History of the Gold Wing
and the New Tech for 2022
The Honda Gold Wing Steals the Show
In mid-October 1974, the Cologne Motorcycle Show opened its doors. There was plenty to catch the attention of the press that year, including the all-new CB400F. Yet one bike stole the show. The motorcycle in question, the Honda GL1000 Gold Wing, was set to write a new chapter in motorcycle history.
Regardless of the success of the groundbreaking CB750, Honda was not about to rest on its laurels. So in 1972, the company established an R and D department to develop an all-new flagship motorcycle.
The choice of project leader was Japanese designer Shoichiro Irimajiri. His success in both two and four-wheeled racing would combine the best technologies from both worlds.
In 1975, the Honda Gold Wing was the first four-stroke motorcycle with water-cooling. The flat-four engine was shaft-driven. It had many cool features, including a kick-starter lever stored inside the dummy gas tank.
At the time, Harley-Davidson dominated the big touring market in the US. Regardless of reliability issues, brand loyalty meant outselling alternatives like the expensive BMW R90/6 and the exotic Guzzi Eldorado.
The new GL1000 was fast, reliable and able to handle a cross-country run as if it were a walk in the park. Then, five years later and following several updates, Honda launched the game-changing GL1100 Interstate.
Six years after the Cologne Show, in 1980, Gold Wing Interstate became the first mass-produced Japanese motorcycle to appear in full touring kit, taking it to a new level.
At its 1975 launch, the Honda Gold Wing redefined the touring motorcycle. Almost 50-years later, the Gold Wing remains the yardstick to measure all other tourers.
While on the subject of low-speed manoeuvring, anxiety-inducing, fully loaded incline starts are now also in the rearview mirror for Gold Wing riders. Hill Start Assist (HSA) prevents the motorcycle from rolling backwards in those vital moments between releasing the brakes and hitting the throttle. HSA now comes as standard on all models.
Thanks to sleeker, future-proof looks and sharper handling, the 2022 Gold Wing is at the top of the motorcycle luxury travel food chain.
The 2022 Honda Gold Wing is the Epitome of Luxury Motorcycle Touring
The old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" doesn't apply to Honda. Never one to kick back and coast, in 2018, the manufacturer treated their mile-eating grand tourer to a ground-up revamp.
Already at the forefront of two-wheeled luxury travel, the resulting overhaul was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Today's 2022 Gold Wing is lighter, faster and more fuel-efficient. It also has better handling and is more luxuriously equipped.
Its power supply remains classic Gold Wing turbine smooth with 123-hp on tap at a mere 5500-rpm. Delivery from the 1833cc flat-six engine is sportier with more mid-range torque.
The Wing's advanced fuel injection and throttle by wire are responsible for the improvement. This system also allows for the inclusion of four ride modes. Plus, Honda's Selectable Torque Control System (HSTC) which is standard on the GL Tour model.
Yet, one of the most significant changes comes with the chassis and suspension mods. The radical new Showa Double-Wishbone front forks and Pro-Link rear shock offer class-leading smooth, predictable suspension.
Together with real-world weight saving, at 80-lb lighter than the 2018 model, these changes are in total contradiction of its 845-lb curb weight.
As you would expect, improvements to accommodation, information and entertainment all add up to one thing, wherever your destination, you'll enjoy a first-class ride.
For 2022, Honda offers four variations of the GL 1800. The Gold Wing Tour is now the only model to offer a 6-speed manual gearbox with reverse mode. In comparison, the Tour DCT, Tour Airbag DCT and Gold Wing DCT all feature Honda's revolutionary 7-speed auto-box. Also, each of the three DCT models provides Walking Mode front and rear, making car park paddling a thing of the past.
While on the subject of low-speed manoeuvring, anxiety-inducing, fully loaded incline starts are now also in the rearview mirror for Gold Wing riders. Hill Start Assist (HAS) prevents the motorcycle from rolling backwards in those vital moments between releasing the brakes and hitting the throttle. HSA now comes as standard on all models.
