All you need to know about the new 2018 Goldwing

[WingAdmin]

** More information keeps being added to this first post as it is discovered or corrected. Keep checking back for the latest info! **

We've been waiting for years for this: an all-new, blank sheet of paper Goldwing, and now it's here!

Honda, in quotes that have appeared in various publications, have stated their goals for the new Goldwing.

First off, who is this bike for? Honda has said they are actively marketing towards:

- Those who avoid Goldwings because it's an "Old Man's Bike"
- Current Goldwing owners
- Former Wing owners who have strayed to what they perceived as newer, better options

An engineer on the project stated, "We wanted to give the Gold Wing customer a more premium experience. We wanted to appeal to younger riders and make it sportier." The new bike is so different that Honda considered giving it a different name other than "Gold Wing."

This new bike was four years in the works, with a lot of testing. The desire was to build a sleeker, lighter and sportier Goldwing.

Most notable is the lack of "GL" nomenclature - gone is the GL1800 name, although internally the bike is still known as a GL1800. The new Goldwing is simply a "2018 Gold Wing". There are various trim lines available:

2018 Gold Wing

Model: GL1800B

• 1833cc six-cylinder engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• MSRP $23,500

2018 Gold Wing Automatic DCT

Model: GL1800BD

• 1833cc six-cylinder engine
• 7-speed automatic dual-clutch engine
• Walking mode and reverse
• MSRP $24,700

2018 Gold Wing Tour

Model: GL1800

• 1833cc six-cylinder engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• 50 liter trunk
• Reverse
• Electronic preload suspension
• MSRP $26,700

2018 Gold Wing Tour Automatic DCT

Model: GL1800D

• 1833cc six-cylinder engine
• 7-speed automatic dual-clutch engine
• 50 liter trunk
• Walking Mode/Reverse
• Electronic preload suspension
• MSRP $27,700

2018 Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT

Model: GL1800DA

• 1833cc six-cylinder engine
• 7-speed automatic dual-clutch engine
• 50 liter trunk
• Walking Mode/Reverse
• Electronic preload suspension
• MSRP $31,500

The engine is now 1833cc (big change from 1832cc) but with a smaller bore and longer stroke, with new aluminum sleeved bores. It is an all-new design with a four-valve head rather than two-valve. It's 13 lbs lighter than the outgoing GL1800 engine. The bore was dropped to 73mm (the engine now has a square stroke and bore of 73mm) and the cylinders were moved closer together, with the left/right offset reduced. Lastly, the pulse generator was moved from the front to the back of the engine - and all these changes allow the engine to be 29mm shorter than the old GL1800 engine. Because of this, the engine was moved forward in the frame.

Compression ratio is now 10.5:1, up from the previous GL1800's 9.8:1. The engine still uses regular fuel however. The ability to use regular fuel in Goldwings has long been a selling feature, particularly those Goldwings that travel the world where premium high-octane fuel may not be available.

New Engine

Honda went all-out trying to shave weight from the new Gold Wing, leading to what I think may be some questionable decisions. Integrating the starter motor and alternator into the same unit saved them 5.3 lbs, but at what cost maintenance and repair? Alternators are wear items, you now have to replace your alternator AND starter motor when your alternator calls it quits. An interesting feature: To reduce emissions, the new Gold Wing will shut off the engine when it idles for more than three seconds, instantly restarting it utilizing the new alternator/starter when the throttle is touched - much like many cars today.

Alternator/Starter

The output of the engine is up over the previous GL1800: both in overall torque, and peak horsepower, from 118 to 125 HP.

An interesting feature: in Canada only, the new engine features an idle stop function, which stops the engine when it idles for more than two seconds, to save on fuel and cut emissions. This feature is disabled on bikes not sold in Canada.

Torque/HP Curve

No surprise here: a 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission is being highlighted - however a 6 speed manual transmission is available on the Goldwing and Goldwing Tour trims. The six-speed manual transmission comes with a slipper clutch, something usually found only on sportbikes. The overdrive (top 6th gear) of the manual transmission and the top gear of the DCT transmission have the same final drive ratio, but the lower gears in the DCT are closer spaced, keeping the engine in its torque band during acceleration. For that reason, the DCT should far outperform the 6 speed, if you are interested in such a thing. This is on top of zero lag time between shifts - with dual clutches, the next gear is already engaged before the shift even occurs. Honda claims that this new DCT is their best implementation of a DCT yet.

The DCT offers a new function: Walking Mode. Using one clutch for reverse and one clutch for forward, the DCT raises the idle speed and modulates the clutch for you, keeping the speed of the bike at 1.1 mph going forward, and 0.75 mph going reverse. No more starter-motor driven reverse for the DCT equipped bikes. The base Gold Wing has no reverse, and the 6-speed Goldwing Tour has a traditional electric starter-driven reverse.

