People have owned Harleys, People own bmws, they even have onwed Indians but this bike is just something else which one another bike has match with.
Honda is serving People with this legendry machines from decade and everytime this motorcycle comes with new surprises at each update.
There is something which makes it stand out from other bikes and make it people’s dream bike or always first to be choosen among other brands.
How this all got it hands of riders globally
Goldwing was meant to be a sports bike when honda team decided to design a large sports motorcycle, but American bike market made honda company to make it a tourer bike as most of the American costumers were touring on their motorcycle and goldwing was not tour oriented setup.
Journey from flat 4 to 6 engine
Honda initiated to bring some new ideas in motorcycle industry so engineering team used some advanced technology by replacing some regular components.
They brought flat 4 cylinder 999 cc engine in their 1975 model which was producing 80 bhp and they launched this goldwing with a name of Honda goldwing GL 1000.
It took 26 years to come a new 6 cylinder boxer engine with 1800 cc producing 118 hp with 167 nm torque to pull this luxury on two wheel masterpiece.
All The changes honda goldwing kept getting in all generations
Although honda showcased its first model in 1974 with more advanced technology at that time but goldwing kept adopting some changes according to the customers needs and market trend.
First of all honda understood the need of American people and it made honda a true tourer bike with luxury in very minimal price in comparison of its competitors.
Goldwing GL1000 got Shaft driven from a gear driven generator,kick starter was removed and replaced with self start, more refined engine, exhaust pipe heat shield, fuel gauge and new honda camstar wheels replacing old wired spoke wheel.
Honda sold 97000 unites of goldwing of its first generation in 5 years only in America which made entire Europe its second market where riders prefer performance and handling over the luxury.
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Second generation was launched as GL1100 with bigger displacement resulting in more power and Some changes in engine head to lower the gear ratio, reducing bore size.
Air suspension and tubeless tires were used by Second generation for the first time.
Honda used combined braking system with new twin piston callipers and wide tyres on short wheels which improved handling and braking power in goldwing.
It was second generation goldwing which got a fairing and luggage setup which was capable of storing 2 people luggage for touring and it was revolutionary step by honda.
Third generation came with a lcd digital display, Panasonic audio system with fm/am, fuel injection and foot boards replacing footpegs for passenger, and this model was launched as GL1200 with increase cc to 1182.
In the fourth generation Honda came with increasing 2 more cylinder and first time there was goldwing with flat six cylinder which increased tremendous power to 100 hp and 150 nm torque.
Goldwing used reverse gear for the first time as weight was increasing after every update.
This goldwing was named as GL1500 as there were 2 more cylinders, big windshield, grown size, more electronics and extra auxiliary lights.
Honda came up with 2 generation of its fifth generation first was from 2001 to 2010 where goldwing became GL1800 with its massive 1832 cc engine which produces 117 hp and 167 nm torque.
It added abs, airbags, in dash GPS, heated grips and seats, adjustable airvents for rider.
And 2012 goldwing came with minor updates a work on body frame bigger luggage storage, brighter display, an updated satellite navigation and radio and 6 speaker audio system with mp3 and ipod connectivity.
There is no big change in engine of sixth generation goldwing but there are technologically changes such as throttle by wire, four ride modes, led lighting, hill assist control, traction control, dual clutch transmission with walking mode.
So after lots of updates and changes in the bike from previous 50 years this bike has stayed in the production as it got upgrades and adapted the technology way ahead of its time.
So there are few things which make honda goldwing winner in comfort without compromising any power or technology.
Feedback from the owners or even those who got fortune to ride it, is always positive.
Comfort
This is the first element which this bike provides on any span of ride, more comfort, more handling on curves, is great response from the bike.
Lower seat height wide and soft cushioning gives smooth touring experience for rider with back support on front seat and top trunk comes with a big backrest and armrest which gives a chance to take a nap for pillion while sitting on back seat without getting fall off.
Head turner appearance
This chunky bike has flat 6 cylinder 1833 cc big engine which make its presence on tye road with its grunt and its massive Shap gives a look of small car for its widened body.
Its led light setup gives a big appearance for oncoming traffic from tye front and dual headlight setup brights enough at tye night for a clear visibility and safe ride. Auxiliary lights give additional lumens to cover those corners and beam pattern to make road visible at a big distance.
Massive protective windscreen
The main reason for fatigued rides, is to face wind blast at higher speed and blocking fresh air in summers at lower speed.
So key point on the Honda goldwing is to having a powered windshield which can be used according to the speed and weather. There is a pocket window which can blow the fish air at rider’s face while windshield is closed.
Music on go
Goldwing comes with 6 integrated speakers which give a enormous traveling experience without a use of helmet speakers or Bluetooth device.
7 inch touch screen has embedded with lots of entertainment options and there are switch on tank to operate music system.
There are plenty of switch buttons on handle which give a freedom to operate music on tgis moving bike without getting distracted and loosing focus on the road.
Dual Clutch Transmission
GL1800 comes with 2 transmission option one is manual 6 speed gearbox and another one is DCT.
With DCT this bike become even more luxurious to ride it skip the efforts of shifting gears and keep the mind relax without pressing the clutch lever repeatedly.
You can even operate this manually from shifters mounted on left side of the handle, and on the right side switches it can select various modes if you want it shift manually or automatically.
Adaptive suspension
Honda is the one who gave air suspension in the motorcycle for the first time. So GL1800 has an adaptive suspension which electronically can be adjusted for according to the ride nature.
There are 4 settings in suspension to give more option it get more comfort. Front suspension is advanced double wishbone electronically adjustable.
Conclusion
Honda goldwing has been gone through so many updates to compete the competition to stay on the top for its luxury and value for rider’s expectations for touring. So it is undeniably most luxurious experience on 2 wheels with such price .
It’s really tough to ignore praise the characteristics of bike so you can have this mammoth in your garage with no doubt.