Honda GLX 1800 Gold Wing

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The Honda Gold Wing gets two new colours – blue and silver – for 2009. For increased safety, there’s ABS and airbags, and to help you find your way around, there’s an on-board GPS nagivation system. And for those who love luxury, there’s electronically adjustable suspension and a comfort package that includes heated grips and seat. The bike still weighs all of 417 kilos, and actually has a reverse gear to help you maneouver the thing into and out of tight parking spaces.

Honda spoils future owners of the 2009 Gold Wing with the addition of XM Radio featuring traffic and weather reporting capabilities, plus an automatic tire pressure monitoring system proving once again that finding new solutions for the customers needs is THE way to stay strong in this business.

Introduction
The ultimate touring bike carries on to 2009 without featuring any technical or design changes, but does feature the regular fair share of goodies with which Gold Wing customers are already accustomed.

A true limousine on two wheels, the Gold Wing comes fitted with airbags, ABS, Comfort Package, heated seats and feet warmers, features without which any normal rider wouldn’t be able to pun the number of miles that this bike is capable of. Reverse gear and electronic suspension is simply more than any rider could dream of, but at a minimum curb weight of 895 pounds, these systems become absolutely necessary.

2009 Honda Gold Wing XM Radio

Instead, what will be new on the latest Gold Wing model year are the XM Radio, XM Nav Traffic and XM Nav Weather services. All are available for the North American model and while the first is just for fun and entertaining, the last two services are simply irreplaceable sources of information in what concerns, obviously, the traffic and weather conditions on the route you indicate. The bike now features Honda’s specially created Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which warns you when low tire pressure is detected in the front or rear wheel (a warning light will be turned on below the tachometer, to be more precise).

The Candy Black Cherry, Pearl Yellow, Metallic Silver, Deep Blue Metallic, Metallic Titanium, Metallic Blue color schemes are meant to further enhance visual attraction, but also to make the difference between the previous model years and the present one.

After the launch of the totally new 2001 Gold Wing, Honda has kept this model virtually unchanged. That is due to the fact that designers made sure the bike would not only look good a year or two after the launch, but even a decade later so we’ll have to wait a little bit more until the next revamp.

Still, working with what we have, it is a must to be said that the latest Honda Gold Wing is, despite the large dimensions, the best looking touring bike out there. It is a compact and well composed machine, with every design feature carefully accounted and, most importantly, featuring a predetermined role.

The headlights are big, well contoured and nicely integrated into the fairing and to people who consider it has a big “nose” I would ask if the Gold Wing would still look the same if cut down to the strict necessities. Quite frankly, that massive front end looks like a miniature luxury car, especially with those Mercedes-like mirrors.

On the sides, the engine and transmission show off a little bit and simply look like pieces of a puzzle together with the frame and the exhaust pipes. A lively note is given by the side vents, but probably the seats are what touring motorcycles all about. These are extremely spacious and comfortable on the Gold Wing and with that comfy backrest I bet passengers have nothing to complain about.

Trunk (I told you it looks like a miniature car) and side cases with integrated taillights are exactly what the bike needed in order to look as good from the back as it does from the front.

New for 2009
 

XM Radio
XM Radio offers 170 channels from coast to coast, including commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk radio, comedy, children’s and entertainment programming.

XM NavTraffic
2009 Honda Gold Wing XM Nav Traffic. XM NavTraffic is the nation’s leading real-time traffic information service, combining up-to-the-minute information on accidents and incidents with the ability to reroute riders around trouble spots as displayed on the navigation system screen.

XM NavWeather
The XM NavWeather service uses sophisticated Threat Matrix™ technology to track nationwide weather information for more than 20 different weather conditions, then scales and customizes this detail to the rider’s specific location and route. XM NavWeather can alert riders to severe conditions before they ride into them. The service works with the Navigation System to display information via color weather icons or warning signals on the navigation screen, and can give the rider the option to easily re-route around a storm’s path. The service also provides multi-day forecasts based on weather monitoring stations across the United States.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors pressure in both tires while riding. When low tire pressure is detected, a warning light will display below the tachometer.