Because you can't leave a DCT "in gear" you need a separate parking brake to keep the bike from rolling away when parked. This is implemented as a single-piston mechanically actuated brake on the rear wheel:

Rear Brakes

Fuel economy for the new engine is up, a claimed 22%, perhaps why the fuel capacity is down by a whole gallon from 6.6 gallons in the GL1800 to 5.6 gallons in the new Gold Wing - not really a favored change, as owners today already complain about the limited "legs" of their relatively small fuel capacity. An "Econ" mode is also available, which purports to increase fuel economy at the expense of performance. Mileage goes from 35 MPG in the outgoing GL1800 to an estimated 42 MPG in the new 2018 bike. Technically speaking, the estimated range - about 230 miles on a full tank - should remain about the same, even with the smaller tank. Part of the boost in mileage is due to the engine changes, and part is due to the new aerodynamic fairing.

The new bike features a throttle-by-wire system, no more mechanical throttle cables. This also makes the cruise control pretty much all software, with no extra hardware involved. This allows Honda to introduce several riding modes: Tour Mode, Sport Mode, Econ Mode and Rain Mode. Tour Mode is the everyday riding that gives you the response you would expect from a Goldwing. Sport Mode gives snappier response and more powerful acceleration, and on bikes with the DCT, the RPMs are allowed to go higher before gear changes. Econ mode gives you gentler acceleration with lower DCT shift points, and Rain Mode limits the torque output to prevent loss of rear wheel traction.

Traction control is implemented by modulating the throttle by wire, as well as cutting ignition when required. There is also a Hill Mode, akin to Subaru's "Hill Holder" where the bike will hold the rear brake for you when it detects that you are starting on a hill, until you get moving, at which point it releases it.

Probably the biggest change (and most poorly kept secret) is the new double-wishbone front suspension. The Goldwing had long exceeded the capabilities of telescopic forks, so this change was widely expected. The new system offers much reduced front-end dive, elimination of fork tube stiction - which gives a better, more compliant ride. Honda claims a 30% reduction in impact delivered from the forks to the grips as a result, and a 40% reduction in the mass of the front end components. This means better compliance, lessened steering efforts, and a more comfortable ride.

New Suspension

A huge change in the suspension is that when a bump is absorbed, the wheel moves in a vertical plane like a car, not diagonally like most bikes. This means the wheelbase does not change as the suspension absorbs impacts, meaning you need extra space between the front wheel and the engine. This is one of the reasons the engine could be moved forward - as well as the rider, who now sits 36mm farther forward than on the old bike, putting more weight bias on the front wheel and improving handling.

Suspension trajectory tracking

The Tour model gets electrically adjustable suspension preload with four settings: Rider, Rider + Luggage, Rider + Passenger, and Rider + Passenger + Luggage. The damping is also automatically set depending on the ride mode selected (Sport, Tour, Econ, Rain).

The front brakes get a massive pair of six-piston calipers with 320mm rotors, up from the last model's 296mm rotors. The hated/loved linked braking system persists, but has been reworked to better balance braking forces from front to rear. ABS settings adjust their sensitivity depending on the ride mode selected. Instead of the horrible multi-master multi-slave hydraulic nightmare linked system found on the GL1800 that caused so many recalls, the new Gold Wing does its linked braking system entirely in software: the amount of linked braking force is determined by the braking computer, not by a maze of cylinders, valves and hoses.

Front Brakes

At long last, the long-overdue electrically adjustable windshield is finally available. Because the rider now sits farther forward, the windshield can be smaller while providing the same protection - how that works out for the passenger isn't mentioned. The windshield automatically slides down to its lowest setting when the bike is parked, to help with the use of a bike cover. Overall air management has been updated in the cockpit - previous Goldwings attempted to have the rider and passenger inside a completely windless bubble, which could get very hot in summer. The new bike flows air smoothly over them, by use of more ducts that flow air into the cockpit.

Electrically Adjustable Windshield

Sure to be controversial, the new Goldwing has only 110 liters of storage, down from the 2017 model's 150 liters, and vastly less than the GL1500's 192 liters. Honda states that they made the bags and trunk smaller because having large bags looked "out of proportion" on the bike. Form over function - thanks, but I'd rather have the larger bags! The saddlebags have a maximum storage capacity of 20 lbs each, and the trunk can store up to another 20 lbs. The trunk is designed to hold two average size helmets. Helmets can also be locked to the outside each saddlebag with included helmet hangers.

The new dashboard is a miracle of technology, a nice change from the very dated monochrome LCD we have been used to.

Dashboard

Some great new features that appear on the new dash, that we have been waiting a long time for:

• Available fuel range
• Actual tire pressure (not just TPMS warning)
• Air temperature
• Actual cruise control speed setting
• Fuel mileage calculation

Right in the middle is a 7-inch TFT, holding menus for the rider aids, audio system and navigation system. GPS comes standard on ALL models - and comes with ten years of free map updates! The screen is NOT a touch screen - it is operated using a directional button on the left handgrip.

