Honda Gold Wing GL 1800 - an ideal companion for long trips

This year, the famous family of Gold Wing motorcycles from the Japanese concern Honda turned 40 years old.

With the advent of the first representative of the line (GL 1000, 1975), Gold Wing models became the flagship of the manufacturer and rightfully secured a leading position among high-quality and reliable bikes for comfortable travel for two.

The Honda Gold Wing GL 1800 modification appeared on the market in 2001.

Model features

premium touring incorporates all the brand's latest developments in safety and comfort, providing owners with a unique driving experience.

It’s difficult to call the new product a motorcycle, in the classical sense - it’s more like a luxury car on two wheels .

Until 2012, the GL 1800 model was not updated. The name Gold Wing was already synonymous with power and reliability, high technology and great taste.

However, Honda developers have modernized the motorcycle to bring it up to date in design and technology.

The updates affected ventilation systems, acoustics, safety, and in the design area they were focused on dynamics and style.

Thus, the latest audio system (SRS, 80 W) is connected to six speakers and demonstrates high-quality surround sound of AAC, MP3 and WMA music files, which are placed on a USB drive or iPhone, blowing warm air allows passengers to feel comfortable in any weather, and the pillow safety feature , installed for the first time on a production bike, provides passive protection.

Design solutions

The updated GL 1800 has a redesigned appearance.
The motorcycle now has bold lines that harmoniously connect the front and rear parts, and also emphasize solidity and grace in dynamic forms.

The multilayer fairing has become more aerodynamic due to a change in the shape of the traverse.

Wing-shaped headlights and elegant rear light optics add individuality to the bike and complement the stately image .

The new product features improved protection for the lower part of the motorcycle, as well as the legs of the driver and passenger, Honda Nav navigation is installed, the front fork is changed and the luggage cases are increased (up to 150 liters).

Among the innovations, we also note the appearance of the option of heating the handles, saddle and leg area .

Reliability and comfort

The Honda Gold Wing GL 1800 is designed on a rigid and lightweight aluminum box frame (twin-spar), which, together with the new suspension, allows the model to demonstrate smoothness and excellent ride quality, as well as precise handling.

Air intakes appeared at the rear of the body , reducing negative pressure behind the bike and increasing stability at high speed.

Larger trunks make it possible to carry more luggage, and comfortable seats allow you not to feel tired during long journeys.

Safety is ensured by proprietary brakes (CBS) of a combined type and an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which ensure confident braking of the car, even when it is fully loaded.

The ideology of the two-seater bike Irbis Harpy 250 is the maximum level of convenience and comfort for passengers during long trips.

A good universal 150 cc motorcycle model with high-quality assembly and a stylish look.

Brief history of the model

2001 - start of production and sales of the model. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A1.

2002 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A2.

2003 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A3.

2004 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A4.

2005 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A5.

2006 - minor changes to improve driver comfort when driving in cold weather (increased adjustments for heating and airflow), increasing the size of the speakers and frame design (strengthening the rear). The appearance of modifications with an airbag (Airbag) and a proprietary navigation system (Internavi) Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A6.

2007 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A7.

2008 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A8.

2009 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A9.

2010 is the last year of production in the USA. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A.

2012 - production moves to Japan. Restyling of the model. New appearance, new heating and airflow adjustments, new 150 liter panniers, new audio system. These models have been produced since the fall of 2011. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800C.

2013 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800D.

2014 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800E.

2015 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800F.

2016 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800G.

2017 is the last year of production. Starting in 2021, Honda is introducing a completely new generation of the model. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800H.

Specifications

For the Honda Gold Wing GL 1800 motorcycle a boxer power unit , which is equipped with six cylinders arranged horizontally, which ensures a low center of gravity, and therefore high maneuverability and amazing stability of the model at low speeds.
The unique design of the motor reduces vibrations to a minimum, and the maximum power of 118 “horses” and 167 Nm is impressive.

The engine potential is transmitted to the drive (rear) wheel via a driveshaft and a five-speed multi-disc manual transmission equipped with overdrive.

The dimensions of the Honda Gold Wing 1800 are:

• Length - 263.0 cm;
• Width - 94.5 cm;
• Height - 145.5 cm;
• Seat height - 74.0 cm;
• Wheelbase - 169.0 cm;
• Ground clearance 12.5 cm.

With these dimensions, the motorcycle weighs 421 kilograms and is equipped with a 25-liter fuel tank.

The chassis is represented by alloy wheels shod with 130/70-R18 (front) and 180/60-R16 (rear) tires.