New colors include Candy Black Cherry, Pearl Yellow, Metallic Silver, Deep Blue Metallic, Metallic Titanium, and Metallic Blue (2009 special color).

Unique Features
Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System™

Fully integrated navigation system with color screen.

Complete United States and Canada mapping with points of interest installed.

Points-of-interest information includes Honda dealers, fuel stations, restaurants, lodging, attractions, transportation, government and emergency information and saved rider’s input with home function.

Voice prompting through headsets or speakers.

On-screen text guidance and pop-up menus.

Easy-to-use handlebar and fairing-mounted controls.

Navigation available on select Gold Wing® models.

Cold-Weather Comfort Package

Five-position heated grips for cold-weather riding.

Five-position heated seat/backrest combination with individual rider and passenger controls for optimum comfort.

Foot-warming system channels engine-heated air over the rider’s feet and is controlled by a fairing-mounted lever.

Standard on all Gold Wing® models.

State-of-the-Art Premium Audio System

80-watt-per-channel power amplifier provides clear, crisp sound at all highway speeds.

Six-element speaker system includes two rear speakers, a pair of front speakers and two tweeters for a rich, full sound quality.

Tuner features auto bass control combined with auto volume control.

Standard on all Gold Wing® models.

Airbag

2009 Honda Gold Wing Airbag

Industry-first fully integrated rider airbag on a motorcycle.

The airbag module contains the airbag and inflator and is positioned in front of the rider.

The airbag Electronic Control Unit (ECU), positioned to the right of the module, analyzes signals from the crash sensors to determine whether or not to inflate the airbag.

Four crash sensors attached two per side on the front fork detect changes in acceleration caused by frontal impacts.

From the moment an impact is recognized as a collision, only 0.015 seconds elapses until the airbag inflation is activated.

Airbag available only on full-featured version.

A complete line of bolt-on accessories and appearance items.

Engine/Drivetrain
Powerful, fuel-injected 1832cc six-cylinder engine produces smooth, effortless power.

Low, forward engine placement and solid engine-mounting produce excellent road handling characteristics and impressive low-speed manoeuvrability.

High-pressure-formed, sintered-iron Nickalloy crankshaft bearing caps provide quiet operation throughout the engine’s operating-temperature range.

Parallel two-valve cylinder-head design utilizes direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation allows the first valve clearance inspection service to be at 32,000 miles.

Silent-type camshaft chains with automatic adjusters provide reliable, maintenance-free operation.

Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) (see Technology Section)

Two 40mm-diameter throttle bodies deliver air to six specially designed Keihin 50-psi high-pressure programmed fuel injectors (PGM-FI). Fuel is delivered through four nozzle holes in each injector, producing an atomized fuel mixture that is highly combustible for optimum efficiency and power.

The ECU provides two digital 3-D fuel-injection maps for each cylinder, creating ideal fuel mixture and spark advance settings for superb rideability. Unique knock-control sensors monitor ignition advance to improve performance throughout the entire rpm range.

ECU closed-loop emissions system utilizes two oxygen sensors to constantly deliver a precise air/fuel mixture, while two exhaust catalyzers further reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.

Rotary Air Control Valve (RACV) maintains precise idle control under widely varying engine loads and operating temperatures.

Compact water pump is mounted behind the engine and is driven directly by the crankshaft, contributing to quicker engine warm-up.

Engine cooling system features a series-flow coolant pattern that offers cold-start rideability and provides rapid engine warm-up.

Two side-mounted radiators enhance cooling efficiency and use low-air-pressure areas created by side cowls to draw cooling air through the radiators and beyond the rider at highway speeds.

Sturdy eight-plate clutch with maintenance-free hydraulic-assist.

Efficient stainless-steel six-into-two exhaust system produces a pleasing, aggressive sound.

Powerful 1300-watt alternator uses a fluid damper system to minimize alternator noise.

Precise-shifting five-speed transmission includes Overdrive Fifth.