Apple Carplay is now integrated into the main color screen - which is a questionable decision by Honda, with Apple's market share continuing to dwindle, and a large majority of car manufacturers opting to support Android Auto, or both Apple and Android. Riders using bluetooth headsets can use Apple Siri and play audio through their headsets. Honda did mention a future firmware upgrade that may integrate Android Auto as well, but that is not in the current release. In order for it to work with your phone, the phone must be plugged into USB in the trunk (if you have a trunk) or in the forward shelter storage area and stowed away, and you interact with it via bluetooth.

Several different USB devices are supported

USB flash drive Standard USB 2.0/3.0
File systems FAT32 (recommended) FAT16, HFS+
Storage capacities From 256 MB to 64 GB
Maximum 8 folder levels
Maximum folders 512 folders
Maximum files 65,524 files (same limitation in one folder)
Maximum file/folder name size 255 characters
Maximum file size 2 GB (in single file)
MP3, WMA or WAV format files

iPhone 5 or later with iOS 10 or later
iPod touch (5th generation) or later with iOS 9 or later

No other devices, Apple or otherwise are currently supported (i.e. no Android, no iPod).

The audio system supports Bluetooth only - no more wired headsets are available. It expects you to have Bluetooth headsets built into your helmet. Because of this, the new Goldwing has NO INTERCOM at all - it expects that your Bluetooth headsets will provide this functionality. The bike can pair to three devices at once: one device (i.e. phone) and two headsets. It supports most modern Bluetooth profiles:

Bluetooth supported for devices:
HFP 1.5 (Handsfree Profile)
A2DP 1.2 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
AVRCP 1.4 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile)
PBAP 1.0 (Phone Book Access Profile)

Headset Bluetooth:
HFP 1.6 (Handsfree Profile)
A2DP 1.2 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)

The built-in radio supports AM and FM - some incorrect reports had stated that AM was no longer available.

The new Gold Wing has a keyless ignition, and will not allow you to lock the keyfob in the trunk! In fact, if you don't have the keyfob with you, it will not allow you CLOSE the bags, which is a somewhat questionable "feature" to me. Because it is keyless, the steering lock is now electronic - you turn the ignition "switch" to lock, and the bike engages the steering lock on its own - and if you haven't turned the handlebars far enough, it will set off the alarm to alert you!

Navigation
The navigation system is integrated into the main screen. "Tracks" (i.e. records of where you have ridden or want to ride) can be exported or imported to/from a USB flash drive connected to the USB connector in the trunk or shelter case.

The location of the GPS antenna is questionable:

GPS Antenna

In this location it is easily blocked or blanketed by a passenger sitting directly next to it. A much better position would be up on or directly underneath the glareshield, near the front of the bike, as it was on the previous GL1800. In fact, Honda offers a warning:

Installing metallic or metalized accessories near the left saddlebag can seriously degrade or prevent GPS reception because the GPS antenna is located near the left saddlebag.
If you plan to install electronic components such as motorcycle location devices, additional amplifiers, or other audio components, ensure that they are not located near the navigation control unit behind the seat or near the left saddlebag. Electronic signals from these devices can cause intermittent disruption of the navigation system.

Some stats, in comparison to the 2017 GL1800:

Engine
2017 GL1800: 1832cc horizontally opposed six, 9.8:1, 118 HP, 35 MPG, 235 mile range on 6.6 gallon tank
2018 Gold Wing: 1833cc horizontally opposed six, 10.5:1, 125 HP, 42 MPG, 235 mile range on 5.6 gallon tank

Chassis
2017 GL1800: 66.6 inch wheelbase, 103.7 inches long, 57.3 inches high, 37.2 inches wide, seat height 29.1 inches, 858 lb
2018 Gold Wing: 66.7 inch wheelbase, seat height 29.3 inches, 787 lb, 800 lb (DCT), 833 lb (Tour & DCT), 842 lb (Tour DCT & Airbag)

Suspension
2017 GL1800: R: Single-sided swing arm with electronically controlled preload, 4.1 inches travel F: 45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system, 5.5 inches travel
2018 Gold Wing: R: Pro-Link system w/ Showa shock absorber, 4.1 in. travel, F: Double-wishbone front-suspension system w/ Showa shock absorber, 4.3 in. travel

Tires
2017 GL1800: F: 130/70R-18 63H, R: 180/60R-16 74H
2018 Gold Wing: F: 130/70-18 63H, R: 200/55-R16 77H

And right from the horse's mouth:

Specifications

Here is the official Honda release video:



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And another...



