2018 Oct. 27 GoldWing Presentation at Honda

Today was the first official presentation of the 2018 Honda GoldWing and GoldWing Tour at Honda HQ in Torrance, California. I attempted to take some relevant photos and get some answers from the very knowledgeable Honda technical staff on hand.

First and most importantly, we had some GoldWing cookies to eat – Honda makes a tasty cookie! About 4 inches in diameter, with a nice, high-definition gradient on the printed sugar logo:

http://i65.tinypic.com/34pgebc.jpg

Here are some photos of the bikes:

First, the GW Tour after unveiling:

http://i66.tinypic.com/2nlgy8.jpg

Next, the entry-level GW. All blacked-out, my favorite.

http://i68.tinypic.com/28txuux.jpg

The bags are a bit smaller than on the F6B – a styling concession.

http://i64.tinypic.com/2vdl72t.jpg

The odd little caliper on the rear disc is for the parking brake – it's an automatic, so it needs one.

http://i65.tinypic.com/2m4p30w.jpg

Some really bright LEDs up front ...

http://i66.tinypic.com/2rfdh1t.jpg

And also in the rear.

http://i65.tinypic.com/xcvd4k.jpg

Linked brakes with linked ABS on every model. Somebody listened!

http://i66.tinypic.com/2hr0d8y.jpg

I liked the looks of the bagger. I also like the looks of the F6B. They're both more attractive than the BMW K1600B, in my mind.

http://i65.tinypic.com/2n6vlf4.jpg

A fat rear tire. 200mm I believe. Looks just right.

http://i66.tinypic.com/289hfmw.jpg

The GoldWing gets the black exhaust. The Tour gets the chrome.

http://i64.tinypic.com/345h1kh.jpg

Superb photos, Circle. Thanks for the close-ups :yes:

Wonder if there will be Switchback turn signal options.

Also see people buying the bagger version and putting aftermarket trunks on it.

Thanks for the pictures.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ths61

Wonder if there will be Switchback turn signal options.

Also see people buying the bagger version and putting aftermarket trunks on it.

Thanks for the pictures.

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Heck or, you can buy the Tour version and remove the trunk. It's a little expensive, but buying the Bagger version , you could buy the Honda trunk kit in their accessories.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jimmytee

Heck or, you can buy the Tour version and remove the trunk. It's a little expensive, but buying the Bagger version , you could buy the Honda trunk kit in their accessories.

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I was aiming for a trunk with more room.

I have gone the small trunk and small saddlebag route before and don't want to repeat that decision.

Looks very, very nice. Thanks for the good pics.

With the new closer fitting rear Tupperware, it maybe hard for aftermarket suppliers to make a hidden hitch (if the frame can support one).

..from a styling point of view. The instrument panel/dash board seems quite high. This (to my eyes) takes away from the low and long bagger look that makes the F6B look so good. And from the rear, the bags look added on, as opposed to the integrated look of the F6B. Don't get me wrong, I sure like the new bike, but it does look more like the BMW than I would have liked.. just like the 1600B, it's a bit too much "sport tourer" than bagger.

Just noticed, different tires on the Wing, vs the 'Stones on the Tour.

...Circle-5 :yes:

Looks like the moved the coolant reserve bottle away from that vulnerable spot under the bike. And seems that you can adjust the linkage for the rear shock. Don't know off hand if that's available for our current F6B's

http://i65.tinypic.com/10y0tw9.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ths61

With the new closer fitting rear Tupperware, it maybe hard for aftermarket suppliers to make a hidden hitch (if the frame can support one).

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It would be very hard to imagine Honda engineering the bike where it made it impossible to put a hitch on. I'm sure vendors will figure it out. But it does look like it would be difficult to make it stealth like it can be on our older models.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by willtill

...Circle-5 :yes:

Looks like the moved the coolant reserve bottle away from that vulnerable spot under the bike. And seems that you can adjust the linkage for the rear shock. Don't know off hand if that's available for our current F6B's

http://i65.tinypic.com/10y0tw9.jpg

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Yeah, I noticed that and I noticed the linkage, but the coolant bottle is on the other side on the current bike, just may not be able to see it in this pic.
I don't see a crossover tube on the exhaust either. Could be hidden I suppose, but if not , it could help open the door for easier full exhaust upgrades. :icon_wink:

UH, I take that back, I think I now see the crossover tube. Right behind the shock linkage, It just isn't black , so it threw me off.:icon_wink:

http://i64.tinypic.com/345h1kh.jpg

Is that matte paint on the 'bagger' model?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by willtill

...Circle-5 :yes:
Looks like the moved the coolant reserve bottle away from that vulnerable spot under the bike. And seems that you can adjust the linkage for the rear shock. Don't know off hand if that's available for our current F6B's
http://i65.tinypic.com/10y0tw9.jpg

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I'm thinking that second hole is for the center stand. Again the standard doesn't get all the goodies.

