Supertourer with new paintwork: Honda Gold Wing Tour 2022!

Reading time 15 Min.

The Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Tour represents the gold standard in the luxury super tourer segment. The six-cylinder legend, completely revised in 2018, shines with an aluminum bridge frame, double wishbone suspension at the front, integrated side cases (2 x 30 liters) and a 61-liter topcase. Airbags and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission are optional. The equipment fulfills all wishes: electrically adjustable windscreen, smart key operation, four driving modes, HSTC traction control, 7-inch TFT display, navigation and sound system, Apple CarPlay ™, Android Auto ™, Hill Start Assist and walking speed maneuvering with Forward and backward function. In 2022, the technically unchanged Gold Wing Tour is slipping into the new model year with two new color variants.

Content:

1. Introduction
2. Model overview
3. Equipment features
4. Technical data

1. Introduction

1975 from Honda as 1000 cm³-Naked bike introduced and for several years the two-wheeler non plus ultra for long distances: The six-cylinder Gold Wing has continuously increased in size, displacement, comfort and suitability for travel over the decades and, as a premium tourer, has repeatedly raised luxury, quality and comfort to the next higher level Level - and stand out from the competition in a unique way.

Since 2018, the GL1800 Gold Wing * and Gold Wing Tour (with mega-topcase) have been slimmer, lighter and more agile, after having been comprehensively modernized with a view to changing customer needs. Newly designed aluminum bridge frame, innovative double wishbone front suspension and revised six-cylinder boxer pamper both driver and front passenger with intoxicating pulling power and smoothness. Many new features consolidated the company's reputation as a technology carrier. This also included the optional DCT dual clutch transmission, which has seven gears on the Gold Wing.

In 2020, improvements in the chassis setup and maneuverability at slow speeds followed. In combination with the six-cylinder engine and its unique torque and power output, the GL1800 Gold Wing Tour remained the first-class luxury driving machine for stylishly transporting the driver and front passenger. Contemporary features such as the smart key system and Bluetooth connectivity were added. In 2021, the Gold Wing Tour triumphed with increased luggage capacity, more comfort for the pillion passenger and an audio upgrade. The technology will remain unchanged in 2022, but two new color options will further fuel the desirability of the legend on two wheels.

2. Model overview

For the 2018 season, the engine and chassis of the Gold Wing Tour were completely redesigned to enable a more forward seating position and a more compact motorcycle. The aluminum support frame is provided with a double wishbone front suspension. Thanks to its higher stiffness and reduced friction, this construction offers optimized front wheel stability with impressive damping behavior.

The 24-valve six-cylinder engine shines with sheer size, opulent power, high torque and creamy, smooth power delivery. With the electronic throttle (Throttle By Wire), four modes can be selected for driving: Tour, Sport, Econ and Rain. The Dual Combined Brake System (Dual-CBS) interacts with the selected driving mode. Hill Start Assist (HSA) and an automatic start / stop system offer maximum ease of use and contribute to improved fuel efficiency. Thanks to the HSTC traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control), there is always sufficient traction on the rear wheel - instead of unwanted slip - which makes driving safer.

The foot-shifted transmission has 6 gears, while the automatically shifting DCT dual clutch transmission is equipped with 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. This includes a maneuvering aid for slow driving forwards and backwards ("walking mode"). The variant with conventionally operated transmission, on the other hand, is equipped with the electrically operated reverse gear of the previous models.

The Gold Wing combines a majestic feeling and driving pleasure with a stylish design. An aerodynamically efficient cladding directs the air around the driver and front passenger, while the windshield can be adjusted electrically. The luxurious seats offer all-day comfort and are covered with a mix of suede and synthetic leather. The incline of the passenger backrest has been optimized for maximum comfort. The weatherproof speakers shine with lively sound quality. Features such as operation via Smartkey, Apple CarPlay ™, Android Auto ™ and Bluetooth ™ offer contemporary convenience and enable connectivity with mobile devices.

• The 2022 GL1800 Gold Wing Tour with manual transmission is available in Gunmetal Black Metallic with a blackened motor housing.
• The 2022 GL1800 Gold Wing Tour with DCT dual clutch transmission and airbag is available in three colors:
• Glint Wave Blue Metallic **NEW**
• Pearl Glare White **NEW**
• Gunmetal Black Metallic (with blackened motor housing).

