Covers have been taken off the 2018 Honda Goldwing,
and the new package features sleeker styling, model options, ride modes and
automatic transmission. As Honda’s flagship touring motorcycle, the Goldwing
has been a range-topper for the last 43 years, and 2018 Honda Goldwing now
comes in two models, Goldwing and Goldwing Tour.
Shown during a special event in Santa Barbara,
California, the 2018 Wing still carries the same flat-six that has powered the
series since 1987, but updated with ride-by-wire, four ride modes, Honda
Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Idling Stop to
add ease of use and improve fuel efficiency. The flat-six, now with four-valves
per cylinder and 6.2 kg lighter, displaces 1,833 cc, and produces 124 hp at
5,500 rpm and 170 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.
Fed by Honda’s PGM-FI, the Goldwing has two gearbox
options – a conventional six-speed manual transmission with electric reverse,
and a seven-speed forward and reverse Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) automatic
gearbox. The DCT features a 1.8 km/h forward Walking Mode with reverse of 1.2
km/h, operated instantly from a switch on the left handlebar.
Depending on the model type in the range, the
Goldwing is now up to 48 kg lighter than the previous generation. Weight
savings were realised not only in the engine, but also in the chassis, with the
frame and swingarm 2 kg lighter than before, and the new grand tourer weighs in
at 365 kg for the base model, and the Tour version with manual or DCT transmission
weighs 379 kg and 383 kg, respectively.
LED lighting is now used throughout the Goldwing,
and inside the cockpit, a 7-inch TFT LCD screen displays navigation and audio
entertainment information, with selection controlled using a dial. For Apple
iPhone users, Apple CarPlay allows connection of the phone to the bike.
For rider comfort, the large screen from the
previous GL1800 is gone, replaced with a smaller electric windscreen that is
raised and lowered via a switch on the handlebar pod. Screen angle and height
adjustment is stepless, and allows for a breeze to flow past the rider and
pillion, instead of cocooning them inside a still air bubble like before.
Main difference between the base Goldwing and
Goldwing Tour is the omission of electrically-adjustable suspension, heated
grips, top box, HSTC, rear speakers and centre stand, along with a shorter
windscreen on the base model. The Goldwing Tour also has an airbag model option
in the range.
The 2018 Honda Goldwing Tour and Tour DCT comes in
three colour options – Candy Ardent Red, Pearl White and Pearl Hawkseye Blue,
while the Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag only comes in Candy Ardent Red/Black.
Pricing for the Goldwing Tour is priced from US$ 26,700 while the
Goldwing Tour DCT starts from US$ 27,700, while the Airbag version
goes for US$ 31,500.
For the 2018 Honda Goldwing base model sans topbox,
pricing starts at US$ 23,500 while the DCT gearbox model has pricing
beginning at US$ 24,700. Availability of the 2018 Honda Goldwing
begins February 2018.
