Honda Motorcycles Australia has confirmed that its lightly updated GL1800 Gold Wing flagship tourer will hit local showrooms this year, with a higher-spec Tour variant to add key long-distance upgrades.
The standard Honda Gold Wing largely carries over from its predecessor, using the same 1833cc flat six-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but gains audio and speaker upgrades and new colour schemes.
For 2021, the Honda Gold Wing can now be optioned in a Pearl Deep Mud Grey colour scheme, while the new Tour variant can be finished in either Gunmetal Black Metallic or Candy Ardent Red.
Distinguishing the Gold Wing Tour is a larger top box that measures 61 litres as well as a unique leather seat cover and “more relaxed” pillion back rest.
The Tour also benefits from heated seats and fog lights, and a 100mm taller windscreen that stretches the bike’s overall height to 1555mm.
As before, the Gold Wing boasts a number of high-end comfort features, including cruise control, heated grips, four rider modes and smartphone mirroring.
The Honda Gold Wing also carries over an integrated starter generator, low-speed reverse gear, hill-star assist, smart key and LED lighting system.
With no mechanical updates, the Honda Gold Wing 2021 maintains outputs of 93kW and 170Nm, and is now exclusively equipped with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
Pricing has yet to be locked in, however, the current 2020 model is available from $41,217 for the base Gold Wing, up to $49,075 for the range-topping Gold Wing Tour Premium.
Confirmation that the updated Honda Gold Wing will arrive in Australian showrooms is significant as the brand’s local wing has passed on a number of other models.
For instance, Honda Motorcycles Australia told INFO MOTO that it would not be launching the 2021 CB1000R sportsbike, among other new motorcycles.
Interestingly, the company is importing the all-new CMX1100 cruiser sometime this year.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