3. Features

3.1 Styling & equipment

• Modern design with tight lines
• 91 liter luggage volume: two 30 liter side cases plus 61 liter top case
• Seat covers with a mix of suede and synthetic leather
• First class audio quality
• Electric windshield, adjustable in height and angle
• Convincing cruise control function via Throttle By Wire 
• 7 inch TFT screen for vehicle data, navigation and audio system
• Apple CarPlay ™ and Android Auto ™ for convenient smartphone coupling
• LED lighting technology all around, including self-resetting turn signals
• Smartkey function for ignition and storage space locking systems
• 2 USB Type-C charging sockets

The bodywork of the Gold Wing Tour underlines its finely honed character. The silhouette combines comfort and the dynamic potential of the engine and chassis. Typical Gold Wing qualities are flawless workmanship, the best finish and high-quality materials. The design of the front panel emphasizes the elegant visual appearance in connection with compact proportions and a luxurious look.

The aesthetics of the vehicle merge with technical refinements such as the six-cylinder boxer engine, the double wishbone front suspension, the single-sided swing arm with cardan drive and the exhaust system. Modern 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 wind around the driver and passenger to create the effect of a pleasant breeze. The electrically adjustable windshield has a control element on the left end of the handlebar. This means that the height and angle of the pane can be continuously adjusted. The following optional accessories are available: an even larger windshield, an adjustable deflector for arms and upper body and permanently installed deflectors for legs and feet. The driver and front passenger sit separately from one another with plenty of freedom of movement. The contour of the driver's seat is comfortable and ergonomically supports the back muscles. Practical ground accessibility is also guaranteed. The passenger is also very comfortable. In addition, details such as the correct inclination of the passenger backrest support comfort.

Modern LED lighting technology is used all around. In the headlight, five optical lenses bundle the light from the light-emitting diodes at the bottom on both sides. Even with the low beam, this effect is reminiscent of the sparkle of a jewel. This impression is reinforced when the high beam is used. The front indicators are integrated in the mirror housings and are 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 for the cruise control is displayed in the lower left area of ​​the speedometer. Thanks to the throttle-by-wire control, the transition to the selected speed is carried out particularly smoothly. This results in a pleasantly quiet driving behavior, especially when driving uphill. With DCT (in AT mode), the cruise control remains activated in the background during braking maneuvers and switches back to the cruise control mode once the preselected speed has been reached again.

The 7-inch color display provides all the information you need, including for the audio and navigation system as well as the driving modes and the suspension settings. The presentation takes place in segments so that the driver can keep an eye on everything relevant. Moderate colors are used in the cockpit to improve readability. Conical openings and covers for the instruments suggest a pleasant feeling of depth. All displays are elegantly framed with metallic rings, the soft LED illumination creates a pleasant, cool ambience.

The display brightness automatically adapts to the ambient light after one of the 8 lighting levels has been preselected. The tire pressure is also displayed numerically. The Gold Wing emblem is placed on the center console. This is not only an eye-catcher, but also serves to start up the motorcycle after the smartkey has been activated. This also applies to the ignition, steering wheel lock unlocking, infotainment system and luggage system locking. Without a smart key, all on-board systems are automatically secured or locked and cannot be operated by unauthorized persons.

Gold Wing Tour owners want plenty of room for luggage. That is why the standard side cases offer two 30-liter capacities, and inner pockets are optionally available. The corresponding top case with backrest for the front passenger offers a generous 61 liters of storage space. If the smartkey is within reach, all baggage eaters can be opened at the push of a button, and they can be unlocked by remote control. It is opened and closed gently via hydraulic dampers. If the call button on the remote control is pressed and held, the blinkers light up, which makes it easier to identify in crowded places.

The Gold Wing Tour is compatible with Apple CarPlay ™ and Android Auto ™. In this way, the driver can manage 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 speakers of the audio system are rainproof, positioned to match the seating position and offer excellent sound quality with a lively presence. The front passenger can use their own control elements on the top of the right case to regulate the volume, select the sound source or activate a forward function.

The navigation system is displayed directly on the color display in the cockpit. The advanced control electronics also work if GPS signals are shielded in tunnels. Waypoints can be removed while driving, and destinations can be changed or redefined, even if the vehicle is moving. The map material also offers the option of entering up to 99 different waypoints for detailed travel planning. The tank capacity is 21 liters with a fuel consumption of 5,5 l / 100 km.

