2009 HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING

The first GL1000 Gold Wing wowed the crowds at the Cologne show at the end of 1974. Billed as a tourer, the unique machine featured an 80bhp, liquid-cooled 999cc flat-four engine, shaft drive, and an underseat fuel tank. But though the weighty 265 kilo bike did go on to generate huge success as a mile-eater, its lack of fairing and luggage seemed odd oversights. Accessories firms soon solved those omissions, and the Wing’s popularity was assured. Americans were especially keen on it, with nearly 100,000 sold by 1979. In 1980 the GL1100 was introduced, and then for the following season Gold Wing production was moved to Ohio in the US. The engines continued to be made in Japan. Detailed changes were regularly made to the bike which then became the GL1200 in 1984, with 1988 seeing the launch of an all-new Gold Wing. Powered by a 100bhp, six-cylinder, 1500cc flat-six engine and featuring a reverse gear, the new bike created similar reaction to the original model.

It was the same story in 2001 when the model we’ve tested, the GL1800, first went on sale. Equipped with its alloy twin spar frame, the new Gold Wing handled extremely well for a bike of its type. And even with its hefty £17,000 price tag, its success continued thanks to its unique luxury. It gained a heated seat and grips in 2006, a GPS system and air bag in 2007, and then in 2010 production of the Wing stopped in the US. None were manufactured in 2011 while tooling was returned to Japan. For 2012 the bike was restyled and updated, and joined by the F6B Bagger version in 2013. The 2018 Wing was all-new, featuring a redesigned engine, and new alloy twin spar frame. New electronics included traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, riding modes and electronically adjustable suspension. Two versions were available, the standard Gold Wing and

higher spec Tour model. Each came with the option of DCT semi-automatic gearboxes. Both are still on sale.

FIRST-CLASS TRAVEL

As a touring bike the Gold Wing wants for very little. Armchair, all-day riding comfort is apparent from the first minute of a ride to the last. Massive luggage space swallows everything you’d need for a couple of weeks away. Together with an array of accessories to make life even more sweet and convenient, the Gold Wing guarantees the most civilised of journeys.

There’s little chance of ever feeling needy or bored, there are too many things to adjust or twiddle with for that. I counted 59 buttons, switches and flaps to help you fine tune life on board. Some are very useful, others more novel. Push-button suspension adjustment, cruise control, and the superbly clear sound system get the thumbs up. The heated seats are arguably superfluous, the sat nav and instruments aren’t quite as advanced as they could be, and the screen should definitely be electrically adjustable. Making up for some of that is the very useful reverse gear, though thankfully the air-bag is something I didn’t get to appreciate.

DON’T WORRY, IT CORNERS!

Something that’s all the more remarkable given the Wing’s size and weight is its handling. You can’t ignore the Honda’s dimensions, and it’s certainly not something you ever want to lose control of. But with its brilliant balance and remarkable poise you’ll be amazed at just how confident you can feel on it. Life on the Gold Wing is nowhere near as daunting as you’d think. As the speed rises, the way it deals with corners is hard to believe. With the right approach the Honda can cover ground far more quickly and assuredly than you’d ever think possible. Big bars help the steering effort, and well-controlled suspension assists keeping the wheels in line and the comfort level high. Excellent linked ABS brakes ensure the mind stays settled, too.

WHOOSH, WHAT A MOTOR!

That’s true even when you’re taking fuller advantage of its utterly superb flat six-cylinder engine. It really is a powerhouse, with its refinement and usability deserving to be described as a class act. It has masses of fluidly-smooth torque to give strong acceleration with a classic sixcylinder roar to accompany it. I wouldn’t describe its five-speed gearbox as one of the slickest, but as the flexibility of the engine deems it largely redundant, I rarely cared. It’s one of the most relaxed engines on the market.

Like many other aspects of the bike, the motor is something that helps give the Wing its thoroughbred feel. It’s certainly got a level of luxury that’s hard to match, and though some knock it for being more of a two-wheeled car, anyone who’s ridden one would challenge that opinion. The Honda provides all the usual pleasures of a motorcycle with all the rewards that come with it. It just does so with a much higher level of extravagance. It’s far from cheap, even as a used buy. But given what you get and the lavish manner it goes about its business, I’d say it actually offers good value.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

GL1800 Gold Wings have the advantage of generally being owned by older, more mature riders with a good reputation for looking after their machines. They’re usually fairly affluent and tend not to cut corners on maintenance. Wings are mainly used mainly for longer trips and aren’t generally thrashed or abused.

Importantly though, the Honda is a big and expensive bike with quite high running costs. It’s crucial not to get stung by buying a Gold Wing with a problem as it can be very costly to sort. Either buy a bike from a reputable dealer with a warranty, or get an expert to inspect the machine you’re interested in very carefully.

Early problems with cracking frame welds, overheating engines, failing ignition pulse rotors, engine kill switches, and linked brake valve seals should all have been sorted by now. However, there are still many things to check for. Corroded exhausts aren’t a cheap fix, and if a test ride results in dropping out of gear, smoking exhausts, poor suspension action, or failure of electrical devices, bargain hard or walk away.

Most mods are cosmetic, but the wiring of any aftermarket electrical accessories needs to be done properly to avoid expensive or hazardous electrical problems.