| Honda's flagship tourer,
the Goldwing affectionately known amongst privileged owners simply as
the "Wing" has been the big engined touring icon for nearly 25
years. For the year 2001 the Wing is an entirely new motorcycle with
barely a part carried over and yet it remains unmistakeably a Honda
Goldwing through and through. From the engine to the styling it's all
new and yet instantly recognisable.
The all-new 21st-century Gold Wing
shatters traditional touring standards with world-class power, athletic
handling and supreme comfort.
The heart of the Wing has long been a
horizontally opposed 6-cyclinder engine with the cylinders arranged flat
and boasting a large displacement. The entirely new engine retains the
familiar layout but with the size increased to 1832cc producing an
unprecedented 118 bhp and 125 lb./ft. of torque all while meeting and
exceeding California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2008 emissions
standards, well known as the toughest in the world. The engine has been
designed to provide a powerful liquid delivery, providing effortless
long distance satisfaction.
Continuing this theme of the ultimate
touring experience, the chassis has been designed for surefooted
handling and superb comfort levels. The chassis is a multi-box-section
aluminium dual-spar frame assembly, 11kg lighter than the previous steel
design. It is engineered with a Pro Arm(r) single-side cast aluminium
swing-arm for excellent stability and increasing the ease of rear tyre
changes. The 2001 Gold Wing sets new class standards for handling.
Honda's Linked braking system (LBS)
provides superb braking control over many conditions and varying road
surfaces firstly by coupling the dual-front and single rear brake discs.
Using the front brake lever activates both the front calipers and the
rear caliper. The rear brake pedal operates the rear brake calliper and
the front calipers. An Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) features an
electric-motor-driven modulator that provides rapid and precise
braking-pressure adjustments, resulting in smooth ABS operation. The
system incorporates an integrated electronic control unit (ECU),
self-diagnostics with an interactive ECU test function, and automatic
protection against system failure.
Rider and passenger comforts are
outstanding with rear suspension adjustable from the riding position and
also features a 2-position memory setting for when changing from solo to
two-up riding. Comfort and convenience extend further still with
surround sound and optional CD stacker. The audio system capabilities
include rider-to-rider intercom system, a CB radio that permits bike to
communication (to similarly mounted Goldwing riders!) and automatic
volume control that increases and decreases according to the bike speed,
automatically adjusting for ambient noise.
A truly stunning motorcycle, the new
Honda Goldwing GL1800 has set a new standard in touring excellence.
The GL1800 Goldwing will be released in
Australia in April 2001. It will also be featured at the Sydney Motor
Show in November, The Brisbane Motor Show in February, and the Melbourne
Motor Show in March. Australian colours: Pearl Blue and Pearl Yellow.
Price TBA.
Expanded information
EXCLUSIVE GOLD WING FEATURES
- Powerful new fuel-injected 1832cc
six-cylinder engine produces smooth, effortless power-118 bhp and
125 lb./ft. of torque-while meeting the California Air Resources
Board (CARB) 2008 emissions standards.
- Beautiful multi-box-section
aluminium dual-spar frame assembly is 11kg lighter than the previous
steel design. Engineered with a Pro Arm(r) single-side cast
aluminium swing-arm, the 2001 Gold Wing sets new class standards for
handling.
- Honda's proven Linked Braking
System(r) (LBS(r)) provides superb braking power in a wide range of
operating conditions. Optional model adds Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) for even better control during hard braking.
- All-new anti-dive system minimizes
front fork dive when braking.
- New, computer-controlled adjustable
hydraulic rear suspension preload.
- Redesigned slow-speed electric
reverse system.
- All-new, lightweight electronic
cruise control system.
- Remote control operates trunk and
locks/unlocks trunk and saddlebags.
- State-of-the-art audio system with
optional CD player.
- A complete line of bolt-on
accessories and appearance items.
ENGINE
- The exhaustively tested 1832cc
liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine is 1kg
lighter than the previous design.
- Low, forward engine placement and
solid engine mounting produce excellent road handling
characteristics and impressive low-speed manoeuvrability.
- Parallel two-valve cylinder head
design utilizes direct, shim-under-bucket valve actuation and
requires no 1000km service; the first valve clearance inspection is
at 50,000km.
