Completely renewed: 2023 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Tour!

Thomas Wachsmuth September 28, 2022 Honda, Motorcycle / Scooter News & Tuning

Reading time 15 Min.

The GL1800 Gold Wing Tour, which offers increased comfort with a 61-liter top case plus the most lavish equipment, represents the gold standard in the luxurious super tourer segment and is available with a six-speed manual transmission. The optional variant with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is also equipped with an airbag. The six-cylinder legend shines with an aluminum bridge frame, double wishbone suspension, single-sided universal swing arm and side cases. The equipment exceeds all wishes: heated grips and seats, cruise control, smart key, fog lights, four driving modes, HSTC traction control, rear wheel spring preload and high windscreen electrically adjustable, 7-inch TFT display, integrated navigation device, sound system with four speakers, game/ Leatherette seat cover, reversing or forward/reverse maneuvering assistance (with DCT), dual CBS compound brake, Hill Start Assist and full smartphone connectivity. The Gold Wing Tour glides into the 2023 model year with an upgraded air pressure control system with an additional warning feature and a total of three new colors.

Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Tour

The success story of the Gold Wing goes back to 1975, when the first generation with the 1000 four-cylinder boxer enriched the market. Over the decades and several model generations, the machine later equipped with a 1800 six-cylinder boxer became the benchmark for the highest demands in the super tourer segment. The legendary motorcycle has long been considered an icon and is the undisputed first choice for everyone who values luxury, quality and comfort.

Changes in the motorcycle market and demographic developments meant that Honda embarked on a new path for the Gold Wing in order to increasingly arouse interest in middle-aged customers. The GL2018 Gold Wing* and GL1800 Gold Wing Tour models, which have been completely modernized for 1800, have an aluminum bridge frame, innovative front wheel suspension and optional DCT double-clutch transmission.

Completely renewed: 2023 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Tour!

2020 saw improvements in chassis setup and maneuverability at a slow pace. The six-cylinder boxer remained the perfect basis for transporting the driver and front passenger in style. An audio upgrade followed in 2021. Since 2022, the GL1800 Gold Wing* has only been available in combination with the 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The Gold Wing Tour sister model with a 61-liter top case and additional equipment is still available with a six-speed manual transmission or optionally with a double-clutch transmission and a motorcycle airbag. In the 2023 model year, the Gold Wing Tour will be upgraded with an improved air pressure control system with a warning function and a total of three new color variants.

Model overview

For the 2018 season, the engine and chassis of the GL1800 Gold Wing were completely redeveloped to allow for a more forward seating position and more compact dimensions. The aluminum frame is equipped with a double wishbone suspension on the front wheel. Thanks to high rigidity and reduced friction, this construction enables optimized driving stability with convincing suspension comfort at the same time.

The 24-valve six-cylinder boxer shines with opulent power delivery, high torque and exhilarating refinement. The Throttle by Wire control controls four driving modes: Tour, Sport, Econ and Rain, which in turn adapt the damping of the suspension accordingly. The D-CBS combi brake (Dual Combined Brake System) also interacts with the selected driving mode. Hill start assist and an automatic start/stop system offer maximum operating comfort and contribute to improved fuel efficiency. The HSTC traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control) makes driving safer because it prevents the rear wheel from slipping and thus losing traction under all circumstances.

The GL1800 Gold Wing Tour is available in two versions: With a six-speed manual gearbox, with the additional reverse gear being driven electrically via the electric starter. Or optionally with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and an airbag. This variant also has an automatic start-stop system and a walking mode maneuvering aid for slow forward and reverse driving. Compared to the basic model, the additional equipment of the Gold Wing Tour includes: large 61 liter top case with backrest for increased passenger comfort, four higher-quality loudspeakers for improved audio quality, luxurious seat cover material mix in suede and artificial leather, higher (electrically adjustable) windscreen, fog lights , electrically adjustable rear wheel spring preload and heated seats.