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Video of the new Gold Wing on a track, along with the rider's impressions:



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Also, Motorcycle.com did an interesting video showing the various features:



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2018 Gold Wing Specifications

GL1800BD/D/DA Specifications

Overall length
GL1800BD 97.4 in (2,475 mm)
GL1800D/DA 101.4 in (2,575 mm)

Overall width 5.6 in (905 mm)

Overall height
GL1800BD 52.8 in (1,340 mm)
GL1800D/DA 56.3 in (1,430 mm)

Wheelbase
66.7 in (1,695 mm)

Minimum ground clearance
5.1 in (130 mm)

Caster angle 30.5º

Trail 4.3 in (109 mm)

Curb weight
GL1800BD 800 lb (363 kg)
GL1800D USA model 833 lb (378 kg)
GL1800D Canada model 836 lb (379 kg)
GL1800DA USA model 842 lb (382 kg)
GL1800DA Canada model 844 lb (383 kg)

Maximum weight capacity
GL1800BD 421 lb (191 kg)
GL1800D 423 lb (192 kg)
GL1800DA 417 lb (189 kg)

Maximum luggage weight
Travel trunk (Except GL1800BD) 20.0 lb (9.0 kg)
Each saddlebag 20.0 lb (9.0 kg)
Fairing pocket 4.5 lb (2.0 kg)
Shelter case (Except GL1800DA) 6.6 lb (3.0 kg)

Passenger capacity Rider and 1 passenger

Minimum turning radius 11.2 ft (3.4 m)

Displacement 111.8 cu-in (1,833 cm3)
Bore x stroke 2.87 x 2.87 in (73.0 x 73.0 mm)
Compression ratio 10.5:1

Fuel: Unleaded gasoline
Recommended: 86 PON or higher
Tank capacity 5.5 US gal (21 liters)

Battery GYZ20L 12 V-20 Ah (10 HR)

Gear ratio
1st 2.166
2nd 1.695
3rd 1.304
4th 1.038
5th 0.820
6th 0.666
7th 0.521
Reverse 4.373
Reduction ratio (primary / secondary / final)
1.795 / 0.972 / 2.615

Tire size
Front 130/70R18M/C 63H
Rear 200/55R16M/C 77H
Tire type Radial, tubeless
Recommended Tire
Front BRIDGESTONE G853 RADIAL G, DUNLOP D423F
Rear BRIDGESTONE G852 RADIAL G, DUNLOP D423
Tire air pressure
Front 36 psi (250 kPa, 2.50 kgf/cm2)
Rear 41 psi (280 kPa, 2.80 kgf/cm2)
Minimum tread depth
Front 0.06 in (1.5 mm)
Rear 0.08 in (2.0 mm)

Spark plug (standard) CR6HSB-9 (NGK)
Spark plug gap 0.031 to 0.035 in (0.80 to 0.90 mm)
Idle speed (nonadjustable)
730 ± 100 rpm

Recommended engine oil
API Service Classification SG or higher except oils labeled as energy conserving or resource conserving on the circular API service label, SAE 10W-30, JASO T 903 standard MA, Pro Honda GN4 4-stroke oil (USA & Canada) or Honda 4-stroke oil, or an equivalent motorcycle oil
Engine oil capacity
After draining 4.6 US qt (4.4 liters)
After draining & engine oil filter change 4.9 US qt (4.6 liters)
After draining, engine & clutch oil filter change 4.9 US qt (4.6 liters)
After disassembly 5.9 US qt (5.6 liters)

Recommended final drive oil Hypoid gear oil SAE 80
Final drive oil capacity
After draining 4.7 US oz (140 cm3)
After disassembly 5.4 US oz (160 cm3)

Recommended brake fluid Honda DOT 4 Brake Fluid

Cooling system capacity 3.06 US qt (2.90 liters)
Recommended coolant Pro Honda HP Coolant

Headlight LED
Brake light LED
Taillight LED
Front turn signal light LED
Rear turn signal light LED
License plate light LED

Ignition main fuse 30 A
ACC main fuse 20 A
Main fuse B 120 A
External amplifier fuse 40 A
Other fuse 30 A, 15 A, 10 A, 5 A


GL1800/B Specifications

Overall length
GL1800 101.4 in (2,575 mm)
GL1800B 97.4 in (2475 mm)

Overall width 5.6 in (905 mm)

Overall height
GL1800 56.3 in (1,430 mm)
GL1800B 52.8 in (1,340 mm)

Wheelbase
66.7 in (1,695 mm)

Minimum ground clearance
5.1 in (130 mm)

Caster angle 30.5º

Trail 4.3 in (109 mm)

Curb weight
GL1800 USA model 833 lb (378 kg)
GL1800 Canada model 836 lb (379 kg)
GL1800B USA model 787 lb (357 kg)
GL1800B Canada model 805 lb (365 kg)

Maximum weight capacity
GL1800 423 lb (192 kg)
GL1800B 421 lb (191kg)

Maximum luggage weight
Travel trunk (Except GL1800B) 20.0 lb (9.0 kg)
Each saddlebag 20.0 lb (9.0 kg)
Fairing pocket 4.5 lb (2.0 kg)
Shelter case 6.6 lb (3.0 kg)

Passenger capacity Rider and 1 passenger

Minimum turning radius 11.2 ft (3.4 m)

Displacement 111.8 cu-in (1,833 cm3)
Bore x stroke 2.87 x 2.87 in (73.0 x 73.0 mm)
Compression ratio 10.5:1

