Meet the Honda Gold Wing 1800 - the legendary motorcycle and the dream of many bikers

The early 1990s was a difficult period for the former republics of the Soviet Union. But at that time there were also good moments for motorists and motorcyclists - a stream of foreign cars that poured into the country.


The "rockers" were especially happy - that's what they called bikers then. They got access to the Japanese variety of two-wheelers, ranging from scooters to massive touring models.

But the most amazing motorcycle was the Honda Gold Wing 1500. This model was the first to appear in Russia and in fairly large quantities. The bike was expensive, so only a few could afford it.



Now this model can be purchased from 270 to 700 thousand rubles, but it is already considered obsolete. The most popular motorcycle of the family is the Honda Gold Wing 1800. No wonder - it was produced from 2001 to 2017 inclusive.

Now the latest generation models are assembled at a plant in Japan, but they are not very popular in Russia, they are too expensive - from 2 million rubles for a used one. A motorcycle of the previous regeneration, which is called conditionally available, can be purchased from 500.

What strikes the Honda Gold Wing 1800 at first sight is the dimensions. The motorcycle is really huge, but it is also beautiful.

It is equipped with a number of options inherent in more cars:


✅ Six-cylinder engine
✅ ABS
✅ Reverse gear
✅ Heated seats and handlebars
✅ Powerful audio system


But this motorcycle is a legend, it does not exist equal.

Brief history of the model

The first production Honda Gold Wing appeared in 1974. This is a motorcycle with a 1 cm000 engine. Outwardly, the bike looked a little like the now known model - rather, it was a road classic without plastic, wardrobe trunks and other attributes. The bike has a four-cylinder engine.



The first "real" Gold Wing rolled off the assembly line in the US in 1980. The standard equipment of the bike was still without a plastic body kit. But the Interstate version became the very "Gold", which determined the framework for the development of the series for the next few decades.

In 1984, the third generation Gold Wing appeared, it received the same four-cylinder engine, but with a displacement increased to 1 cm200. This motorcycle is still found in Russia on the used market, but it is already rare.

The fourth generation of the large touring bike from Honda appeared in 1988. This bike received a six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,5 liters.

The hero of today's article, Gold Wing 1800, debuted in 2001 and was released until the end of 2017.

Features of the model

The Japanese touring motorcycle is striking in size even against the background of the American Harley-Davidson. Its length of more than 2,6 meters makes you doubt that this is a standard bike, it seems that this is a custom one.



The model is far from being for drivers of a slender physique, women and girls. No, it's not difficult to ride, but rolling the bike out of the garage, despite the presence of a reverse gear, is not so easy.

If you dream of a motorcycle to “flash” city traffic jams, this is definitely not about the Honda Gold Wing 1800. The model for the city is the last thing. But compared to cars, everything is not so bad - parking in the center of a metropolis is definitely easier.

But on country trips, the Honda Gold Wing 1800 reveals its full potential. It doesn't matter what the road will be, the main thing is that it has asphalt. Touring motorcycles are not intended for primers, although some bikers on the Gold sometimes manage to drive through a plowed field, however, on a dry one.

The driver and passenger in the luxurious heated bucket seats are often even more comfortable than in some cars. No matter what weather you have to ride a motorcycle - it is designed in such a way that wind flows do not interfere with anyone. Yes, and you can send hot air to your feet if they suddenly start to freeze.

Music

Honda Gold Wing 1800 attracts everyone's attention, not only because of the appearance. This motorcycle usually rumbles music all over the street. It seems that this is the work of the owners who have installed high-quality modern audio systems on their bikes.



No, the Gold has stock 80-watt music with six speakers. For some, this is not enough, they put a special amplifier and an additional battery to pump the increased power.

By the way, despite the years, you can listen to music on a regular system even from a USB drive.

Engine

The Honda Gold Wing 1800 engine will do honor to the average budget car. The six-cylinder "Boxer" of 1,8 liters develops 116 hp. With. Of course, this is not enough for a motorcycle - sportbikes give out such power from half the volume, or even more.

But the Japanese knew what they were doing - they could have given Golda a 200 hp engine without any problems. With. But this is a tourist model, it does not need high speed. With the dimensions of the Gold Wing 1800, this would have resulted in fuel consumption well over 10 liters. Although the "maximum speed" of the motorcycle is already worthy - almost 200 km / h.

The manufacturer focused on torque and was not mistaken - this is important for such a model. In total, the "elephant" Honda accelerates to the first hundred in about 4 seconds.



Gold Wing 1800 has enviable dynamics, but it is not hurricane. The engine is tuned for smooth operation, it is more automobile and mumbles not like a motorcycle quietly. There is no that hysteria and squeals - even with the throttle fully open, it sounds solid.

The manufacturer did not announce the official resource of the luxury tourer, but judging by the reviews of overseas bikers, there is no limit for the model and 500 km before a major overhaul. As for fuel consumption, at a cruising speed of 000 km / h, it will be about 100 liters.

Resilience and resilience

Despite all the enthusiasm for the Golden Wing, the owners admit that not everyone can handle this motorcycle. It weighs more than 420 kg, which makes it difficult to operate. It is problematic to maneuver in the narrow space of the city - the bike, when tilted to the side, strives to fall on its side.



It is worth starting off on the Honda Gold Wing 1800 - you immediately understand why this motorcycle is often called a two-wheeled car. Japanese engineers designed the model so that it runs like it's on rails. But the steering must be handled carefully, especially at low speeds.

Disadvantages

Surprisingly, the Honda Gold Wing 1800 also has a few design flaws. The first is a lightweight alloy frame. It was made this way to reduce the overall weight, but the strength suffered. If you periodically drive on bad roads, the frame may burst. In 2006, this shortcoming was partially eliminated, but still, it is worth bearing in mind.



The second serious minus is the gearbox, which is weak for the mass of the motorcycle. When buying a used copy, the diagnosis of this unit should be taken carefully - repairs are expensive. Most often, problems arise with fifth gear.



For those who decide to purchase the Honda Gold Wing 1800, it should be noted that the bike is structurally simple and reliable. Even his electrics are not digital, but analog, so he repairs himself without problems.

The Golden Wing is a legendary motorcycle. If you want to travel long distances with comfort for both the driver and the passenger, you probably won’t find a better model.