The Gold Wing Tour combines a majestic feeling, driving pleasure and performance with a stylish design. The sophisticated fairing efficiently directs air around the crew, while the large windscreen is electrically adjustable to your preference. The seats offer all-day luxurious comfort for both driver and passenger. The audio system's four loudspeakers are waterproof and delight with their brilliant sound quality. The smart key system allows contemporary ease of use. Apple CarPlayTM, Android AutoTM and BluetoothTM extend the full connectivity via mobile devices. New for 2023 is a revised tire pressure monitoring system that immediately and prominently displays a low pressure warning in the cockpit. The 2023 model GL1800 Gold Wing Tour with DCT dual clutch transmission and airbag is available in three colors, two of which are new:

Graphite Black **NEW**
Beta Silver Metallic/Iridium Gray Metallic **NEW**
Pearl Glare White

Honda offers the 2023 GL1800 Gold Wing Tour with 6-speed manual transmission in a new colour:

Graphite Black **NEW**

Styling & equipment

7 inch TFT screen for vehicle data, navigation and sound system as well as the new tire pressure monitoring and warning system
Two 30 liter side cases, 61 liter top case with passenger backrest
Seats upholstered in a suede/imitation leather mix
Audio system with four high-end speakers
High windshield, electrically adjustable in height and angle
Heated seats, heated grips, cruise control
Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM for convenient smartphone pairing
LED lighting technology all around and self-resetting indicators
Smartkey function for ignition and storage space locking systems
Two USB Type-C charging sockets

The bodywork of the Gold Wing underlines its finely polished character. Typical qualities are flawless workmanship, the best finish and high-quality materials. The design of the paneling emphasizes the elegant appearance in combination with compact proportions and dynamic, majestic charisma. The aesthetics merge with technical refinements such as a six-cylinder boxer engine, double wishbone front suspension, single-sided swingarm with cardan drive and an impressive 6-into-2 exhaust system. The modern design is combined with impressive mechanical and electronic engineering. The development team aimed for comfort, optimal airflow and best heat management. The fairing elegantly directs the airflow around the rider and passenger to create the effect of a pleasant breeze. The ergonomically optimized seats support the feeling of well-being and allow enough freedom of movement for driver and passenger. A luxurious suede and artificial leather material mix serves as the seat cover. The backrest integrated into the top case further increases passenger comfort.

The Gold Wing Tour's taller windshield is electrically adjustable via a control on the left handlebar switch. The height and angle of the pane can be infinitely varied. Adjustable wind deflectors for arms and upper body as well as permanently installed deflectors for legs and feet are available as optional accessories. In terms of lighting, LEDs are used all around. In the striking twin headlights, five optical lenses on both sides focus the light from the LEDs. This effect is reminiscent of the sparkle of a jewel in low beam. This impression is reinforced when the high beam is used. The front indicators are integrated into the mirror housing and are self-resetting. Sensors (instead of a simple timer) compare the difference in speed between the front and rear wheels and calculate when the turn signals are switched off again, for example after turning maneuvers or changing lanes.

When driving with cruise control, the set speed is also displayed in the speedometer. Thanks to the throttle-by-wire throttle grip control, the transition to the desired speed is particularly smooth and supports pleasantly smooth driving behavior, especially when driving uphill. With DCT (in automated mode), cruise control remains activated in the background during braking maneuvers and switches back to cruise control mode after the preselected speed is reached again. The cockpit offers clear, comprehensive information with a speedometer, rev counter, additional information fields and a centrally located TFT screen. Shape and design support readability and suggest a pleasant feeling of depth, while soft LED illumination creates a pleasantly cool ambience.

The 7-inch TFT screen provides information about the audio and navigation system, as well as driving modes, suspension setup and tire pressure. The brightness automatically adapts to the ambient light after one of the 8 lighting levels has been preselected. It is operated using the rotary stick above a keypad on the center console. Above this is the central main switch, which, after activation of the smart key, is used to activate the ignition to start the motorcycle. The steering wheel lock and luggage system lock are also operated with it. Without a smart key, all on-board systems are automatically secured or locked and cannot be operated by unauthorized persons. The tire pressure is permanently displayed numerically in the cockpit. As a new feature of the tire pressure monitoring system revised for 2023, a warning message lights up immediately and clearly visible to the driver if the tire pressure deviates.