- Silent-type camshaft chains with
automatic adjusters provide reliable, maintenance-free operation.
- 6.9-litre air-box supplies a large
volume of cool clean air to the engine.
- Two 40mm-diameter throttle bodies
deliver air to six, specially designed Keihin(r) 50-psi
high-pressure fuel injectors. Fuel is delivered through four nozzle
tips in each injector, producing an atomised fuel mixture that is
highly combustible, for optimum efficiency and power.
- Electronic CPU provides two digital
3-D fuel injection maps for each cylinder and one digital
- 3-D ignition map for each cylinder,
creating ideal fuel mixture and spark advance settings for superb
rideability. Unique knock-control sensor monitors ignition advance
to improve performance throughout the entire rpm range.
- CPU-controlled, closed-loop emission
control system utilizes two oxygen sensors to constantly deliver a
precise, air/fuel mixture while two exhaust catalyzers reduce
emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides
further.
- Rotary Air Control Valve(tm) (RACV)
provides auto-choke function and maintains precise idle control
under widely varying engine loads and operating temperatures.
- High-pressure-formed, sintered iron
Nickalloy(tm) crankshaft bearing caps provide quiet engine operation
throughout the engine's operating temperature range.
- Compact water pump is mounted behind
the engine and is driven directly by the crankshaft, reducing
complexity and weight while contributing to quicker engine warm-up.
- Engine cooling system features a
series-flow coolant flow pattern that improves cold-start
rideability and provides rapid engine warm-up.
- Two side-mounted radiators improve
cooling efficiency and use low-air-pressure areas created by side
cowls to draw cooling air through the radiators and around the rider
at highway speeds. Below 25kmh, thermostat-controlled fans pull
cooling air across the radiators into the fairing, keeping hot air
away from the rider.
- Sturdy eight plate clutch with
maintenance-free, hydraulically-assisted clutch.
- Efficient, stainless steel
six-into-two exhaust system produces a pleasing, powerful sound.
- Powerful, 1100-watt alternator uses
a dual-damper system to minimize alternator noise.
- Precise-shifting five-speed
transmission includes overdrive fifth.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
- The innovative aluminium frame is
specifically engineered for optimum rigidity with tuned flex. This
combination of rigidity and flexibility produces excellent handling,
superb riding comfort and wonderful road feel.
- Inherently smooth, flat six-cylinder
Gold Wing engine also serves as a tuned stressed frame member. The
solid engine mounting system utilizes specially designed hangers and
carefully matched mounting bolts to provide both excellent road feel
and minimal engine vibration.
- The Gold Wing's rigid, Pro Arm
single-side cast aluminium swing-arm provides simplified servicing
of the rear wheel and tyre while assuring optimum handling.
- Dual full floating 296mm front discs
with Linked Braking System (LBS) three-piston calipers and a single
ventilated 316mm rear disc with one LBS three-piston caliper provide
excellent braking power.
- Honda's LBS features a second master
cylinder and a three-stage proportional control valve (PCV) to
couple the three-piston calipers of the dual-front and single rear
brake discs. Using the front brake lever activates the outer two
pistons of the front right-side caliper and the center piston of the
front left-side caliper and, acting through the secondary master
cylinder and an inline proportioning valve, the outer two pistons of
the rear caliper. The rear brake pedal operates the center piston of
the rear brake caliper, the center piston of the front right-side
brake caliper and the outer two pistons of the front left-side
caliper. A delay valve sensitive to the rider's pedal pressure
smoothes front brake engagement. Optional Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) features an electric-motor-driven modulator that provides
rapid and precise braking-pressure adjustments, resulting in smooth
ABS operation. The system incorporates an integrated electronic
control unit (ECU), self-diagnostics with an interactive ECU test
function, and automatic protection against system failure.
- Massive 45mm front fork houses a
cartridge damper in the right leg with 140mm of travel for a smooth
yet superb ride in all road conditions.
- All-new anti-dive system minimizes
front fork dive when braking. The system utilizes brake fluid
pressure generated in the secondary LBS master cylinder mounted on
the left fork leg and is activated by input from either the front
brake lever or the rear brake pedal. This first-ever application of
anti-dive and LBS produces enhanced stability when manoeuvring at
both low speeds and highway speeds.
