledged Beemer tourers offer a host of amenities, too, not the least of which is the familiar-by-now and useful pushbutton suspension, aka ESA II. The K bike’s new, optional “Adaptive Headlight” also sounds trick, and joins a number of other practical options like traction control and Bluetooth capability, to name a few hi-tech things, while selectable ride modes is a standard feature.
2012 Honda Gold Wing

The Gold Wing is renowned as a two-up touring motorcycle.

Furthermore, if you’re a bit of a gearhead, note that BMW claims 160 peak crank horsepower at 7750 and 129 ft-lb at 5250 rpm for the new K bike, as Mr. Duke informed us from the bikes’ unveiling at Leno’s place. The Gold Wing’s flat-six, while reasonably powerful, has a lot of catching up to do.

The last time we tested a Wing – 2009 Luxury Touring Shootout – the Honda spun the dyno for a best result of 96 hp at 5600 rpm and 103 ft-lbs at 4200 rpm. Factor out the average power loss for a shaft final-drive and the BMW still dusts the Wing with what we’d estimate as 136 – 140 rear wheel horsepower for the K16.

The torque span, at an estimated 113 – 110 ft-lbs, is a little less dramatic when compared to the Honda. The BMWs also weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 135 pounds fewer than the GW.

Perhaps a lower MSRP is an equalizer for the Gold Wing? Nope. Doesn’t look that way.

Source motorcycle.com

New for 2012

* Fresh styling cues produce a more integrated appearance along with a sporting edge, adding to the premium touring visage.
* Redesigned fairing adds extra wind protection, especially to the lower body and leg areas.
* Larger saddlebags add approximately 7 Litres of additional storage space, upping total capacity to well over 150 Litres including the trunk and fairing pockets.
* Handy central storage pocket added to models without airbag.
* Revised suspension settings front and rear yield added compliance for a better ride and more comfort.
* Urethane seat material and cover material give added comfort.
* Re-shaped taillight adds a distinctive appearance and aids visibility.
* Wheels are now clear-coated for easier cleaning and a great, long-lasting look.
* Updated instrumentation styling lends a high-performance touch.

Next-Generation Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System:

* New, fully integrated navigation system with new, brighter color screen.
* Next-generation receiver gives quicker satellite connection.
* 3-D terrain view, lane assist with junction view and more.
* Complete United States and Canada mapping with points of interest installed.
* Points-of-interest information includes Honda dealers, fuel stations, restaurants, lodging, attractions, transportation, government and emergency information and saved rider's input with home function.
* Voice prompting through headsets or speakers.
* On-screen text guidance and pop-up menus.
* Easy-to-use handlebar and fairing-mounted controls.
* Navigation available on select Gold Wing models.

Next-Generation Premium Audio System:

* New enhanced system offers direct MP3/i-Pod connectivity plus full device control through handlebar controls.
* SRS CS Auto technology surround-sound system brings the latest in sound system technology to the Gold Wing.
* 80-watt-per-channel power amplifier provides clear, crisp sound at all highway speeds.
* Six-element speaker system includes two rear speakers, a pair of front speakers and two tweeters for a rich, full surround sound quality.
* Tuner features auto bass control combined with auto volume control.
* Standard on all Gold Wing models.

Unique Features

XM Radio:

* XM Radio offers 170 channels from coast to coast, including commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk radio, comedy, children's and entertainment programming.

XM NavTraffic:

* XM NavTraffic is the nation's leading real-time traffic information service, combining up-to-the-minute information on accidents and incidents with the ability to re-route riders around trouble spots as displayed on the navigation system screen.

XM NavWeather:

* The XM NavWeather service uses sophisticated Threat Matrix technology to track nationwide weather information for more than 20 different weather conditions, then scales and customizes this detail to the rider's specific location and route. XM NavWeather can alert riders to severe conditions before they ride into them. The service works with the Navigation System to display information via color weather icons or warning signals on the navigation screen, and can give the rider the option to easily re-route around a storm's path. The service also provides multi-day forecasts based on weather monitoring stations across the United States.
* XM available on Navi package model only.