With the side cases (2 x 30 liters) and the top case (61 liters), the luggage volume adds up to an impressive 121 liters. Practical inner pockets are optionally available. If the smart key is within reach, the luggage chute can be opened at the push of a button, and it can also be unlocked by remote control. Opening and closing takes place gently via hydraulic dampers. When the call button of the smart key is pressed, the turn signals light up (answer-back function), which makes it easier to recognize. The GL1800 Gold Wing Tour features Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM. Smartphone functions can be used via Bluetooth connection, such as telephony, emails or music. In addition, two USB Type-C sockets are available. The four higher-quality loudspeakers of the Gold Wing Tour sound system are rainproof, positioned to match the seating position and offer sound quality with an impressive presence. The pillion passenger can use his own controls on the top of the right case to control the volume, select the sound source or activate a forward function.

The integrated navigation system is displayed on the 7-inch TFT screen in the cockpit. The navigation electronics also work if GPS signals are shielded in tunnels. Waypoints and destinations can be changed or redefined at will, even if the vehicle is moving. The tank volume is 21 liters and consumption is 5,5 liters per 100 km, which allows a range of 380 km. The GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour with optional DCT double clutch transmission is also equipped with a motorcycle airbag. With this safety feature, sensor technology detects whether there is a collision and the airbag needs to be activated. If this is the case, a nitrogen propellant deploys the approximately 150 liter airbag in front of the driver in 0,060 seconds. Honda is the only manufacturer in the world to offer a motorcycle airbag as standard.

Suspension

Cast aluminum bridge frame
Double wishbone front suspension and Pro-Arm rear swingarm
Spring preload on rear wheel shock absorber electrically adjustable
Dual CBS compound braking system with ABS

The cast aluminum bridge frame accommodates the six-cylinder engine. Weight distribution and structural strength ensure comfortable handling and confidence-inspiring safe driving behavior - on narrow inner-city streets as well as on sweeping cross-country routes. The double wishbone suspension has a positive effect on the driving characteristics, because the front wheel moves less towards the engine block during compression than on the predecessor. For this purpose, the suspension and braking forces act separately from each other. The reduced friction when compressing and rebounding is another advantage of the design, which results in a finer response of the suspension compared to a telescopic fork. All joints and pivot points are mounted in a complex manner, which contributes to increased precision and optimized suspension comfort.

Steering head angle and trail are 30,5°/109 mm, the wheelbase is 1.695 mm. The 2023 Gold Wing Tour weighs 385 kg with a full tank and the DCT variant weighs 390 kg. The Dual Combined Brake System (Dual-CBS) distributes the braking forces between the front and rear wheels, regardless of whether you decelerate with a foot pedal or handbrake. The ABS system works electronically in accordance with the activated driving mode, which further improves safety. The 320 mm double disc brakes at the front have two six-piston calipers. On the rear wheel, three-piston calipers access an internally ventilated brake disc with a diameter of 316 mm.

The GL1800 Gold Wing is equipped with a Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm. An integrated cardan shaft transmits the drive power cleanly and efficiently to the rear wheel. Pro-Link linkages allow for progressive suspension response. The lever system is equipped with play-free ball joints, which ensures precise function over the long term. The damping setup adapts to the selected driving mode. Stepper motors in the front and rear shock absorbers move needle valves to control oil flow and adjust damping force. The spring preload on the rear wheel damper can also be adjusted from the cockpit. Four settings from soft to hard are available for the four driving modes. solo driver; solo driver with luggage; rider with passenger; Rider with passenger plus luggage. The respective setting is displayed on the TFT screen and can be easily adjusted.