Fuel: Unleaded gasoline
Recommended: 86 PON or higher
Tank capacity 5.5 US gal (21 liters)

Battery GYZ20L 12 V-20 Ah (10 HR)

Gear ratio
1st 2.200
2nd 1.416
3rd 1.035
4th 0.820
5th 0.666
6th 0.521
Reduction ratio (primary / secondary / final)
1.795 / 0.972 / 2.615

Tire size
Front 130/70R18M/C 63H
Rear 200/55R16M/C 77H
Tire type Radial, tubeless
Recommended Tire
Front BRIDGESTONE G853 RADIAL G, DUNLOP D423F
Rear BRIDGESTONE G852 RADIAL G, DUNLOP D423
Tire air pressure
Front 36 psi (250 kPa, 2.50 kgf/cm2)
Rear 41 psi (280 kPa, 2.80 kgf/cm2)
Minimum tread depth
Front 0.06 in (1.5 mm)
Rear 0.08 in (2.0 mm)

Spark plug (standard) CR6HSB-9 (NGK)
Spark plug gap 0.031 to 0.035 in (0.80 to 0.90 mm)
Idle speed (nonadjustable)
730 ± 100 rpm

Recommended engine oil
API Service Classification SG or higher except oils labeled as energy conserving or resource conserving on the circular API service label, SAE 10W-30, JASO T 903 standard MA, Pro Honda GN4 4-stroke oil (USA & Canada) or Honda 4-stroke oil, or an equivalent motorcycle oil
Engine oil capacity
After draining 3.7 US qt (3.5 liters)
After draining & engine oil filter change 3.9 US qt (3.7 liters)
After disassembly 4.6 US qt (4.4 liters)

Recommended final drive oil Hypoid gear oil SAE 80
Final drive oil capacity
After draining 4.7 US oz (140 cm3)
After disassembly 5.4 US oz (160 cm3)

Recommended brake fluid Honda DOT 4 Brake Fluid

Cooling system capacity 3.06 US qt (2.90 liters)
Recommended coolant Pro Honda HP Coolant

Headlight LED
Brake light LED
Taillight LED
Front turn signal light LED
Rear turn signal light LED
License plate light LED

Ignition main fuse 30 A
ACC main fuse 20 A
Main fuse B 120 A
External amplifier fuse 40 A
Other fuse 30 A, 15 A, 10 A, 5 A

[phochief]

Is the touchscreen usable when the bike is in motion? Can I select a POI (gas station, restaurant, etc) on the GPS while riding?

[WingAdmin]

Is the touchscreen usable when the bike is in motion? Can I select a POI (gas station, restaurant, etc) on the GPS while riding?

That's a good question, and if history repeats itself, the Honda lawyers will have locked out that ability.

[WingAdmin]

As well all know, the occasional "drop" of a Goldwing is a non-event, because the hard chromed crash bars take all the load - you just lift the bike back up, no harm done.

I notice on the new Gold Wing, that the "crash bars" appear to be encased in plastic:

Gold Wing Crash Bars

I having a Pacific Coast in my garage, whose crash bars are also encased in plastic:

PC800 Crash Bars

I can tell you from past experience, that while the plastic covers are replaceable, it turns a simple zero-cost fall-over into a rather expensive replacement of chewed-up plastic covers.

And in the case of the PC800, these covers are no longer available from anywhere, so your only option is to live with chewed-up covers, or try to find some from bikes being parted out.

[Big Red Bertha]

I still use the helmets with wired connection to the audio system. Will I be able to use my non-bluetooth communication system? Can you pre-route the navigation system on your home computer and transfer route to the system. Can you program navigation will moving?

[Morgoon]

I guess there will be warranty issues, but will you be able to tow a trailer with this new DCT transmission? I have a unigo trailer (very small) and since there is less luggage space this is kind of a concern - another thing is can you even attach a hitch to this bike? I also have a rack that can attach to my hitch (adding more luggage room).

[DCBiker]

Does anyone else feel Disappointed? The gas tank is a gallon less, it has only 2/3 the luggage space, and the test ride said the passenger had more wind buffeting. I bought my wing instead of a BMW to get better luggage space, range, and comfort. Honda is now giving me a K12RT with a much better warranty. The technology is fantastic, and I have to give up so much to get it.

May we ride well and often,

Rick

[thboyd29]

Compression ratio is now 10.5:1, up from the previous GL1800's 9.8:1. More than likely this is going to require the use of premium fuel. The ability to use regular fuel in Goldwings has long been a selling feature, particularly those Goldwings that travel the world where premium high-octane fuel may not be available.

Can I disagree with you? The Mazda I bought 2 years ago has a 13.0:1 CR, and runs just fine on the recommended regular - E10 or less.
And, they're talking about bumping it up to 15:0. An explanation is here, FWIW: http://www.mazda.com/en/innovation/tech ... kyactiv-g/

[thboyd29]

I notice on the new Gold Wing, that the "crash bars" appear to be encased in plastic:

Can I disagree with you (again)? Are you sure the crash bars just aren't painted black? It sure looks that way to me - sticking out through a hole in the bodywork.

