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Honda's Gold Wing is the gold standard in the touring class. In 2018 the bike lost weight radically. Double wishbone front suspension, a brand new six-cylinder boxer engine and an optional 7-speed DCT transmission were added as a new development. It starts with improved audio and speaker quality in the year 2021. The technical pioneer shines with, for example, a 7-inch TFT display, gyrocompass navigation, Apple CarPlay ™, Android Auto ™, an electric screen, smart key operation, 4 driving modes and Hill Start Assist. Another highlight: It shines in a new paint job.
Honda GL1800 Gold Wing MY 2021
Introduced by Honda in 1975 as a 1000 cc naked bike and since then the two-wheel ultimate for long distances: The Gold Wing has always remained true to itself and has steadily increased in size and displacement over the decades. In addition, it continuously raised luxury, quality and comfort to the next level - and thus always stood out from the competition. In 2018, the GL1800 Gold Wing and the Gold Wing "Tour" * were fundamentally further developed and redesigned to meet the changing needs of customers and the motorcycle market. This made the models leaner, lighter and more agile. Many new features cemented their reputation as technology flagships. This also includes the optionally available 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).
Since then, the revised Gold Wing has attracted the attention of a broader and younger target group. Motorcyclists who could not do anything with the Gold Wing before now recognized what it is made of. In 2020, Honda redesigned the chassis and improved handling at lower speeds. In addition, a powerful heart has been beating in the Premium Tourer since then: an impressive six-cylinder boxer engine. In 2021, the Gold Wing trumps with an audio upgrade and an attractive, new paintwork.
Model overview of the Gold Wing MJ 2021
In 2018, the engine and chassis of the Gold Wing were redeveloped and coordinated. This enables a further forward seating position and a much more compact motorcycle. The aluminum support frame is constructed around a double wishbone front suspension. So the engine could be placed further forward in the chassis. The front suspension offers excellent damping regulation and front wheel stability thanks to its stiffness and reduced friction.
The 24-valve six-cylinder engine shines with its new size, the usual power, high torque and immense power delivery. With Throttle By Wire (TBW) 4 driving modes can be used: TOUR, SPORT, ECON and RAIN. The Dual Combined Brake System (D-CBS) interacts with the selected driving mode. Hill Start Assist (HSA) and the automatic start / stop (in conjunction with DCT) offer the highest level of operating comfort and contribute to improved fuel efficiency.
The manual transmission has 6 gears, while the DCT transmission has 7 gears. The clutch feel, shift speed and engine speed range when shifting up and down are specially tailored to the respective driving mode in the DCT transmission. A maneuvering aid is also included for slow driving forwards and backwards ("walking mode"). The manual transmission version is equipped with the same electronic reverse gear system as the previous models.
The Gold Wing combines a feeling of freedom, pure driving pleasure and performance with a stylish design. An aerodynamically efficient paneling guides the air around the driver, while the electric screen can be adjusted as desired. The luxurious seats offer all-day comfort. The lightweight audio system and speakers shine with improved sound quality. Functions such as operation via Smart Key, Apple CarPlay ™, Android Auto ™ and Bluetooth ™ offer contemporary convenience and enable connectivity with mobile devices.
The 2021 GL1800 Gold Wing is available in Pearl Deep Mud Gray with orange accents on the front fender, the engine cover, the headlight surround, the fuel tank and the rear area.
Styling & equipment:
- Modern design thanks to tight lines
- Electric windshield, adjustable in height and angle
- Convincing cruise control function via Throttle By Wire
- Extensive storage space with space for luggage for weekend tours
- 7 inch TFT screen for navigation and audio system
- Apple CarPlay ™ and Android Auto ™ for convenient smartphone coupling
- Complete LED lighting with self-resetting turn signals
- Smart key function for ignition and storage space locking systems
- 2 USB Type-C sockets
The lines of the Gold Wing underline its brilliant and sporty character. The modern silhouette combines comfort and the dynamic potential of the engine and chassis. Well-known, typical Gold Wing qualities are flawless workmanship, the best finish and high-quality materials. The lines in the front area emphasize the front cladding, in conjunction with compact proportions and dynamic design.
The bodywork emphasizes the different components of the motorcycle and at the same time shows the reduced vehicle dimensions. The fairing in the middle expresses pure performance with flat surfaces, sharp contours and nuanced, aerodynamic details.
The aesthetics of the vehicle merge with the technical refinements such as the six-cylinder engine, the double wishbone front suspension and the exhaust system. The most modern vehicle design is combined with impressive engineering from the fields of mechanics and electronics.