Cold-Weather Comfort Package:

* Five-position heated grips for cold-weather riding.
* Five-position heated seat/backrest combination with individual rider and passenger controls for optimum comfort.
* Foot-warming system channels engine-heated air over the rider's feet and is controlled by a fairing-mounted lever.
* Standard on all Gold Wing models.

Airbag:

* Industry-first fully integrated rider airbag on a motorcycle.
* The airbag module contains the airbag and inflator and is positioned in front of the rider.
* The ECU positioned to the right of the module detects changes in acceleration based on information it receives from the two crash sensors (one positioned on each of the front fork legs), to determine whether or not to inflate the airbag in certain frontal impacts.
* Airbag available only on full-featured version.

Other 2010 Honda Gold Wing Features:

* The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors pressure in both tires while riding. When a significantly under-inflated tire pressure is detected, a warning light will display below the tachometer.
* Slow-speed, electric Reverse system is engaged with the simple push of the thumb control on the right handlebar.
* Lightweight electronic cruise-control system utilizes a 16-bit ECU-based, motor-actuated throttle mechanism.
* A simple yet ingenious ratcheting windscreen-adjustment system provides six settings over nearly 4.0 inches of travel. Operated manually, the mechanism eliminates the weight and complexity of electric motors.
* Adjustable and closeable windscreen vent routes fresh air to the rider's face or chest.
* The Gold Wing trunk provides 60 Litres of storage capacity. Two full-face helmets fit easily in the trunk. The saddlebags provide 43-plus Litres of storage each, resulting in a total of 146 Litres of storage space between trunk and saddlebags.
* Specially designed luggage features a remote-control key lock, permitting pop-open rear trunk operation; remote lock/unlock for the trunk and saddlebags; and horn-actuated bike locator. If remote locking is attempted while a lid is open, the turn signals flash to alert the rider.
* Instrument displays for speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel level, plus adjustable backlighting and high-luminescence red pointers. Indicator/warning lights are provided for Reverse, Neutral, Overdrive, oil pressure, fuel injection, high beam, sidestand, cruise on, cruise set, low tire pressure and low fuel. A high-resolution LCD housed in a separate module is visible in all lighting conditions and displays the odometer, A/B tripmeter, ambient temperature, audio modes, CB, rear-suspension setting, trunk/saddlebag-open indicators and clock.
* Motorized headlight-aiming system is operated by a rocker switch and provides 2.5 degrees of adjustment from level.
* Large 6.6-gallon fuel tank houses the PGM-FI fuel pump and provides excellent long-distance cruising range.
* 20-amp YTX maintenance-free battery.
* Transferable three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

Engine/Drivetrain

* Powerful, fuel-injected 1832cc six-cylinder engine produces smooth, effortless power.
* Parallel two-valve cylinder-head design utilizes direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation allows the first valve clearance inspection service to be at 32,000 miles.
* Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI).
* Two 40mm-diameter throttle bodies deliver air to six specially designed Keihin 50-psi high-pressure programmed fuel injectors. Fuel is delivered through four nozzle holes in each injector, producing an atomized fuel mixture that is highly combustible for optimum efficiency and power.
* The ECU provides two digital 3-D fuel-injection maps for each cylinder, creating ideal fuel mixture and spark advance settings for superb rideability. Unique knock-control sensors monitor ignition advance to improve performance throughout the entire rpm range.
* ECU closed-loop emissions system utilizes two oxygen sensors to constantly deliver a precise air/fuel mixture, while two exhaust catalyzers further reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.
* Two side-mounted radiators enhance cooling efficiency and use low-air-pressure areas created by side cowls to draw cooling air through the radiators and beyond the rider at highway speeds.
* Efficient stainless-steel 6-into-2 exhaust system produces a pleasing, aggressive sound.
* Powerful 1300-watt alternator uses a fluid damper system to minimize alternator noise.
* Precise-shifting five-speed transmission includes overdrive fifth

