[blackwasp]

Honda has unveiled the 2018 Gold Wing. The bikes will be available from February 2018 in 2 variants - Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour.

The Gold Wing gets a 7-inch LCD display that gives all the information to the rider. It also gets the Apple Car play for the first time on a motorcycle. Unlike the touchscreen implementation in most cars, the system must be paired with a compatible Bluetooth headset and controlled using a 4-way adjustable joystick on the handlebar. Honda claims that in the 2018 variant, the rider and pillion both sit 36 mm forward improving the airflow at high speeds. The bike features air guiding ducts and an electronic windshield. It also gets a multiple lens LED headlight along with auto-cancelling LED turn indicators. The bike comes with two 30-litre saddlebags and a 50-litre topcase.

Honda has made some changes to the Gold Wing's engine which include a smaller 73 mm bore, updated crankshaft, molybdenum coating on piston skirts and some more which help in shedding a total of 6.2 kg as compared to the earlier version. The 1,833 cc, 6-cylinder horizontally opposed engine is also smaller in size which is claimed to aid in a lowered and forward position giving better handling characteristics to the bike. Honda's Unicam valve system makes its way to this bike as well - unlike a conventional DOHC setup, a SOHC controls the two intake valves per cylinder and a low friction rocker arm controls the exhaust values. Honda has paired the engine with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and a 7-speed DCT as option. The automatic gearbox includes forward/reverse walking modes.

The chassis is a robotically welded aluminum frame with variable thickness plates and a single swingarm at the rear. The suspension duties are handled by double wishbone Showa shockers at the front and rear. The suspension’s damping and preload can be electronically adjusted. The bike features a ride-by-wire throttle and gets four driving modes - Tour, Sport, Econ and Rain. It also comes with Honda selectable torque control, hill start assist, a cruise control system and an optional airbag.







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