The Gold Wing development team aimed at comfort, heat management and, above all, optimal airflow. The fairing elegantly directs the airstream around the driver and passenger to create the effect of a pleasant breeze.
A small, electrically adjustable windscreen can be adjusted as required using a control element on the left end of the handlebar. It offers efficient wind protection and at the same time enough space and freedom of movement. The height and angle of the disc are infinitely adjustable. Available as optional accessories: larger shield, adjustable deflector for arms and upper body, and fixed deflectors for legs and feet.
The driver and passenger sit separately from one another with sufficient freedom of movement. So the driver can fully concentrate on driving. The contour of the driver's seat is comfortable and supportive. It enables both good freedom of movement and comfortable ground access.
The entire lighting consists of LEDs. In the lower part of the LED headlight, five optical lenses bundle the light from the light emitting diodes on both sides. Even with the low beam, this effect is reminiscent of the sparkle of a jewel. This impression is reinforced when using the high beam. The front indicators are integrated in the mirror housings and are also self-resetting. Sensors compare the speed difference between the front and rear wheels and calculate when the indicators can be switched off depending on the driving situation.
While driving, the speed set with the cruise control switch (on the right end of the handlebar) is displayed in the lower left area of the speedometer. Thanks to TBW, the transition to the selected speed is carried out particularly smoothly. This results in extremely smooth driving behavior, especially when driving uphill. On models with a manual transmission, the cruise control is deactivated by actuating the clutch or the brake or by turning the throttle grip.
With the DCT variant (in AT mode), the cruise control remains activated in the background during braking maneuvers and then switches back to the cruise control mode after the preselected speed has been reached again.
The luxurious instrumentation creates a unique cockpit: various low-contrast colors with dark tones are applied to the dials, the edges of which are tapered to create a feeling of depth. Each display is framed with elegant, metal rings, the soft LED illumination creates a pleasant and cool ambience.
The 7-inch full-color LC display provides all information for the audio and navigation system as well as the driving modes and the suspension settings. The information is arranged and presented in individual segments so that the driver can always keep an eye on all relevant data.
The brightness of the display adapts automatically (whereby the maximum brightness of the screen is 1000 cd). The driver also has the option of choosing from 8 brightness levels. The tire pressure is displayed as a numerical number in the lower left area of the instruments.
The Gold Wing emblem is placed on the center console and on the smart key. This is three-dimensional and chrome-framed and shows a lion's head with the majestic wings of an eagle and open claws - ready to jump. The smart key activates all systems on the motorcycle and also includes an emergency key. The ignition and the handlebar lock can be turned on and off when the smart key is within reach.
Most Gold Wing owners take short, 2-3 day tours for which the total volume of the two suitcases of 60 l is usually sufficient. Exclusively designed inner pockets are optionally available. If the Smart Key is within reach, the cases can be opened simply by pressing a button, and unlocking using the remote control is also possible. The unlock button on the smart key gives the passenger instant access. The opening and closing takes place gently via hydraulic dampers. If the call button on the remote control is pressed and held, the indicators light up.
The Gold Wing is compatible with Apple CarPlay ™ and Android Auto ™. The driver can manage personalized information and content on his smartphone, such as telephone numbers or music playlists. The machine also has Bluetooth ™. There are also two USB Type-C sockets available.
The new, lightweight speakers offer excellent sound quality with a lively presence. Switches for audio control are available to the front passenger for greater convenience. The switches are located in the upper area of the right case and allow you to adjust the volume and select the playback source as well as fast forward.
The navigation system is shown on the 7-inch full-color LC display and has a gyro compass. This means that route guidance can also be continued in a tunnel, for example. Waypoints can be removed while driving, or you can navigate home directly via the "Go Home" function. The maps are updated and also offer the option of entering up to 99 different waypoints for detailed travel planning. The capacity of the fuel tank is 21 liters with a fuel consumption of 5,5 l / 100 km.
Chassis:
- Die-cast aluminum double support frame
- Double wishbone suspension at the front and Pro-Link at the rear
- ABS and Dual-Combined Braking System (D-CBS)
The aluminum die-cast double support frame of the Gold Wing is designed in such a way that the engine can be accommodated in the smallest of spaces. Its structural strength is optimized in every area. Even at walking pace on narrow streets in the city or on the open road, smooth and stable driving behavior is guaranteed.