SUSPENSION
Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame (see Technology Section)

Inherently smooth flat-six-cylinder Gold Wing engine also serves as a tuned stressed frame member. The solid engine-mounting system utilizes specially designed hangers and carefully matched mounting bolts to provide both excellent road feel and minimal engine vibration.

Unique Pro-Arm® Rear Suspension (see Technology Section)

Dual full-floating 296mm front discs with Linked Braking System™ (LBS™) three-piston calipers and a single ventilated 316mm rear disc with one LBS three-piston caliper provide excellent braking power.

Linked Braking System (LBS) combined with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) (see Technology Section)

Model equipped with ABS features an electric-motor-driven modulator that provides rapid and precise braking-pressure adjustments, resulting in smooth ABS operation. The system incorporates an integrated ECU, self-diagnostics with an interactive ECU test function and automatic protection against system failure.

Massive 45mm front fork houses a cartridge damper in the right leg with 5.5 inches of travel for a smooth yet superb ride in all road conditions.

Antidive system minimizes front fork dive when braking. The system utilizes brake-fluid pressure generated in the secondary LBS master cylinder mounted on the left fork leg and is activated by input from either the front brake lever or the rear brake pedal. This application of antidive and LBS produces enhanced stability when maneuvering at both low speeds and highway speeds.

Pro-Link® Rear Suspension (see Technology Section)

Computer-controlled adjustable hydraulic rear suspension preload is easily set by the rider with push-button controls, and features a two-position memory.

Unique driveshaft-damping system utilizes a double-pipe structure with a rubber-bonded coating applied to the inner pipe to absorb road shock and engine torque. The long-life design simplifies rear-wheel maintenance.

Final gearcase assembly design in the Pro Arm eliminates wheel alignment splines and ensures accurate alignment of the rear wheel after servicing.

Cast-aluminum 18 x 3.5-inch front wheel and 16 x 5.0-inch rear wheel are lightweight and strong. Radial touring tires are specifically engineered for the Gold Wing, providing a combination of excellent traction, cornering grip and long tire life.

Touring Features

2009 Honda Gold Wing Audio/Comfort

The parallel two-valve cylinder-head design, together with side-mounted radiators, allows optimum ergonomics, with excellent rider foot room and a large passenger cockpit.

Slow-speed, electric Reverse system is engaged with the simple push of the thumb control on the right handlebar.

Lightweight electronic cruise-control system utilizes a 16-bit ECU-controlled, motor-actuated throttle mechanism.

The Gold Wing’s aerodynamic bodywork is functional as well as beautiful, providing excellent rider wind protection while reducing the aerodynamic drag coefficient.

A simple yet ingenious ratcheting windscreen-adjustment system provides six settings over nearly 4.0 inches of travel. Operated manually, the mechanism eliminates the weight and complexity of electric motors.

Adjustable and closeable windscreen vent routes fresh air to the rider’s face or chest.

The Gold Wing trunk provides 60 Litresof storage capacity with an additional 5 Litresof storage available if the optional CD changer is not installed. Two full-face helmets fit easily in the trunk. The saddlebags provide 40-plus litersof storage each, resulting in a total of 147 Litresof storage space.

The saddlebag lids feature hydraulic dampers for smooth operation.

Specially designed luggage features a remote-control key lock, permitting pop-open rear trunk operation; remote lock/unlock for the trunk and saddlebags; and horn-actuated bike locator. If remote locking is attempted while a lid is open, the emergency lights flash to alert the rider.

Pockets are located in the fairing and rear trunk for convenient, easy-access storage.

Soft-touch plastic elastomer provides a luxurious feel to the front console, front- and rear-pocket covers and the passenger armrests.

Ergonomically designed saddle with a low 29.1-inch seat height has a plush passenger seat with integral backrest and side support for all-day riding comfort.

Instrument cluster includes white-on-black analog displays for speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel level, plus features adjustable backlighting and high-luminescence red pointers. Indicator/warning lights are provided for Reverse, Neutral, Overdrive, oil pressure, fuel injection, high beam, sidestand, cruise on, cruise set and low fuel. A high-resolution LCD housed in a separate module is visible in all lighting conditions and displays the odometer, A/B tripmeter, ambient temperature, audio modes, CB, rear-suspension setting, trunk/saddlebag-open indicators and a clock.

