In Acura fashion, the 2018 Honda Gold Wing now has an electronic Smart Key ignition. To start the engine, the Smart Key need only be in the rider’s possession while the rider turns the main switch knob to the right, and then press the start button. It’s a start-assist function and only a brief stab is needed for the engine to cycle through and immediately throatily burble into life.
Owners can lock the steering by turning the handlebars while simultaneously turning the switch knob one more position to the left. As an added feature, the main switch knob will glow when the owner approaches the bike with the Smart Key.
For security purposes, it is possible to turn the Smart Key off. The Gold Wing is also outfitted with Vehicle Viewfinder, meant for helping to locate the motorcycle (in large parking lots, for example). Press and hold the Smart Key call button, and the hazard flashers and horn are then activated.
The instruments and central dash are well laid out and it is easy to see anything at a glance. Unlike the previous generation where a ton of switches and associated paraphernalia gave the bike a cluttered look, the 2018 Honda Gold Wing has a clean, easy to understand center console and well thought out switchgear on the handlebars.
The dash is composed of an analog speedometer on the left, an analog tachometer on the right, and a seven-inch full-color TFT liquid-crystal display that provides infotainment-related information such as audio and navigation app icons. The upgraded infotainment and communications systems seem to cover most of the bases.
In a first for the two-wheel category, all 2018 Honda Gold Wing models are compatible with Apple CarPlay. This enables access to Apple Music and Maps, as well as allowing phone calls and to send/receive messages—all through the bike’s TFT display or with his or her voice through Siri. Predictably, CarPlay requires use of a Bluetooth headset. Android Auto devotees will have to wait, as it’s not yet an option. Apparently it will be available soon as a firmware upgrade.
Confirmation of settings for systems like traction control and electric suspension spring-preload adjustment are screen-based. The switches themselves, used for selecting settings and controlling the systems, are now more centrally located in the console area.
The Home Link System is now available as an option. Home Link is a real convenience when rides are just beginning or coming to an end, as it enables the rider to program the motorcycle with garage door remote-control information so those functions can be deployed at the press of a button on the center console.
Heated grips are standard, as is the heated seat on the Gold Wing Tour; the passenger has a dedicated heating seat switch. The Integrated Starter System saves weight and optimizes mass, yet generating capacity is increased. There is also an electrically adjustable windshield that drops to the lowest position when the ignition is turned off. Conveniently, it returns to the previous position when the motorcycle is turned on again.
All of this technology comes at a price, though not one as extravagant as you might imagine. The standard Gold Wing with the six-speed manual transmission is the least expensive version, with a price tag of $23,500. For an additional $1200, you can get the seven-speed DCT version.
My laps of Motegi were interesting to say the least. I was incredibly impressed with the new machine and especially the new suspension set up. With the caveat that I haven’t yet ridden it on the vagaries of regular pavement with all that it implies, the new front end is clearly a massive upgrade in ride quality whether accelerating, braking, or just cruising at any speed.
I managed, only just, to avoid drooling when the wrapper came off the machine for the first time—the 2018 Honda Gold Wing is that good-looking. Every impression I had was positive from there on. The current model is a lovely machine that mitigates its weight well once underway, but the new Gold Wing is in a different league when it comes to riding, whether fast or slowly.
Both types of gearbox are a quantum leap forward in smoothness of operation. The stability of the Gold Wing and confidence I felt when cornering was a big improvement.
As a passenger I felt much more secure and a lot more comfortable on the new version too. Sure, I enjoy the extra recline of the passenger seat, but that wind-buffeting trade-off made me more than happy to sit a little more upright and enjoy a much more gentle and relaxed ride.
Yutaka Nakanishi, the Honda Large Project Leader in charge of the new Gold Wing, confided in me that they went through over 100 prototypes over two years before reaching the final design! Think about that.
The willingness to think outside the box, and outright engineering talent that has gone into developing the new generation motorcycle, shows the respect that everyone at Honda has for the iconic Gold Wing and its riders. Honda has created a model that is significantly improved in every key area.
The 2018 Honda Gold Wing will not just impress the traditionalists; it will also ensure that a new generation falls in love.
Click to Page 4 for specs and an extensive photo gallery
