The Honda Gold Wing, since its introduction as a naked 1000cc machine in 1975, has always been the ultimate in two-wheeled travel. And it’s a motorcycle that’s been very much on its own journey, growing in physical size and displacement over the decades, all the while creating an enduring and unrivalled reputation for luxury, quality and comfort.
For 2018 in response to the evolution of demographics and the motorcycle market, the development team in charge of the bike’s future made a radical departure from what would have been a traditional update trajectory. The GL1800 Gold Wing took a new direction and was brand new from the wheels-up, becoming sleeker, lighter and more agile – very much a rider’s motorcycle – while adding a host of new features to cement its reputation as a technological flagship. And as a result, the Gold Wing’s appeal became broader, reaching out to a younger generation of motorcyclists that may have overlooked – or simply not been aware of – the previous designs.
For 2020, improvements to suspension and slow speed manoeuvrability further complement the evocative, flat six-cylinder engine at the heart of Honda’s flagship premium tourer, which continues to deliver its unique avalanche of torque and power to transport rider and passenger in style.
Sharing a common engine and chassis platform, the ‘Wing’ is available as the base model GL1800 Gold Wing, and as a ‘Tour’ edition with top box and air bag. Both versions offer a version equipped with Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) for added versality and comfort.
The engine and chassis were designed together for 2018, moving the riding position forward and creating a much more compact motorcycle. The aluminium beam frame is constructed around the link front fork, which allows the engine to sit forward in the machine – 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.
Optimised for size, the new flat six-cylinder engine for 2018 lost none of its power, torque or addictive delivery. A new addition for 2018, Throttle By Wire (TBW) remains in 2020, with 4 rider modes; TOUR, SPORT, ECON 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 offer ease of use and improve fuel efficiency.
The manual transmission is 6-speed, while the DCT features 7-speeds, with clutch feel, shift speed and rpm range of up/downshifts tailored specifically to each riding mode. It also features a creep forward and back function. The manual machine employs the same reverse system as featured on previous designs and for 2020 both versions benefit from improved FI and DCT settings to further aid slow speed manoeuvrability.
Above all, a total sense of freedom can be found on the 2020 Gold Wing, with sheer riding enjoyment, performance matched by the stylish design. Aerodynamically efficient fairings channel air around the rider and the electric screen adjusts for preference; the seats provide all-day comfort. Features like the Smart Key system, Apple CarPlay™ and Bluetooth connectivity bring outstanding convenience.
Taut lines with a contemporary edge show off the motorcycle underneath
Electric windscreen adjustable for angle and height
Cruise control operates smoothly via Throttle By Wire (TBW)
Ample luggage capacity for touring; top box takes 2 full-face helmets
7-inch TFT display provides navigation and audio information
Apple CarPlay™ allows iPhone users to use their device
Full LED lighting and auto-cancelling indicators
Smart Key control adds convenience for ignition and luggage
‘Tour’ versions now come with LED fog lights as standard
Outlets for two USB cables for 2020
Bigger grab handles for even greater passenger comfort on ‘Tour’ versions
Aluminium beam frame, with engine and rider in a forward position
Double wishbone front suspension and Pro-Arm rear
Suspension settings optimized for two-up comfort on ‘Tour’ versions
Front and rear damping level adjusts to suit riding mode selected
Rear spring preload electrically adjustable
ABS and Dual-Combined Braking System (D-CBS)
Flat six-cylinder engine with 4 valves per cylinder
Throttle By Wire (TBW) adds 4 rider modes to tailor power output
FI improvements to fine tune low speed manoeuvrability
The rider modes also manage HSTC, suspension damping and brake force
Idling Stop and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) on DCT version
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
6-speed manual gearbox with assist/slipper clutch
Third-generation DCT with 7-speeds
For 2020, DCT is newly available on the standard GL1800 Gold Wing model
Smoother, quieter with faster upshifts and downshifts
Walking mode allows machine to ‘creep’ forward or back
The 4 riding modes also manage DCT for optimised response
Optimised low speed manoeuvrability for 2020
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