Motorized headlight-aiming system is operated by a dial switch and provides 2.5 degrees of adjustment from level.

Large 6.6-gallon fuel tank houses the PGM-FI fuel pump and provides excellent long-distance cruising range.

Additional Features
Headlight system features two 55-watt H7 low-beam and two 55-watt H7 high-beam bulbs with computer-designed multireflectors. In high-beam operation, all four bulbs produce a distinctive front lighting signature.

Engine and saddlebag guards help protect the Gold Wing’s bodywork in case of a tip-over.

Silver powdercoated finish helps ensure the Gold Wing’s aluminum frame will remain beautiful for years to come.

Maintenance-free features include automatic choke, RACV automatic idle, programmed fuel injection, automatic cam-chain adjusters, sealed battery, electronic cruise control and computer-controlled hydraulic rear spring preload adjustment.

Handsome two-piece aluminum handlebars are lightweight and strong.

Adjustable brake and clutch levers.

Clear lenses on rear turn signals and running lights complement the Gold Wing’s aggressive styling.

Self-canceling turn signals.

Fully illuminated handlebar and radio switches.

Handlebar switches and controls use easy-to-understand graphic symbols.

Dual electric spiral horns trumpet a distinctive note.

20-amp YTX maintenance-free battery.

Dual helmet locks.

Fold-down antenna for easy storage.

Padded passenger handrails.

Easy-to-use centerstand.

Convenient ignition switch/fork lock for added security.

Transferable three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

Purchase of a new, previously unregistered Honda USA-certified unit by an individual retail user in the United States qualifies the owner for a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Riders Club of America.

Assembled in Marysville, Ohio.

Honda Genuine Accessories
Audio Accessories: Six-Disc CD Changer, CB Radio Kit, CB Antenna, Audio Headsets (for open-face and full-face helmets), Passenger Audio Controller.

Air Management Accessories: Tall Windscreen, Windscreen Side Air Deflectors.

Functional Touring Accessories: Chrome Heated Grips with Thermostat, Foglight Kit (two types: Halogen or LED), 12v Accessory Socket Kit, Passenger Armrest, Coin Holder, Saddlebag Cooler, Rear Spoiler (color matched) with LED Brakelight.

Touring Convenience Accessories: Removable Saddlebag/Trunk Liner Set (available in standard and deluxe types), Trunk Net, Saddlebag/Trunk Mat Set, Seat Weather Cover, Cycle Cover, Front Nose Mask, Trunk Inner Light, Inner Trunk Pouch, Trunk Lid Organizer, Saddlebag Lid Organizer, Fairing Pouch.

Chrome Appearance accessories: Front Fender Ornament, Front Fender Extension, Front Disc Cover, Passenger Floorboard Lower Covers, Side Fairing Accent, Trunk Rack, Front Fender Rail, Saddlebag Scuff Pads, Sidestand, Exhaust Tips (two styles), License-Plate Frame, Swingarm Pivot Covers, Trunk Handle, Rear Spoiler Accent.

Gold Wing History

In the world of motorcycles, technology presses forward at such a furious pace that very few street bikes survive a span of a couple dozen years. But for more than three-and-a-half decades, the Honda Gold Wing has done much more than merely survive, it has thrived.

This big Honda touring motorcycle has continued to define a segment of the motorcycling experience, raising standards of luxury, comfort and convenience for long haulers. The following historical time line provides a glimpse into the many milestones that have made the Honda Gold Wing the icon it is today.

1972 M1
A design team is established, led by Soichiro Irimajiri, who headed up design of the five- and six-cylinder road racing engines of the 1960s. The team develops the M1, a top-secret prototype designed to explore the outer limits of the Grand Touring concept. The super-fast M1 features a liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with shaft drive-features that surface in the Gold Wing line in years to come.

