Unveiled for the first time in the world at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in October 1974, the Honda Goldwing->ke2108 has, over the years, become more than just another motorcycle. It became an icon which is undoubtedly re-writing the rules and creating the benchmarks for touring motorcycles all these years.

From a 999 cc (61.0 cu in) flat-four engine at 1975 to the 1832cc flat-six that is currently running the show, the Gold Wing came amongst the ten best motorcycles for eighteen years. But soon all that pomp and show started to fade away slowly and the big Red Winger fell behind the shadows of the fierce competition from the West.

Luckily the Japanese manufacturer is giving the Gold Wing a much-needed overhaul for launch in 2018 and is said come and shake the whole segment down to its roots. With neat pieces of tech like the Dual Clutch Transmission and a semi-active wishbone suspension seeing the stage in the 2018 Gold Wing, Honda is showing the right amount confidence in their engineering and the stamina to produce just the best.

There is a reason why the Gold Wing is regarded as one of the most technologically advanced motorcycles on the Earth. Apart from having a superlative aerodynamic design which minimizes the negative pressure of oncoming air while riding, the motorcycle is also packed with creature comforts to the gills. Even after existing for nearly 40 years, the Goldwing still is one of the most upmarket motorcycles in terms of design and functionality.

ids=725709,725708

no_overlay=true>

2015 Honda Gold Wing

2018 Honda Gold Wing


With the latest version of Honda Goldwing for 2018, Honda has still kept the silhouette of the original Goldwing which was showcased in 1974. It will get all the bells and whistles that have adorned the baggers these days including traction control, engine modes, cornering ABS, and integrated infotainment systems.

Apart from these, there are a few impressive technology the scribes believe that has gone into the new model. First, it will be Honda’s exclusive automatic six-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) that debuted on the Africa Twin. Also, a seven gear transmission system is on the cards along with a dedicated reverse gear!

Front Suspension setup


Then is an intelligent suspension system that Honda wants to introduce in a mass production model of this magnitude. Featuring a semi-active unit, the Gold Wing is said to have a pair of wishbone attached to a cast aluminium girder via bearings at the front which will steer the fork via simple linkage. Dubbed as the Hub-centre steering, this setup was first seen on BMW’s Duolever concept and is said to provide the highest level of riding precision and steering accuracy. It combines the greatest possible riding comfort, sensitive feedback, and outstanding directional stability.

Matching the exteriors dimensions, the engine of the Honda Goldwing is equally king-size too. This touring motorcycle has been blessed with a liquid cooled, 12-valve, 1,832cc inline-six engine, which breathes out 116 hp of maximum power and 123 lb ft of maximum torque. Now, we are not sure if Honda is planning to swap this engine with another four-cylinder hybrid version as seen in a few patents, but the motorcycle will have to comply with Euro V norms when launched.

With the inception of hybrid technology into a motorcycle, Honda could as well make the most technologically packed motorcycle ever seen till date. And to manoeuvre across all these little monkeys, the Gold Wing will come with the state-of-the-art TFT screens on the dash and a bunch of control units like the thumb-wheels, joysticks and multiple buttons to navigate across the bike’s mechanical limitations and the infotainment.

Speculatively, the 2018 Gold Wing is said to be unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan in November, and if it is going to carry all the fire power we think it will, the competition better start coming up with a contingency plan real soon, or else they will definitely be mushed by the Gold Wing.

The top-of-the-line “Gold Wing Airbag” currently retails at $30,999 and the 2018 model should be priced somewhere close to this.