2018 Honda GoldWing India launch along with the Fireblade and Africa Twin make sure the manufacturer is on the roll when it comes bringing superbikes into the country
Honda’s 2018 Gold Wing gets radical improvements in every category. It’s lighter and more powerful. The all-new Gold Wing features new technologies including a newly-developed horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine, 7-speed DCT and Honda’s original double wishbone front suspension. Let’s look at all the details.
NOW WITH DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT)!
After gaining huge popularity with its introduction in Africa Twin, Honda brings the DCT convenience in the Gold Wing. The third generation DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) is the best DCT Honda has ever developed, and the first with seven speeds. Even better, this DCT offers a special low-speed “Walking” mode in addition to reverse. It’s a huge help when manoeuvring into or out of parking spaces with a passenger on the back.
NEW STRONGER & LIGHTER CHASSIS
The new Gold Wing’s die-cast aluminium twin beam frame is stiffer and lighter by 2kg, promising enriched handling and a smoother ride. A first for Honda globally is the Gold Wing’s new double wishbone front suspension which reduces friction in comparison to traditional telescopic setup. The tourer is now easier to manoeuvre and feels noticeably nimbler. Rear spring gets 4 settings of preload relative to load which can be checked on the swanky new 7 inch TFT screen.
ENGINE & ELECTRONICS
Going back to the drawing board, the 2018 Gold Wing is powered by a completely reworked 1,833cc engine. Still as a horizontally-opposed flat six, but now with four valves per cylinder instead of two. Peak power of 125bhp arrives @ 5,500rpm, with peak torque of 170Nm delivered @ 4,500rpm. The overall effect is groundbreaking: a Gold Wing that’s still a long-distance champion, but one that offers a degree of engaged and sporty performance.
The newly introduced Throttle By Wire (TBW) adds 4 rider modes to prevent loss of grip in the rear wheel (TOUR, SPORT, ECON and RAIN). The rider modes manage HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control), suspension damping for heightened rider control. Additionally, brake force Idling Stop and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) for an ultra-quiet start-up. The Gold Wing is equipped with ABS and Dual-Combined Braking System (D-CBS) as standard to optimally distribute braking force to the front and rear wheels. The inclusion of a new Hill Start Assist adds ease of use.
Key Features of the 2018 Honda GoldWing India Specific Version.
New Cruise control via Throttle By Wire (TBW)
New Electric windscreen adjustable for angle and height
New Apple CarPlay Integration allows iPhone users to connect their smartphones with the Gold Wing
New 7-inch TFT colour display
New Full LED lighting and auto-cancelling indicators
New Smart key control adds convenience for ignition and luggage
2018 Honda GoldWing India specific version comes at a starting price of Rs. 26.85 lacs (Ex-showroom, Delhi). Customers can choose between the 2 variants – Gold Wing and Gold wing Tour in the new glossy CANDY ARDENT RED colour.
Starting today, Honda has opened bookings for the new 2018 Gold Wing. Customers can book the same only at Honda’s exclusive Wing World sales & service outlets in Delhi (C-126, Industrial Area Phase – I, Naraina) and Mumbai (H-Kantilal & Co. Compound, Sakinaka, Andheri-East).
Deliveries for the new Gold Wing will begin this New Year 2018 on first come first serve basis.