3.2 chassis

• Aluminum bridge frame that allows the engine and driver to be in an advanced position
• Double wishbone front suspension and single-arm rear swing arm
• ABS and dual CBS composite braking system

The cast aluminum frame houses the six-cylinder engine. Weight distribution and structural strength are optimized in all areas to ensure comfortable handling and confidence-inspiring safe driving behavior - at walking pace on narrow inner-city streets as well as on endless rural roads. The dynamic behavior of the double wishbone suspension has a positive effect on the driving characteristics, because the front wheel moves less in the direction of the engine block during compression than on its predecessor. In addition, the suspension and braking forces act separately from one another.

The reduced friction during compression and rebound results in a finer response behavior compared to a conventional telescopic fork. All joints and articulation points of the steering as well as the suspension are elaborately supported, which further contributes to increased precision and optimized suspension comfort. The steering head angle and caster are 30,5 ° / 109 mm, the wheelbase is 1.695 mm. The 2022 Gold Wing Tour weighs 385 kg fully fueled ready to drive, the DCT version 390 kg.

The Dual Combined Brake System (Dual-CBS) distributes the braking forces optimally between the front and rear wheels. The ABS braking system works electronically in accordance with the activated driving mode, which further improves safety. The double disc brake at the front measures 320 mm in diameter and has six-piston brake calipers; an internally ventilated disc with a diameter of 316 mm and a three-piston brake caliper are used on the rear wheel. The GL1800 Gold Wing Tour is equipped with a Pro Arm single-sided swing arm. The Pro-Link deflection system enables a progressive response of the suspension and improves comfort.

The levers are equipped with backlash-free ball joints, which supports the exact function and smooth response. Servomotors in the shock absorber ensure that the damping characteristics are also determined by the respective driving mode. The spring preload on the central rear shock absorber is also adjusted electrically. Regardless of the four riding modes, there are four settings for the spring preload depending on the load (from soft to hard): single rider, rider with luggage, rider with pillion passenger and rider with pillion passenger and luggage. The selected setting is shown on the display.

3.3 Engine

• Six-cylinder SOHC boxer engine with 24 valves
• Throttle By Wire with 4 driver modes to adjust the power delivery
• HSTC traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control)
• Driving modes control traction control, suspension damping and braking force
• DCT version with automatic start / stop and ISG starter generator
• HSA hill start aid (Hill Start Assist)
• 6-speed manual transmission with slipper clutch and electric reverse gear. Optional with 7-speed dual clutch transmission

The fascination of the Gold Wing Tour is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine, which produces plenty of torque from low revs and pampers both rider and passenger with an inspiring smoothness and power delivery. Since the model revision in 2018, the 1,8-liter engine with four-valve technology, noticeably less weight (6,2 kg lighter than before) and significantly more compact dimensions. The maximum output of 93 kW (126 PS) is at 5.500 revolutions per minute, the maximum torque is 170 Nm at 4.500 tours. The values ​​for bore / stroke are 73 mm x 73 mm.

The left and right cylinders are typically staggered for the boxer design, the offset is 4 mm. The cylinder liners are made of aluminum, the compression is 10,5: 1. The Unicam cylinder heads are each equipped with a camshaft that controls both the intake and exhaust valves. The inlet valves are operated via fork rocker arms, the outlet valves via forked roller rocker arms.

The modern combustion chambers of the four-valve cylinder heads are designed in the shape of a roof, the gas-air mixture is also swirled in a targeted manner upon entry in order to achieve efficient combustion in accordance with low consumption. The piston skirts have a molybdenum coating to reduce friction. With the electronic throttle grip (Throttle By Wire) there are four driving modes to choose from, which also control the engine character and power development. The modes influence the coordination of the traction control, the suspension damper characteristics and the dual CBS braking system (Dual Combined Brake System). The driver can choose between the following driving modes:

• TOUR - is the practical basic driving mode for a balance between comfort and power. 100 percent of the gas commands are passed on to the throttle valve of the injection system. Suspension adjustment and damping as well as the distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels correspond to a universal standard setting.
• SPORTS - The motor has a direct response behavior in this mode; the throttle commands are passed on directly to the throttle valve of the injection system. The sporty acceleration is supported by tighter suspension damper settings and direct brake application when the foot brake lever is operated.
• ECON - In this driving mode the focus is on economical consumption and relaxed cruising. The throttle commands are passed on less directly to the engine. The setup of the chassis and damping as well as the braking force distribution between the front and rear wheels correspond to standard values.
• RAIN - This driving program is designed for wet, slippery asphalt. The gas commands are transmitted more smoothly to the injection throttle valve. The brake force distribution corresponds to the standard, the setup of the chassis and damping is comfortably designed for moderate pace and gentle response.