Motor

Six-cylinder boxer engine with 24 valves
Throttle by wire control, four riding modes
The driving modes influence the chassis damping, the HSTC traction control and the braking effect
7-speed dual clutch with automatic start-stop and ISG starter unit
6-speed manual gearbox with electrically operated reverse gear
Hill Start Assist

The fascination of the Gold Wing Tour is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine with a displacement of 1.833 cm³, which produces plenty of torque from low revs and spoils riders and passengers alike with its impressive refinement and performance characteristics. Since the model change in 2018, the engine has shined with four-valve technology, less weight (6,2 kg lighter than before) and more compact dimensions. The maximum power of 93 kW (126 hp) is available at 5.500 rpm, the maximum torque is 170 Nm at 4.500 rpm. The bore/stroke values are 73 x 73 mm. The left and right cylinders are offset, as is typical for the boxer design, the offset is 4 mm. The cylinder liners are made of aluminum and the compression is 10,5:1.

The Unicam cylinder heads are each equipped with a camshaft that controls the intake and exhaust valves. The intake valves are actuated by fork rocker arms, the exhaust valves by forked roller rocker arms. The combustion chambers of the four-valve cylinder heads are roof-shaped, and the gas-air mixture is additionally swirled as it enters in order to achieve efficient combustion in line with low fuel consumption. The piston skirts have a molybdenum coating to reduce friction. With the electronic throttle-by-wire throttle grip control, there are four driving modes to choose from, which determine the engine character and power delivery. The modes also influence the coordination of the safety-enhancing HSTC traction control, the characteristics of the front and rear wheel damping and the function of the ABS-supported dual-CBS combination brake.

TOUR - is the basic driving mode for a balanced ratio of comfort and power. The throttle grip commands are passed on 100 percent to the throttle valve of the injection system. The chassis damping on the front and rear wheels as well as the brake force distribution correspond to a universal standard setting.
SPORT – the engine responds more directly in this mode; the throttle grip commands are passed on directly to the throttle valves of the injection. The sporty acceleration is supported by firmer damper tuning of the suspension and a more direct response from the braking system.
ECON – in this driving mode, the focus is on economical consumption and relaxed cruising. The throttle grip commands are passed on less directly to the motor. The setup of the spring element damping and the brake force distribution between the front and rear wheel correspond to standard values.
RAIN – this driving program is designed for wet and rather slippery asphalt. The throttle grip commands are transmitted more smoothly to the throttle bodies. The braking force distribution corresponds to the standard, the damper setup is comfortably designed for moderate gait and smooth response.

Two air intakes, at the front left and right at the rear, create a targeted turbulence in the intake air so that combustion can develop more efficiently. The positioning of the air filter supports the intake behavior at low engine speeds, which leads to improved response and optimized draft when the throttle is only slightly open. A whispering six-cylinder sound and cultivated smooth running have always been among the strengths of the Gold Wing. The impressive chrome-plated exhaust system, which consists of two expansion chambers plus an additional resonance chamber, delivers an enchantingly turbine-like exhaust note without being aggressive. In the Gold Wing Tour variant with an optional DCT dual-clutch transmission, the electric starter and alternator are combined into an ISG unit (Integrated Starter Generator). This is possible because the brushless alternator rotor is double-wound and, when the current is introduced in reverse, also acts as an electric starter, resulting in particularly gentle intervention during the starting procedure.

The smooth starting process is all the more valuable because the automatic start-stop system switches off the engine after three seconds when it is idling at traffic lights. A quick twist of the throttle is all it takes to get the engine running again without using the electric starter. Here, too, the unusually gentle intervention of the ISG starter unit is pleasantly registered by the driver. The start-stop system is controlled via the oil pressure in the DCT dual-clutch transmission. In this way, pressure can be built up via the hydraulics so that the driver's wish to drive off - by turning the throttle grip - is directly converted into propulsion. In order to prevent abrupt pull-off processes when using the start-stop system, the throttle valve opens more carefully and with a slight delay in response to the command from the gas grip. This ensures that starting off with DCT on the Gold Wing runs with the desired smoothness. The start-stop system can be activated or deactivated by the driver as required using a switch on the handlebars.