1975 GL1000 GOLD WING
The original Gold Wing was much, much more than just a new motorcycle. Powered by a revolutionary 999cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, the Gold Wing opened new possibilities never before considered by the experts in the enthusiast press, much less the consumer public in general.

What to make of this open-class machine with world-class power and cross-country capabilities? Gold Wing customers took to the open road in droves, and helped inspire an industry-wide paradigm shift toward long-distance motorcycling.

1976 GL1000 GOLD WING LTD
A new model marks the Gold Wing's second year as Honda graces the GL1000 Limited Edition with an assortment of special features, including gold striping, special LTD sidecover badges, chromed radiator shroud and screen, quilt-patterned seat, plus gold wheels and spokes.

1979 HONDA GOLD WING
With more than 80 percent of Gold Wing production being exported to North America, a vital need arose to build a production plant in the U.S. Although Honda had been building overseas plants for more than 25 years, the move to America in the 1970s was risky.

To most consumers, Honda's quality was its strongest selling point, and building in America could jeopardize this hard-earned reputation-not just for the Gold Wing, but for all Honda products for decades to come.

Nevertheless, Honda forged ahead, and on September 10, 1979, the first Honda of America Manufacturing (HAM) plant begins production as a group of 64 associates completes the first 10 Honda motorcycles built in Marysville, Ohio.

Within three months, Honda's top managers had sufficient confidence in HAM's capabilities to proceed with building an automobile plant in 1979-the first Japanese car builder to do so in the U.S.

 1980 HONDA GL1100 GOLD WING
Five years of continuous consumer input culminate in the introduction of the GL1100. More than a rehashed GL1000 with 10 percent greater displacement, the new Wing incorporates deliberately planned modifications that guide it away from the superbike realm and place it squarely into the touring category.

The new 1085cc engine now favors torque rather than horsepower, a longer wheelbase provides more room for both pilot and passenger, and a new air-assisted suspension system gives the Gold Wing its most supple, comfortable ride to date.

1980 HONDA GL1100 GOLD WING INTERSTATE
The GL1100 also introduced another innovation that was arguably more important than its mechanical changes. Since the Gold Wing's long-distance prowess had inspired the creation of an entire aftermarket of bolt-on touring accessories, Honda's engineers clearly envisioned a new direction toward a turnkey, fully dressed luxury machine.

In 1980, the innovative Interstate fulfilled that vision as the first Gold Wing available fully equipped with factory-installed fairing, saddlebags and trunk, plus the option of a stereo sound system. Turnkey touring, Gold Wing style, is born.

1982 GL1100 GOLD WING ASPENCADE
In quick succession, Honda introduces the concept of luxury touring with the Aspencade. Amenities abound in standard trim, including LCD instrumentation, stereo, CB, on-board air-compressor and thoughtful touches such as the handy storage pouches in the passenger backrest. At the same time, through the use of Redpages in its advertising, Honda underscores its technological edge.

1984 GL1200 GOLD WING ASPENCADE
The GL1200 brought the Gold Wing to the outer limits of the four-cylinder engine's performance and sophistication. The added power and torque of the larger 1182cc engine made the Gold Wing the king of its class in 1984, with a combination of smoothness and low-rpm acceleration that couldn't be matched.

The addition of hydraulic valve adjustment now made the Wing virtually maintenance-free. At the same time, chassis improvements made the big Wing feel amazingly agile, and open-road comfort was superlative.
 

1985 HONDA GL1200 LIMITED EDITION
Honda marks the Wing's 10th anniversary in two significant ways. First, with the Gold Wing so firmly entrenched within the touring realm, Honda decides to drop the standard, unfaired GL1200.

Second, an ultra-luxurious Limited Edition arrives, complete with computerized fuel injection, four-speaker sound system, cruise control, auto-leveling rear suspension, a comprehensive electronic travel computer and special two-tone metallic gold paint.

Following the success of its Marysville Motorcycle Plant, Honda constructs an engine plant in nearby Anna, Ohio, to build Gold Wing engines. Just as Marysville's success paved the way for Honda's auto manufacturing in America, the Anna Engine Plant moved from manufacturing GL engines alone to building powerplants for Civics and Accords.