The rear brakes have a single-disc design, while the front brakes have two anti-lock discs.

Below are the main characteristics of the Honda Gold Wing GL 1800 model in tabular form.

This arrangement of the unit guarantees impeccably smooth operation, and the latest catalytic converter (HECS-3) ensures emissions levels that comply with Euro-3 standards.

Test drive of the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycle from Za Rulem magazine

Everyone keeps saying: the crisis is schmisis, but there are more and more luxury tourers every year. about the leader of this segment - the Honda Gold Wing 1800 - more than once or twice. But while admiring the beautiful tuning, you shouldn’t forget that they also drive Gold cars. And many and far away. And the “golden wings” need to be looked after and looked after so that they, like the little mice from “Leopold the Cat,” fly and don’t fall.

The old Wings (GL-1200 and GL-1500) have already washed all their bones, or rather feathers. But the GL 1800 in Russia has long left the category of “only a service” motorcycle. Many gold growers repair their equipment themselves. And there are not always adequate motorcycle services nearby. Yes, it’s paradoxical, but the “very, very” luxury tourer can be found not only in the capital, but also in the vast expanses of the CIS, beyond the Urals and in the Far East.

The motorcycle does not lose much in price over time: over the 8 years that the GL-1800 , the basic equipment (without tuning and body kit) has become cheaper by about a third (remember, a new motorcycle costs about 30 thousand dollars, and for an unused Gold Wing 2001 years with a mileage of 30-40 thousand km they ask for “from twenty”). When choosing, you shouldn’t trust the odometer readings too much - it’s extremely rare to see a Golda of early production just imported into the Russian Federation with a mileage of 15,000 km. Better pay attention to the wear of the seat, footrests, and rear brake pedal; It’s worth looking at the wear on the brake discs, especially the rear ones (they wear out faster than the front ones) and examining the wheel rims for scratches from repeated tire mounting.

This device is incredibly reliable, but not perfect. Let's focus on the most important aspects of its operation.

In principle, the engine is a low-powered “millionaire”, but only with proper care. Although Honda recommends mineral oil (Honda HP-4 10W40 SJ, 4 l), it is better to pamper it with synthetics like Castrol Power1 or Motul 300V - and the gears will engage more softly, and there is less chance of “boosting” the engine when operating it at high speeds. The frequency of replacing the air filter is 10,000-15,000 km, spark plugs are 15,000-20,000 km. Adjustment of valve clearances - once every 50 thousand km; At the same time, it is worth changing the timing chain tensioners. When operating on domestic gasoline, it is not a bad idea to wash the injectors once every 50 thousand km. Solvent is easier, ultrasound is more effective, but in any case, the operation is in demand. After washing with a solvent, it is necessary to replace the spark plugs (the common NGK BKR6ES are suitable). Once every three years or 50,000 km, it is worth changing the antifreeze. Sometimes completely rotten gasoline (of which there is a huge amount in the vastness of our homeland) forms a coating on the working chamfers of the intake valves; the consequence is loose closure and burning of the valves. It can be treated by disassembling the heads and grinding the valves into the seats (if, of course, you notice the dangerous knocking in time and do not allow the valves to burn out completely). The first call to change fuel is frequent detonation during acceleration and driving uphill.

On devices manufactured after 2006, there is a defect in the 5th gear: the shift paw is sometimes fixed in the non-engaged position, which leads to wear of the fork due to incomplete meshing of the gears. The consequence is the disappearance of top gear, a crunch when switching from 4th to 5th. Unfortunately, it can only be cured by completely disassembling the engine - replacing the fork and gearbox gears. So when buying a used Golda, you should carefully check the box while driving.

The clutch is very reliable, even with occasional wheelie driving and very dynamic acceleration at full throttle, it easily lasts up to 100,000 km.

On motorcycles 2001-2006, a defect in the rear part of the frame in the area where the pendulum is mounted is often found. Driving on bad roads causes cracks to appear in the places where the load-bearing rear pipes are welded to the cast parts of the frame (see photo). The same fate sometimes befalls the cross member to which the central stand and progression levers are attached - it cracks along the welds. Some motorcycles were recalled by dealers as part of the Frame Welding Control program to eliminate these defects, as evidenced by a mark in the form of a chipped dot on the VIN plate (see photo). When inspecting your motorcycle, be sure to take a flashlight with you and carefully inspect the welds for cracks.

It is important that those who undertake to restore damaged frames do not always know the brand of alloy from which it is made - it contains a lot of magnesium. It cannot be welded with ordinary aluminum filler material. Welding a frame in Moscow will cost 25-100 thousand rubles. (depending on the severity of the “disease”).

