The New Gold Wing is here!

[98valk]

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/first-look-2018-honda-gold-wing-and-gold-wing-tour.html

6 speed or 7 speed DCT,  1.1 gallons less fuel (stupid),  4 valve heads, and 90lbs lighter

[Rams]

Definitely an interesting GW.   It would appear they have produced another superior Wing.

Definitely a nice looking Wing.   Taking my brother in law's advice of never buying the first year of anything.   He's an engineer with Cummins.   

Lots of juicy electro goodies.    Definitely not something I could do much on myself.   
If I was in the market for a new Tourer and could afford it, I would consider buying one of these in year two of production but, that is not likely to happen.   I've had an ongoing affair for several years with a Fat Lady and she has me all wrapped up. 

[Savago]

The bike looks pretty sharp, I would say they were a bit influenced by the beemer K1600GTL.

The video says that there will be a 'standard' model *without* the trunk. Does it mean Honda will retire the F6B?

[cookiedough]

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/first-look-2018-honda-gold-wing-and-gold-wing-tour.html

6 speed or 7 speed DCT,  1.1 gallons less fuel (stupid),  4 valve heads, and 90lbs lighter

maybe being lighter and more fuel efficient somehow (aerodynamics, etc.?), it will get over 50 mpg thus not the need for that extra 1.1 gallons of gas?

I hear reports of 70 mpg on the honda ctx700 parallel twin engine which to me is unheard of for any 700cc cycle engine, but with technology improving mpg,  one never knows.  I just do not hope they cut hp away from the engine to make better mpg. 

[jimmytee]

The bike looks pretty sharp, I would say they were a bit influenced by the beemer K1600GTL.

The video says that there will be a 'standard' model *without* the trunk. Does it mean Honda will retire the F6B?

The F6B name is gone, but the same bike albeit updated.

The new Gold Wing though now has the option to add the trunk and the Gold Wing Tour has the option to remove the trunk.

Plus there is a foot shifter option for the DCT transmission equipped bikes

[LandElephant]

The review by Rider Mag stated that with the new engine configuration they hope to get 42 mpg which offsets the 1.1 gallon reduction in fuel to a hefty 230 miles per tank of fuel.  Even on a good day my 2006 never got close to 38 mpgs.

It looks good but would really need to see in person and possibly test ride.  For now I keep reading the reviews.

Charlie Morse
LandElephant

[Robert]

Nice looking, I think better looks and better engineering than the BMW all around a great looking bike that should have ride and performance to match.

I like the idea of walking mode in forward and reverse. I dont like the idea of starter and alternator being one unit. Being able to adjust air into the driver compartment is good also.

A much needed update to a great bike. 

[G-Man]

The bike looks pretty sharp, I would say they were a bit influenced by the beemer K1600GTL.

The video says that there will be a 'standard' model *without* the trunk. Does it mean Honda will retire the F6B?

According to the link, the F6B looks like it becomes the Goldwing Standard and the Goldwing with the trunk becomes the Goldwing Tourer.

[RDKLL]

I am pretty impressed with new bikes. ABS and traction control and different ride modes are mentioned which is good, but no mention of lean sensitive aspects. Hopefully they were overlooked, but they seemed to hit a lot of points so not sure why they would not have wrote about it.

[Jack B]

The review by Rider Mag stated that with the new engine configuration they hope to get 42 mpg which offsets the 1.1 gallon reduction in fuel to a hefty 230 miles per tank of fuel.  Even on a good day my 2006 never got close to 38 mpgs.

It looks good but would really need to see in person and possibly test ride.  For now I keep reading the reviews.

Charlie Morse
LandElephant

I always get 42-43 MPG on my F6B. The new Wing really looks good.

[Jack B]

I hear reports of 70 mpg on the honda ctx700 parallel twin engine which to me is unheard of for any 700cc cycle engine, but with technology improving mpg,  one never knows.  I just do not hope they cut hp away from the engine to make better mpg. 
[/quote],
Yes on my Honda NC700X I do get 70+ MPG, fun little bike.

[jimmytee]

I hear reports of 70 mpg on the honda ctx700 parallel twin engine which to me is unheard of for any 700cc cycle engine, but with technology improving mpg,  one never knows.  I just do not hope they cut hp away from the engine to make better mpg. 