- Pro-Link-mounted rear shock provides
104mm of plush travel for relaxed touring or
sport riding.
- New, computer-controlled adjustable
hydraulic rear suspension preload is easily set by the rider with
push-button controls and features a two-position memory.
- Unique, driveshaft-damping system
utilizes a double-pipe structure, with a rubber-bonded coating
applied to the inner pipe to absorb road shock and engine torque.
The long-life design reduces weight in the Pro Arm assembly and
simplifies rear wheel maintenance.
- A smaller, lighter final gearcase
assembly in the Pro Arm is achieved through the redesign of the
pinion gear and ring gear assemblies. This new design eliminates
wheel alignment splines and assures accurate alignment of the rear
wheel after servicing.
- Cast aluminium 18- x 3.5-inch front
wheel and 16- x 5.0-inch rear wheel are lightweight and strong.
- Radial touring tyres are
specifically engineered for the Gold Wing, providing a combination
of excellent traction, cornering grip and tyre life.
TOURING FEATURES
- The parallel two-valve cylinder head
design, together with side-mounted radiators, allows the engine to
be moved forward 50mm for optimum ergonomics, with excellent rider
foot room and an enlarged passenger cockpit.
- Placing the rider closer to steering
axis also improves steering feel and helps assure even better
handling.
- All-new, slow-speed electric reverse
system is engaged with the simple push of two thumb controls on the
right handlebar.
- All-new, lightweight electronic
cruise control system utilizes a 16-bit CPU-controlled,
motor-actuated throttle mechanism that is 2.5 times more sensitive
to speed variation and responds 40 percent more rapidly than the
previous system.
- The Gold Wing's aerodynamic bodywork
is functional as well as beautiful, providing excellent rider wind
protection while reducing the drag coefficient a remarkable 10
percent compared to the previous design.
- A simple yet ingenious, ratcheting-windshield
adjustment system provides six settings over nearly 100mm of travel.
Operated manually, the mechanism eliminates the weight and
complexity of electric motors.
- The Gold Wing trunk provides 61
litres of storage capacity with an additional 5 litres of storage
available if the optional CD-changer is not installed. Two full-face
helmets fit easily in the trunk. The saddlebags provide 40-plus
litres of storage each, resulting in a total of 147 litres of
storage space.
- The saddlebag lids feature hydraulic
dampers for smooth operation.
- Specially designed luggage features
a remote control key-lock, permitting pop-open rear trunk operation,
a remote lock/unlock feature for the trunk and the saddlebags, and a
horn-actuated bike locator. If remote locking is attempted while a
lid is open, the emergency lights flash to alert the rider.
- Storage pockets located in the
fairing and rear trunk feature oil-damped doors for smooth
operation.
- Soft-touch elastomer provides a
luxurious feel to the front console, front and rear pocket covers
and the passenger armrests.
- Wind-tunnel-tested flow-through
fairing ventilation system.
- Ergonomically designed saddle with a
low, 739mm seat height has a plush passenger seat with 50mm more
room than the previous model. Integral backrest and side support
provide all-day riding comfort.
- Panasonic(tm) state-of-the-art audio
system features two enclosed 25-watt stereo speakers for
full-spectrum music reproduction with superb bass. Features include
12 FM and six AM preset stations, weather band radio, station
auto-select, headset-ready intercom, auxiliary adapter, ambient
audio enhancement, auto volume control, and audio mute. Intuitively
designed, console-mounted controls provide all set-up functions
while ergonomically designed controls mounted on the left handlebar
make rider-activated audio selection a simple process. A hooded,
high-resolution LCD display is easy to read in all riding
conditions. Options include trunk-mounted six-disc CD changer,
25-watt rear speakers, and a 40-channel CB radio.
- Completely redesigned instrument
cluster includes white-on-black analogy displays for speedometer,
tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel level, and features
adjustable backlighting and high-luminescence red pointers. A LCD
clock is located in the speedometer face. A high-resolution 110 x
254 dpi LCD, housed in a separate module, is legible in all lighting
conditions and displays the odometer, A/B tripmeter, ambient
temperature, audio modes, CB, rear suspension setting, and
trunk-open indicator. Indicator/warning lights are provided for
reverse, neutral, overdrive, oil pressure, fuel injection, high
beam, side stand, cruise on, cruise set, and low fuel.