Two air inlets, front left and right rear, create the desired turbulence in the intake air, which enables the air filter to work more efficiently. The routing of both air filter channels supports the intake behavior at low speeds, which leads to improved response behavior and optimized passage when the throttle grip positions are only slightly open. The purring six-cylinder sound and exceptional running smoothness have always been among the strengths of the Gold Wing. The exhaust system, which consists of two expansion chambers plus an additional resonance chamber, delivers a turbine-like, enchantingly confident exhaust sound without being aggressive. The electric starter and alternator of the Gold Wing Tour are combined into one unit (ISG - Integrated Starter Generator). This is possible because a brushless rotor is wound twice and, when the current is introduced in the opposite direction, also functions as an electric starter, which ensures particularly gentle intervention during the start-up procedure.

When stopping at traffic lights, the automatic start / stop system switches off the engine after three seconds of idling. A quick turn of the throttle is then all it takes to wake the engine up and running again without pressing the button for the electric starter. Here, too, the unusually gentle intervention of the ISG starter unit is pleasantly registered. The start / stop system is controlled by the oil pressure. In this way, pressure can be built up in the DCT system via the hydraulics so that the driver's request - by turning the throttle grip - is converted directly into propulsion. In order to prevent too abrupt starting processes when using the start / stop system, the throttle valve opens more carefully and with a slight delay when the throttle is commanded. This ensures that starting up with DCT with the Gold Wing runs with the desired smoothness.

The driver is free to use this feature. The automatic start / stop system can be activated or deactivated via a switch on the handlebar if required. Starting on a hill requires accelerating, releasing the brakes and engaging the clutch at the same time, which can be quite a challenge on heavy bikes. That is why the Gold Wing Tour is equipped with Hill Start Assist. If you stop on an inclined plane and continue to operate the brake lever, the ABS modulator hydraulically activates the rear brake. For the start-up process, even if the brake has been released in the meantime, the rear brake calliper continues to hold the Gold Wing for about 3 seconds so that the start-up process can be carried out more safely. The activation of the hill start aid is indicated in the cockpit via a separate light indicator.

The 6-speed manual transmission of the Gold Wing Tour is equipped with a shock absorber between the clutch and the transmission, which decouples the two inertial masses, reduces noise and improves the shift quality. An anti-hopping clutch with a ramp function (fewer disks and reduced hydraulic friction in the release mechanism) replaces the traditional, hydraulically assisted clutch. This reduces the clutch load on the lever by 20% and enables smoother downshifts. The electronic reverse gear is a feature already known from the Gold Wing predecessor model (without DCT).

3.4 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 has already sold over 200.000 motorcycles with dual clutch transmissions (DCT stands for Dual Clutch Transmission) in Europe. In 2009 the system debuted in the VFR1200F. The acceptance of DCT technology, which only Honda offers in the motorcycle sector, is high. For the models that are optionally available with a dual clutch transmission, 2020% of customers preferred this equipment to a conventional manual transmission in 53.

The dual clutch transmission makes driving easier by automatically changing gear. The electronic-hydraulic control also takes care of the dosed actuation of the clutch for starting. That is why there is no longer a clutch lever on DCT Hondas. Simply turning the throttle after a riding mode is activated is enough to get going. The simple operation quickly becomes a pleasant matter of course for users, something that is reluctant to do without.

The DCT system relieves the driver of the shift work and enables amazingly quick and smooth gear changes with seamless traction. The system works with two clutch packs, which alternately create the frictional connection between the gear pairs and the output shaft. One clutch is responsible for gears 1, 3, 5 and 7, the other for gears 2, 4 and 6. Each clutch is controlled by an electro-hydraulic circuit. For a gear change, the system preselects the desired gear with the clutch that is not in use. The first clutch (with the gear currently still engaged) is then electronically disengaged, while the second clutch (with the desired gear) is engaged at the same time.

The result is a smoother, faster, and seamless gear change. Since the two clutch packs transfer the drive from one gear to the next to the rear wheel with minimal interruption, jerks and pitching movements of the machine are minimized, which means that the change takes place comfortably, directly and evenly. Additional advantages are longevity (since gears cannot be damaged by rough gear changes), the impossibility of over-revving and the reduced stress on the driver, who can devote his full attention to the rest of the traffic. The DCT dual clutch transmission offers two options for operation: The AT mode, with which gear changes are completely automated at the right time. As well as manual actuation (MT) to change gear manually using the paddle shifters on the left of the handlebar, with your thumb and forefinger

The DCT dual clutch transmission, which only Honda offers in the motorcycle sector, is particularly recommended for the Gold Wing because it underlines the sovereign, relaxed character and the high level of driving comfort. The Gold Wing's DCT is the third generation of this technology and the first to use seven gears. With automated and manual actuation, the system shines with soft and lightning-fast shifting processes, with rubber dampers on shift forks and main shaft efficiently reducing possible shifting noises.