At Anna, all the casting, forging, machining and heat-treating processes necessary to turn raw materials into finished, sophisticated engines reside under one roof. As one associate proudly observes, "We do what seven Honda plants do in Japan."

1988 GL1500 GOLD WING
In 1984 a new design team began planning the next Wing. The new machine had to be superior in every aspect: extremely quiet and silky smooth, yet extremely powerful with superior handling.

The GL1500 got there-the hard way. Thousands of hours were spent in testing 15 different machines in 60 prototype stages-the most comprehensive model development project in Honda's history.

These efforts culminated in a six-cylinder luxury motorcycle of such surpassing excellence it would establish a touring benchmark that would dominate motorcycling for more than a decade.

1993 HONDA GOLD WING 1800
The next-generation GL begins to take shape under the guidance of Masanori Aoki, a sportbike enthusiast who has already headed up development of high-performance bikes including the CBR 250 RR, CBR 400 RR and the CBR 600 F3.

"We set out to keep 80 percent of the Gold Wing's touring capability," Aoki said. But he also added, "My job is to add more fun factor, to build a Gold Wing with the kind of acceleration and handling people normally associate with sporting machines."

After considering flat-four, flat-six and flat-eight engine configurations and displacements up to 2000cc, customer response overwhelmingly points to a flat-six of about 1800cc displacement. In 1998, a full-scale model is created.

1996 HONDA GOLD WING
The one-millionth Honda motorcycle made in America rolls off the Marysville assembly line. Appropriately enough, the millionth model is a Gold Wing; this commemoration is altogether fitting, since the success of the Gold Wing and that of Honda in America are inextricably intertwined.

2000 HONDA GOLD WING
In January 2000, the Marysville Motorcycle Plant is thoroughly redesigned to build the new Gold Wing. As part of this process, the engine production line is transferred from Anna to Marysville to facilitate the new Gold Wing production. The Gold Wing's new era officially begins when the first complete GL1800 rolls off the Marysville assembly line on October 10, 2000.

2001 HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING
The word "new" cannot do justice to the GL1800. Two numbers alone tell a big story: 118 bhp and 125 lb./ft. of torque. Don't try to find other bikes that compare, because there aren't any. In terms of power, the new Gold Wing is literally in a class of one.

Likewise, the list of long-legged mounts offering a box-section aluminum frame begins with the word "Gold" and ends with "Wing." And that's only the beginning. Before the GL1800 was completed, Honda would patent no less than 20 technological innovations that were incorporated into this amazing high-performance luxury motorcycle.

2005 HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING
The 30th anniversary Gold Wing comes in a slew of colors, including Pearl Yellow, White, Metallic Silver, Dark Gray Metallic, Bright Blue Metallic and Candy Black Cherry. Special 30th anniversary color-matched badging on the front fairing, rear trunk and dash cover also distinguish the '05 model, as does a 30th anniversary color-matched key, 30th anniversary opening ceremony on the LCD display, and unique carbon-fiber seat pattern on pearl yellow and metallic silver colors. To date, more than 500,000 Gold Wings have been produced.

2006 HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING
In 2006, the most potent Gold Wing ever produced now elevates luxury motorcycling to unprecedented highs. A six-speaker premium audio system with 80 watts per channel comes standard on every new GL1800, and riders may also opt for a satellite navigation system with color screen, a Cold-Weather Comfort Package and an industry-first fully integrated motorcycle airbag.

2012 HONDA GOLD WING
Manufacture of the Gold Wing shifts to the ultra-modern facility in Kumamoto, Japan, where production on a gigantic scale will see as many as 1800 motorcycles produced in a single day.

The new 2012 Gold Wing brings upgraded styling along with a dazzling array of sophisticated electronic amenities including a next-generation GPS navigation system with user-friendly programmability for sharing favorite ride routes, which can be accessed online via computer, plus a built-in MP3/iPod interface for the new SRS CS Auto technology surround-sound system.

Source ultimatemotorcycling.com