[WingAdmin]

I notice on the new Gold Wing, that the "crash bars" appear to be encased in plastic:

Can I disagree with you (again)? Are you sure the crash bars just aren't painted black? It sure looks that way to me - sticking out through a hole in the bodywork.

No, this was confirmed by one of the attendees to the release event - they are plastic covers over top of heavy steel bars. Stu Oltman also mentioned in another thread here that the Honda people were joking that they expect people to remove those covers in order to install highway pegs.

[thboyd29]

I still use the helmets with wired connection to the audio system. Will I be able to use my non-bluetooth communication system? Can you pre-route the navigation system on your home computer and transfer route to the system. Can you program navigation will moving?

My local dealer is saying that he thinks it's BT only. Which leads to one of my questions: Did someone figure out how to make BT work with CB transmissions? I haven't followed it very closely, but all of the BT implementations I've seen still required a wired mic for CB use - probably because all the BT stuff was done ahead of the audio system via dongles, and you didn't use the intercom, as the headsets paired with each other. I wouldn't be surprised if the intercom function was eliminated entirely, for that reason.
I also seriously doubt that, barring a hack, you'll be able to do much of anything with the navi system on the fly. The navi system on my car works the same way - very limited ability unless stopped. Now, I don't have any experience with CarPlay, so there's no telling if you can bring up apps (like, say, maps) and work with them while moving. We'll have to see.

[WingAdmin]

I still use the helmets with wired connection to the audio system. Will I be able to use my non-bluetooth communication system? Can you pre-route the navigation system on your home computer and transfer route to the system. Can you program navigation will moving?

My local dealer is saying that he thinks it's BT only. Which leads to one of my questions: Did someone figure out how to make BT work with CB transmissions? I haven't followed it very closely, but all of the BT implementations I've seen still required a wired mic for CB use - probably because all the BT stuff was done ahead of the audio system via dongles, and you didn't use the intercom, as the headsets paired with each other. I wouldn't be surprised if the intercom function was eliminated entirely, for that reason.

You can do intercom over Bluetooth, as there are many Bluetooth-based intercom products already on the market.

The fact that a CB requires a long antenna (because of its long wavelength) in order to efficiently transmit and receive, and there appears to be NO antennae of any kind on the new bike, leads me to believe that CB does not exist on the new Gold Wing. I see no evidence of CB controls or display either.

[thboyd29]

I still use the helmets with wired connection to the audio system. Will I be able to use my non-bluetooth communication system? Can you pre-route the navigation system on your home computer and transfer route to the system. Can you program navigation will moving?

My local dealer is saying that he thinks it's BT only. Which leads to one of my questions: Did someone figure out how to make BT work with CB transmissions? I haven't followed it very closely, but all of the BT implementations I've seen still required a wired mic for CB use - probably because all the BT stuff was done ahead of the audio system via dongles, and you didn't use the intercom, as the headsets paired with each other. I wouldn't be surprised if the intercom function was eliminated entirely, for that reason.

You can do intercom over Bluetooth, as there are many Bluetooth-based intercom products already on the market.

The fact that a CB requires a long antenna (because of its long wavelength) in order to efficiently transmit and receive, and there appears to be NO antennae of any kind on the new bike, leads me to believe that CB does not exist on the new Gold Wing. I see no evidence of CB controls or display either.

Understood, but it appears it will indeed be available. Check about one second into Honda's accessory video (but don't blink - they shift images fast):

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Then about 15 seconds it to see it in writing, 37 seconds in to see the actual controls, then other images of the bike/antenna are scattered through the remainder. I 'm not too sure I'm terribly fond of that control layout, but I reserve judgement until I see where they put the key switch for the mic.
FWIW, I wasn't saying you couldn't do intercom via BT, but AFAIK you can't transmit on a CB, on a current GL, with a BT headset. Just about everything else is doable. Having BT integrated into the main audio system should allow signal from the mic to be passed to the CB. We'll see...
(edit) Crap - linked the wrong video. Hopefully this is the correct one. Sorry...

[Squishy Tia]

Well, this is a massive disappointment. I'm not even sure where to begin. I mean, sure, we get a couple of sorely needed upgrades (bluetooth, gear indicator, and especially the DCT), but whoa Nelly did we ever get some serious downgrades. Less trunk/bag capacity, and no trunk on non-Tour models. So the "basic" model is now an F6B-Redux (those were fugly as hell), and an already tight trunk might not even hold a rider's helmet now.

