New Honda Gold Wing touring bike has been redesigned ‘from the wheels up’

Honda has pulled the covers off its new “sharper, more compact and lighter” GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycle.

For the 2018 model year, the Japanese manufacturer says it has redesigned the tourer “from the wheels up” to create a bike that is smaller, lighter and more agile than its predecessor.

It’s powered by a new 1.8-litre flat-six engine that is 6.2kg lighter than the engine it replaces, and now features four valves per cylinder as opposed to two.

The power plant develops 125bhp, while torque stands at 170Nm. Customers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a new seven-speed dual clutch unit.

A new die-cast aluminium twin beam frame contributes to a total weight saving of 48kg compared with the previous Gold Wing, and features double wishbone front suspention as well as a single-sided Pro-Arm.

Creature comforts have also been improved, with the Gold Wing now available with an electric screen, smart key and Apple CarPlay as standard.

Yutaka Nakanishi, Gold Wing project leader, said: “We wanted our new Gold Wing to maintain its luxury but to be a much more ‘rounded’ motorcycle. A machine as useful to its owner around the city as it is out on tour. And more exciting to ride than ever.

“We started from a blank piece of paper and made the Gold Wing sharper and lighter, and added all the technological hardware and software the modern rider could wish for.

“Now, just as in 1975, it remains a flagship model for Honda – and we are very proud to start this new chapter for such an important name.”

Prices for the new Gold Wing are yet to be confirmed.