,
Yes on my Honda NC700X I do get 70+ MPG, fun little bike.
[/quote]
The new engine has a little more horsepower and torque.  It is also said to be much stronger in the mid range.  It's an all new engine. With 4 valves per cylinder.

[..]

A good idea???


"How serious was Honda about compact packaging and saving weight? The Gold Wing’s starter motor and alternator are contained within the same unit, saving 5.3 pounds."

[..]

"The base model Gold Wing does not receive a reverse function"

[hubcapsc]

A good idea???


"How serious was Honda about compact packaging and saving weight? The Gold Wing’s starter motor and alternator are contained within the same unit, saving 5.3 pounds."

I hate taking starters on and off Valkyries. I hate taking alternators on and off Valkyries.

Maybe there's only one thing to hate on the new Wing  ...

-Mike

[DarkSideR]

The new Wing has a removable trunk! Someone been paying attention to the old VRCC crowd?

[Valkorado]

It's a good looking bike.  I like seeing more of that engine.  DCT is interesting, especially with the shifter option.  Modern lines.  I can't afford it.

They just had to use one of my favorite paint colors on this one, too.  Not fair!

[jimmytee]

"The base model Gold Wing does not receive a reverse function"

The base model Gold Wing with the 6 speed manual transmission and without the trunk doesn't appear to have reverse.

The base model Gold Wing Tour ,with the trunk and the manual 6 spd transmission does have reverse. The same as it has been done.

All the DCT transmission equipped bikes, including  the bagger and the 2 with the Trunks or Tour models, have a walk/reverse  mode powered by the engine.

[MarkT]

Lots of good stuff in there - 4-valve heads w/o dual camshfts - implemented with different lever and roller bearing cam followers - both existing tech, and keeps it simpler than dual cams (I'm reading into it). Wonder if it's a pain to adjust them. Other things - the telelever style forks - why hasn't anybody copied BMW before; that's been out there and proven for decades.  Weight-fwd bias like sport bikes, for better handling - good. The old wing has that too. So more of a good thing is better?  Maybe.  Improved brakes. A parking brake - HUH?  Looks like they've addressed the cooking legs problem of the existing GW with that lip on the fairing.  I bet it's still not comfortable for certain height riders.  That fairing gives me leg cramps when I use the highway pegs which long distance riders know, are needed. I Like the removable trunk. A better seat?  Probably not.  That's a really personal mod anyway.  But maybe they could work it into the price so the buyer could set up a good one that works for him.  A negotiation item as it is, I suppose.  I Like the reverse powered by the engine.  Walk mode?  Hmm.  Sounds interesting. Probably needed at least in reverse, or even fwd if us geezers have failing coordination and balance.  Hill-Start Assist - a good idea for new riders or coordination-challenged I suppose.  I'm thinkin if you can't handle that w/o assist you should probably not be riding a heavy complex motorcycle.  Maybe a trike is more your speed.

10 years of free updates on the GPS?  Big Deal.  No time limit on Garmin models with included updates, and they cost less.  Pretty sure Garmin is the source for Honda's GPS systems.  I hold they should be wi-fi connectable with selectable automatic unlimited updates. Honda's Garmin units when first introduced, got poor reviews.  But that's a fast-changing tech so likely doesn't apply still.  I like to move my 650 Zumo between vehicles anyway, so I don't have to sync routes, tracks, mp3's and favorites between device, or move the satellite antenna (Sirius/XM licenses the antenna; you buy another subscription for ea one). Also easy to update firmware or the device when something better is out. Also it's better to have the device higher than this dash-mounted one.  Closer to a HUD device, with your eyes close to the road.  And such a device on a vehicle - the engineers can't resist loading it up with distracting sequential menu-driven options, to distract for longer time.  Per the article:  If the 7-inch TFT display isn’t enough for you, the rest of the 2018 Gold Wing’s dash is jam-packed with information.

It has a nice look - freshened up, LED lights, obvious new model, just like car marketing - as they should. Likely a winner, esp if they can attract the new generations away from their "devices".  But narrower isn't necessarily better, in terms of safety.  You want a large presence on the road, particularly to prevent the FTY left-turner accidents - which many of us have suffered, including me.  Smaller luggage - 73% - to match the narrow profile.  I suppose - but those 150 liters of the previous one made a good grocery-getter.  I can put all of a standard shopping cart in mine INSIDE the luggage.  And still tie a bag on the back seat if I have overflow.

