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Honda GL1800 Goldwing – The Horizon Is Finally Within Reach

May 16, 2012 by Aditya SharmaLeave a Comment

The great open road. The world at your feet. Ready for you to explore. What better way to get around than aboard a Goldwing.  Designed for long-running pleasure and unforgettable experiences the GL1800 Goldwing is a proud legend still standing tall and doing what it does best, gobble up mile after endless mile of tarmac ensuring that every gearhead to ever own one ends the journey with a giddy smile plastered to his face. It reeks of pure touring, whilst leaving most affordable cars in the dust owing to its mindblowing range of gizmos. Just a look at it and you realise that the bike if nothing else is a seductress inviting you to power it up and start exploring.

Since 1975, the Goldwing has set the standard for a luxurious tourer. Costing as much as a Subaru Impreza WRX STI the GL1800 Goldwing has always been the Phantom of the biking world. And now the new 2012 Honda GL1800 is the next evolution in grand touring. No other two-up motorbike can match the combination of power and refinement. Even the longest journey is a breeze. Luxury is fitted as standard, but underneath the surface is a powerful touring machine. The unique fuel-injected 1832cc flat-six engine ( Boxter anyone?) delivers tireless power with amazing smoothness and minimal noise. Combine this with all the practicality you need for a long trip and a bold dynamic design and it’s clear this is no ordinary bike. Travel Goldwing class and discover a supremely comfortable and rewarding way to see the world.

The Gold Wing’s unique fuel-injected flat-six engine delivers tireless performance together with incredible smoothness and minimal noise. Just as the engine enjoys a legendary reputation for reliability, so the rest of the machine is finished to the very highest standards, with outstanding build quality and paint finish. Meanwhile, the wind-deflecting fairing, huge carrying capacity and user-friendly features such as antilock brakes and the new, improved audio system are clear evidence of the effort and passion behind the latest evolution of this most advanced and full-featured touring motorcycle.

The Tricks Of The Trade :

Airbag

Motorcycle Airbag System. The first fully integrated motorcycle airbag system ever featured on a production motorcycle.

Hiss

Honda Ignition Security System. Only allows the bike to be started by its original encoded keys to effectively protect against theft.

PGM FI

Programmed Fuel Injection. Map-type computerised system maintains strong power and responsive performance in all conditions.

C-ABS

Combined Antilock Brake System.Optimises the balance of front and rear braking control while counteracting tyre slip when braking over variable road conditions.

PLRS

Pro-Link Rear Suspension. Monoshock rear suspension utilises a triangular linkage system to progressively increase damping force through range of rear swingarm movement.

HECS3

Honda Evolutional Catalysing System. Oxygen-sensing system maintains an optimal air/fuel mixture for the most effective catalytic reduction of exhaust emissions.

More dynamic exterior styling

As befits the Gold Wings status as an aerodynamically refined touring powerhouse, the new model has revised exterior styling. Bold, integrated lines better link the front and rear of the machine, communicating its elegance and performance with sharp, dynamic forms. The re-shaped rear light further adds to the distinctive new look.

Improved wind protection

Months of both wind tunnel tests and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) research have helped create a new front fairing with increased wind and weather protection.

Enhanced chassis stability and improved ride quality

Changes to the shape of the rear bodywork include air vents that help to reduce the area of negative pressure that forms at the back of the bike, improving stability at speed. At the same time, adjustments to the suspension front and rear give a superb ride quality without sacrificing control.

Increased luggage capacity

Larger panniers mean the Gold Wings total luggage capacity is now over 150 litres.

Surround sound audio system with iPod connectivity

The adoption of a new 6-speaker 80W SRS surround-sound system offers superb sound presence and quality. Riders can now play MP3, WMA and AAC music files on the move by connecting an iPod, iPhone or USB stick. The result is easy access to any track you wish to hear.

Navigation system

The new, fully-integrated system with brighter screen includes a next-generation receiver for greater reception sensitivity for more reliable navigation.

Specifications :

Engine

Max. Torque 167Nm/4,000min-1 (95/1/EC)
Fuel Consumption 9.5m/l (43.2 mpg) WMTC Mode
Bore & Stroke 74 x 71mm
Ignition Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Max. Power Output 87kW/5,500min-1 (95/1/EC)
Engine Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 12-valve SOHC flat-6
Starter Electric
Engine Displacement 1,832cm3
Compression Ratio 9.8: 1
Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with automatic choke

 

Transmission

Final Drive Enclosed shaft
Gearbox 5-speed (including overdrive, plus electric reverse)

 

Dimensions and Weight

Wheelbase 1,690mm
Seat Height 740mm
Fuel Capacity 25litres (including 4-litre warning light reserve)
Length x Width x Height 2,630 x 945 x 1,455mm
Kerb Weight 421 kg(F:189kg; R: 232 kg)
Ground Clearance 125mm

 

Wheels, Suspension and Brakes

Wheels Front Hollow-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres Rear 180/60-R16 (74H)
Brakes Rear 316 x 11mm ventilated disc with Combined 3-piston calliper, ABS and sintered metal pads
Suspension Rear Pro-Link Pro-Arm with electronically-controlled spring preload adjustment, 105mm axle travel
Wheels Rear Hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres Front 130/70-R18 (63H)
Suspension Front 45mm air-assist telescopic fork with anti-dive, 140mm stroke
Brakes Front 296 x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston callipers, ABS, floating rotors and sintered metal pads

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