2012 Honda Goldwing GL 1800 motorcycle test

Menus

• Majestic Asphalt Diva.
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Consumption
• Conclusion
• New arrivals
• More dynamic style
• Improved protection
• Optimized stability and road behavior
• Increased loading capacity
• Surround sound system with iPod connectivity
• Improved navigation system

Majestic Asphalt Diva.

Icon of road machines, imposing and luxurious, Honda carves out its generous muse with small touches. Thus, 2012 will certainly not see a truly new “Gold”. The changes made are essentially and discreetly aesthetic. This version, to come in December of this year, is therefore a wise evolution of the 2001 GL 1800 model, already retouched in 2006. The real novelty is the return of production in Japan (after 32 years in the United States). Honda France makes a special North American import model available to us, already delivered across the Atlantic. Only the maximum power value (87 kW at 5500 rpm) will be made in accordance with our national specificity (78 kW).

Discovery

The Goldwing is the limousine of motorcycles. An invitation to long-distance travel, its plane face, its luxury liner size and its large trunks are eye-catching. Initiate or layman, everyone remains pensive in front of the imposing traveler. The protection and comfort of the crew are the hallmarks of the design of this machine. All in width, headlight, windshield, fairing sides, pilot seat cases and, even more, passenger … oversize prevails in every way.

Two-tone, refined, the dress of the Gold 2012 is always more elegant and optimizes the flow of air. The air intakes and extractors therefore benefit from a more discreet design and better integration. The optical reflectors receive a gun barrel treatment. Under fire, the 45 mm diameter telescopic fork with anti-dive system benefits from a new anti-friction treatment. The rear shock has an electronically controlled pre-load adjustment. To stop the 413 kg or so on our machine (421 kg in the airbag version), the brake system is made up of two combined 3-piston ABS calipers for the front and a single element of the same type at the rear.
The large 1832 cm3 flat 6-cylinder block is positioned very low in its triple-section aluminum double-beam frame. A supporting element associated with the chassis, the engine highlights all of its matt coating with chrome details and places the center of gravity as close to the ground as possible. Exhausts and manifolds are almost invisible.

The long tank, fitted with a new lockable compartment, follows the lines of the frame and heads towards the imposing rider’s seat, dominated by a real passenger chair. The latter has a heated seat according to 6 values, two speakers, two storage compartments and an intercom connection. The complete brawl, open by lock or command, completes the whole. It is, aesthetically, this element that changes the most. The top case loses its two-tone lights for a more classic look. Those of the suitcases, redesigned, are classically refocused and refined to adapt to the new design. Indeed, abandoning the automotive roundness, the trunks adopt an angular flat on their rear face, mimicking the look of the Ultra Glide of Milwaukee. A relevant and very successful choice.

In the saddle

You almost fall "into" the Goldwing, the seat is so low (only 740 mm) and soft. The long handlebar tubes ideally place the handles and controls in the hands, in a very natural way. The coded key is placed in the middle of the instrument panel, between the rider seat heating dials and the handles. Clad in buttons, the cockpit, worthy of a long haul, won a few more orders. Indeed, there was still a little room, right side, for the settings of … integrated GPS. Not available on our motorcycle imported from the States, its large color screen also provides information on the correct closure of the cases, the shock absorber preload adjustment and the odometer information. It also allows you to choose your radio station or browse your favorite playlist, whether it is on your iPod, iPhone or USB key and plugged into the appropriate port in the top case…

All the audio settings are accessible by controls on the handlebars, left stalk, or, sometimes redundantly, inside left side of the fairing. A necessary learning of the user manual and a certain habit will allow amateurs to manage the plethora of possibilities of this rolling salon. Note that the central audio console has disappeared to offer a fairly large "glove box" which can be locked..

Under the wide windshield, which can be manually adjusted in height to 6 positions (ie more or less 10 cm), there are three classic counters: engine speed, tachometer; the last combines fuel gauge and engine temperature. Illuminated pictograms inform, among other things, of the proper functioning of the ABS or the deployment of the side stand. Less common is the activation of cruise control and its starting or the acronym OD, Over Drive, when shifting from 5th gear overdrive … The speed regulator is calibrated and powered on at the right-hand switch . Without forgetting the access to the reverse gear, by electric motor, essential to maneuver the half-ton of the liner without risking sinking. Despite the impressive riot of information, you quickly feel at ease as the general ergonomics are good.

In the city

Contact, initialization of the electronics and the 6 cylinders snort in a quiet hiss. The short clutch travel is surprising on the first start. As is the almost unexpected balance for such a monument. However, mass transfers, at very low speed in the corners, take a little getting used to to avoid getting caught. In contrast, the Gold brakes flat, showing the efficiency of the fork..
The first, rather short, effectively launches the winged road. Model of flexibility, the extraordinary cruiser accepts to start on the 4th report, without batting an eyelid, or even the following one. On the latter, we then evolve at less than 600 revolutions / minute and about 10 km / h … surprising. Especially since the times are acceptable to revive the crew. Motorcycle taxis made no mistake about equipping their fleet with two-wheeled limousines.

The large mirrors are easily adjusted, ideally reflecting the surroundings. Flashing lights are integrated into it and, as a novelty, also light up when the vehicle is started up, thus marking out the vehicle. If the width of the machine is quickly acquired, its length must be taken into account in urban areas. Typically, the interface requires some understanding of the dimensions of the ultra-GT. Likewise, the maneuvers will be smooth and the U-turns will be safer using a roundabout. With the Honda spaceship needing space to express itself, quickly get out of town.

Motorway and expressways

The Goldwing is designed to cut the road. For a long time, surely and comfortably. The stability is such that, with the regulator engaged, you can let go of the handlebars and steer the machine while weakly oscillating the body. or by going out right hand, left hand, like an airplane shutter. Bluffing !