Still can't believe they didn't put lights in the trunk! Every little bit helps to prevent being rear ended.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Av8er

Still can't believe they didn't put lights in the trunk! Every little bit helps to prevent being rear ended.

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I'm betting this will be one of the first aftermarket accessories to appear.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ths61

Wonder if there will be Switchback turn signal options.

Also see people buying the bagger version and putting aftermarket trunks on it.

Thanks for the pictures.

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That is what I plan to do... Get the luggage rack for the bagger. I have a great SHAD SH50 top case that holds my XXL Schuberth C3Pro helmet, gloves, and riding suit. Don't need bigger, it has a backrest built-in for the wife, and has proven to be extremely durable and reliable. Keep one saddlebag for rain gear, tools, and first aid kit, the other for storage for my riding boots/shoes (I change out when I get to where I want to be) and foodstuffs/bottles of water.

Yeah, doesn't look as clean and integrated, but it works and it's basically a $150 option (the cost of the luggage rack).

The Honda techs answered all of my questions, except one:

• The retractable thingy on top of the instrument panel is an air deflector. It replaces the windscreen louvered air vent. More effective and disappears when not needed.
• The side crash-bars are still frame-mounted welded tubing like on the existing F6B. However, they now have these black stealth covers, so they look more discreet.
• The bags open with the little square push-buttons (probably electrical switches) visible on top rear of the bags. The bags also open with the key-fob remote controller.
• The extra holes beneath the rear shock linkage are to accommodate the optional center stand (which is always included in the GoldWing Tour).
• ABS comes with all trim levels, from the entry level bagger to the air-bag Tour version. This ABS is apparently both clever and complex. Details went straight over my head. :icon_frown:
• There are no longer any fork seals to worry about – ever – because of the new front-end design.
• The optional air bag is no longer manufactured by Takata (so you have a better chance of surviving its deployment!).
• The top cubby cover is now hinged, instead of coming off entirely.
• There will be an accessory rear LED light bar for the trim beneath the trunk.
• The rear-view mirror assemblies fold both forward and backward.
• The electric windscreen retracts back down to its lowest position when the bike is switched off, but it remembers its adjustment and returns to it at next startup.
• The hand-brake release is the black rectangular handle on the left, at about knee level (see photo below).
• The plastic engine covers are no more. Access to fluid level dipsticks is now more convenient, on the LH side of the engine.
• Passenger footpegs have now been replaced with nicely integrated floorboards.
• The last two gear ratios on both bikes are overdrives. The top gear is set higher than on current models (which would indicate a lower rpm at cruise speed and better fuel economy).

This one I did not understand one bit:

• The amount of handlebar turn (arc deflection) is less than on the current GW, to achieve the tightest turn radius, which remains nonetheless identical. My comprehension of basic geometry failed me on this one, but the Honda tech was very enthusiastic about it, so it must be something good – especially if you have short arms ...

Other questions:

• Because the handlebar is connected to the steering column via adjustable tie rods, I asked if that implied the handlebar angles could be adjusted fore and aft, as with Helibars. The answer is no.
• I asked if the air filter replacement was still as exquisitely inconvenient as on the existing model. Ummm, huh, well, not sure, possibly, etc. was the answer. Which means it's probably about the same (I can't imagine it could be worse!) So with positive thinking, changing the air filter remains a good opportunity to discover and clean parts of your bike that you would otherwise never see.

I probably forgot a few things, but will post if I remember. What I got out of the presentation is that the 2018 GoldWing was engineered to be the most advanced motorcycle ever built to this day, with particular emphasis on its very sophisticated DCT transmission, front-end suspension and electronic ride and engine controls. Feedback from the existing GoldWing customer base was front-and-center when designing the new bike. Several video crews were present, so expect to see the speech on Honda's website in short order.

End of report.