Aside from the fact that the front wheel moves forward on full compression, the double wishbone front suspension offers other advantages. For example, the sliding friction (due to compression in bumps and steering interventions) that occurs with a standard telescopic fork when the stanchions in the fork leg move up and down is significantly reduced. In addition, bearings are used in all areas for the steering and damping stroke, which further reduce friction.
The steering commands are transmitted via an articulated lever construction that is separate from the shock absorber. The Gold Wing's yaw moment makes it agile and easier to steer. In addition, patented crossbars connect the handlebars with the front axle and the handlebar pivot point, giving the driver a completely natural driving experience.
Toe and caster are set to 30,5 ° / 109 mm, the wheelbase is 1.695 mm. The Gold Wing weighs 366 kg ready to drive, the DCT version 367 kg.
The Dual Combined Brake System (D-CBS) distributes the braking forces optimally between the front and rear wheels. The use of a particularly light ABS module (integrated in the brake ECU) keeps the weight of the brake system low. It interacts in connection with the currently selected driving mode and automatically adapts the braking properties to the respective driving situation. The front 320 mm double discs work with 6-piston brake calipers, the rear 316 mm disc with a 3-piston brake caliper.
The Gold Wing also has a Pro-Link swing arm attached to the left side of the frame. The right side serves as a maintenance access. This allows a much greater freedom of design and makes the machine easier to use, and it also contributes to stability. Pro-Link enables a progressive response and offers a lot of comfort. The system is fully equipped with ball joints to counteract torsion. The rear preload can be adjusted manually.
Motor
- Six-cylinder SOHC boxer engine with 24 valves
- Throttle By Wire (TBW) with 4 driver modes to adjust the power delivery
- The damping and braking force are adapted to the driving modes
- DCT version with automatic start / stop and integrated starter generator (ISG)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- 6-speed manual transmission with slipper clutch and electronic reverse gear or 7-speed DCT transmission
Power delivery that is addicting: the 1.833 cc engine of the Gold Wing has been completely redeveloped. Now the handling potential of the chassis is also being fully exploited. All of this results in a driving experience that makes this icon so attractive. The engine of the Gold Wing is still a six-cylinder boxer, but with four-valve cylinder heads (previously two-valve cylinder heads) and its dimensions are significantly more compact. In addition, the engine is 6,2 kilograms lighter than the previous model.
The peak output of 126 PS (93 kW) is at 5.500 rpm, the maximum torque of 170 Nm is achieved at 4.500 rpm. The bore of 73 mm corresponds to a stroke of 73 mm. The left and right cylinders are offset by 4 mm, the cylinder liners are made of aluminum. The compression ratio is set to 10,5: 1.
The Unicam cylinder heads use a coaxial rocker arm shaft for inlet and outlet. The inlet valves are operated by rocker arms, the exhaust valves by roller rocker arms.
The combustion chambers are designed as a "4-valve pentroof construction", with the inlet openings designed in such a way that they promote the flow in the cylinders and thus improve efficiency. The piston skirts have a molybdenum coating to reduce friction. The Throttle By Wire (TBW) engine management allows the use of 4 driving modes to individually adapt the character and power delivery of the machine. The choice of driving mode also regulates the damping settings and the Dual Combined Brake System (D-CBS). The driver can choose between the following driving modes:
TOUR is the basic setting for comfort and performance. The throttle commands are completely passed on to the throttle valve. Suspension setting and damping as well as the distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels correspond to a universal standard setting.
SPORTS results in more direct responsiveness compared to TOUR mode; the throttle commands are immediately passed on to the throttle valve. The SPORT mode enables rapid acceleration, tighter suspension and damping settings and a more direct brake response when the foot brake lever is operated.
ECON is the driving mode with a focus on economical consumption and relaxed cruising. The throttle commands are passed on to the throttle valve more slowly. The setup of the chassis and damping as well as the brake force distribution between the front and rear wheels correspond to the standard setting.
RAIN offers good drivability on wet and slippery asphalt. The throttle commands are transferred to the throttle valve at a reduced rate. The brake force distribution corresponds to the standard, the setup of the chassis and damping is rather comfortable and designed for a gentle response.
There are two air intake ducts, which are located in the front left and rear right. This arrangement creates the desired turbulence when the air is sucked in. The result is more effective use of the entire surface of the air filter and a reduction in air resistance. The shape of both ducts has been optimized so that they harmonize with the intake pulses of the engine in the lower speed range, which improves response behavior and torque when the throttle valve is less open. A single throttle body accelerates the airflow and improves responsiveness.