Significantly, the flap in the middle of the windshield, in addition to its anti-suction effect towards the front, also brings in a little air. As the protection is excellent, it is advisable to equip yourself lightly on sunny days otherwise you will have to take a sauna session. However, the maximum height adjustment of the front window seems too tight. My meter eighty-four moderately accommodates the eddies felt in the helmet. Impossible to ride with the visor open, especially when a few drops of rain punctuate the course. A windshield wiper would also be very useful. Apart from this point, we move with calm and pleasure, to the rhythm of the music for the most music lovers.

5th gear overdrive engaged, the 1,832 cm3 are velvet and purr at 3,600 rpm on the motorway. On this report, the reminders are straightforward from 2,500 revolutions / minute and allows energetic overtaking. Capable of exceeding 210 km / h, the Gold would gladly accept cruising at 170 km / h, 1,500 laps from the red zone. Its large heart breathes fully and can surprise more than one user with its dynamic abilities.

But traffic codes and fuel economy dictate more suitable driving. Thus carried out, we can count on an average autonomy of more than 350 kilometers. You might as well take the opportunity to visit the little corners.

Departmental

The approval of suspensions is quickly appreciated on the secondary network. Wisely stalled at 2,500 laps at regular speed, ready to accelerate, the opulent road charms its crew. The cardan transmission naturally assists such a flexible engine. Another advantage of the Japanese cruiser, efficient and neutral braking. Based on the excellent combined system, the CBS combines the front and rear calipers, whatever command the pilot chooses. Muscular deceleration or smooth control, the Gold’s brakes are in line with its excessiveness and style..

Thus supported, we then enjoy the landscape as rarely on another motorcycle. Different in fact. The atmosphere on board is so hushed that the surroundings unfold more peacefully. What is the point of stepping up the pace when everything invites you to relax? The approval at the imposed speeds is so appreciable. In addition, the ground clearance remains measured and imposes a smooth rhythm, for the benefit of the absolute comfort provided by the Goldwing. Finally, the car radio is all the more convincing when the air noises disappear.
While radio reception has been improved, the equipment is even better when paired with an audio player. Accepting MP3, WMA or AAC formats, the pleasures of the on-board disco are yours. An 80W, 6-speaker SRS Circle Surround sound system puts music on the go. Be sure to choose a helmet with little soundproofing and not to exceed 130 km / h, which, in my opinion, is the extreme limit to really appreciate this equipment..

Part-cycle

Honda has mastered the balance. A sumo tightrope walker would have the same effect. Homogeneous, comfortable without being a rocking horse, neutral in turns, precise when changing course (which we will take care to prepare at a good pace), the Gold steers with the tips of the gloves. The slightest support is effective.

But no miracle during more static maneuvers. These are only possible with the engine running and require habit and vigilance, particularly in pairs. The weight already distributed mostly over the rear (front: 185 kg; rear: 228 kg) is felt even more with a passenger positioned at the end of the machine.

Braking

Stopping more than half a ton, duet and loaded, is a challenge. But on board, no stress. We certainly feel an unusual mass, yet very well contained by the coupled braking system and ABS. Providing a good feeling, both to stabilize and to slow down precipitously, the use of the pedal alone can cause a little more jerking.

Comfort / Duo

Out of the ordinary, a real pullman, the Goldwing offers as much comfort as storage space: no less than 150 liters of available space divided between small compartments, suitcases and top case! 4 full-face helmets can be accommodated there. Controlled remotely, if the closure is actuated while an element is still open, the indicators come on to alert the pilot. This one, as the passenger tastes a comfort rarely achieved on a motorcycle

Consumption

Honda succeeds in controlling the consumption of its leviathan. The over drive, the 25-liter fuel tank and engine flexibility have a lot to do with it, allowing very moderate revs. An average of 6.5 liters / 100 km is generally observed.

Conclusion

The Goldwing is almost a separate entity. There is Honda and there is the Gold. Flawlessly pleasant road vessel and superlative equipment, few competitors come close to its overall performance. Only the Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited 1690 available at a price of € 27,990 can offer a more assertive style alternative..

Like a great wine, improving over the years, the 2012 vintage brings some new notes to an excellent base of 10 years old. The revolution will come later with, perhaps, an electric bubble, an additional report on a robotic double-clutch gearbox from the VFR 1200 DCT and an innovative design. This vintage should also contain its price under € 30,000. As a reminder, the previous one, now unavailable, asked for € 28,990 in ABS version.

Strong points

• Extraordinary comfort for the crew
• Balance of the cycle part
• Flexibility and engine performance

Weak points

• Still a little heavy
• Protection for tall pilots
• Selective tariff

available in white, blue, red

New arrivals

More dynamic style

Always considered a benchmark in terms of aerodynamics, the new Goldwing sees its shapes revisited, with lines that more harmoniously combine the front and the rear. The redesigned rear light unit further adds to the elegance of this new look.

Improved protection

Research in the field of computational fluid mechanics (MFN) has created a new shape for the front part of the fairing and significantly improved protection.

Optimized stability and road behavior

The new design of the rear part incorporates air extractors which reduce aerodynamic drag and provide better stability. In addition, the new front and rear suspension settings ensure exemplary behavior..

Increased loading capacity

Larger saddlebags bring the cargo capacity of the Goldwing to 150 liters.

Surround sound system with iPod connectivity

The adoption of a new SRS 80W 6-speaker surround sound system ensures outstanding sound quality. The pilot can now listen to music files in MP3, WMA or AAC formats by connecting an iPod, an iPhone or simply a USB key.

Improved navigation system

The integrated navigation system offers improved reception sensitivity for more reliable navigation while the screen is now brighter.

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