Starting on a hill requires accelerating, releasing the brake and engaging the clutch at the same time, which can be quite a challenge with heavy bikes. That's why the Gold Wing Tour is equipped with Hill Start Assist. If you stop on an incline and continue to apply the brake lever, the ABS modulator hydraulically activates the rear brake. For starting, even if the brake has been released in the meantime, the rear brake caliper will hold for about 3 seconds to prevent rollback and make the operation safer. Activation of the hill start assist is indicated in the cockpit by a lighted display. The Gold Wing Tour variant with a six-speed manual transmission is equipped with a shock absorber between the clutch and transmission, which reduces noise and improves shift quality. The assistant slipper clutch contributes to reduced manual force on the clutch lever, allowing for more effortless downshifting and reducing the tendency for rear wheel lugging during committed downshifts before corners. The reverse gear uses the electric starter as a drive for slow reversing.

DCT dual clutch transmission

Optional: DCT dual-clutch transmission with 7 gears
Quiet and smooth shifting maneuvers without interrupting the train
Slow forward and reverse maneuvering ("walking mode")
The four driving modes also control the respective DCT shift pattern

Honda has already sold more than 200.000 motorcycles with dual clutch transmissions (DCT stands for Dual Clutch Transmission) in Europe. The technology made its debut in the VFR2009F in 1200 and, installed in numerous models, is now in its 14th year of production. The dual-clutch transmission makes driving easier by automatically changing gears. The electronic-hydraulic control also takes care of the metered actuation of the clutch for moving off. That's why there is no clutch lever on DCT Hondas. Simply twisting the throttle after a riding mode is activated is all it takes to set off. The simple operation quickly becomes a pleasant matter of course for users, which they are reluctant to do without.

Technically, the DCT system uses two clutches: one for launch and gears one, three, five (and seven on the Gold Wing), the other for second, fourth and sixth gears. Each clutch is controlled by an electronic-hydraulic circuit. With automated shifting, the system selects the next gear using the currently open clutch. While this closes electronically, the other opens at the same time – so that the newly selected gear can engage without any interruption in traction. The result is smooth, fast gear changes without noticeable shift pauses. There is minimal disruption to rear wheel traction during DCT gear changes, which virtually eliminates machine bucking and pitching.

Stalling is also not possible with DCT, since there is no longer a clutch lever to operate. Especially in city traffic, a double-clutch bike is pleasantly effortless and allows the driver to devote his full attention to what is happening on the road. The DCT double-clutch transmission basically offers two options for operation: Firstly, the AT mode, with which the gear changes are carried out completely automatically at the right time. And secondly, via the manual override (MT) to change gears using the paddles on the left handlebar switch, with thumb and forefinger. The double-clutch transmission is particularly recommended for the Gold Wing because it increases the sovereignty and driving comfort even further. The DCT of the Gold Wing uses seven gears for the first time. With both automated and manual actuation, the system shines with smooth and fast gear changes, with rubber dampers on the shift forks and main shaft also efficiently reducing possible shift noise.

The Gold Wing's DCT is equipped with a walking pace shunting gear. This "walking mode" moves the bike forwards at 1,8 km/h and backwards at 1,2 km/h. The maneuvering aid is also operated using the shift paddles on the left of the handlebars. When walking pace shunting gear is activated, both clutches of the DCT are used. Clutch pack 1 handles reverse movement, clutch pack 2 handles forward movement. The movements are controlled by the electronics of the Throttle by Wire throttle grip control. Unadapted speeds are excluded, so that maneuvering maneuvers always take place with the required safety. The double-clutch transmission is also networked with the four driving modes of the Gold Wing. In the TOUR riding mode, clutch engagement and shifting operations are carried out softly and smoothly in AT mode and comparatively early at medium engine speeds. In the SPORT driving mode, the clutch actuation is more direct and the timing for the gear changes is carried out in higher engine speed ranges for sporty driving. The ECON driving mode is linked to particularly soft clutch engagement and earlier gear changes. The RAIN mode in the AT position of the DCT provides early upshifts, smooth clutch engagement and smoothly executed shifts.