SUSPENSION

* Twin-Spar Aluminium Frame.
* Unique Pro Arm Rear Suspension.
* Dual full-floating 296mm front discs with Combined Braking
System (CBS) three-piston calipers and a single ventilated 316mm rear
disc with one CBS three-piston caliper provide excellent braking power.
* Combined Braking System (CBS) with optional Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).
* Model equipped with ABS features an electric-motor-driven
modulator that provides rapid and precise braking-pressure adjustments,
resulting in smooth ABS operation. The system incorporates an integrated
ECU, self-diagnostics with an interactive ECU test function and
automatic protection against system failure.
* Massive 45mm front fork with revised settings for improved
suspension compliance houses a cartridge damper in the right leg with
5.5 inches of travel for a smooth yet superb ride in all road
conditions.
* Anti-dive system minimizes front fork dive when braking. The
system utilizes brake-fluid pressure generated in the secondary CBS
master cylinder mounted on the left fork leg and is activated by input
from either the front-brake lever or the rear brake pedal.
* Pro-Link Rear Suspension incorporates a new shock with revised suspension settings for enhanced ride compliance.
* Computer-controlled adjustable hydraulic rear suspension
preload is easily set by the rider with push-button controls, and
features a two-position memory.
* Cast-aluminium 18 x 3.5-inch front and 16 x 5.0-inch rear
wheels are lightweight, strong and clear-coated to ease cleaning. Radial
touring tires are specifically engineered for the Gold Wing.

Honda Genuine Accessories

* Audio Accessories: 40-Channel CB Radio Kit, CB Antenna Kit, Deluxe Headsets (for open-face and full-face helmets), Push-to-Talk Switch, Replacement Headset Coil Cord, Replacement Headset Hardware Kit, Replacement Boom Mike Windsock
* Cargo Accessories: Saddlebag/Trunk Liner Set, Deluxe Saddlebag/Trunk Mat Set, Saddlebag Lid Organizer with GL Logo, Trunk Inner Light, Trunk Inner Light Harness, Chrome Trunk Rack, Inner Trunk Pouch, Fairing Pouch with GL Logo, Saddlebag Cooler with Honda Logo, Trunk Net, Coin Holder, Gold Wing Owner's Manual Folio
* Convenience Accessories: Passenger Armrests, Tall Vented Windscreen, 12-Volt DC Accessory Socket Kit, Foglight Kit (LED), Replacement Bulb
* Protection Accessories: Cycle Cover with GL Logo, Half Cover
* Color Match Accessories: Rear Spoiler with Brake Light
* Chrome Appearance Accessories: Front Fender Ornament, GL Icon Fender Ornament, Front Fender Emblem, Front Fender Extension, Front Fender Rail, Front Disc Covers, Chrome Bar Ends, Gold Cylinder Head Cover Emblem Set, Silver Cylinder Head Cover Emblem Set, Passenger Floorboard Lower Covers, Swingarm Pivot Covers with GL Logo, Sidestand, Rear Spoiler Accent, Trunk Handle with GL Logo, License-Plate Frame with GL Logo, Exhaust Tips with GL Logo

Gold Wing History

In the world of motorcycles, technology presses forward at such a furious pace that very few street bikes survive a span of a couple dozen years. But for more than three-and-a-half decades, the Honda Gold Wing has done much more than merely survive, it has thrived.

This big Honda touring motorcycle has continued to define a segment of the motorcycling experience, raising standards of luxury, comfort and convenience for long haulers. The following historical time line provides a glimpse into the many milestones that have made the Honda Gold Wing the icon it is today.

1972 M1
A design team is established, led by Soichiro Irimajiri, who headed up design of the five- and six-cylinder road racing engines of the 1960s. The team develops the M1, a top-secret prototype designed to explore the outer limits of the Grand Touring concept. The super-fast M1 features a liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with shaft drive-features that surface in the Gold Wing line in years to come.

1975 GL1000 GOLD WING
The original Gold Wing was much, much more than just a new motorcycle. Powered by a revolutionary 999cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, the Gold Wing opened new possibilities never before considered by the experts in the enthusiast press, much less the consumer public in general.

