Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

There are very few machines which can claim a 30-year development history - particularly in a form which is recognizable across the series. Honda's Goldwing is one, and oddly enough, the current six-cylinder machine is probably closer to the spirit of the prototype (also a six) than the original production fours from 1975.

To mark the anniversary, Honda has produced a special edition of the bike which, in Australia, comes with special badging, and heavily loaded with gear that has previously been optional. The additions are made possible because of a greatly improved exchange rate between the USA and Oz dollar, plus Honda Australia's decision to add features rather than drop the price ($39,990) and risk undercutting values on used machines.

We managed to get our grubby mitts on an example, over the recent Christmas break, and used it for a 1000km trip to Tintaldra on the Murray River, plus a similar length jaunt across to Naracoorte in South Australia. We've had a few 1800 Wings before, and have clocked up over 15,000km on them locally and in the USA.

What's new?
So what's different for this year? Not a heck of a lot. The 30th anniversary badging is a nice touch, but technically there are no real changes. Upgrades, when compared to the first 1800s brought here, include ABS, six-stacker CD, heated grips, remote locking (which is surprisingly useful), fog lamps, integrated rider and passenger headsets, rear speakers and pannier liner bags. Quite a list, and all very welcome.

Stock equipment includes a stereo with wiring for auxiliary input such as an MP3 player, cruise control, electric reverse gear and onboard compressor for the suspension.

Underneath all that is the original Wing package. That means a boxer six liquid-cooled, injected, 1800 powerplant that claims somewhere over 100 horses. It's mated to a five-speed gearbox and shaft final drive.

The triple disc brakes (with three-piston calipers) are linked and now have ABS, while the frame is a massive twin alloy beam job that looks like an overgrown sport bike chassis.

What's it like?
It was a couple of very long trips on a Goldwing which convinced me to go out and buy my own heavy tourer - a Valkyrie Interstate. They have their limitations but are fantastic if you plan on long journeys where you're literally living out of the bike for days or even weeks. Particularly if you have a passenger on board.

My experience rates the Goldwing as the best two-up touring platform in motorcycling. It may not be the best value for money, but it wins in a functional sense.

There are bigger and more powerful engines out there, however the Goldwing still performs very respectably. I've seen the high side of 200kmh on the speedo, with a passenger. The steering is getting pretty light by then, but it remains stable.

Cornering is a huge leap over the 1500 Wing but nevertheless slow in sport bike terms, which is hardly surprising in such a long machine. Steering is accurate and the solid frame engenders a lot of trust through corners.

Suspension copes admirably and the onboard air adjustment for rear preload is very effective.

The electrics all work well and in-helmet sound is definitely the way to go. A sole annoyance is the cruise control has a habit of letting the bike drop a few km/h when it's first engaged, then picking up again.

Fuel consumption is about 15km/lt, giving a healthy range from the 25 litre fuel tank.

One of the machine's biggest assets is the reputation for reliability. The engines tend to be understressed, have long service intervals (24,000km) and having a late model Wing break down is almost unheard of.

Creature comfort is a highlight, with a superb pillion throne and the benefit of a manually adjusted windscreen. At near 190cm tall, I'd still prefer the option of a taller windscreen. There's a huge aftermarket industry out there, which I'm sure could supply one.

In short, I'm a fan of these things. The price makes me wince, but I can't argue with the performance.

Goldwing history (Supplied by Honda)
In the ever-changing world of motorcycling, technological advancements press forward with such irresistible force that very few models survive a production life span of much over a decade.

However, for the past thirty years, the Honda Gold Wing has done much more than merely survive: for five distinct generations, this remarkable machine has continued to create and define an entire segment of the motorcycling experience. This year (2005) marks the thirty-year anniversary for this legendary grand tourer.

Starting with a prototype (pictured in black & white) in 1972 developed by Soichiro Irimajiri, the man who directed the design of Honda's five and six cylinder road racing engines of the 1960s, the first GL1000 Gold Wing was released for sale in 1975.

The bike opened new possibilities never before considered in terms of an open-class machine with world-class power and transcontinental capabilities. Customers unequivocally took to the Gold Wing in droves, helping to inspire an industry-wide shift toward long distance motorcycling.

Five years later, the GL1100 was introduced with a new emphasis on torque rather than max horsepower, a longer wheelbase for more rider and pillion room, and an air-assisted suspension system for smooth riding.

The Interstate was also introduced in 1980, offering the first Gold Wing available with factory-installed fairings, panniers and top box, plus the option of a built-in stereo system.

Another four years, and another 1000cc is added; plus an ultra-luxurious Limited Edition arrives, complete with computerised fuel injection, cruise control and a comprehensive electronic travel computer. After four years of further intensive development involving testing on 15 different machines in 60 prototype stages, the GL1500 debuted to unanimous acclaim in 1988.

 Mr Masanori Aoki, a sport bike enthusiast who led the development of such high performance bikes as the CBR2500RR and CBR600F3, took the honours of working on the next generation Gold Wing in the early 1990's. According to Aoki, his focus was to "build a bike that would keep 80% of the touring capability whilst adding a 'fun factor' by giving it the kind of acceleration and handling people normally associate with sporting machines."

In 1998, a new full-scale model saw the light of day, whilst Honda celebrated the bike's 20th anniversary a few years earlier in 1995.

In the 21st century, and after over a quarter century in production, the remarkable Gold Wing turns the touring world upside down yet again with the release of a 'from the ground up' model - the GL 1800. This amazing project resulted in Honda patenting no less than 20 technological innovations that were incorporated into this high performance luxury machine.

In 2005, the Gold Wing lights the candles for its unprecedented 30th anniversary and Honda is celebrating by including a beautifully executed set of commemorative emblems on the bike to highlight its innovation and longevity.

There are also new Australian release colours for the '05 model now available including Bloodstone Red Metallic and Nova Blue Metallic.

The 30th Anniversary Gold Wing comes standard with a six stacker CD, heated grips, front and rear speakers, fog lights, rider's intercom headsets and nylon Goldwing innerbags for panniers.

Specifications
Model Name: GL1800 Gold Wing
Engine Type: Type: 1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 74mm x 71mm
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
Carburettor(s): PGM-FI with automatic choke
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Transmission: 5 speed including overdrive, plus electric reverse
Final Drive: Shaft
Wheel Base (mm): 1692mm
Seat Height (mm): 740mm
Fuel Capacity: 25 litres
Front Tyre: Front: 130/70R-18
Rear Tyre: Rear: 180/60R-16
Front Suspension: 45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system; 140mm travel
Rear Suspension: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link; electronically controlled spring preload adjustment with two memory presets; 104mm (4.1 inches) travel
Front Brakes: Dual full floating 296mm disc with LBS three-piston calipers ABS
Rear Brakes: Single ventilated 316mm disc with LBS three-piston calliper. ABS
Dry Weight (kg): 363kgs
Price $39,990 + ORC (includes GST)

by Guy Allen