2009-2010 Honda Goldwing
The Honda Goldwing looks great for its age: it turns 35 in 2010. The new model brings everything you would expect from a Honda Goldwing, and then some. The bike that impressed the world with its prototype at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in 1974 has become the top touring bike in the world, and for good reason. Not only can these bikes claim the high quality you'd expect from Honda, but they have great comfort and safety features that make touring on a Honda Goldwing the experience of a lifetime.
It was almost 35 years ago that the first Honda Goldwing made its debut at the Cologne Motorcycle show in October 1974. The prototype bike was a "flat-4," a four cylinder engine with cylinders arranged in a flat, or horizontally opposed configuration. The bike was filled with brand new technologies, including a water cooled engine, a fuel pump, fuel tank under the seat, a 12 volt electrical system, shaft drive, and a transmission located under the engine, which lowered the bike's center of gravity.
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The first production Goldwing, the GL1000 was made in 1975 and stayed in production till 1979. While listed as a "touring bike" it came from the dealer as a stripped down bike. It wasn't long before a symbiotic market emerged in fairings and luggage, particularly those made by Windjammer. By 1979, Honda was making its own optional saddlebags and trunk. Except for a few changes in the exhaust system, the GL1000 remained pretty much unchanged throughout its production life.
Thirty-five years later, the Honda Goldwing 1800 series is the top touring vehicle in America, and 2010 will see even more amenities for the long distance touring rider. Perks will include luxury GPS navigation packages, airbag, heated seats and grips, and the Honda Goldwing's traditional superior power and handling.
The GL1800 has an 1832 cc liquid cooled, flat six-cylinder engine with a single overhead cam, two valve-per-cylinder valve train. The transmission is a five-speed overdrive with electric reverse, and the brakes are dual full-floating 296mm discs with CBS three-piston calipers (front) and single ventilated 316 mm disc with CBS three-piston caliper (rear). An anti-lock braking system is optional.
The GL1800 fuel tank holds 6.6 gallons, which should get you 230 miles or so. Color choices include metallic red, metallic black, pearl yellow, and metallic titanium. Curb weight varies depending on the options package, but it ranges from 895 to 928 lbs.
The Honda Goldwing GL1800 is available in four options packages. The Gold Wing Audio Comfort model has an MSRP of $22,899 and comes with Honda's Audio/Comfort Package. The gold Wing Audio Comfort Navi XM edition has an MSRP of $25,399, and has the features of the Gold Wing Audio Comfort, plus a satellite-linked navigation system and XM Radio. The Gold Wing Audio Comfort Navi XM ABS bike retails for $26,599. It has all the features of the Audio Comfort Navi XM edition, plus an anti-lock braking system. The Gold Wing Airbag has a retail price of $27,999. All models have a 1832 cc liquid cooled six-cylinder engine.