New Gold Wing for 2018 - finally

[nyITguy]

Arrived. Whatever that means...

https://powersports.honda.com/2018/gold-wing.aspx?cid=AT8610&spMailingID=17362676&spUserID=MTg3NTQ2OTA1NTQ4S0&spJobID=1084104744&spReportId=MTA4NDEwNDc0NAS2

[Psychopasta]

I rented a GW a couple of years ago for a motorcycle trip with my brother on the east Coast and was very impressed by it. It handles way, way better than anything that size deserves too, and has a great smooth motor.

I find this soulless stuff interesting. I have to tell you that no motorcycle has a soul, so you're SOL on that. They're just machines, and can be judged by how well adapted to their design goals they are, and how reliable they are.

Me, I wouldn't ride a big heavy bike like that without a reverse gear like the GW has. I've never understood why all the other manufacturers didn't jump on that one. Nothing should be >700lb with no reverse gear: the slightest slope makes walking it backwards a huge task.

YMMV

- Pasta

[bigbikerrick]

I have always been a fan of the GL, and have owned a few. Currently a 1500 I use for 2 up riding. here is a cool video of the new wing on the race track.
Rick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=nM7d7ux_6yE

[pebra]

I don't like being reminded of a ride I had a few years ago on a narrow, bumpy mountain road. Early on I passed a couple enjoying a spectacular view by the side of their Goldwing. I gave a friendly wave, didn't expect to see them again.

A few minutes later they passed me and quickly left me behind. I tried to keep up, but it didn't feel safe. Ok, I'm not a good rider, my bike isn't too well set up, but nevertheless. It was a fine sight, that big Wing with two up dancing expertly away and out of sight.

[Kiwi_Roy]

It does seem like Honda have done a lot of things right with this model, I/m sure if the wingnuts will be lining up for them.

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/10/24/2018-honda-gold-wing-first-look-18-fast-facts/

[Kev m]

I find this soulless stuff interesting. I have to tell you that no motorcycle has a soul, so you're SOL on that. They're just machines,

- Pasta

That statement shows me you don't understand the use of the word. The term means an anthropomorphism of the motorcycle that results from characteristics (sound, feel, vibration, suspensions etc. that connect the rider to the machine and experience of riding it). It means how well any given person connects with the machine.

And it's fine if you connect on efficiency, smoothness, isolation from road irregularities etc. But for some (me) we value the experience more with less isolation.

Neither preference is wrong.... They're just preferences.

Related tangent:

I thought I loved my wife's Grand Cherokee, but I started to find some of the auto features (rain sensing wipers, auto dimming lights, auto climate control, etc.) overly intrusive.

So I bought a primitive, dual live axle, Wrangler JKU. I still gave it things like heated leather, premium sound, and Nav, but left off many of those auto features, including an auto gearbox. I LOVE IT, I mean I haven't been this happy with a 4-wheel vehicle in almost two decades. Why? Because I feel more connected with it.

Neither is wrong and both are fun, but different.

[bobrebos]

I am on a ride from Western Canada down the Pacific coast and over to Phoenix with my buddy on his 2008 Gold Wing and me on my '16 BMW GTL 16000. We have been riding B.C. Rockies for two days, both bikes get near identical mileage, run at about the same rpm. The GW has a better seat, better stereo, more storage space and has reverse. The Wing powers out at 200 km/ he the BMW will pull past 240, which is irrelevant. BMW has more passing grunt but the GW is smoother.  GW is heavier but carries its weigh lower. BMW will corner better and is more responsive but the GW is more comfortable for 10 hour riding. I ran my R1150RT for 12 years with not one fault and never babied it so as far as reliability is concerned the BMW was great. The bigger and heavier K1600 feels 100 lbs lighter than the old RT so don't be put off by the weight. The GW can shame a lot of bikes 300 lbs lighter in the curves with the right rider. The new suspension on the '18 GW should be an improvement, the front end feel is the only fault I have with the current GW in comparison to the Beemer.


I agree. I have a 2010 GL 1800 Gold Wing, and love it.  Yes.....it is heavy, but the ride is well worth it on those 10-12 hour days.   
My .02

[LowRyter]

100 lb lighter that the old model.  125 HP at 5k rpm.  $27k with the passenger queen seat.

That's a couple of grand under the 1600 Beemer.  And probably a suitcase of cash less for upkeep.  It looks good.  I'd like to ride one.

[Ncdan]

If I was going to get that much mechanery I’d just go ahead and get a sports car for the same money.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Dang! Here I am agreeing with Kev. What is this world coming too? 

[Kev m]

Dang! Here I am agreeing with Kev. What is this world coming too? 

Have a drink, lie down, maybe it will pass. [emoji27]

[John Ulrich]

I love mine.  I upgraded the suspension which took care of any nitpicks you read about.      

[Cage Free]

If I was going to get that much mechanery I�d just go ahead and get a sports car for the same money.

Thats funny, Im just the opposite. I see fancy sports cars and think how many cool bikes could I get for the same money. Not a car guy.

