Velvet revolution: test drive Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT 2021

RU-MOTO rating

• Reliability
• Chassis
• Appearance
• Comfort

3.3

Verdict

Honda Gold Wing is a motorcycle whose purchase is approached as if it were a matter of adding a child to the family. Often, owners stay with this motorcycle for many years. The target audience is adults, serious men who know exactly what they want. All these arguments certainly have a positive effect on the reputation of the motorcycle. This is no longer a summer toy or the result of youthful impulsiveness.

Today we will take a closer look at such a motorcycle as the Honda Gold Wing, popularly known as “Golda”. Let's delve into its life history, delve into the technical characteristics and try to form an unprejudiced opinion about such a legendary device.

It is worth understanding that the Honda Gold Wing has become one of the few motorcycles that can rightfully be called culture-forming. What do we mean? And the fact that there are entire communities of bikers who prefer only Golda as a motorcycle. A culture with its own history, traditions and ideas.

Motorcycle Honda Gold Wing 1800

The first copy of this brand came off the assembly line in 1974. Presenting the modern version of Honda, it is difficult to believe that it all began with the classic road motorcycle Honda Gold Wing GL 1000, equipped with a four-cylinder boxer engine. This was followed by several more modifications of this motorcycle.

A significant moment in the history of the development of the brand can be considered the release of the second generation of the 1980 GL1100 Gold Wing motorcycle. Here Honda has already chosen the vector of development of the model, the motorcycle has acquired the features of a real tourist, and I must say, it made the right decision. Over the years, the motorcycle continued to acquire new technological features, and the company tirelessly announced new models.

The next breakthrough was the release of the GL 1800 in 2001. The motorcycle was the result of many innovative technological solutions. During development, the company registered more than twenty patents related to the technical part. The model continues to be produced to this day, so we will take a closer look at it.

Specifications

Main technical characteristics of Honda Gold Wing 1800

Let's start by analyzing the model's engine. The volume is 1832 cc, which is comparable to the average passenger car engine. It is also not very different in structure, having as many as six cylinders and a four-stroke type of operation. But the arrangement of the cylinders is opposed, which is no longer very typical for a car. Equipped with a liquid cooling system. Our unit produces 120 hp at 5000 rpm, maximum torque is observed at 4000 rpm and is 167 Nm.

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The fuel system is represented by PGM-FI electronic injection and has an automatic air damper. Still, the character of the motorcycle cannot be called wild; the engine feels, again, similar to a car and you don’t have to wait for a powerful pickup when spinning it. But it’s great for long, languid highway trips and will allow you to fully enjoy the surrounding view. The gearbox is five-speed and has a reverse gear. The drive to the wheel is carried out via a cardan shaft.

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The suspension is represented by a 45 mm telescopic fork at the front, an anti-lock system is installed, and the travel is 140 mm. Rear: Pro-Link Pro-Arm, electronic preload control, with 105mm of travel.

In order to stop such a ship, an effective braking system is required. At the front, it is represented by a disc hydraulic system with a disc diameter of 296 mm, a combined three-piston caliper and floating pads. At the rear there is a disc with a diameter of 316 mm and also a combined three-piston caliper.

The most interesting aspect of the technical part of Golda is the motorcycle’s equipment with electronics and various features that increase comfort. In this, Honda can compete with the car on equal terms. We have a whole range of different settings and sensors on board. There is a radio, cruise control, suspension adjustments, and various types of driver heating. But here’s the paradox: there is no windshield height adjustment. This can be explained by slight Japanese conservatism, but releasing updates quite rarely, the company should look much further into the future. As for equipping the protecting driver, what can we say if the motorcycle has an airbag installed.

Honda Gold Wing 1800 control panel

Honda is certainly stuffed to capacity with various functions, but to say that this is progress is unlikely. The engineers know their target audience, so everything is done “richly,” but in the old fashioned way without newfangled sensors and complex computer gadgets.

As we have already found out, the strong point of the motorcycle is comfort. It is also interesting that the Honda is designed for traveling mainly by two people. The driver is given a comfortable, wide seat, while the passenger receives a full-fledged seat.

The significant capacity is also confidently stated by the number and size of the cases, and that’s not all. For those who like to create a complete comfort zone while traveling, a trailer can be attached to the motorcycle.