Thanks to sleeker, future-proof looks and sharper handling, the 2022 Gold Wing is at the top of the motorcycle luxury travel food chain.
Make the Most of Your Ride - The Technology Behind the 2022 Gold Wing
As the Honda R and D team neared completion of the all-new, technologically advanced GL1800, they had to apply for no less than 20 patents. Is this a surprise? Not when you consider that the Gold Wing had pushed the design envelope since it first rocked the bike world in 1975.
The Gold Wing GL1800 re-confirmed its status as the world's most sophisticated grand tourer. In typical Honda fashion, the company has continued to break new ground. Thanks to its continuing upgrades, the 2022 Gold Wing remains in a league of its own.
What does the latest Gold Wing bring to the table?
The list of high tech rider aids on the latest GL1800 is beyond impressive. They range from safety features, including tyre pressure readout and Hill Start Assist, to multi-channel Bluetooth connectivity.
When it comes to connectivity, the Gold Wing gets yet another industry first with the inclusion of 'Apple Car Play.' Riders can now pair to almost any Smartphone on the market, whether iPhone or Android.
Pairing up to three Bluetooth connections for simultaneous use is easy. Thanks to information videos to walk you through every step.
The same applies to the audio/navigation system. Updating the Wings software may sound like a job for a technician but once again, an explanatory Honda Video takes you through the entire process stage by stage.
This latter video is super helpful as although it's possible to use the sat-nav system from your phone, the Gold Wing boasts independent navigation software. Moreover, the system has a gyrocompass which means it will not blank out in tunnels. As a plus, it also comes with ten years of complimentary map software updates.
Riding the most sophisticated touring motorcycle is an infinitely better experience when taking advantage of its full potential. HondaVideos will make sure you are heading in the right direction.
The Honda Gold Wing: What's New for 2022?
The inclusion of throttle by wire paves the way for four riding modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). Getting under the skin of the Wing also reveals the latest generation aluminium die-cast frame.
With suspension upgrades, courtesy of the double-wishbone front suspension, the 13-lb lighter engine is moved forward. This procedure increases rider and passenger comfort and improves steering.
For 2022, Honda's grand tourer is available in four models. Starting with the base model, the Gold Wing Automatic DCT transitions from manual to DCT, Honda's legendary 7-speed auto dual-clutch transmission. This model is available in Matte Nightshade Blue and features contrasting red engine detailing.
Next is the Gold Wing Tour. This model is the only one in the Gold Wing lineup to offer a 6-speed manual-shift gearbox. In addition, the Tour is available in Ultra Blue Metallic and Metallic Black.
The third is the Gold Wing Tour Automatic DCT. This model has the same specification as the manual Tour but has a DCT 7-speed auto gearbox as standard. This model is also available in Blue and Black Metal Flake.
Last is the top of the range Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT. As the name suggests, you get Honda's game-changing dual-clutch auto gearbox and the ultimate in rider safety; an airbag. For 2022, this model is available in Ultra Blue Metallic.
Mission Impossible? Not for the Gold Wing
Honda's reputation for quality and reliability is legendary but they are also technological innovators. For example, in 1969, the CB750 shocked the world as the first mass-produced motorcycle to feature four cylinders, a disc brake and an electric start.
In 1975, the Gold Wing GL1000 continued expanding motorcycle boundaries and is still riding at full throttle today. From creating groundbreaking rider enhancing features to designing the new technology needed to make it happen, the Honda Gold Wing has and always will lead the way.
The Gold Wing has evolved from a naked 1000cc flat-four to an 1800cc 6-cylinder, fully-faired grand tourer. It is now the final word in motorcycle touring luxury.
The new Gold Wing's DCT auto transmission, radical suspension, electronic rider aids and infotainment centre all combine to create a touring motorcycle at the top of its game.
At every stage of its 47-year evolution, the Gold Wing has provided an unparalleled riding experience. Thanks to Honda's "if it doesn't exist, create it" philosophy, motorcycle touring has reached new heights previously believed impossible.
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