Motorcycle

Today unveiled the latest version 2012 Honda Gold Wing as a new model available from May 2011.

Although Honda does not show a 2011 model for the wing, do not rule out the failure of a year between 2010 and 2012 (although Honda) against which marks the 37th year, otherwise the wing was released on the road, road Back in the 75.

We are confident that the new GW to maintain the classic features Ala. - such as a sturdy frame and responsive, smooth, linear engine performance, and the like Barcalounger comfort - that made this series a favorite touring Honda. However, this wing latest version is well within the shadow of its predecessor.

Some major changes in 12 has not seen the pilot is largely dedicated to environmental design, leaving a 1832cc, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine intact, the platform for the most part succeeds.

Revised style is seen in the redesigned tail light, and the main dome is a bit sportier looking for new double mouths just above the bi.

A new softer side fairing / panel radiator, finished in silver color scheme creates a two-tone with four colors (blue, black, red and white). The panel is also a newly redesigned Honda emblem that looks identical to that found in the CBR1000RR. Honda says the review of the fascia improves wind protection, especially for lower body / leg room.

The new wing has spent a little sharper, clearer overview, and generally applauded Welcome to the face. But when you take into account compensation and design of repairs - not to speak of the gap between the models! - Honda We must ask, "Why an electronically adjustable windshield?"

Until now, the Gold Wing is one of the few big tourer without window control button. Hondas own, long-lived, is ST1300. Because a power forward?

Supporting grants of up to 7.0 liters, which increased the size of memory - including the frame and the fairing pockets - is 150.0 liters. Non-airbag models are also the main storage pocket, presumably in which the airbag-equipped models lie in the way otherwise. Materials seats completed is updated, and now the wheels are clear coated for easy cleaning and helps to maintain a new look as well.

Honda satellite navigation system (available on some models GW) has a brighter color screen, and offers a "programmability to share favorite running routes with friends and other riders," which is available online as Honda.

Primo Sound System Wing (all models), with SRS CS Auto is now readily accepted around MP3 players, and allows full control via the drive controller on the board of the handlebar. XM Radio is an available option in the package Navi. Honda says that the instrumentation is also updated all the Wings.

Other notable changes for 2012 GW is "revised suspension settings," making for a more consistent, which leads to comfort, says Honda important news.

Although Honda does not specify the specific changes to the suspension, a quick look at the specifications for the 2012 model reveals that, while the rear suspension travel of 4.1 inches is unchanged from the previous model, the new wing is a reduction of 0.7 inches of travel model 2009 -10 5.5-inch 45mm fork.

The new GW also won some.

He called for a curb weight of 2012 model 904-933 pounds (depending on trim level) where the last wing Weight 895-928 pounds.

Fuel capacity appears to have increased from 6.6 gallons to 6.7 gallons. But it would not surprise us if the nominal increase in fuel capacity was simply an oversight in the specifications. We met with major typo on the other OEM sites and materials. But hey, if one tenth of one gallon: the difference between tanking and go, well take it!

Assessing the new wing

From the flagship of Honda Gold Wing is likely to have been the leader of iconic touring motorcycle segment. For decades, big, GW has set the standard potential of the chassis and engine performance, all decorated with plant tours.

However, it is a little disappointing Goldwing lack of innovation in 2012, won only the updates fast, after so many years with relatively few changes. It does not bode well in the BMW K1600GT soon face is completely new and GTL.

These scale touring Beemer offer many services, including, not least of which is known now, and help button on the suspension, the ESA II. K new bike, volunteer "adaptive headlights also sounds like a gimmick, and involve a number of other practical options, such as traction control and Bluetooth capability, some high-tech issues, while the choice of riding on the premises is a standard feature .

Also, if youre a little GEARHEAD, be aware that BMW claims 160 horses and 129 high crank 7750 ft-lb at 5250 rpm for a new bike K, as Mr. Duke announced unlock our bikes to Lenos house. Gold Wing flat-six years, when the relatively strong and is much room for improvement.

The last time we tested a wing - Luxury Touring Shootout 2009 - Honda spun the dyno for best results of 96 hp at 5600 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. at 4200 rpm. Factor to the loss of average power to a shaft final drive and BMW is dust in the wing with what we estimated that 136 to 140 horsepower rear wheel K16.

The length of the pair, it is estimated that 113 to 110 pounds-feet, a little less dramatic compared to Honda. The BMW also weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 135 pounds less than the GW.

Maybe get a MSRP is an equalizer for the Gold Wing? Nope. Do not look that way.

2012 Honda Gold Wing Award is currently set at $ 23,199 to $ 28.499 depending on the option group - a marginal increase from $ 300 to $ 600 in 2010 prices.

BMW recently announced U.S. prices for K1600GT, available in three packages, from $ 20.900 to $ 24.540. K1600GTL The most luxurious is to use less $ 23.200 for the basic version and $ 25,845 for the Premium model.

Gold Wing has not seen the ground-up remake for some time. Given the number of updates to 2012 model skosh BNG ("bold new graphics"), we can only wonder how long we must wait until the Gold Wing is once again the default bid for bike touring.