Below: Large, automobile-size handbrake release (on DCT models only)

http://i64.tinypic.com/3166qh5.jpg

More engine to look at, less Tupperware.

http://i67.tinypic.com/2z889li.jpg

Really appreciate all of the first hand info Circle-5. Very informative. :yes:

Maybe they redesigned that rear brake light switch too. I don’t see it in the lower photo. :shhh: What a P.I.T.A. that switch was, when the local dealer effed up my rear brake recall. :icon_doh: effing morons... I’ll never never forget that debacle. :icon_rolleyes:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Circle-5

...
This one I did not understand one bit:

• The amount of handlebar turn (arc deflection) is less than on the current GW, to achieve the tightest turn radius, which remains nonetheless identical. My comprehension of basic geometry failed me on this one, but the Honda tech was very enthusiastic about it, so it must be something good – especially if you have short arms ...

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My guess is that the handlebar-2-front-wheel-turning-ratio is no longer 1:1. A smaller movement in the handlebars probably now equates to a larger movement in the front wheel requiring less steering input to go from all the way left to all the way right.

I really wish they would have addressed the ergonomic handlebar position issues with some sort of adjustability. Some people have wider shoulders than others.

Also, more exposed engine parts, means more cleaning time.

http://i.imgur.com/VTSaKJ9.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Circle-5

Today was the first official presentation of the 2018 Honda GoldWing and GoldWing Tour at Honda HQ in Torrance, California. I attempted to take some relevant photos and get some answers from the very knowledgeable Honda technical staff on hand.

First and most importantly, we had some GoldWing cookies to eat – Honda makes a tasty cookie! About 4 inches in diameter, with a nice, high-definition gradient on the printed sugar logo:

http://i65.tinypic.com/34pgebc.jpg

Here are some photos of the bikes:

First, the GW Tour after unveiling:

http://i66.tinypic.com/2nlgy8.jpg

Next, the entry-level GW. All blacked-out, my favorite.

http://i68.tinypic.com/28txuux.jpg

The bags are a bit smaller than on the F6B – a styling concession.

http://i64.tinypic.com/2vdl72t.jpg

The odd little caliper on the rear disc is for the parking brake – it's an automatic, so it needs one.

http://i65.tinypic.com/2m4p30w.jpg

Some really bright LEDs up front ...

http://i66.tinypic.com/2rfdh1t.jpg

And also in the rear.

http://i65.tinypic.com/xcvd4k.jpg

Linked brakes with linked ABS on every model. Somebody listened!

http://i66.tinypic.com/2hr0d8y.jpg

I liked the looks of the bagger. I also like the looks of the F6B. They're both more attractive than the BMW K1600B, in my mind.

http://i65.tinypic.com/2n6vlf4.jpg

A fat rear tire. 200mm I believe. Looks just right.

http://i66.tinypic.com/289hfmw.jpg

The GoldWing gets the black exhaust. The Tour gets the chrome.

http://i64.tinypic.com/345h1kh.jpg

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I hope later production models are put together with a little more care...Noticed on the trunk of the Tour model the Honda badge is off-center to left and the right saddle bag has a larger gap when closed than the left one....Just "nitpicking"....Great photos

Quote:

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Originally Posted by opas ride

I hope later production models are put together with a little more care...Noticed on the trunk of the Tour model the Honda badge is off-center to left and the right saddle bag has a larger gap when closed than the left one....Just "nitpicking"....Great photos

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It would be great if they came debadged as an option so you don't have to risk the paint job removing the branding logos all around.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by opas ride

I hope later production models are put together with a little more care...Noticed on the trunk of the Tour model the Honda badge is off-center to left and the right saddle bag has a larger gap when closed than the left one....Just "nitpicking"....Great photos

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According to the Honda motorcycle techs, these two GoldWings are not even complete – they were just recently cobbled together for presentations. That's all they've got. The engines will start (to demo the new, rumbly exhaust note), but won't get you anywhere. They won't let you sit on them. If you want to test ride a pre-production model today, you have to go to Japan. I assume these two incomplete props were assembled by hand in California, without the help of jigs, special tooling and so forth. The ones on display at the Long Beach Motorcycle Show next month should be closer to the real thing. But I will look for the off-center trunk badge to see if they're the same ones!

