Review of the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing (2018+) + Tour motorcycle

touring motorcycle model (2018+)

appeared on the market in 2021, replacing the previous version of the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing, produced from 2001 to 2021.

The new model was now offered in two standard versions - the regular GL1800 Gold Wing

(version without a center case and with a short windshield, in the style of “bagger”) and
GL1800 Gold Wing Tour
(a full touring version with a center case and a tall window). In addition, any of these versions can be purchased with both a classic manual transmission and a proprietary robotic transmission with two clutches DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).

Main changes in the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing (2018+), compared to the previous GL1800:

• New look
  . Became more modern.
• New engine
  . I changed my configuration, increasing the crankshaft stroke, compression ratio and getting a new cylinder head with 4 valves per cylinder. Maximum power increased (118 → 126.5 hp). The starter and generator are now a single unit (ISG - Integrated Starter Generator system).
• New checkpoint
  . Compared to its predecessor, it has become 6-speed. Versions with a DCT robotic gearbox have appeared.
• New suspension
  . The front suspension has become a lever suspension (reminiscent of the BMW Duolever), the rear has received the function of electronic preload adjustment.
• New brakes
  . The diameter of the front discs was increased (296 → 320 mm), and 6-piston radial calipers appeared (instead of the usual 3-piston ones).
• Electronic technologies
  . ABS (with CBS combined braking system); electronic throttle (TBW - Throttle by Wire system); electronic adjustment of rear suspension preload; multimedia system; heated handles and seats; traction control (HSTC - Honda Selectable Torque Control); hill start assistance system (HSA - Hill Start Assist); slipper clutch (assist slipper cam); LED optics; keyless entry system (Smart Key); tire pressure monitoring (TPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring System); Cruise control; start-stop system: turns off the engine when stopping and starts when opening the throttle (Idling Stop); robotic gearbox DCT (Dual Clutch Transmisson) (on versions with DCT); Airbag airbag (on versions with Airbag); reverse gear (Reverse Gear), auto-off turn signals.

In November 2021, Honda introduced the updated version of the Gold Wing for the 2021 model year. The USB cable in the left case is now included as standard. The Tour modification received minor changes in suspension settings and new, more comfortable passenger handles. In addition, the DCT versions received optimization of the injection system and DCT settings for more comfortable driving at low speeds.

Main competitors of Honda GL1800 Gold Wing (2018+):

• Yamaha Star Venture

Brief history of the model

• 2018 - start of production and sales of the model.

Model

: Honda Gold Wing + Gold Wing Tour (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation
: GL1800BJ + GL1800J, GL1800DJ (Tour DCT), GL1800DAJ (Tour DCT Airbag), GL1800BDJ (DCT).

• 2019 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda Gold Wing + Gold Wing Tour (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation
: GL1800BK + GL1800K, GL1800DK (Tour DCT), GL1800DAK (Tour DCT Airbag), GL1800BDK (DCT).

• 2020 - minor changes to the DCT settings and fuel injection system.

Model

: Honda Gold Wing + Gold Wing Tour (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation
: GL1800BL + GL1800L, GL1800DL (Tour DCT), GL1800DAL (Tour DCT Airbag), GL1800BDL (DCT).

• 2021 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda Gold Wing + Gold Wing Tour (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation
: GL1800BM + GL1800M, GL1800DM (Tour DCT), GL1800DAM (Tour DCT Airbag), GL1800BDM (DCT).

For whom

Here are the main features of the machine:

• 94 hp and 105 Nm for the engine;
• the motor is less noisy and vibrates than the previous model;
• The front suspension is equipped with an anti-dive function.

The Honda GL 1200 Gold Wing is perfect for traveling. Yes, the model is unable to compete with the famous Africa Twin from the same company either in cross-country ability or in practicality. Nevertheless, the motorcycle is an interesting option for the amateur tourist.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Honda GL1800 Gold Wing (2018+):

Review of the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycle

The main problem with the first 1800 gold wings is the frame - it bursts from our roads and also from overloads, and not in one place... Repair from 3000 evergreens... and higher, the stickiness option is high, so weigh the pros and cons before buying Golda 2000-2005, it is advisable to look for one with a welded frame (although they could have cooked it in different ways... they could have done it anyway), so don’t be fooled by the lights and music... it’s better to an empty golde made after 2006 than a fancy one from 2000-2005.

Directly about the Gold Wing, produced since 2006, they changed the front panel a little, the main thing was that they removed the problem with the frames, it no longer bursts (unless you really load it up or suddenly decide that your motorcycle can also be an enduro motorcycle), but a new problem has appeared - Transmission! 5th gear slips out...

I talked with many specialists - everyone is guilty of weak plugs in the box and, most importantly, a weak plate that has low-quality metal, as a result of which the box is covered with a copper basin... Therefore, I recommend installing a reinforced plate after the purchase (it fits 1 mm thicker freely) and the service life of your gearbox is you will increase significantly...

I’ve heard a lot of bad reviews about the fork, I haven’t personally encountered it, but it’s a little soft, but if at the beginning of the season you change the oil in it to a thicker one, change the bearings, it will withstand an intense riding season! In all other technical aspects, the device is very reliable, the main thing is not to skimp on oil and consumables and do not forget to carry out the work required according to technical requirements. regulations... But that's all for those parts...

As for the motorcycle itself, the mot super is the only motorcycle that I didn’t want to change after a season... Yes, for speed lovers it will seem weak. For those who like to ride between the rows, this is also not an option... But, for a relatively leisurely long-distance ride, on roads of good and average quality, the motorcycle is ideal! Consumption from 6 liters to 10 liters. On one tank (25 liters) I drove 380 km on flat terrain with fresh tires and with cruise control turned on. I haven’t seen anything better, and not because I praise my swamp, but because there is something to compare with...

