The 2018 Goldwing Tour is the manual variant in the new-generation Goldwing series. Completely redesigned—the first in 17 years. A more fulfilling, superb riding experience to riders and passengers.
Launched as the GL1000 in 1975 its horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine was not only physically different, it felt very different with a silky output perfect for long days in the saddle. A six-cylinder, 1500cc overhaul in 1987 saw the Goldwing once again state its intent and purpose to benchmark the ultimate touring machine.
The core appeal of the Goldwing remains its unique ability to make long-distance travel a truly rewarding and enjoyable experience. 43 years of development have lead to the new-generation Goldwing Series, 'the Premium Tourer' drastically renovated to offer a more superb riding experience for rider and passenger.
The Goldwing’s frame has been redesigned, utilizing an aluminium twin tube configuration to allow for more flexibility and weight reduction. Die-cast aluminium parts are fully used for the frame body. The riding position for both the rider and passenger have been moved toward the front and the seat rail has been shortened. A revision of the rear luggage box capacity has lead to further mass concentration.
To achieve ‘excellent dynamic performance and comfort with an enhanced controllability in a wide variety of situations,’ the Goldwing now adopts a newly developed front double wishbone suspension system. The cushion functions for absorbing shock and the fork holder responsible for steering are separated from each other. The shock transmitted from the road surface to the handlebars has been reduced by about 30% compared to the previous model, resulting in a much smoother ride.
A new attaching method of the swing arm to the frame results in weight reduction of 2kg and increased stability. The new Goldwing has adopted the electric adjustable suspension system, which is linked with the Riding Mode that is currently chosen to automatically provide the damping characteristics optimized for each riding situation, for the front and rear suspension systems. An electric preload system allows for a more intuitive selection of the preload type. Separate from the selection of the Riding Mode, it is possible to choose from 4 types of the preload settings for the rear according to whether a passenger is aboard and whether there is luggage.
For the new Goldwing, electronically controlled dual combined ABS optimally distributes braking force to the front and rear wheels, in linkage with the current Riding Mode of choice, automatically adjusting the braking characteristics more in line with the riding situation, which has enhanced the sense of security in riding.
For 2018, the engine offers a smooth and powerful new-generation F6 power unit. A re-designed unique liquid-cooled, longitudinal, 4-stroke, horizontally opposed 6-cylinder (F6) 1800cc engine that is substantially lighter and more compact.
The newly designed engine utilizes Unicam technology with a compact 4-valve cylinder head resulting in a lightweight package and as a first for the Goldwing, a Throttle-By-Wire (TBW) system has been adopted. The selectable Riding Mode system better accommodates different riding conditions and the new position of the engine allows for extra space for the rider’s feet. Other wide-ranging measures that helped achieve weight reduction include the use of aluminium cylinder sleeves, a change made in the camshaft material and a revision of the cooling water routes.
The 6-speed manual transmission system has lowered the engine speed when cruising at around 100 km/h, considerably improving engine noise. Also, a cam damper was installed between the clutch and the transmission, with the role of separating each of their inertial masses. This has reduced the noise and shock when shifting into gear and substantially improved the shift sound quality, as well as enhancing durability of the transmission at the same time.
The new Goldwing Tour has hill start assist and cruise control, ideal for long range highway cruising. For the first time in a large motorcycle, Honda has adopted an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) which integrates the starter motor generator functions into one compact unit for further weight reduction and mass centralisation.
With the following smart systems now installed, the 2018 Goldwing has become more convenient and easier to use. The smart systems are activated by the exclusively designed smart key and include: System for tuning ON or OFF the ignition. It has now become possible to turn ON or OFF the ignition and lock the handlebars while just carrying the smart key. It is possible to open and close the saddlebags and rear luggage box without the hassle of actual key operation, as long as the customer carries the smart key with them. Vehicle finder system where pushing and holding the Call button of the smart key results in the hazard lamp flashing. The Emergency Stop Signal system (ESS) assumes the function of promptly warning the following vehicles of sudden heavy braking by automatically activating the hazard lights.
High-grade textures, 7-inch full-colour TFT liquid crystal display screen and its three-dimensional design, offer a cockpit view with both a luxurious feel and cutting-edge characteristics, worthy of the flagship model’s cockpit. Tyre pressure is displayed as a numerical figure in the bottom left area of the meter. As well as offering the latest technologies and features for the audio systems, the new Goldwing offers the Apple Car-Play system enabling access to wide-ranging information.
・Refined shape ・Updated ergonomics ・Electric windscreen ・Heated seats and grips ・Luggage box and saddle bags and LED headlights and tail lights.
The Goldwing Tour is available in Pearl Hawkseye Blue
