GL 1800
- motorcycle model, Honda brand,
The Honda GL1800 Gold Wing touring motorcycle model appeared in 2001 as a successor to the Honda GL1500 Gold Wing model. Compared to its predecessor, the new version has a number of technical differences:
New engine. The volume increased (1520 → 1832 cm³), received electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI), the timing belt drive was replaced with a chain drive. Increase in maximum performance: 100 → 118 hp, 150 → 167 Nm. Hydraulic compensators were replaced with manual adjustment of the valves using washers.
New frame. Aluminum replaced steel.
New brakes. The model received 3-piston combined brake system (Dual CBS) calipers and versions with ABS.
New appearance and ergonomics. Changes affected the design of plastics, the dashboard and the ergonomics of the seat.
In 2006, the Gold Wing 1800 model received several small changes that affected increased driver comfort when driving in cold weather (increased heating and airflow adjustments), increased speaker size and frame design (reinforcement of the rear). In the same year, it became possible to equip the motorcycle with an airbag (Airbag) and a proprietary navigation system (Internavi).
At the end of 2011, the model underwent a major restyling, receiving an updated and more modern appearance, improved ergonomics and airflow system, an increase in the capacity of luggage cases to 150 liters, and a new audio system. These models are the same as the 2012 versions, production has been moved from the USA to Japan.
2017 was the last year of production of the model, after which it was replaced by a completely new generation - the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing (2018+).
For whom
Here are the main features of the Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing:
- heated seats, legs, steering wheel;
- airbag;
- ABS.
This model is an excellent choice for those who prefer to travel on smooth country roads. For off-road use, this bike is not the best solution. Still, this is not an all-terrain vehicle, but a motorcycle designed to transport a large amount of luggage.
Brief history of the model
2001 - start of production and sales of the model. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A1.
2002 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A2.
2003 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A3.
2004 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A4.
2005 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A5.
2006 - minor changes to improve driver comfort when driving in cold weather (increased adjustments for heating and airflow), increasing the size of the speakers and frame design (strengthening the rear). The appearance of modifications with an airbag (Airbag) and a proprietary navigation system (Internavi) Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A6.
2007 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A7.
2008 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A8.
2009 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A9.
2010 is the last year of production in the USA. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800A.
2012 - production moves to Japan. Restyling of the model. New appearance, new heating and airflow adjustments, new 150 liter panniers, new audio system. These models have been produced since the fall of 2011. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800C.
2013 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800D.
2014 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800E.
2015 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800F.
2016 - no significant changes. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800G.
2017 is the last year of production. From 2022, Honda is introducing a completely new generation of the model. Model: Honda Gold Wing 1800 + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1800H.
Dimensions and weight
The weight of the vehicle including fuel reaches 413 kg. The rear tire dimensions are 180/60 R16 (74H), and the front tire size is 130/70 R18 (63H). The tank volume of the GL 1800 is 25 liters, which is quite a lot considering the relatively low average consumption per 100 km of road - only 6.5 liters.
Specifications:
| Model | Honda GL1800 Gold Wing |
| Motorcycle type | luxury tourer |
| Year of issue | 2001+ |
| Frame | aluminum |
| engine's type | 6-cylinder, 4-stroke, opposed |
| Working volume | 1832 cm³ |
| Bore/Stroke | 74.0 x 71.0 mm – GL1800 (2001-2017) 73.0 x 73.0 mm – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 – GL1800 (2001-2017) 10.5:1 – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Cooling | liquid |
| Number of valves per cylinder | SOHC chain drive, 2 valves per cylinder – GL1800 (2001-2017) SOHC chain drive, 4 valves per cylinder – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Fuel supply system | injector, PGM-FI + electronic throttle – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Ignition type | fully transistorized |
| Maximum power | 116.0 hp (85.0 kW) at 5500 rpm – GL1800 (2001-2005) 109.0 hp (80.0 kW) at 5500 rpm – GL1800 (2006-2017) 126.0 hp (93.0 kW) at 5500 rpm – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Maximum torque | 167.0 Nm (17.0 kg*m) at 4000 rpm – GL1800 (2001-2005) 161.0 Nm (16.4 kg*m) at 4000 rpm – GL1800 (2006-2017) 170.0 Nm (17.3 kg*m) at 4500 rpm – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Transmission | 5-speed + rear (reverse) – GL1800 (2001-2017) 6-speed + rear (reverse) – GL1800 (2018+) Automatic DCT (7-speed) + rear (reverse) – GL1800 DCT (2018+) |
| type of drive | cardan |
| Front tire size | 130/70R18 M/C (63H) |
| Rear tire size | 180/60R16 M/C (74H) – GL1800 (2001-2017) 200/55R16 M/C (77H) – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Front brakes | 2 discs, 296 mm, 3-piston calipers (CBS + ABS) – GL1800 (2001-2017) 2 discs, 320 mm, 6-piston radial calipers (CBS + ABS) – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Rear brakes | 1 disc, 316 mm, 3-piston calipers (CBS + ABS) |
| Front suspension | 45 mm telescopic fork (with anti-dive), travel - 122 mm - GL1800 (2001-2017) Double wishbone with Showa monoshock, travel - 109 mm - GL1800 (2018+) |
| Rear suspension | Pendulum (Pro-Arm, Pro-link) with monoshock absorber (adjustable preload), stroke - 105 mm + electronic preload adjustment |
| Motorcycle length | 2635 mm – GL1800 (2001-2010) 2630 mm – GL1800 (2011-2017) 2575 mm – GL1800 Tour (2018+) 2475 mm – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Motorcycle width | 945 mm – GL1800 (2001-2017) 905 mm – GL1800 DCT Airbag (2018+) 925 mm – GL1800 + Tour (2018+) |
| Motorcycle height | 1500 mm – GL1800 (2001-2005) 1525 mm – GL1800 (2006-2017) 1430 mm – GL1800 Tour (2018+) glass in down position 1555 mm – GL1800 Tour (2018+) glass in the upper position 1340 mm – GL1800 (2018+) glass in lower position 1445 mm – GL1800 (2018+) glass in upper position |
| Wheelbase | 1690 mm – GL1800 (2001-2017) 1695 mm – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Seat height | 740 mm – GL1800 (2001-2017) 745 mm – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Minimum ground clearance (clearance) | 125 mm – GL1800 (2001-2017) 130 mm – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h | 4.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 201 km/h |
| Gas tank capacity | 25.0 l – GL1800 (2001-2017) 21.0 l – GL1800 (2018+) |
| Motorcycle weight (curb) | 415 kg – GL1800 (2001-2005) 425 kg – GL1800 (2006-2010) 417 kg – GL1800 (2011-2017) 425 kg – GL1800 Airbag (2011-2017) 383 kg – GL1800 Airbag, DCT (2018+) 379 kg – GL1800 Tour (2018+) 365 kg – GL1800 (2018+) |
Chassis and brakes
The motorcycle has a diamond-shaped aluminum twin-spar frame. Both black and red colors perfectly match its solid yet elegant design. The car is equipped with a medium-sized steering wheel, excellent windproof glass and alloy wheels.
A monoshock with 105 mm of travel acts as rear suspension. A telescopic fork measuring 45 mm and with a stroke of 140 mm serves as the front fork. The brakes can be equipped with ABS. They are combined. The brakes at the rear are a three-piston caliper and a 316 mm disc. At the front there are three-piston calipers and two discs, 296 mm each.
Photo gallery
As mentioned above, the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has an updated appearance, namely, new headlights and an improved suspension, which provides comfort and confidence at high speeds. Take a look and appreciate its new design, various color options and some interesting details.