Great pics. Thanks for posting those. I don't care what the crybaby naysayers say that is one beautiful motorcycle..notworthy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by opas ride

I hope later production models are put together with a little more care...Noticed on the trunk of the Tour model the Honda badge is off-center to left and the right saddle bag has a larger gap when closed than the left one....Just "nitpicking"....Great photos

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Victory Visions were like that. Some body panels did not line up/space correctly. Pointed it out to one the the local Vision dealers here.. they were like "meh..." :icon_rolleyes:

By looking at the photos, it may be challenging to find "places to attach tie downs" if you plan to haul the bike on a trailer. Gone are the front engine guards and rear ones, being replaced with "solid" pieces, unable to put straps around or thru. Also, with the new type front suspension, I used to strap under the triple- tree, not sure what to hook onto, now. And we all know better than to strap the bike by the handle bars. JMO, without actually seeing the bike in person.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jm21ddd15

By looking at the photos, it may be challenging to find "places to attach tie downs" if you plan to haul the bike on a trailer. Gone are the front engine guards and rear ones, being replaced with "solid" pieces, unable to put straps around or thru. Also, with the new type front suspension, I used to strap under the triple- tree, not sure what to hook onto, now. And we all know better than to strap the bike by the handle bars. JMO, without actually seeing the bike in person.

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It ain't no Harley... doesn't need to be trailered nor strapped down :stirthepot:

The engine guards are there, they are just covered with a plastic cover. I wouldn't use the engine guard anyways for strapping the bike down. You're right about the tree though. That is where I would strap the front down traditionally.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DaWadd

Great pics. Thanks for posting those. I don't care what the crybaby naysayers say that is one beautiful motorcycle..notworthy.

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You're welcome and I agree with you. I walked in there with the intention of not liking the aesthetics of the 2018, based on the photos I'd seen. I had a solid list of misgivings and many good reasons to reject the new angular design, including my appreciation for the rounded, organic shapes of the current model. I knew that seeing the 2018s would just reinforce all my preconceptions. But it took about 30 seconds to change all that. Photos don't do it justice. It's hard to explain, but every line and every detail just flows together as you walk around the bike. There is no bad angle, just a tight, well-designed package that owes as much to CAD/CAM as it does to its designers.

There are some technical choices that could be questioned, like the smaller fuel tank, the absence of hydraulic valve adjustments (even Harley has them) and the aluminum sleeves, which may or may not be as durable. Time will tell. But the looks of the bike are impeccable, especially if you like the "form follows function" philosophy.

That's just my opinion, of course. For the record, I don't work for Honda, or for a Honda dealer. I just spend some of my money on their toys.

Thank you again for the pics. They are great. I am very impressed with what I see. I am ready to get my fully loaded up DCT GWT in Spring 2020. Already laying the groundwork for that move with the Mrs.

http://i65.tinypic.com/2rrbf53.jpg

The white is now bright and glossy, not matte. The only matte color is silver (carry over from F6B in 2016 model year). For those who are concerned about paint quality: "... paint is high tech, using BASF nano-technology paint. Darks look darker, lights look brighter. The paint itself has a luxurious wet appearance." And I read somewhere that the 2018 GW has a clear-coat. Just like a real paint job!

Note: from my scanner to your screen, via JPEG and other processes, the color swatches below are unlikely to be exact, assuming they were correct in the first place ...

http://i64.tinypic.com/2i0b1gz.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Circle-5

According to the Honda motorcycle techs, these two GoldWings are not even complete – they were just recently cobbled together for presentations. That's all they've got. The engines will start (to demo the new, rumbly exhaust note), but won't get you anywhere. They won't let you sit on them. If you want to test ride a pre-production model today, you have to go to Japan. I assume these two incomplete props were assembled by hand in California, without the help of jigs, special tooling and so forth. The ones on display at the Long Beach Motorcycle Show next month should be closer to the real thing. But I will look for the off-center trunk badge to see if they're the same ones!

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On 11/30 I will be in Japan and I'm going to try to fine a Honda dealer. I kind of doubt they will have one on the floor if they do and I can buy one I will there and have shipped back to me by the end of the year =)
Hook

Anybody have a breakdown on MSRP?
If anybody finds a "real deal" let us all know. Riding one of those beauties home from anywhere in the US would be a fun thing.

I just noticed this: The 2018 GoldWing Tour's electric windscreen has almost an inch more travel range (and corresponding angle change) than the GoldWing bagger –– 4.9 in. vs. 4.1 in. See scan below, from a Honda brochure. Why the difference, since both variants are identical in that area, with the same selection of interchangeable windscreens? Enquiring minds want to know ...

My hope is that it's not just another marketing idea by American Honda, to hobble the entry-level model by removing features that would have cost nothing to keep ...

http://i66.tinypic.com/2nvarlu.jpg