Tunable / selectable performance profiles like high-end sports cars.  Nice touch, but maybe needless complexity.  Make it an option.  Dual clutch tranny - sounds like it shifts itself so it's auto? No thanks on the automatic.  Starter and alternator, same unit?  No thanks. At least now I can push start if the starter goes out, then what? On a trip, can't limp home w/o attention to the charging problem.  Every time you turn it off, the electric windshield goes down to lowest position so you can put a cover on.  Then comes back up when you start up. I only rarely use a cover. How long does it take for all those needless cycles to wear it out?  Should be selectable enabled.

I note that several of these improvements are chooseable between the models.  Good thing there.  Wonder how they will decide to package them.  Probably very few options in the bundling.  That's just marketing and inventory cost issues.  Not like you can order them ala cart to get exactly what you want.

Other "improvements"?  Bleh. A lot of High-Speed Whiz-Bang stuff.  Stuff to break.  Generally in agreement with the statement, "Never buy the first year of anything." I don't care for "Fly by wire". And other computer-controlled stuff. As a computer engineer, I don't trust them.  For good reasons.  Gives a new meaning to "computer crash". And it's stuff too high-tech for the rider to fix or otherwise mod / improve.  Or even most stealers with their pimply-faced greasy-skinned punks to fix. Good for Honda, I guess.  Keeps the engineers employed.  But I still think, just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD.  This will appeal to the younger generations which per all indications, is what they really need to do to stay in business - Harley is ignoring this paradigm, reportedly.  While their existing target market is dying off.  But as for me, give me old school, simple tech. I'll pass. I'm getting too old to consider more new bikes now anyways.  I have 4 old school Valkyries and an 1800 wing, which will outlast me.

I note they've followed Harley and cracked $30,000 MSRP.  Good luck with that.  As usual, that pig won't fly; there will be huge discounts and old new inventory in stores.  Honda is great on engineering; marketing - not so much. Be patient if you want one of these and can wait a season.

[hubcapsc]

I just watched the video that Honda sent me.

I don't see a place for highway pegs anymore, I don't
see the engine guard...

-Mike "if so, might as well get a Motus  "

[Savago]

A few observations:

a) Electric windshield: this may sound as something minor, but after I got a ST1300 with electric windshield, I can say that it is *huge* to be able to adjust the windshield height on the go.

Too cold? Move it all the way up. Warm? Move it down. The fact that it has a memory and will return to its pre-set position at start is a nice touch (the ST1300 will stay put when the bike is turned off and won't lower itself).

b) The passenger footpegs seem to be 'integrated' in the body, while folded. This is somewhat similar to the Pacific Cost (PC800). I think it looks more elegant.

c) The updated mirrors are somewhat similar to the ST1300, I wonder if they follow the design where you have 2 parts (internal, external) and the external one can be replaced individually in case of damage.

d) 4 valves (or 24 valves) engine: a bit concerned here. The flat 6 with 2 valves is a proven design and bullet proof. I wonder if the new engine will be the same, but Honda knows how to build engines.

e) Convertible trunk: that is something really cool, I guess they copied from the 'super valk' folks.
:-)

f) Integrated engine guards: seems like a mix between the ST1300/PC800 and the older design.

[Alpha Dog]

The bike looks pretty sharp, I would say they were a bit influenced by the beemer K1600GTL.

The video says that there will be a 'standard' model *without* the trunk. Does it mean Honda will retire the F6B?

Yes I can see some of it.  Maybe more influenced by the CTX 1300 which begs me to question are they coming out with an even more scaled down version with patents they have on the hybrid 4 cylinder engine and incorporating a DCT transmission in it also?  Maybe it will go into a new ST1300 which Honda surely has planned.

[Savago]

The bike looks pretty sharp, I would say they were a bit influenced by the beemer K1600GTL.

The video says that there will be a 'standard' model *without* the trunk. Does it mean Honda will retire the F6B?

Yes I can see some of it.  Maybe more influenced by the CTX 1300 which begs me to question are they coming out with an even more scaled down version with patents they have on the hybrid 4 cylinder engine and incorporating a DCT transmission in it also?

I agree, it has some of the CTX1300 on it (which I think was a great bike, too bad it was discontinued).

[Alpha Dog]

So how does this bike ride.  According to Rider Magazine and Ultimate Motorcycling, either pretty dang good or phenomenal.

http://ridermagazine.com/2017/10/24/2018-honda-gold-wing-first-ride-review/

Arthur Coldwell of Ultimate Motorcycling give some good detail about his experience, maybe best summarized as blown away.

