One of the most comprehensively equipped touring bikes on the planet has had a bit of nip and tuck with the advent of the 2012 Honda Goldwing.
Arriving in Australia in late January 2012, the updated super cruiser will be priced from $35,290 and will be offered in three colours: Blue Metallic, Graphite Black and Candy Red.
We'll be attending the national launch of the Goldwing in February 2012, so stay tuned for our thoughts on the Honda cruiser.
The new model initially broke cover in the United States earlier in 2011 but the bike will no longer be built in the USA, with production moved to Japan after the closure of its Ohio manufacturing facility.
The huge motorcycle is still powered by the same fuel-injected 1832cc flat-six engine, which is a little surprising considering it's now coming under attack from BMW's K 1600 GTL.
Instead, the main change to the bike is the subtle new look thanks to an updated fairing. The new fairing is claimed to deliver not only "a more integrated appearance along with a sporting edge" but also "extra wind protection, especially to the lower body and leg areas," says Honda.
Things like dual combined ABS remain as part of the package, and top tier models come with a motorcycle airbag system similar to the 2011 model, but new bits and bobs include larger saddlebags, improved storage areas and new suspension for "better ride and more comfort".
A reworked instrument display panel with an integrated GPS complete with iPod and MP3 player support are part of the package, which can be controlled via new handlebar controls. The fully-integrated system also has a brighter screen. All audio will be transmitted through an improved six-speaker 80-watt surround sound system too.
Following is the list of major changes to the 2012 Honda Goldwing:
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