The only more or less close analogue is the Bmw K 1600 GTL, everything is fine, but the maintenance... And the hell with the maintenance, sometimes something breaks that, well, shouldn’t break on a motorcycle worth one and a half million. And another very unimportant detail, a BMW cannot be hung with chrome, the diode firmware will not look appropriate on this model, and with music it is not so easy to make such an upgrade as Golda can undergo. This is exactly why they love her, she gives you the opportunity to implement it specifically for yourself. If you want to drive, travel, want to take up music, install two amps, two subwoofers, 6 speakers of a good brand.

If you want to hang up the full catalog of Kiriyakinsky chrome, if you want to flash it with diodes, I recently saw Galda in California with 6000 diodes (for reference, installation of one diode costs from 2 to 5 dollars, depending on the coolness of the company). Special individuals went further than everyone else and began to hang it with gold, but this is from the category of golden toilets...

Or you can do everything at once... It’s not for nothing that finding 2 identical golds is usually very difficult... The bike is iconic, I don’t see replacement options yet, unless you buy more motorcycles for other purposes...

Hi people! If you sit back comfortably and start reading all sorts of writings about Gold 1800, then the time has come when you can’t bear it anymore and really want such a pepelats! Well that's right! Don’t be fooled by the statements of some narrow-minded bikers that “When I retire, I’ll take a Golda.” Bullshit. There is an opportunity to take a normal, comfortable motorcycle, take it! Don't wait for retirement.

Now about the technology itself. I bought Golda a year ago and naturally fell in love with her. Before choosing a spendthrift, I re-read the entire Internet, and didn’t find any reviews. And now I have my own point of view. I'll try to express it in letters. Where to begin? From the front fork. It is rather weak for Russian roads, especially since one feather mainly works, while the other is occupied by the anti-dive system. And just when both feathers should work on bumps, you press the brake, it turns out that you go over bumps on one feather. And the burden is all on him. I know that you don’t need to brake on bumps, but when you hit a “washboard”, you have to brake on it.

Following the fork comes a steering bearing (or rather a pair - upper and lower). The motorcycle is heavy and the bearings are dead. But they are not in short supply and, in principle, change very easily. And if you also make a special key, then it’s not a problem at all.

The most difficult thing for me was to find and replace the air filter without a manual. It’s easier to change the steering bearings three times! The filter was hidden somewhere in front of the tank, under all sorts of wires, all the front plastic, which you can’t remove without removing the seat. I won’t describe it, but the engineers could have placed it closer. Still a consumable.

Music. After 120 it’s not very audible if it’s standard. Wind and tire noise are disturbing.

Landing. Convenient - very convenient! Both for the passenger and for the driver. In the rain, if you don’t stand, you will arrive dry - all the water goes to the sides (well, if only a few drops from the edge of the windshield). It is advisable to immediately install stems for the legs - in warm weather, all the heat from the engine goes to the driver’s legs. Your legs begin to boil after a short ride, not to mention a long ride. There are all sorts of air windows, holes, curtains, etc. They don’t help - it’s too hot for your feet.

Brakes. I liked it. Especially an integrated system. No matter what lever you press, both wheels still slow down. This helps a lot when you suddenly find yourself on a slippery section on a descent. You need to keep your feet on the ground and, preferably, slow down with the rear wheel so that the front wheel does not skid due to the blocking of the front wheel. This is where the integrated system comes to the rescue - both feet are on the ground, and both wheels are slowed down by the handbrake. So you pass an unpleasant section somewhere when leaving the road after rain towards the forest, when the madam sitting behind you asks you about it.

Management of course! I’ve heard opinions that it’s heavy and when starting off it steers poorly, sways to the sides, and is hard to hold…. Don't believe it. Just get going and that’s it! The yacht has sailed! The weight distribution is awesome! It steers easier than a scooter! It takes turns, catching the asphalt with tuning stems, but you don’t feel it! But I just can’t get used to the fact that when you stop and need to turn around, for example, because of its weight, Golda tends to fall over on the side where you are turning. And it falls over very quickly - it just gently lies on the front arch. It rises easily if you know how to lift it. It seems to me that it falls over easily due to the fact that the front wheel is not visible and visually sitting on the motorcycle, you cannot determine the degree of inclination of the motorcycle when turning. It seems like you want to tilt a little in the direction of the turn and suddenly Golda is already on his side. It’s scary to lift it later when a bunch of people are staring at you (or the motorcycle). And she (the bunch) is sure to stare! The motik is beautiful!

The weak point is the buttons on the steering wheel. Inside they are made of plastic along which plastic also moves, but with a metal tongue. So this tongue quickly makes a hole in the plastic, after which the buttons either do not lock or do not turn off. These are reverse, cruise control and mute. Lubricate, don’t lubricate, it’s useless. And they are not sold separately. Only with remote controls. And the remotes are expensive!

Chassis and brakes

The frame is made of steel. It looks solid, as does the exterior as a whole: you can immediately see that this is a very large and heavy motorcycle on which you can load a lot of things; However, it is clear that this car is completely unsuitable for driving on race tracks.

The wheels here are alloy, which does not affect the appearance in any way, because this is not important for a touring bike. The steering wheel of the model is quite large, but due to its high location it will not rest on your knees. The windshield is not at all decorative. It is large enough to effectively protect the driver's face.

The bike is equipped with a pendulum suspension with two shock absorbers at the rear, while at the front there is a telescopic fork. The rear and front suspension travel is 100 and 140 mm, respectively. The rear brakes are equipped with a two-piston caliper and a disc with a diameter of 250 mm. The brakes at the front are two-piston calipers paired with two discs, each 232 mm.