The DCT of the Gold Wing is also equipped with a walking pace maneuvering gear. This "walking mode" moves the bike forwards at 1,8 km / h walking speed and backwards at 1,2 km / h. The maneuvering aid is also operated using the switch on the left-hand side of the handlebar. When the walking speed shunting gear is activated, both clutches of the DCT are used. Clutch pack 1 brings about the backward movement, clutch pack 2 the forward movement. The movement (and the engagement of the clutches) is controlled via the electronic throttle grip. Unadjusted speeds are excluded, so that maneuvers are always carried out with the necessary safety. The DCT dual clutch transmission is also networked with the four driving modes of the GL1800 Gold Wing Tour:

• 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 direct engagement of the clutch, with the shifts taking place in a medium to high speed range.
• ECON provides a smooth engagement of the clutch and holds the gears for as long as possible at low to medium speeds.
• RAIN in AT mode causes early upshifts, smooth clutch engagement and smooth shifting maneuvers.

4. Technical data

MOTOR
Type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke 24-valve 6-cylinder boxer engine (SOHC)
Capacity	1.833 cm3
Valves per cylinder	4
Bore x stroke	73 mm 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 l (manual transmission) / 5,6 l (DCT)
CO2 Emissions	127 g / km
FUEL SYSTEM
mixture preparation	PGM-FI injection
Throttle valve Ø	50 mm
Air Filter	Paper-viscose filter element
Tankinhalt	21,1 liters
Consumption**	5,5 liters / 100km
ELECTRICS
Starter	ISG - Integrated starter / alternator unit
Battery	12V/20AH
Alternator capacity	12V / 120A
DRIVE
Coupling type	MT: Hydraulically operated, multiple discs in an oil bath, with anti-hopping slip clutch   DCT: double clutch, electronically-hydraulically controlled, 2 sets of discs in an oil bath
Transmission	MT: 6 gears (including overdrive). Plus electric reverse gear.   DCT: 7 gears, plus maneuvering function forwards and backwards
Primary translation	1.795 (79/44)
Gear steps	MT: 1st: 2.200 2nd: 1.417 3rd: 1.036 4th: 0.821 5th: 0.667 6th: 0.522   DCT: 1st: 2.167 2nd: 1.696 3rd: 1.304 4th: 1.038 5th: 0.821 6th: 0.667 7th: 0.522 Rev: 1.190
Final translation	on the engine: 0.972 on the rear wheel: 2.615
Final drive	propeller shaft
FRAME
Type	Cast aluminum bridge frame
FRAME
Dimensions (LxWxH)	MT: 2.615 mm x 925 mm x 1.430 mm DCT: 2.615 mm x 905 mm x 1.430 mm
wheelbase	1.695 mm
Steering head angle	30.5°
trailing	109 mm
turning circle	3,4m
seat height	745 mm
ground clearance	130 mm
Weight with a full tank	MT: 385kg DCT (with airbag): 390 kg
WHEEL SUSPENSION
your Front Wheel.	Double wishbone front suspension
behind	Single-sided swing arm with Pro Link lever redirection
BIKES
Front tire size	130 / 70 R 18
Tire size rear	200 / 55 R 16
Rim size in front	18 x MT 3.5
Rear rim size	16 x MT 6.0
BRAKES
ABS system	Dual Combined ABS, electronically controlled
Front brake	Double discs 320 mm x 4,5 mm, hydraulically operated, 6-piston brake calipers, floating discs, sintered metal linings
rear brake	One internally ventilated disc 316 mm x 11 mm, 3-piston brake caliper, sintered metal linings

Of course, that wasn't the end of it. Our tuning magazine has countless other tuning reports in stock. And we also deal regularly with the subject of motorcycles and motorcycle tuning. Do you want to see all the articles about motorcycles and motorcycle tuning? Just click HERE and look around. Or is a small extract enough? Then take a look at the following Mopped posts.

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Honda Gold Wing Tour (Model 2022)
Photo credit: Honda

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