The fork is frankly weak for such a heavy motorcycle. The GL-1800 is asking for a good “shifter” - at least the one on the GL-1500C Valkirie. But it is not in our power to change the design, so we will be content with what we have.

The hydraulics of the fork are unusual: one feather works for compression and rebound damping, the second for “anti-dive”. The feathers have different internal structures and different oil volumes (left feather (peck) - 520 cm3, right feather - 460 cm3, recommended viscosity - 10W). Already after 40 thousand km, a decent amount of wear forms in the moving pipes, causing torsional rigidity to become even lower. By 100 thousand, the chrome on the supporting pipes wears off in places, which already requires replacing the feathers. When purchasing, you need to place the motorcycle on the center stand and have someone press the center case to release the front wheel. The play felt at the ends of the feathers is a signal to replace at least the moving pipes.

The rear suspension is very reliable, but you should not neglect inspecting the rear linkage “progression” for play in the bearings and changing the lubricant, especially if the motorcycle’s mileage exceeds 50 thousand km.

Pay attention to whether the rear gearbox howls at speed and during intense acceleration - a slight howl is acceptable, but a loud howl that changes with the load is an alarm bell for replacing the main drive gears. It is advisable to change the oil in the gearbox (transmission 80W90, filling volume 130 cm3) every three years or every 50,000 km.

Be sure to change the brake fluid in multiple brake circuits every two to three years. Don't ignore the clutch drive - it will also need fresh fluid. It is important to remember that on motorcycles with ABS, it may take up to a liter of fluid to fully bleed the circuits. And do not forget that DOT-4 (filled at the factory) and DOT-5 are incompatible. But DOT-5.1 is “friends” with everyone.

The motorcycle's electrical system is very reliable, but sometimes it has glitches. But they are quite easy to treat, because the wiring is not digital, but analog - and with due patience, any malfunction can be diagnosed using a multimeter and the original service manual with color diagrams (more on this at the end). It can also be used to diagnose ABS and injection systems (PGM-FI).

Over time, the plastic may begin to crack due to shaking, especially around loose fasteners. Often the ears that attach the “muzzle” break off (they are under the rubber bands of the rear view mirrors), but the rear case is most susceptible to disease. Shaking often causes cracks to begin to creep around the silent blocks securing it to the subframe, and the hinges of the cover also become loose. It is better to simply change the hinges every 50,000 km - the price of a hundred dollars per pair is not comparable to $500 for a case cover. The case itself “in color” will cost from 600 to 900 evergreens (depending on the color).

Source: magazine "Behind the Wheel"

Go to Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycle

Review of the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycle

• Read review of Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Check out the test drives:

• Review and test drive of the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycle from the magazine "Wheels"
• Test drive of the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycle from 5koleso magazine
• City test drive of the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycle from the Vedomosti newspaper
• Comparative test drive of Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and BMW K1600GT motorcycles

Estimated cost

The reliability of the legendary Gold Wing touring bike, as well as the highest quality of its workmanship (including painting and assembly) is beyond doubt .

For this reason, such a perfect machine cannot be cheap.

Currently, the market price for a new model “starts” at 1,485,000 rubles, and a used motorcycle can be purchased for about 500,000 rubles.

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Disadvantages of the model

In terms of technical characteristics, the Honda Gold Wing has no complaints, although its appearance, dimensions and significant weight cause dissatisfaction among some motorcyclists. It should also be noted that in no case should a motorcycle be used as a first vehicle, since even a large number of functions that facilitate control will not be able to correct insufficiently developed driving skills.

If you were attracted by the characteristics of the Honda Gold Wing motorcycle and you wanted to buy it, then you need to know that this equipment is not cheap. The average market price of the model varies from 1 million 200 thousand, although it is worth paying this amount for a real “yacht on wheels”.

Photo gallery

As mentioned above, the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has an updated appearance, namely, new headlights and an improved suspension, which provides comfort and confidence at high speeds. Take a look and appreciate its new design, various color options and some interesting details.

Advantages of the Honda Gold Wing motorcycle

The list of advantages of this famous Honda model is impressive, so it makes sense to list the main ones:

• Stylish design, impressive appearance due to chrome parts and high-quality plastic lining.
• A powerful 1800 cc engine that allows the Honda Gold Wing to travel at speeds of up to 230 km/h.
• A large list of additional equipment - SRS audio system, cruise control, USB ports, etc.
• Spacious trunks with a total volume of about 150 liters, etc.