Engine

Transmission

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Dimensions and weight

Chassis and brakes

Performance characteristics

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Price

For a new model of such a behemoth you will have to pay approximately $28,000, which may sound scary for a motorcycle, but justified for this class. Used options are also not cheap. The inflated price is explained by the excessive love for this technology, as well as frequent modifications, for which the owners, getting carried away, pay a good part of the cost of the motorcycle.

Screenshot 1. Prices for used Honda Gold Wing on Avito

For whom

Here are the main features of the Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing:

• heated seats, legs, steering wheel;
• airbag;
• ABS.

This model is an excellent choice for those who prefer to travel on smooth country roads. For off-road use, this bike is not the best solution. Still, this is not an all-terrain vehicle, but a motorcycle designed to transport a large amount of luggage.

Tuning

Gold Wing can rightfully be called one of the most tuned motorcycles. There are several reasons for this. One of those that we mentioned earlier is buying such a motorcycle for a long time, and any thing, as we know, tends to become boring, then the owner begins to add new colors.

Another thing is that this motorcycle is well suited for modifications; factory accessories for Golda are also often found. It has become almost a tradition for tuning this Honda to install LED strips around the perimeter of the entire motorcycle; it is rare to see a Golda that does not glow like a Christmas tree at night.

You can often find modifications to motorcycle headlights, replacement of seats with custom ones, and installation of additional chrome parts. For travel, a trailer, the size of which varies from one suitable for carrying bags, to a trailer for overnight stays.

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The copper intercooler heat exchanger is a docked heater radiator from VAZ.
And to make it ventilate better, additional slots had to be cut in the plastic. If Soichiro Honda knew about this sacrilege, he would probably want to strangle me. The copper intercooler heat exchanger is a docked heater radiator from VAZ. And to make it ventilate better, additional slots had to be cut in the plastic. If Soichiro Honda knew about this sacrilege, he would probably want to strangle me.

Comparison with analogues

As a competitor to the Honda Gold Wing, we decided to choose the BMW K 1600 GT.

Motorcycle BMW K 1600 GT

We won’t compare numbers today, these are not the same motorcycles. Let's turn to the feelings and reviews of users.

Looking at the appearance and equipment, we understand that BMW looks more technologically advanced. If the Honda has a whole scattering of buttons, then the BMW motorcycle is controlled through the settings of the on-board computer. For example, Honda's suspension settings are on one button, but with a German representative you have to look for them in the menu. On the one hand, it is more technologically advanced, but on the other hand, it will not be very convenient to do this on the go.

Regarding the engine feel, the BMW will sound and feel angrier. Up to 150 km/h the difference is not yet so noticeable, but above that the differences are felt. At a cruising speed of 120-130 km/h, Honda is praised more.

Spaciousness is one of the main criteria for transport of this class. Honda has it slightly larger, plus Honda is more adapted to modifications that can increase capacity.

The advantages of the Honda Gold Wing include its high prevalence in motorcycle parties; the presence of like-minded people can help in many issues related to the motorcycle.

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The exhaust hasn’t started to “shake” much yet - they just removed the neutralizers, as the most choking place in the system.
The exhaust hasn’t started to “shake” much yet - they just removed the neutralizers, as the most choking place in the system.

COMPARATIVE POWER CHARACTERISTICS

In the first three graphs, the “before” characteristics are indicated in blue, and the “after” characteristics in red.

Repair and service

The most common breakdowns of the Honda Gold Wing

Nothing is perfect, and our Honda has a couple of pain points. Basically it's the suspension. Quite often, the weakness of the subframe turned into a breakdown, for several reasons: overloading the panniers, the specifics of Slavic roads, and unnatural use for a motorcycle.

There are problems with the gearbox, specifically fifth gear. Here the main role is played by the design feature of the copy shaft. The problem is manifested by the transmission being thrown out. It’s easy to check, engage fifth gear at low speeds and move “tightly”.

Otherwise, there are no system failures noted.

As for service, there are also few problems. Change consumables more often and Honda will not let you down on the road. And the resource of consumables is much greater compared to motorcycles of other classes.

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To the question “can you do more?”
You can safely nod your head. But then the problem of the viability of the transmission and clutch will become more acute. And catching detonation even on 98-octane gasoline is clearly a below-average pleasure for the engine. To the question “can you do more?” You can safely nod your head. But then the problem of the viability of the transmission and clutch will become more acute. And catching detonation even on 98-octane gasoline is clearly a below-average pleasure for the engine.