- New motorized headlight aiming
system is operated by a dial switch located on the left fairing
panel and provides 2.5 degrees of adjustment from level.
- Large 25 litre fuel tank houses the
EFI fuel pump and provides excellent long-distance cruising range.
ADDITIONAL
FEATURES
- Headlight system features two 55W H7
low-beam and two 55W H7 high-beam bulbs with computer-designed
multi-reflectors. In high-beam operation, all four bulbs produce a
distinctive front lighting signature.
- Cylinder head covers feature Honda
1800 emblem.
- Engine and saddlebag guards help
protect the Gold Wing's bodywork in case of a tip over.
- Silver powder-coated finish helps
ensure the Gold Wing's aluminium frame will remain beautiful for
years to come.
- Maintenance-free features include:
automatic choke, RACV automatic idle, programmed fuel injection,
automatic cam chain adjusters, sealed battery, electronic cruise
control, and manually adjusted hydraulic rear suspension preload.
- Handsome two-piece aluminium
handlebars are lightweight and strong.
- Adjustable brake and clutch levers.
- Self-cancelling turn signals.
- Handlebar switches and controls use
new internationally approved graphic symbols.
- Extensive tool kit.
- Dual electric spiral horns trumpet a
distinctive note.
- New 20-amp YTX maintenance-free
battery.
- Dual helmet locks.
- Fold-down antennas for easy storage.
- Padded passenger handrails.
- Easy-to-use centerstand.
- Convenient ignition switch/fork lock
for added security.
- Transferable three-year,
unlimited-mileage limited warranty.
- Assembled in Marysville, Ohio.
- Ownership includes one-year
complimentary Membership in the Honda Rider's Club of Australia.
AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES
Audio accessories include: six-CD
changer, CB radio kit, CB antenna, rear speaker set, audio headsets
(available for open and full-face helmets), passenger audio
controller.
Air management accessories include:
windshield (available in tall and short sizes), windshield side air
deflectors (available in standard and tall sizes), fairing side air
deflectors, rear spoiler (four colors) with brake light, lower trunk
spoiler (four colors), lower saddlebag spoiler (four colors).
Functional touring accessories
include: heated grips with thermostat, running light kit, accessory
socket kit.
Touring convenience accessories
include: removable saddlebag/trunk liner set (available in standard
and deluxe type), trunk net, saddlebag/trunk mat set (available in
standard and deluxe type), seat weather cover, full cycle cover, front
nose mask, trunk vanity mirror with light, trunk inner light.
Chrome appearance accessories include:
front lower cowl, rear undercowl, front fender ornament, front fender
extension, front disc cover, passenger floorboard under cover, side
fairing accent, windshield garnish, trunk rack (two types), front
fender guard rail, saddlebag guard rail, trunk guard rail, saddlebag
scuff pads, saddlebag moulding kit, trunk moulding kit, side stand,
exhaust finisher (turndown style).
Carbon-fiber appearance accessories
include: front fender ornament, instrument accent,
saddlebag moulding kit, trunk moulding
kit.
Special badging and accent accessories
include: front fender emblem, gold emblem set, special cylinder head
emblems (three designs), instrument accent (available in wood, carbon
and aluminium appearances).
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: GL1800A/GL1800
Engine Type: 1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 74mm x 71mm
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
Valve Train: SOHC; two-valves per cylinder
Carburetion: PGM-FI with automatic choke
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Transmission: Five-speed including overdrive, plus electric reverse
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension Front: 45mm fork with
anti-dive system; 140mm (5.5 inches) travel
Rear: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link; electronically
controlled spring preload adjustment with two memory presets; 104mm (4.1
inches) travel
Brakes Front: Dual full floating
296mm disc with LBS three-piston calipers
Rear: Single ventilated 316mm disc with LBS three-piston caliper
Optional ABS
Tyres Front: 130/70R-18
- Rear: 180/60R-16
Wheelbase: 1691mm (66.6 inches)
Rake (Caster Angle): 29.25¡
Trail: 109mm (4.3 inches)
Seat Height: 739mm (29.1 inches)
Dry Weight: 360kgs
Fuel Capacity: 25 litres
Colors: Pearl Blue, Pearl Yellow |