[Test Ride Review] The GL1800 Gold Wing will Offer Comfortable Journeys

27/09/2016
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　Gold Wing was originally developed to run on straight lines of American highways. It first launched in 1974 following the early CB750 as a big bike for the American motorcycle market. The first model was equipped with newly developed engine with horizontally opposed 4 cylinder layout that was rare to be used on motorcycles.
　The Gold Wing engine was modified to 1100cc in 1980 and 1200cc in 1984 based on the original concept. In 1988 the horizontal engine was modified from 4 cylinder to 6 cylinder and was released in Japan by Honda America. Even in a small country like Japan, the Gold Wing offers unique comfort, imposing presence and has held sway as a flagship model in a category that differs from super sport models.
No model resembles this model. It’s the one and only silky six that offers awesome wind protection, solid stability and flexibility to transform itself instantly into an active sports bike once the throttle is wide open. You know, it’s not just a too large High-way King.
　Japan appears to be a small country, however total length of the highway is 16,000km. In Bibai, Hokkaido there is a straight line that is more than 30km long and in Aso, Kyushu there is a winding road that offers a 360 degrees panorama view at the top.
There are many places that I have not yet seen. It would be great to travel to those places on a Gold Wing.

002 In 1988 when Gold Wing was released in Japan, the engine was modified to a horizontal 6 cylinder engine. It’s not only quiet with low vibration but also promptly cleared the latest gas eliminations. It’s equipped with the world’s top level environmental performance and also standardly mounted with engine guard with chrome plated head cover that offer the vehicle an impression of a high class sedan. 003 The seat is like a sofa and offers the rider a backrest and the passenger a backrest and side support. It’s also standardly equipped with seat heater which switches are located on the side of the main key for the rider and left side of the rear seat for the passenger. 004 6-disc CD player is installed under the mat in the trunk. 005 The trunk has 61 liters capacity and can store two full faced helmets. The trunk can be locked and opened with keyless trunk opener. The trunks on the side have 40 liter capacity and also offer storage for full face helmets. You can open the side trunks with the lever located below the trunk. KTC Nepros mirror tools especially designed for Gold Wing are installed in the trunk and provides enough quality to be a No.1 onboard tool mounted on Japanese models. 006 The standard Audio Switch Control Panel is equipped with 4 speakers and Double Tweeter, Am/FM Radio Tuner, 6-disc CD Player and speed sensitive volume control. 007 The Gold Wing 2007 model is the first motorcycle in the world to be equipped with an air bag. The air bag will absorb the energy of the rider when he is thrown forward and activate in 0.15 seconds which is said to be faster than a blink of an eye. The first safety attempt will be adopted by HONDA and Gold Wing as expected.