Motorcycle specifications HondaGL 1800 GOLDWING 2016 The ultimate ship

apart from a very slight facelift in 2006, the 1800 Goldwing had remained unchanged since 2001. The 2012 model hasn't changed much technically, but its pronounced restyling has given it a welcome touch of freshness. The Goldwing collection is now available in a two-tone color scheme - the revised fairing panels contrast sharply with the dominant hue. Two slender nostrils have been cut into the forkhead, and the rear end has been sharpened. The headlamp and bezels have become much sharper, right up to the protruding edge.

honda's enormous liner, the epitome of road refinement, is so confident in its bewitching 6-cylinder flathead that it won't touch it for its 2012 evolution. Who could argue with that? The GL 1800 prefers to focus on improving its transcontinental capabilities. The list of enhancements includes a new GPS with the ability to program and share itineraries online, iPod and USB MP3 connectivity, a new SRS CS Hi-Fi system and a newsRS CS Auto three-dimensional surround sound, a more comfortable passenger seat, readjusted suspension, reinforced wind protection, and increased luggage capacity (up to 150 liters). The new design of the rear section incorporates air extractors to reduce aerodynamic drag and enhance stability. In addition, new front and rear suspension settings ensure first-rate handling.

this Goldwing enters its second decade with eternal serenity. Manufactured once again in Japan, it's still a hefty price tag, but it's unrivalled in enjoyment, and imperially delicious.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

goldwing history:

1972: the origins

A team of engineers was formed, headed by the famous Soichiro Irimajiri, the man behind the famous 5- and 6-cylinder racing engines of the 1960s. His team developed the M1, an ultra-secret prototype designed to explore the limits of the Grand Touring concept applied to motorcycles. The M1 already featured a 6-cylinder flat engine and shaft drive, characteristics that would be carried over to the Gold Wing a few years later.

1975: GL 1000 Gold Wing

The first Gold Wing was a revolution, opening up new horizons for long-distance enthusiasts. Powered by a revolutionary 999 cm3 liquid-cooled 4-cylinder flat-bottom engine, the GL1000 offered a level of performance and refinement never before seen on two wheels. From then on, Gold Wing owners were to redefine the basics of Grand Tourism, riding further and more comfortably than ever before, reassured by a machine that, from its earliest days, enjoyed a reputation for unparalleled reliability. In 1976, Honda celebrated this success with a Gold Wing "Limited Edition", while in 1979, the first Gold Wing production plant was inaugurated in the USA, in response to the fact that 80% of the machines produced up until then had been exported to that country.

1980: GL 1100 Gold Wing & GL 1100 Gold Wing Interstate

Where the GL1000 defied categorization with its blend of sporty performance and high-flying comfort, the GL1100 - the fruit of 5 years of user research - clearly positions the Gold Wing as THE GT par excellence. Its 1085 cm3 engine favors torque over power, while the extended wheelbase provides greater stability and more room for rider and passenger. Air-assisted suspensions set new standards in ride quality, while the Interstate version introduces for the first time the notion of a "turnkey" GT, with its full fairing, suitcases and original top-case.

1982: GL 1100 Gold Wing Aspencade

With the Aspencade, Honda adds the notion of luxury to that of Grand Touring. Original equipment abounds, including digital instrument panel, stereo system, CB and integrated air compressor.

1985: GL 1200 Limited Edition

1985 saw the discontinuation of production of the standard GL1200 (without fairing), in favor of the GL1200 Limited Edition, a complete machine with electronic fuel injection, audio system and a new, more powerful engine.lectronic fuel injection, 4-speaker audio system, cruise control, self-adjusting rear suspension, on-board computer and Gold metallic paint.

1988: GL 1500 Gold Wing

In 1984, a new team of engineers began work on the future Gold Wing. Their specifications were demanding, to say the least, since the new machine had to be better in every respect: quiet running, smoothness, power and roadholding. Thousands of hours were spent testing 15 machines and 60 prototypes, the most extensive development in Honda's history. The result was a luxurious 6-cylinder machine so accomplished that it would set class standards for over a decade.

2001: GL 1800 Gold Wing

After 8 years of development, the GL1800 carries the Gold Wing name even higher. Designed by Masanori Aoki's team, whose track record includes such landmark machines as the CBR250RR, CBR400RR and CBR600F3, the Gold Wing 1800 caused a sensation: "My job was to add more fun to the machine, to build a Gold Wing capable of the acceleration and dynamic qualities more generally associated with sports bikes," explains Aoki.