Owner reviews

Gennady (Chelyabinsk)

I'll start without any background. When I read reviews about the gold wing 1800, I noticed one drawback that many complained about, so I want to immediately please Honda fans, in the 2012 model the problem of “boiling” of the driver’s legs has been practically solved. Separately, I want to warn those motorcyclists who want to switch to the GL 1800, it is completely incapable of forgiving the pilot’s mistakes - I experienced this myself. Sometimes there is a false sense of personal invulnerability, which relaxes and can even kill. My advice to you: always wear a helmet and other equipment; crashing on Gold is as easy as shelling pears, even easier than in sports, so be vigilant. You will only begin to understand and fully feel your motorcycle after 2-3 thousand miles. At first, only euphoria is felt, so the first thousand are the most dangerous for an inexperienced pilot. As for handling and comfort, I can say that this motorcycle really does not like dirt roads. It becomes difficult to control on sand and grass. There is no EBD system, the wheel starts to slip as soon as you touch the gas, so you need to keep an eye on it. It's a little easier to ride with a passenger. Good comfort on the gold wing 1800 can sometimes play a cruel joke, I have already talked about this, unnecessarily relaxing the driver. Cruising speed is about 120 km/h. If the rain is not heavy, then you don’t have to worry about getting wet. In the rain, you will have to lower the windshield and look over it, because visibility is greatly affected by raindrops on the glass; they are not brushed off by oncoming traffic. If the wind is sideways or a very strong headwind, for example, when driving around trucks in the oncoming lane, it can “rearrange” quite strongly. The most dangerous scenario is when the wind is blowing from behind at three quarters of the windshield. I didn't see any problems driving around the city. Everyone lets you in and even respects you if you don’t push yourself. You should go on a long journey only when you have completely run it in; this primarily applies to the most “experienced” motorcyclists. These are the conclusions I made after driving the GL 1800/2012 for a season. I wish everyone good luck on the roads! Gennady

Prokhor (Vladivostok)

Of course, before buying, I read all possible reviews about the Gold Wing 1800 in order to make the right decision, but as often happens, all the advice came down to discussing one or another particular case of buying a used motorcycle. I was lucky - I decided to buy a used one, but through a trusted person. For me personally, the Honda Gold 1800 is simply a kind of queen of the roads, a kind of masterpiece among the huge variety of motorcycles, and even the pricing policy is quite lenient. The seats are very comfortable, both for the pilot, the passenger and the passenger - I simply don’t experience fatigue on such a motorcycle. The windshield is adjustable in height and provides good protection from the wind: even when driving in a convoy, at speeds over 100 km/h, I rode in a hat without strings, which never blew off even once. For driving in cool weather, warm air is provided here, the Gold Wing 1800 has cruise control, for traveling long distances (press a button and the bike maintains the desired speed without revving up). I bought the gl1800 in the old configuration, but it’s not even a matter of the very significant difference in price between the old and new models. The models have a very different design: in the new models, they are very pompous, they are more like a mega scooter. And the old model in its design looks very nice and discreet. So even in the future I do not intend to change this model to a newer one. The price for the gl 1800 gold wing is quite steep; for several years I spent several years searching daily for my dream, in good condition and at an acceptable price for a family with a monthly income of 50 thousand rubles. I reassured myself only by the fact that having shelled out a rather impressive amount for a purchase only once, provided that it was not a wreck, I would save on many things in the future. Since three large trunks are hidden from prying eyes under the plastic covering of the gold bags, and therefore, you won’t have to spend money on buying panniers, and this is already a significant saving. You can additionally mount a trunk on the rear box, either open or closed. You can tie up to a lot of junk to a high arc. The Honda I bought already had such a trunk with an arch. What's next. In terms of gasoline consumption, I can say that this 6-cylinder motorcycle consumes about 6 liters per hundred. I myself was shocked when I found out. A pleasant addition to this fact is the huge tank, which is enough for 400 km. And with today's price of gasoline, I think there is no need to explain where the savings lie. The factory equipment of the Honda Gold already comes with a radio, although the old one still has a cassette radio. Although for a man with arms growing from the right place, this is not a problem - he connected a modern player to the speakers and that’s it. I haven’t gotten around to making it beautiful yet, the player is lying in the side case next to the car battery, this is so that you can always listen to music - even when I’m standing or when I’m driving. And the extra power won’t hurt the Gold backlight either. With this configuration, you can easily arrange a night disco somewhere on the shore of a reservoir: lights and music, all with me. The saving on repairs is that getting into an accident on such a motorcycle is very unlikely. Due to its rather large dimensions, the Golda 1800 (well, just like other representatives of this family) is more noticeable to motorists than other smaller motorcycles. Plus there are arches that can protect the motorcycle in case of a slight fall. I can object to those who think that a large motorcycle is clumsy compared to its smaller comrades. I tested it with Krasnoyarsk sharp turns and traffic jams. Even car drivers perceive such a device with respect and do not push it, although they tend to forget the fact that a motorcyclist is also an active participant in road traffic and must occupy the entire lane, along with cars. When I decided to buy a Honda Gl 1800 gold wing, I thought it was time to quit frantic driving on the highways, it was time for a measured, solid ride. But I was deeply mistaken - my beauty does almost 200 km/h, accelerating to such a speed very quickly. Bikers on sports bikes, on rides, just had their eyes wide open when my beauty bypassed sports bikes with a smaller volume, one and a half liters, no matter how! As a conclusion, I can add that from that moment on, driving around the city became not only beautiful for me, but also comfortable. And the passenger can ride in stiletto heels, and in heels, and in nylon tights, and in white jeans - whatever you like!!! Prokhor