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/10/24/2018-honda-gold-wing-first-ride-review-11-fast-facts/

I like it-a lot.  Look forward to straddling one this spring or go over to Cleveland or Columbus show after Christmas to inspect.  Just hope Honda has floorboards for these bikes - jeepers with DCT it should be standard.

[Romeo]

Appears to be an absolute home run. I love the lines.

[hubcapsc]

Integrated engine guards: seems like a mix between the ST1300/PC800 and the older design.

HELLO  ... swatim sayin... Goldwings need highway pegs... I put
a pair of those ST1300-style Rivco valve-cover flip-out pegs
on my Goldwing (Valkyrie) and hated them.

Is it going to be possible to put highway pegs on this thing?

-Mike "where there's a will, there's a way..."

[Rams]

Appears to be an absolute home run. I love the lines.

First, I will admit, I'm not a Wing Guy.    I'm a Valkyrie Guy.

Having said that, I do like the styling on this Wing (if you're gonna ride a Wing, then this appears to be a good one).  

One of the biggest reasons I'm a Valkyrie Guy is because love the power, handling and braking in addition to great styling and I don't want all those electronic gadgets,   I'm not a NASA Engineer or rocket scientist, motorcycle technician, just a shade tree wrench turner and I am already mechanically challenged to a great extent.   All those electronic gadgets are just something else to go wrong and then spend big bucks to get it fixed.

I'm probably in the minority but, I'd prefer a more basic motorcycle/cruiser with the power, handling, braking of the new Wing but none of the other stuff I consider as comfort options.
Just my opinion, it ain't worth much but, that's how I see it.

[Alpha Dog]

Appears to be an absolute home run. I love the lines.

First, I will admit, I'm not a Wing Guy.    I'm a Valkyrie Guy.

Having said that, I do like the styling on this Wing (if you're gonna ride a Wing, then this appears to be a good one).  

One of the biggest reasons I'm a Valkyrie Guy is because love the power, handling and braking in addition to great styling and I don't want all those electronic gadgets,   I'm not a NASA Engineer or rocket scientist, motorcycle technician, just a shade tree wrench turner and I am already mechanically challenged to a great extent.   All those electronic gadgets are just something else to go wrong and then spend big bucks to get it fixed.

I'm probably in the minority but, I'd prefer a more basic motorcycle/cruiser with the power, handling, braking of the new Wing but none of the other stuff I consider as comfort options.
Just my opinion, it ain't worth much but, that's how I see it.

You know what, that is good.  From the comments posted in reviews I read today, a good many agree with you Rams.  I think those days are over due to the majority of potential buyers demanding these type tech and comfort items.   All the major mfg. have now weighed in on this market and all are highly evolved.  It would be nice if someone would just make a much less frills cruiser/bagger/tourer that operated great.  Would be nice if Honda continued the Valkyrie as a basic package minus another 50 pounds - who knows.

[Mr Whiskey]

Alot of the Geezer Gliders with 30k disposable will run right out & buy one (they've waited a loooong time for this redesign), others that hafta make payments will be more cautious, wait to see how it reviews & how many problems come to light.
Either way there's gonna be a s*** load of nice, well farkled, garage kept, low mileage first & second gen 1800's on the market! The value of those bikes jus' went right in the toilet with the flood that's about to hit. I bet by next Fall you can buy a really nice low mileage first gen for at or less than 5k, & a second gen ('12 & up) for less than 10k. They're all gonna need more room in the garage!
Personally, no chance I'd buy the new one, the first gens had major frame crack issues for the first 4 years ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Gavin_Sons]

I hope they put a good audio system on this bike. I doubt it though, Honda has never excelled in tne audio department.

[Bighead]

No boo's here please but I bought a 2016 wing and it is an awesome machine.  I still have both of my Valks and don't see me getting rid of either one anytime soon. That's said I do a lot of 2k mile trips in summer months and gnat is what made me think of a wing. I had to face the fact in June when over 2k miles from home I was riding a 18 yr old bike and if something happened I would be stuck. I love my new purchase but will never sell my Valk's . Still love my '97 bee as much as the day I test rode her 20 yrs ago .

[Savago]

I had to face the fact in June when over 2k miles from home I was riding a 18 yr old bike and if something happened I would be stuck. I love my new purchase but will never sell my Valk's . Still love my '97 bee as much as the day I test rode her 20 yrs ago .

