THE flagship of the Honda range has for many years been the archetypal big-bore, big-budget GL1800 Gold Wing. Reborn in 2018, the modern-day ‘Wing was the lightest and most sophisticated yet. And for 2021, further improvements have been made.
The changes for 2021 feature mainly in the form of improved speakers on both bikes and greater pillion comfort on the Gold Wing Tour.
For both the Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour a newly improved stereo system can now be unleashed on your neighbours at 6 am as you leave for work. They’ll love that. Having ridden the previous generation bike I can confirm that at normal speeds the stereo is great, its as the speed rises you can come into problems. At around 60mph it can distort slightly as is fights against the wind noise. The new unit is said to offer great clarity and presence, which should help a bit.
Aside from the internal and external changes, the standard bike is available in a new colour that has one of the weirdest names ever. It’s called Pearl Deep Mud Grey, which frankly sounds like something you’d find in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The top-spec Tour edition is available in Gunmeatal Black Metallic and, if you stump for the DCT, Candy Ardent Red.
Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Tour 2021 updates
For 2021 the top-spec Gold Wing Tour also gets a boost in luggage capacity, jumping from 110 to 121 litres, with the pillion’s backrest – prat’s perch! – also being modified for this year’s bike. It’s not visually changed, as far as I can see anyway, and is claimed to be more relaxed and reclined slightly. Both rider and passenger seats on the Tour are also covered in a slightly more premium looking synthetic leather cover that looks a bit like suede.
Prices and availability
GL1800 Gold Wing Tour DCT & Airbag £31,449
GL1800 Gold Wing Tour £28,349
GL1800 Gold Wing
GL1800 Gold Wing DCT £24,299
In dealers around early March
2021 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing specs
ENGINE | |
Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 24 valve SOHC flat-6 |
Displacement | 1,833cc |
Valves per cylinder | 4 |
Bore x Stroke | 73mm x 73mm |
Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
Max. Power Output | 93kW/5,500rpm |
Max. Torque | 170Nm/4,500rpm |
Oil Capacity | 4.4 litres (MT) / 5.6 litres (DCT) |
CO2 emissions | 127g/km |
FUEL SYSTEM | |
Carburation | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
Throttle Bore | 50mm |
Air cleaner | Viscous, cartridge type paper filter |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.1 litres |
Fuel Consumption | 5.5 litres/100km |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |
Starter | Integrated Starter Generator system |
Battery Capacity | 12V/20AH |
ACG Power Generation Capacity | 12V/120A |
DRIVETRAIN | |
Clutch Type | (MT) Hydraulic, wet, multiplate with coil springs, assist slipper cam (DCT) Hydraulic, wet, multiplate with oil pressure |
Transmission Type | 6 speed MT (including overdrive. Plus electric reverse) 7-speed forward and reverse DCT |
Primary Reduction | 1.795 (79/44) |
Gear Ratios | (DCT) 1st: 2.167 2nd: 1.696 3rd: 1.304 4th: 1.038 5th: 0.821 6th: 0.667 7th: 0.522 Rev: 1.190 (MT) 1st: 2.200 2nd: 1.417 3rd: 1.036 4th: 0.821 5th: 0.667 6th: 0.522 |
Final Reduction | Engine side 0.972 Rear Wheel side 2.615 |
Final Drive | Enclosed shaft |
FRAME | |
Type | Aluminium die-cast, twin tube |
CHASSIS | |
Dimensions (L´W´H) | L: 2,475mm W: 925mm (DCT) / 905mm (MT) H: 1,340mm |
Wheelbase | 1,695mm |
Caster Angle | 30.5° |
Trail | 109mm |
Turning radius | 3.4m |
Seat Height | 745mm |
Ground Clearance | 130mm |
Kerb Weight | MT: 366kg / DCT: 367kg |
SUSPENSION | |
Type Front | Double Wishbone |
Type Rear | Pro Link |
WHEELS | |
Type Front | 130/70R 18 |
Type Rear | 200/55R 16 |
Rim Size Front | 18 x MT3.5 |
Rim Size Rear | 16 x MT6.0 |
BRAKES | |
System Type | Electronically-controlled combined ABS system |
Type Front | 320mm x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with 6-piston calliper, floating rotors and sintered metal pads |
Type Rear | 316mm x 11mm ventilated disc with 3-piston calliper and sintered metal pads |