To add the finishing touches to the deep, bassy character of the engine, the exhaust pipes produce a powerful roar - without excessive noise. The cross-sectional areas of the exhaust pipes for two of the six cylinders are reduced by 20% to improve the sound volume.
The electric starter and alternator of the Gold Wing are combined into one unit (ISG - Integrated Starter Generator). The alternator can also function as an electric starter when the current is fed in in reverse. The unit is 2,4 kg lighter than a standard system. Helical toothed gears are used for the drive gears of the ISG, which reduces mechanical noise.
One of the essential features of the automatic start / stop (in the DCT version) is that the motor starts extremely quietly thanks to the use of the ISG and the associated smooth starting process, which is achieved through the interaction of DCT and TBW. When stopping, for example at a traffic light, with the automatic start / stop function switched on, the engine switches off automatically after 3 seconds. To restart the engine, the driver only needs to operate the throttle.
The system is controlled via the oil pressure. By means of the hydraulics, pressure is built up in the DCT system before the accelerator commands are implemented for start-up. In order to prevent abrupt processes with the start / stop system during the departure procedure, the throttle valve opens with a slight delay. This ensures that moving off after start / stop maneuvers can be carried out smoothly. The automatic start / stop can be activated or deactivated by the driver using a switch on the right-hand side of the handlebar.
When starting up a hill, the brakes on a conventional motorcycle must be released, the throttle valve opened and the clutch operated at the same time, depending on the incline. To make this process easier, the Gold Wing has a Hill Start Assist (HSA) for both the manual and the DCT version.
After stopping on an incline, the ABS modulator generates hydraulic pressure for the rear brake caliper by pressing the brake lever again quickly. When starting, the hydraulic pressure maintains the braking effect for approx. 3 seconds, even if the brake lever is released. This makes it easier to start up on the mountain. If the HSA is in operation, this is indicated to the driver via a corresponding message.
The 6-speed manual gearbox is equipped with a special shock absorber between the clutch and the gearbox, which decouples the two inertial masses, reduces noise and improves the shift quality and increases the durability of the shift components. An anti-hopping clutch with a ramp function (fewer disks and reduced hydraulic friction in the release mechanism) replaces the traditional hydraulically assisted clutch. It reduces the clutch load on the lever by 20% and offers smoother downshifts. The electronic reverse gear is a feature already familiar from the previous model.
Dual clutch transmission (DCT)
- Third generation 7-speed DCT
- Soft and quiet, with ultra-fast gear changes
- Walking mode for maneuvering forwards and backwards
- 4 driving modes affect the response behavior of the DCT
- Optimized maneuverability at low speed
Honda's DCT technology is now in its eleventh year of production. Over 140.000 motorcycles equipped with DCT have already been sold in Europe. The unique DCT system offers consistent, super-fast and seamless gear changes and quickly becomes a matter of course while driving. The transmission works with two clutches: One clutch controls gears 1, 3, 5 and 7 is responsible for starting, the other controls gears 2, 4 and 6, whereby the main shafts of the two clutches are guided into one another to save space to create a compact one To enable construction.
The clutches are each controlled independently of one another by their own electro-hydraulic circuit. When a gear change occurs, the system preselects the next gear via the clutch that is not in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged while the second clutch is engaged at the same time.
The result is a smoother, faster, and seamless gear change. Since the double clutches transfer the drive from one gear to the next with minimal drive interruption to the rear wheel, the jerking and pitching movements of the machine are minimized, so that the change feels direct and smooth. Additional advantages are e.g. B. the longevity (since the gears cannot be damaged by incorrect shifting), prevention of stalling, stress-free driving in the city and less driver fatigue. The ability to concentrate better on cornering and braking points adds to the attractiveness of the DCT.
The DCT system offers two different driving settings: First, the automatic settings with preprogrammed shift patterns that constantly check the vehicle speed, the gear engaged and the engine speed in order to determine when a shift should take place. And secondly, it offers manual transmission adjustment for gear changes using the paddles on the left side of the handlebar.
With the third generation, for the first time with 7 gears, the DCT of the Gold Wing is specially designed for long-distance journeys. It also shifts extremely smoothly and quickly.
The gearbox has also been optimized in terms of maneuverability at low speeds, with short gear ratios reducing shift shocks. In the higher speed range, the gear ratio is selected to be longer in order to keep the engine speed lower. In this way, comfort could be significantly improved in every speed range.