Then there's the already pitiful 6.6 gallon tank being reduced to 5.6 gallons. And no word yet on whether or not you can add in an aftermarket extended fuel tank on the new (sic) non-GLed Goldwings like you could on the GL1800s. I can't see any self respecting rider wanting to opt for the non-DCT models with such craptastic fuel capacity unless they like stopping everywhere for gas. And I'm not sure how people are using 87 octane in their GL1800s as my grandpa's 2014 GL1800 (in trike form) produced markedly noisier engine output and a very noticeably worse feeling ride with 87 as opposed to 91. It's possible that California's "blends" are just worse in quality than the rest of the nation - that wouldn't surprise me given how the laws regarding ethanol are here. But the sticker shock from having to fill up more often will very likely make riders think twice about the new 'wings.

Not sure what the deal is with the lack of easily accessible mounts for highway pegs up front, but that's another huge downgrade as well. Honda went balls to the wall to reduce weight, but somehow forgot about rider and passenger comfort in the process? I like a lot of the technical underpinings and the improvements made in those areas, but jeez, it's already not the nicest with regard to wind as a passenger. I'm already several inches above my grandpa when riding pillion, and the new 'wings force more air on me?

Something tells me that the folks at California Side Car are in for a hell of a redesign to reclaim some of that lost upper trunk space with a newer, more spacious bottom trunk for their trike kits. It really feels like Honda just wanted to make these into sports bikes and less of a Touring bike. I'm torn because I want the DCT and other improvements, but I'm just sacrificing way, way too much to get it. Feeling this sad/angry about a brand new Goldwing surely can't bode well for Honda's sales.

Sigh...all looks and so much lost in the remodeling...

Regarding bluetooth and the CB: To the best of my knowledge, the SENA Freewire does allow you to communicate via the CB through your bluetooth headset. In theory anyway. I've yet to come across a truly plug and play bluetooth setup on any vehicle. It's more like plug and pray. I know the Freewire works for the radio though, since my grandpa now gets to enjoy music while he drives (while I just turn on KCBS for traffic reports, since I'm the official navigator). But AFAIK, the Freewire is the only way to do bluetooth to CB on the "GL" Goldwings.

[Eboness]

My local dealer is saying that he thinks it's BT only. Which leads to one of my questions: Did someone figure out how to make BT work with CB transmissions? I haven't followed it very closely, but all of the BT implementations I've seen still required a wired mic for CB use - probably because all the BT stuff was done ahead of the audio system via dongles, and you didn't use the intercom, as the headsets paired with each other. I wouldn't be surprised if the intercom function was eliminated entirely, for that reason.

You can do intercom over Bluetooth, as there are many Bluetooth-based intercom products already on the market.

The fact that a CB requires a long antenna (because of its long wavelength) in order to efficiently transmit and receive, and there appears to be NO antennae of any kind on the new bike, leads me to believe that CB does not exist on the new Gold Wing. I see no evidence of CB controls or display either.

Understood, but it appears it will indeed be available. Check about one second into Honda's accessory video (but don't blink - they shift images fast):

   Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!
Then about 15 seconds it to see it in writing, 37 seconds in to see the actual controls, then other images of the bike/antenna are scattered through the remainder. I 'm not too sure I'm terribly fond of that control layout, but I reserve judgement until I see where they put the key switch for the mic.
FWIW, I wasn't saying you couldn't do intercom via BT, but AFAIK you can't transmit on a CB, on a current GL, with a BT headset. Just about everything else is doable. Having BT integrated into the main audio system should allow signal from the mic to be passed to the CB. We'll see...
(edit) Crap - linked the wrong video. Hopefully this is the correct one. Sorry...

Check out this link, it lists all accessories.
http://shop.powersports.honda.com/c/acc ... ecommended

[Morgoon]

I guess there will be warranty issues, but will you be able to tow a trailer with this new DCT transmission? I have a unigo trailer (very small) and since there is less luggage space this is kind of a concern - another thing is can you even attach a hitch to this bike? I also have a rack that can attach to my hitch (adding more luggage room).

Will the CB work through Blue tooth?

[thboyd29]

...And I'm not sure how people are using 87 octane in their GL1800s as my grandpa's 2014 GL1800 (in trike form) produced markedly noisier engine output and a very noticeably worse feeling ride with 87 as opposed to 91. It's possible that California's "blends" are just worse in quality than the rest of the nation - that wouldn't surprise me given how the laws regarding ethanol are here. ...

My 170,000 mile 2001 GL1800A begs to differ, but then again, mine hasn't been triked.

Regarding bluetooth and the CB: To the best of my knowledge, the SENA Freewire does allow you to communicate via the CB through your bluetooth headset. In theory anyway. I've yet to come across a truly plug and play bluetooth setup on any vehicle. It's more like plug and pray. I know the Freewire works for the radio though, since my grandpa now gets to enjoy music while he drives (while I just turn on KCBS for traffic reports, since I'm the official navigator). But AFAIK, the Freewire is the only way to do bluetooth to CB on the Goldwings.

Thanks for that - I hadn't seen it.

[waituntilthebeep]

It's good to see the old poorly designed transmission go away but the are no SO MUCH more electronics to fail. I know... as is with all new tech vehicles. But that means with each module it is going to be a stack of Benji's to fix it.