Accessories

Honda offers extensive original accessories for the GL1800 Gold Wing Tour for further individualization, which leave nothing to be desired in terms of fit and quality and are convincing in terms of practical aspects and functionality. The parts can be purchased individually or as a package at a reduced price. The Full Option Package for the Gold Wing Tour includes:

12 volt socket
Matte panniers on the left
Matte panniers on the right
inner bag side case (2 pieces)
Chrome Porter
Top case mat
Inside pocket top case
Organizer top case
LED lighting package
Brake light
Folding garage (for models without top case)

More accessories:

Wind deflector top and bottom
Comfort footpegs
driver backrest
Armrests for the passenger
Long handles for the passenger
DCT shift pedal
Front brake caliper cover
Side stand chrome
Rim stickers
Aux port
Folding garage for models with top case
Motorbike cover for model with top case

Technical data

MOTOR
Type	Liquid Cooled, Four Stroke, SOHC, Unicam, Six-cylinder boxer engine, 24 valves
Capacity	1.833 cm³
Valves per cylinder	4
Bore x stroke	73 x 73 mm
compression	10,5:1
Maximum power	126 PS (93 kW) at 5.500 RPM
Max. Torque	170 Nm at 4.500 rpm
Engine oil quantity	4,4 liters / 5,6 liters with DCT
Standing noise	88 dB (A)
CO₂ Emissions	127 g / km
FUEL SYSTEM
mixture preparation	PGM-FI Electronic Fuel Injection
Throttle valve Ø	50 mm
Air Filter	Paper viscose insert
Tankinhalt	21 liters
Consumption**	5,5 liters per 100km
ELECTRICS
Starter	Integrated starter/generator system (ISG)
Battery	12 volts / 20 Ah
Alternator power	12 Volt / 120 A.
POWER TRANSFER
Clutch	(Foot controlled) Wet multi-disc clutch, assist slipper clutch (DCT) Double clutch, electronically-hydraulically controlled, 2 disc packs in oil bath
Transmission	(Foot-switched) 6 gears, electric reverse gear DCT: 7 gears plus forward and reverse maneuvering function
Primary translation	1.795 (79/44)
Gear steps	(manual transmission) 1^st: 2.200 / 2^nd: 1.417 / 3^rd: 1.036 / 4^th: 0.821 / 5^th: 0.667 / 6^th: 0.522. (DCT) 1^st: 2.167 / 2^nd: 1.696 / 3^rd: 1.304 / 4^th: 1.038 / 5^th: 0.821 / 6^th: 0.667 / 7^th: 0.522 / shunting function: 1.190
Final translation	Transmission output 0.972 / rear wheel 2.615
Final drive	propeller shaft
FRAME
frame	Cast aluminum bridge frame
Dimensions (LxWxH)	L: 2.615 mm B: DCT 905mm / Manual 925mm H: 1.430 mm
wheelbase	1.695 mm
Steering head angle	30.5°
trailing	109 mm
turning circle	3,4 meters
seat height	745 mm
ground clearance	130 mm
Weight with a full tank	Manual transmission: 385 kg With DCT and airbag: 390 kg
SUSPENSIONS
your Front Wheel.	Double wishbone front suspension
behind	Single swingarm, Pro-Link suspension
BIKES
Front tire	130 / 70-R18
Tire behind	200 / 55-R16
Rim in front	18 x MT3.5
Rim at the back	16 x MT6.0
BRAKES
ABS	Dual CBS with ABS
Front brake	Double discs 320 mm Ø, hydraulically operated, 6-piston calipers, floating discs, sintered metal pads
rear brake	An internally ventilated disc, 316 mm Ø, 3-piston caliper, sintered metal pads

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