[TimmyTheHog]

Just saw the promotion video released by Honda yesterday...

for that kind of money, Honda sure is cramming a lot of toys in the GoldWing...

the only thing I find it "fascinating" is that they changed the handle bar position more forward to create a more aggressive position...accordin g to the video anyway.

I do not own a GW, but I have sat on a few and test road a few of my buddies...I find the current more natural position quite comfortable...

Wonder what this "aggressive" position will do for the long ride?

Maybe whoever actually ride the more often than me can chip in?

[John Ulrich]

the only thing I find it "fascinating" is that they changed the handle bar position more forward to create a more aggressive position...accordin g to the video anyway.
Wonder what this "aggressive" position will do for the long ride?

I added a set of Helibars to mine to give me a flatter more forward/taller bar.  My larger seat moved me back also adding to better ergonomics.

[TimmyTheHog]

I added a set of Helibars to mine to give me a flatter more forward/taller bar.  My larger seat moved me back also adding to better ergonomics.

So from the sounds of it, the forward bar on the new GW might actually be more beneficial for you eh?...

Maybe just my short arms is causing me issues LOL...

[Darmie]

We surly love ours. Last fun trip was from Houston to Las Vegas and back. 3,500 miles later and we were ready to go again.

[Darmie]

Yawn.  UJC.  Get a Mustang instead!

Get the Tesla instead!

[PeteS]

Just saw the promotion video released by Honda yesterday...

for that kind of money, Honda sure is cramming a lot of toys in the GoldWing...

the only thing I find it "fascinating" is that they changed the handle bar position more forward to create a more aggressive position...accordin g to the video anyway.

I do not own a GW, but I have sat on a few and test road a few of my buddies...I find the current more natural position quite comfortable...

Wonder what this "aggressive" position will do for the long ride?

Maybe whoever actually ride the more often than me can chip in?

The forward position would be better for me. The stock position is too upright and puts strain on my lower back. I have an aftermarket seat that is 1" higher and 2" further back. Its helped a lot but helibars would be better. I never understood a touring bike that doesn't have either adjustable bars or tubular bars that can be swapped out.
Saw a few more videos. Looks interesting but not sure how many more years my wife can ride with me and its the only reason I own a bike that big.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM7d7ux_6yE

Pete

[canuck750]

Slimmer, narrower, faster, even more features, a big improvement on the past one, I think its looks much better.



The 1833cc, flat engine is still six-cylinder, and it now has four valves per cylinder instead of just two, producing 125 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 125 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm specified curb weight 833 lbs (BMW GTL 1600 767 lbs wet - 129 ft/lbs @ 5250 rpm, HD Ultra Limited specified weight 908 lbs - 113.6 ft/lbs @ 3250 rpm)

2018 Honda Goldwing Specs

https://www.einpresswire.com/article/411710840/2018-honda-gold-wing-specifications

[Sheepdog]

I like it. At least Honda was able to take 90 lbs off of it and get the engine moved forward a little. Even the DCT seems appropriate for the Wing...unlike the VFR1200. The luggage is a little smaller, though.

[jbell]

I dunno, but if my machine is THAT "perfect" why does it need me?

To make the payments?

[jbell]

Come on Honda, 8 cylinder, 8 cylinder, 8 cylinder.    You can DO it!

[Kev m]

To make the payments?

Nah, that's what my wife is for... [emoji56]

[Arizona Wayne]

I've never been a fan of any MC that weighs even 600#, but I remember when the 1500 GW 1st came out some referred to it as the Hondabago.  Since then other full dresser bikes have seemed to compete with that title including the latest Yamaha.  Glad to see Honda back pedal some now on their latest version.  Maybe it's because their loyal buyers are no longer capable of handling the girth of their product.

[elvisboy77]

Got to the comment "couch rocket" at the bottom of the article and stopped reading.  Perfect, LOL!

[kenvil1]

The old model engine boasted of maintenance-free hydraulic valve lifters, but the new engine uses Honda's recent Unicam system, so it looks like this is the first Wing to need valva adjustments; shim under buckets for the inlet valves, and screw and nut for the exhaust valves.
My favourite features are the combined alternator/starter for whisper-quiet starts, and the forward and reverse creep modes on the DCT models.

[Waltr]

The old model engine boasted of maintenance-free hydraulic valve lifters, but the new engine uses Honda's recent Unicam system, so it looks like this is the first Wing to need valva adjustments; shim under buckets for the inlet valves, and screw and nut for the exhaust valves.
My favourite features are the combined alternator/starter for whisper-quiet starts, and the forward and reverse creep modes on the DCT models.

I was under the impression the previous 6 cylinders had bucket and shim adjusters.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I was under the impression the previous 6 cylinders had bucket and shim adjusters.

Correct - shim under bucket. #11 is the shim.





The 1000 and 1100 had screw adjusters, the 1200 and 1500 had hydraulic adjusters.

[kenvil1]

I was under the impression the previous 6 cylinders had bucket and shim adjusters.

Sorry, my bad. I was thinking of the GL1500.