| The Honda 1800, commonly known as the Honda GL1800 “Goldwing”, is the 2001 edition in the touring bike series. The first design was launched in1975, intended to be a road bike. This release spawned the modern trend of “touring bikes”. The first model was introduced to the public at the Cologne Motor Show in October 1974, featuring a 999cc flat-4 design engine. The launch saw the first appearance of a water cooled engine, a fuel pump, and a Shaft drive in place of the conventional chain drive system in a motorcycle. The model was called GL1000 and was in production till 1979. GL1200, launched in the year 1984, followed its predecessor, sporting a custom designed 1182cc engine.
The series saw the introduction of a brand new upgraded version of the GL series, the GL 1500 in 1988. The upgrade included the implementation of a 1470cc flat-6 engine in place of the flat-4 engine with solid state digital ignition. The GL1500 had a seamless molded plastic body, giving it an unprecedented leverage, outclassing all competitors from the touring bike segment. It was the first bike to sport a reverse gear, due to the sheer size and weight of the bike.
The Goldwing 1800 was launched in 2001, after being developed and designed under tight security for six years. The new engine was an 1832cc fuel injected flat 6 manufactured of aluminum alloy. The bike in fact weighed less compared to the GL 1500 due to the 31 individual parts used to create the extruded frame, all constructed out of high strength aluminum; with half the number of parts than the GL 1500. The bike featured an ABS braking system compensating for the power-boost delivered by the engine. The bike has a built-in 6 CD changer system with four surround speakers fitted seamlessly in to the chassis, featuring a two way intercom facility for the driver and the pillion rider. In September 2005, the company announced the introduction of an airbag system, making Honda Goldwing, the world’s first production motorcycle to implement the concept. The system will be available in the 2007 editions of the Goldwing GL 1800. |
