Honda launches all-new 2018 Gold Wing in Oman
Gold Wing was unveiled in style with afire fountains on either side characterising the fierceness of the bike
MUSCAT: In a glittering event amidst the members of all the biking clubs in Oman, Honda launched the all-new 2018 Gold Wing at the Honda showroom at Wattayah last Friday.
Much to the excitement of the bikers from all over Oman, Gold Wing was unveiled in style with afire fountains on either side characterising the fierceness of the bike. Captains of the various motorcyclist clubs were also honoured with an award during the ceremony.
Yutaka Nakanishi, Large Project Leader (LPL) 18YM GL1800 Gold Wing, “We wanted our new Gold Wing to maintain its luxury but to be a much more ‘rounded’ motorcycle. A machine as useful to its owner around the city as it is out on tour. And more exciting to ride than ever. So we started from a blank piece of paper and made the Gold Wing smaller and lighter, and added all the technological hardware and software the modern rider could wish for. Now, just as in 1975, it remains a flagship model for Honda – and we are very proud to start this new chapter for such an important name.”
The Honda Gold Wing, since its introduction as a naked 1000cc machine in 1975 has always been the ultimate in two-wheeled travel. It is a motorcycle that has been very much on its own journey, growing in physical size and displacement over the decades, all the while creating an enduring and unrivalled reputation for luxury, quality and comfort. It has amassed a huge fan base here in the GCC and numbers grow each year, with the riders wanting to be part of the Gold Wing heritage.
Now, in response to the evolutions of demographics and the motorcycle market, the development team in charge of the bike’s future have decided on a radical departure from what would be a traditional update trajectory.
So for 2018 the GL1800 Gold Wing takes a new direction and is brand new from the wheels-up. It still has an evocative, flat six-cylinder engine that delivers an avalanche of torque and power, and it still remains Honda’s flagship premium tourer, loaded with features that allow two people to ride in style. Yet it’s smaller, much lighter and much agiler – very much a true ‘rider’s motorcycle’.
Sharing a common engine and chassis platform, the new ‘Wing will be available as the base model GL1800 Gold Wing, and as a ‘Tour’ edition with top box, which will also offer a version equipped with DCT and air bag. Depending on the variant, up to 48kg has been saved compared to the previous model.
The manual transmission is now 6-speed, while the new Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) features 7-speeds, with clutch feel, shift speed and rpm range of up/ downshifts tailored specifically to each riding mode. It also features a creep forward and back function. The manual machine employs the same reverse system as the previous design. The performance improvement is matched by even greater levels of relaxation: the stylish, aerodynamically-efficient fairing channels air around the rider and the electric screen adjusts for preference; the seats provide all-day comfort. New features like the smart key system, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity bring even more convenience.
All lighting is LED. The lower portion of the headlights uses 5 polished optical lenses on both sides to create a Jewel-Eye low beam light signature. The rear top box of the ‘Tour’ versions will hold 2 full-face helmets; combined with the panniers 110L storage capacity is available. The opening is via a button or smart key. Available as options are a luggage rack for the top box and exclusively designed inner bags. The capacity of the fuel tank is 4 litres less at 21 litres. But as the new Gold Wing is so much lighter and more aerodynamic, the improved fuel economy of 5.6 litres/100km means tank range is similar to the previous design.
Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission is a natural fit for the new Gold Wing engine and development revolved around DCT as the base. This is the third all-new generation of the system and the first to have 7-speeds, specifically designed for long-distance cruising; it’s also extremely smooth and fast shifting. And lighter than the 5-speed manual transmission fitted to the previous design.