During the development of the third generation of the DCT, special attention was paid to shifting noises and jolts: noise dampers were installed on both sides of the shift fork guide and the main shaft, which greatly reduce the noise when changing gears.
A spring damper is installed between the clutch and the main shaft to absorb any rotational forces. In this way, noises in the area of the clutch and main shaft that arise when shifting can be reduced.
The Gold Wing's DCT is equipped with a walking pace maneuvering gear. This “walking mode” moves the bike forwards at 1,8 km / h and backwards at 1,2 km / h. The maneuvering aid is operated via a plus-minus switch on the left of the handlebar.
The main shaft has a double tube structure in which the outer main shaft is connected to the inner shaft through gears on the countershaft and a chain. This construction enables the outer main shaft to function as a reverse gear shaft if necessary. The elimination of a separate shaft for reverse gear favors a compact design.
When activating the walking mode, both clutches of the DCT are used. Reverse is done with the first clutch and forward with the second clutch. In this way, driving forwards or backwards at walking speed is possible with the clutch alone, without having to change gears. In addition, the throttle-by-wire system regulates the speed by meticulously controlling the engagement of the clutch while maintaining a constant engine speed.
The dual clutch transmission is networked with the 4 driving modes of the Gold Wing. Engine characteristics, power delivery and chassis tuning are basically exactly the same as for the model with manual transmission, but certain parameters of the DCT transmission are taken into account separately:
TOUR uses the standard setting for smooth engagement and shifting in AT mode, with a low to high speed range for gear changes.
SPORTS provides a more direct engagement of the clutch, with gear changes occurring in a medium to high speed range.
ECON provides a smooth engagement of the clutch and holds the gears as long as possible at low to medium engine speeds.
RAIN in AT mode causes early upshifts, smooth clutch engagement and smooth shifting maneuvers.
Photos: Honda
Technical data
| MOTOR | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke 24-valve 6-cylinder boxer engine (SOHC) |
| Capacity | 1.833 cc |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Bore & stroke | 73 mm x 73 mm |
| Compression ratio | 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 l (manual transmission) / 5,6 l (DCT) |
| CO2 Emissions | 127 g / km |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| mixture preparation | Electronic fuel injection PGM-FI |
| Throttle valve diameter | 50 mm |
| Air Filter | Paper-viscose filter element |
| Tankinhalt | 21,1 l |
| Consumption | 5,5 l / 100km |
| ELECTRICS | |
| Starter | Integrated starter generator unit |
| battery capacity | 12V / 20AH |
| ACG / alternator | 12V / 120A |
| DRIVE | |
| Coupling type | (Manual transmission) hydraulically operated, wet running, multi-disc clutch in an oil bath, Assist Slipper Cam
(DCT) hydraulic, wet running, multiple discs in an oil bath (double clutch) |
| Gear type | 6 speed manual transmission including overdrive and with electric reverse gear
7 speed DCT transmission including reverse gear |
| Primary translation | 1.795 (79/44) |
| Gear steps | (DCT) 1st: 2.167 2nd: 1.696 3rd: 1.304 4th: 1.038 5th: 0.821 6th: 0.667 7th: 0.522
Reverse gear: 1.190 (Manual transmission) 1st: 2.200 2nd: 1.417 3rd: 1.036 4th: 0.821 5th: 0.667 6th: 0.522 |
| Final translation | On the engine: 0.972
On the rear wheel 2.615 |
| Final drive | Cardan drive |
| FRAME | |
| Type | Aluminum bridge frame |
| FRAME | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | L: 2.475 mm
W: 925 mm (DCT) / 905mm (MT) H: 1.340 mm |
| wheelbase | 1.695 mm |
| Steering head angle | 30,5° |
| Spur | 109 mm |
| turning circle | 3,4m |
| seat height | 745 mm |
| ground clearance | 130 mm |
| Weight (full tank) | Gold Wing: manual transmission 366 kg / DCT 367 kg |
| LANDING GEAR | |
| your Front Wheel. | Double wishbones |
| behind | Per link |
| BIKES | |
| your Front Wheel. | 130 / 70R 18 |
| behind | 200 / 55R 16 |
| Rim size in front | 18 x MT3,5 |
| Rear rim size | 16 x MT6,0 |
| BRAKES | |
| ABS system type | Electronically controlled combined ABS system |
| your Front Wheel. | 320 mm x 4,5 mm hydraulic double disc with 6-piston brake caliper, floating brake discs and sintered metal linings |
| behind | ventilated disc with 3-piston brake calliper and sintered metal linings |
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