What to make of this open-class machine with world-class power and cross-country capabilities? Gold Wing customers took to the open road in droves, and helped inspire an industry-wide paradigm shift toward long-distance motorcycling.

1976 GL1000 GOLD WING LTD
A new model marks the Gold Wing's second year as Honda graces the GL1000 Limited Edition with an assortment of special features, including gold striping, special LTD sidecover badges, chromed radiator shroud and screen, quilt-patterned seat, plus gold wheels and spokes.

1979 HONDA GOLD WING
With more than 80 percent of Gold Wing production being exported to North America, a vital need arose to build a production plant in the U.S. Although Honda had been building overseas plants for more than 25 years, the move to America in the 1970s was risky.

To most consumers, Honda's quality was its strongest selling point, and building in America could jeopardize this hard-earned reputation-not just for the Gold Wing, but for all Honda products for decades to come.

Nevertheless, Honda forged ahead, and on September 10, 1979, the first Honda of America Manufacturing (HAM) plant begins production as a group of 64 associates completes the first 10 Honda motorcycles built in Marysville, Ohio.

Within three months, Honda's top managers had sufficient confidence in HAM's capabilities to proceed with building an automobile plant in 1979-the first Japanese car builder to do so in the U.S.

1980 HONDA GL1100 GOLD WING
Five years of continuous consumer input culminate in the introduction of the GL1100. More than a rehashed GL1000 with 10 percent greater displacement, the new Wing incorporates deliberately planned modifications that guide it away from the superbike realm and place it squarely into the touring category.

The new 1085cc engine now favors torque rather than horsepower, a longer wheelbase provides more room for both pilot and passenger, and a new air-assisted suspension system gives the Gold Wing its most supple, comfortable ride to date.

1980 HONDA GL1100 GOLD WING INTERSTATE
The GL1100 also introduced another innovation that was arguably more important than its mechanical changes. Since the Gold Wing's long-distance prowess had inspired the creation of an entire aftermarket of bolt-on touring accessories, Honda's engineers clearly envisioned a new direction toward a turnkey, fully dressed luxury machine.

In 1980, the innovative Interstate fulfilled that vision as the first Gold Wing available fully equipped with factory-installed fairing, saddlebags and trunk, plus the option of a stereo sound system. Turnkey touring, Gold Wing style, is born.

1982 GL1100 GOLD WING ASPENCADE
In quick succession, Honda introduces the concept of luxury touring with the Aspencade. Amenities abound in standard trim, including LCD instrumentation, stereo, CB, on-board air-compressor and thoughtful touches such as the handy storage pouches in the passenger backrest. At the same time, through the use of Redpages in its advertising, Honda underscores its technological edge.

1984 GL1200 GOLD WING ASPENCADE
The GL1200 brought the Gold Wing to the outer limits of the four-cylinder engine's performance and sophistication. The added power and torque of the larger 1182cc engine made the Gold Wing the king of its class in 1984, with a combination of smoothness and low-rpm acceleration that couldn't be matched.

The addition of hydraulic valve adjustment now made the Wing virtually maintenance-free. At the same time, chassis improvements made the big Wing feel amazingly agile, and open-road comfort was superlative.

1985 HONDA GL1200 LIMITED EDITION
Honda marks the Wing's 10th anniversary in two significant ways. First, with the Gold Wing so firmly entrenched within the touring realm, Honda decides to drop the standard, unfaired GL1200.

Second, an ultra-luxurious Limited Edition arrives, complete with computerized fuel injection, four-speaker sound system, cruise control, auto-leveling rear suspension, a comprehensive electronic travel computer and special two-tone metallic gold paint.

Following the success of its Marysville Motorcycle Plant, Honda constructs an engine plant in nearby Anna, Ohio, to build Gold Wing engines. Just as Marysville's success paved the way for Honda's auto manufacturing in America, the Anna Engine Plant moved from manufacturing GL engines alone to building powerplants for Civics and Accords.

