Pictures of the 2018 Honda Goldwing have surfaced
online, courtesy oliepeil.nl. The bike features redesigned
styling with LED headlights and new suspension bits.
Honda recently released a video, which suggests that
the 2018 Honda Goldwing might be showcased on the 24th of October, on the eve
of Tokyo motor show. The design of the motorcycle is much sharper compared to
its predecessor. The bike now comes with full LED headlamps and newly designed
digital instrument cluster.
Analogue speedometer and tachometer flank the
multifunction digital screen. Navigation, Bluetooth, radio; cruise control,
multiple riding modes; heated grips and an audio system are expected to be
standard fitment. The pictures suggest that the bike will come in two forms-
touring and bagger version. The latter gets rid of the top box and pillion
backrest and comes with a shorter windscreen.
The most notable change lies in the design of the
front suspension. The current Goldwing uses 45 mm telescopic fork with
cartridge damper and anti-dive feature. The 2018 version employs a Hossack fork
up front. BMW also uses a version of this fork as the BMW Duolever in the K1600
series. The Hossack fork uses a single shock absorber at the front and offers enhanced
rigidity. This setup on the Goldwing is expected to improve the bike’s handling
and steering lightness. Honda patented this type of fork for superbikes in
December last year.
The engine seems to look similar to the 1832 cc SOHC
flat-six unit found in the current generation model. Expect the new engine to
be Euro 5 compliant. It is possible that Honda may offer the bike with a choice
of manual transmission or a DCT variant. Expect more details about the
motorcycle when Honda reveals the bike in October.