I also see no point in keeping the top end gear ratio the same but adding more lower gears. I can pull my arms out of the sockets on the lower gears already but what I really need is another OD or at least a taller OD than what I have because unless you are pulling a trailer... or a rider the size of a trailer... there is still lots of power left in the current top gear.

I also don't get the plastic covered crashers. Not saying I lay my bike down a lot but it has been dropped on soft footing and plastic covers wouldn't make it out alive.

The wifey won't let me upgrade so I will be riding mine til it fails... or until my marriage does. And I am putting my money easily on the bike wearing out far before my marriage does. Lol. Gonna need to put a set of gears in the trans but that is cheaper than a new ride when mine does such a great job as it is now.

Ride on!

[thboyd29]

Check out this link, it lists all accessories.
http://shop.powersports.honda.com/c/acc ... ecommended

Thanks for that. I brought up that page earlier in the afternoon, and it only had about 6 items on it. Seems to have filled out quite nicely.
Edit: At least I thought that was the page I'd brought up... There's a difference (at least for now) in what's posted on the Accessories page for the Tour and airbag models vs. the Tour DCT. The Tour page only has 6 items (the airbag page has the same 6), the DCT page has 44.

[WingVetteGSXR]

This is a very good question. I have the same. One parking lot "oopsie" and I have to call over a crowd from the coffee shop to help pick it up then get online and start ordering expensive plastic? I hope that's not the case.

As well all know, the occasional "drop" of a Goldwing is a non-event, because the hard chromed crash bars take all the load - you just lift the bike back up, no harm done.

I notice on the new Gold Wing, that the "crash bars" appear to be encased in plastic:

Crash Bars.jpg

I having a Pacific Coast in my garage, whose crash bars are also encased in plastic:

PC800 Crash Bars.jpg

I can tell you from past experience, that while the plastic covers are replaceable, it turns a simple zero-cost fall-over into a rather expensive replacement of chewed-up plastic covers.

And in the case of the PC800, these covers are no longer available from anywhere, so your only option is to live with chewed-up covers, or try to find some from bikes being parted out.

[WingVetteGSXR]

On the video the tester says that it pulls much stronger out of the corners in midrange, but the now published torque/hp curves (without the X/Y axis actual number of course) show no difference at all in the midrange, and just a slight increase in both towards redline. Yes, the power/weight ratio is much better, but that would equate to better pull in any gear and in any RPM range, not just midrange.
Ideas anyone?

[hossross]

Nice to see they finally offer the DTC transmission, but sorry to see that they didn't make both 6th and 7th OD. My 1500 runs 3250 RPM at 75 mph in OD which is ridiculous, an engine this big has plenty of torque to drop the rpms, few are riding a wing for performance anyway, and if so the sport mode can handle that with shift points and transition times. There are plenty of cars out there with smaller engines than this that run approx. 2000 rpm at cruising speeds. if the CD is that bad, then they should spend some time in the wind tunnel, as the frontal area is so much less than a car. I think they forgot the Voice of the Customer on the new design. I get that the DTC is probably longer and hence new packaging is needed with the new front susp type, but making the bike 1 inch longer to maintain the fuel capacity, and luggage space is a trade off in the design objectives. Now we will have to wait for 3 to 5 more years for them to fix, luggage capacity is just an appearance/ external item so it is easier to fix than the fuel tank which probably requires a more substantial packaging change. I wonder if the engine will be durable, and if they were able to go to hydraulic lifters?

[RodneyH]

Thanks for posting the information on the new bikes. There are plenty of new features that I like about it and some that im not too impressed with, such as having less storage space. Just from the photos I don't see how the passenger could be as comfortable on long rides due to the design changes to the passengers seating area, that's one thing ill have to take someone else's word on because my wallet is not near fat enough to buy one at those prices. Not too enthused with the alternator and starter change either. Regardless of design changes I think the gold wing will continue to thrive and be around for many years to come as long as Honda never loses it's reputation for reliability.

[Sidcar]

All we need now is for someone to buy one and give us their honest opinion.
Even if I had the cash I think I'd wait until they've been in production for a while in case there are any bugs that need ironing out.
Nice to see girder forks back in fashion.

Sid

[mudplug]

Love the idea but I think honda have missed the point on this new Goldwing? Goldwings by their very nature are Big, Comfortable, carry a lot of gear for trips away and lend themselves to lots of extra chrome etc, this 'new' Goldwing seems narrow and more sporty like with a hell of a drop in Luggage space and more emphasis on speed but this is NOT a sports bike and nor should it be trying to simulate one, when I ride a wing I want big and imposing, I want lots of luggage space not less, I want more miles before I have to fill the tank again and I want to put my 'toys' on it and when I want to go fast I will jump on my sports bike for acting like a fool !! Honda could have made the near perfect Goldwing bike with this one but I feel they are chasing the wrong goals Oh, and iphone only???? I would not touch an iphone with a barge pole so that seems to have thrown my communication and music/ talking out of the window??