At Anna, all the casting, forging, machining and heat-treating processes necessary to turn raw materials into finished, sophisticated engines reside under one roof. As one associate proudly observes, "We do what seven Honda plants do in Japan."

1988 GL1500 GOLD WING
In 1984 a new design team began planning the next Wing. The new machine had to be superior in every aspect: extremely quiet and silky smooth, yet extremely powerful with superior handling.

The GL1500 got there-the hard way. Thousands of hours were spent in testing 15 different machines in 60 prototype stages-the most comprehensive model development project in Honda's history.

These efforts culminated in a six-cylinder luxury motorcycle of such surpassing excellence it would establish a touring benchmark that would dominate motorcycling for more than a decade.

1993 HONDA GOLD WING 1800
The next-generation GL begins to take shape under the guidance of Masanori Aoki, a sportbike enthusiast who has already headed up development of high-performance bikes including the CBR 250 RR, CBR 400 RR and the CBR 600 F3.

"We set out to keep 80 percent of the Gold Wing's touring capability," Aoki said. But he also added, "My job is to add more fun factor, to build a Gold Wing with the kind of acceleration and handling people normally associate with sporting machines."

After considering flat-four, flat-six and flat-eight engine configurations and displacements up to 2000cc, customer response overwhelmingly points to a flat-six of about 1800cc displacement. In 1998, a full-scale model is created.

1996 HONDA GOLD WING
The one-millionth Honda motorcycle made in America rolls off the Marysville assembly line. Appropriately enough, the millionth model is a Gold Wing; this commemoration is altogether fitting, since the success of the Gold Wing and that of Honda in America are inextricably intertwined.

2000 HONDA GOLD WING
In January 2000, the Marysville Motorcycle Plant is thoroughly redesigned to build the new Gold Wing. As part of this process, the engine production line is transferred from Anna to Marysville to facilitate the new Gold Wing production. The Gold Wing's new era officially begins when the first complete GL1800 rolls off the Marysville assembly line on October 10, 2000.

2001 HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING
The word "new" cannot do justice to the GL1800. Two numbers alone tell a big story: 118 bhp and 125 lb./ft. of torque. Don't try to find other bikes that compare, because there aren't any. In terms of power, the new Gold Wing is literally in a class of one.

Likewise, the list of long-legged mounts offering a box-section aluminum frame begins with the word "Gold" and ends with "Wing." And that's only the beginning. Before the GL1800 was completed, Honda would patent no less than 20 technological innovations that were incorporated into this amazing high-performance luxury motorcycle.

2005 HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING
The 30th anniversary Gold Wing comes in a slew of colors, including Pearl Yellow, White, Metallic Silver, Dark Gray Metallic, Bright Blue Metallic and Candy Black Cherry. Special 30th anniversary color-matched badging on the front fairing, rear trunk and dash cover also distinguish the '05 model, as does a 30th anniversary color-matched key, 30th anniversary opening ceremony on the LCD display, and unique carbon-fiber seat pattern on pearl yellow and metallic silver colors. To date, more than 500,000 Gold Wings have been produced.

2006 HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING
In 2006, the most potent Gold Wing ever produced now elevates luxury motorcycling to unprecedented highs. A six-speaker premium audio system with 80 watts per channel comes standard on every new GL1800, and riders may also opt for a satellite navigation system with color screen, a Cold-Weather Comfort Package and an industry-first fully integrated motorcycle airbag.

2012 HONDA GOLD WING
Manufacture of the Gold Wing shifts to the ultra-modern facility in Kumamoto, Japan, where production on a gigantic scale will see as many as 1800 motorcycles produced in a single day.

The new 2012 Gold Wing brings upgraded styling along with a dazzling array of sophisticated electronic amenities including a next-generation GPS navigation system with user-friendly programmability for sharing favorite ride routes, which can be accessed online via computer, plus a built-in MP3/iPod interface for the new SRS CS Auto technology surround-sound system.

Source ultimatemotorcycling.com