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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.

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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). ROCK!

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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.

Honda Gold Wing gearbox

Inspecting the gearbox for leaks is not an unnecessary operation at all.
Inspecting the gearbox for leaks is not an unnecessary operation at all.

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.

Honda Gold Wing Brakes

The pads on the front calipers wear out differently: on the right one more, on the left one less.
The pads on the front calipers wear out differently: on the right one more, on the left one less.

Rear "progression" bulkhead - 3-5 thousand rubles.

Replacement of final drive gears (including parts) - ???? rub.

UNFRIENDLY FLUIDS

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.

Does he want to go?

There are no mass problems here. Well, unless we drive too aggressively or ride on slippery surfaces and the traction is cut off. Then he buys a motorcycle and with that mass it's not good. As if it were not a motorcycle, there is a desire to go. We have enough strength. The moment is especially impressive. Basically, the entire ride is based on playing at the moment that is available from below. The Gold Wing accelerates surprisingly well for its size. You can tell it's catapulted into a gallop. Of course, it also generates excellent sound from the exhaust. By the way, he is not “gluttonous”. The manufacturer guarantees combustion of 5.6 l/100 km, but it comes out at 6.81 l/100 km. However, I still have other “standards” for traveling on 2 wheels, hence the inflated result. Overtaking does not cause a heart attack. Acceleration confuses most cars, not just motorcycles.

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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.

Fork overhaul (including seals, guides and oil) - 8-12 thousand rubles.

PROGRESSIVE RELIABILITY

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.

Does it have any disadvantages?

Yes, but a little. But mostly these are things that, personally, from the point of view of my connection with motorcycles, I consider to be a minus.

First of all, there is no cigarette lighter socket as standard. Such an ordinary thing for this class of motorcycles should be mandatory. Here we can have a slot, but only as an addition and at the expense of something. I understand that in the USB era, phones or other devices charge differently, and that we have navigation on the computer. But, despite everything, I would like a classic nest.

USB can be found, yes, but in the central trunk. If we have an Apple phone, then we will probably have full control of the motorcycle from the computer. Unfortunately, in the case of Samsung it turned out that we can only import the phone book. But we won't listen to music anymore. I was also able to pair my phone and bike via BT, but this also prevented me from being able to play music from the device. In other words, iOS users will get more.

The navigation functionality can also be considered a minus, which for the life of me could not understand that I wanted to drive along a toll highway. A wide configuration would be nice. This screen light detector may also work a little differently. A powerful screen exploding in daylight in the middle of the night due to the backlight is sometimes a problem.

Gold Wing Tour DCT GL1800

Unfortunately, it's also a motorcycle that gets stuck in traffic. It requires a really wide passage. While in normal traffic you can overtake comfortably, you will hardly be able to push it with this bike. We need to get used to the fact that we will often have to wait in line for the green light. For me, accustomed to waiting only once at a traffic light, this situation was overwhelming.