The '18 years old bike' comment is spot on, it was what prompted me to buy a ST1300@2009 with 8K miles, and I'm in the same boat: got no plans to sell the old lady (i.e. I/S@99).

[Rams]

I guess I have spent too much time with DDT.

While I do understand that some replacement parts can be harder to get and one may have to wait while it's shipped if you're broke down, I have no reservations about riding anywhere, any distance on my Valkyrie.    I feel quite certain, my ass will break down long before my fat lady.   

[Bighead]

I guess I have spent too much time with DDT.

While I do understand that some replacement parts can be harder to get and one may have to wait while it's shipped if you're broke down, I have no reservations about riding anywhere, any distance on my Valkyrie.    I feel quite certain, my ass will break down long before my fat lady.   

Ron I feel much as you but when was the last time you were on your valk with no other means of transportation 2k miles from home? That is why I bought a wing and it will only be used on my long summer trips 2k+ miles one way. I would have zero reservations on a cross country trip on my bee but if something did happen then what?

[The emperor has no clothes]

GoldWings do break down at times also. Life is short, just do it. I imagine we will all break down on our bikes at some time. I'd buy an '18 model if I could afford it.

[Rams]

I guess I have spent too much time with DDT.

While I do understand that some replacement parts can be harder to get and one may have to wait while it's shipped if you're broke down, I have no reservations about riding anywhere, any distance on my Valkyrie.    I feel quite certain, my ass will break down long before my fat lady.   

Ron I feel much as you but when was the last time you were on your valk with no other means of transportation 2k miles from home? That is why I bought a wing and it will only be used on my long summer trips 2k+ miles one way. I would have zero reservations on a cross country trip on my bee but if something did happen then what?

Being honest, I haven't been 2K miles away from home on my Valkyrie.   A thousand plus miles, yes.    Just this past summer, twice.    I'm not knocking any Wing, it's just not the bike I want to ride.   If a Wing turns yer crank, then I'm happy for you.

If something happens, then we go to Plan B.   There's always a Plan B, it varies depending on the circumstances.   I'll probably do the same thing you'd do if and when that Wing breaks.   

[98valk]

I guess I have spent too much time with DDT.

While I do understand that some replacement parts can be harder to get and one may have to wait while it's shipped if you're broke down, I have no reservations about riding anywhere, any distance on my Valkyrie.    I feel quite certain, my ass will break down long before my fat lady.   

 

[mrtlc]

I started riding wings with the first Interstate. Each new model brought new and better, as I'm sure this will be the case. I bought my 99 Valk because I wanted simple and less = more to me. I hate working on the plastic covered wings. This Valk will be my ride for a LONG TIME :-)

[Bighead]

I guess I have spent too much time with DDT.

While I do understand that some replacement parts can be harder to get and one may have to wait while it's shipped if you're broke down, I have no reservations about riding anywhere, any distance on my Valkyrie.    I feel quite certain, my ass will break down long before my fat lady.   

Ron I feel much as you but when was the last time you were on your valk with no other means of transportation 2k miles from home? That is why I bought a wing and it will only be used on my long summer trips 2k+ miles one way. I would have zero reservations on a cross country trip on my bee but if something did happen then what?

Being honest, I haven't been 2K miles away from home on my Valkyrie.   A thousand plus miles, yes.    Just this past summer, twice.    I'm not knocking any Wing, it's just not the bike I want to ride.   If a Wing turns yer crank, then I'm happy for you.

If something happens, then we go to Plan B.   There's always a Plan B, it varies depending on the circumstances.   I'll probably do the same thing you'd do if and when that Wing breaks.   

It ain't really turining my crank as you say but parts are available in short order whereas the phat girl parts are not. So had to think of the what if factor. Don't get me wrong the Valk is the best machine I have owned and it will not be replaced with my new wing but  the wing will be making the long  2-5k mile trips . I do make long hauls and do so every year. So the wing will do most of those trips but the Valks will do the rest .

[Rams]

I started riding wings with the first Interstate. Each new model brought new and better, as I'm sure this will be the case. I bought my 99 Valk because I wanted simple and less = more to me. I hate working on the plastic covered wings. This Valk will be my ride for a LONG TIME :-)

Stealing a line from that Tom Cruise movie:  You Sir, can be my Wingman anytime!!!