2012 Honda Gold Wing

Long acknowledged as the pinnacle of two-up motorcycling, the 2012 Gold Wing® continues its remarkable legacy. Its travel-oriented creds include the latest generation of sophisticated electronic amenities, starting with an innovative GPS navigation system with user-friendly programmability for sharing favorite ride routes with friends and other riders, which can be accessed online via computer. The Gold Wing also now incorporates a built-in MP3/iPod® interface for a new SRS CS Auto™ technology surround-sound system for a premium listening experience. In addition to its renowned power-laden yet refined drivetrain and delightfully sporty handling, the 2012 Gold Wing also brings upgraded styling, increased luggage capacity, greater protection from wind and weather, revised suspension settings for enhanced ride compliance, and unparalleled comfort for both rider and passenger. In addition, packages for Navi, ABS and airbag do much to further the Gold Wing's reputation as the most celebrated touring machine in motorcycle history.

New for 2012

• Fresh styling cues produce a more integrated appearance along with a sporting edge, adding to the premium touring visage.
   
• Redesigned fairing adds extra wind protection, especially to the lower body and leg areas.
   
• Larger saddlebags add approximately 7 liters of additional storage space, upping total capacity to well over 150 liters including the trunk and fairing pockets.
   
• Handy central storage pocket added to models without airbag.
   
• Revised suspension settings front and rear yield added compliance for a better ride and more comfort.
   
• Urethane seat material and cover material give added comfort.
   
• Re-shaped taillight adds a distinctive appearance and aids visibility.
   
• Wheels are now clear-coated for easier cleaning and a great, long-lasting look.
   
• Updated instrumentation styling lends a high-performance touch.
   

Next-Generation Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System
New, fully integrated navigation system with new, brighter color screen. Next-generation receiver gives quicker satellite connection. 3-D terrain view, lane assist with junction view and more. Complete United States and Canada mapping with points of interest installed. Points-of-interest information includes Honda dealers, fuel stations, restaurants, lodging, attractions, transportation, government and emergency information and saved rider's input with home function. Voice prompting through headsets or speakers. On-screen text guidance and pop-up menus. Easy-to-use handlebar and fairing-mounted controls. Navigation available on select Gold Wing models.

Next-Generation Premium Audio System:
Standard on all Gold Wing models, New enhanced system offers direct MP3/i-Pod connectivity plus full device control through handlebar controls. SRS CS Auto™ technology surround-sound system brings the latest in sound system technology to the Gold Wing. 80-watt-per-channel power amplifier provides clear, crisp sound at all highway speeds. Six-element speaker system includes two rear speakers, a pair of front speakers and two tweeters for a rich, full surround sound quality. Tuner features auto bass control combined with auto volume control.

Unique Features

XM Radio: XM Radio offers 170 channels from coast to coast, including commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk radio, comedy, children's and entertainment programming.

XM NavTraffic: XM NavTraffic is the nation's leading real-time traffic information service, combining up-to-the-minute information on accidents and incidents with the ability to re-route riders around trouble spots as displayed on the navigation system screen.

XM NavWeather: The XM NavWeather service uses sophisticated Threat Matrix™ technology to track nationwide weather information for more than 20 different weather conditions, then scales and customizes this detail to the rider's specific location and route. XM NavWeather can alert riders to severe conditions before they ride into them. The service works with the Navigation System to display information via color weather icons or warning signals on the navigation screen, and can give the rider the option to easily re-route around a storm's path. The service also provides multi-day forecasts based on weather monitoring stations across the United States.

XM available on Navi package model only.

Cold-Weather Comfort Package: Standard on all Gold Wing models, Five-position heated grips for cold-weather riding. Five-position heated seat/backrest combination with individual rider and passenger controls for optimum comfort. Foot-warming system channels engine-heated air over the rider's feet and is controlled by a fairing-mounted lever.

Airbag: Industry-first fully integrated rider airbag on a motorcycle. The airbag module contains the airbag and inflator and is positioned in front of the rider. The ECU positioned to the right of the module detects changes in acceleration based on information it receives from the two crash sensors (one positioned on each of the front fork legs), to determine whether or not to inflate the airbag in certain frontal impacts. Airbag available only on full-featured version.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors pressure in both tires while riding. When a significantly underinflated tire pressure is detected, a warning light will display below the tachometer.

Slow-speed, electric Reverse system is engaged with the simple push of the thumb control on the right handlebar.

Lightweight electronic cruise-control system utilizes a 16-bit ECU-based, motor-actuated throttle mechanism.

A simple yet ingenious ratcheting windscreen-adjustment system provides six settings over nearly 4.0 inches of travel. Operated manually, the mechanism eliminates the weight and complexity of electric motors.

Adjustable and closeable windscreen vent routes fresh air to the rider's face or chest.

The Gold Wing trunk provides 60 liters of storage capacity. Two full-face helmets fit easily in the trunk. The saddlebags provide 43-plus liters of storage each, resulting in a total of 146 liters of storage space between trunk and saddlebags.

Specially designed luggage features a remote-control key lock, permitting pop-open rear trunk operation; remote lock/unlock for the trunk and saddlebags; and horn-actuated bike locator. If remote locking is attempted while a lid is open, the turn signals flash to alert the rider.

Instrument displays for speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel level, plus adjustable backlighting and high-luminescence red pointers. Indicator/warning lights are provided for Reverse, Neutral, Overdrive, oil pressure, fuel injection, high beam, sidestand, cruise on, cruise set, low tire pressure and low fuel. A high-resolution LCD housed in a separate module is visible in all lighting conditions and displays the odometer, A/B tripmeter, ambient temperature, audio modes, CB, rear-suspension setting, trunk/saddlebag-open indicators and clock.

Motorized headlight-aiming system is operated by a rocker switch and provides 2.5 degrees of adjustment from level.

Large 6.6-gallon fuel tank houses the PGM-FI fuel pump and provides excellent long-distance cruising range.

Engine and Drivetrain

• Powerful, fuel-injected 1832cc six-cylinder engine produces smooth, effortless power.
   
• Parallel two-valve cylinder-head design utilizes direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation allows the first valve clearance inspection service to be at 32,000 miles.
   
• Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI).
   
• Two 40mm-diameter throttle bodies deliver air to six specially designed Keihin 50-psi high-pressure programmed fuel injectors. Fuel is delivered through four nozzle holes in each injector, producing an atomized fuel mixture that is highly combustible for optimum efficiency and power.
   
• The ECU provides two digital 3-D fuel-injection maps for each cylinder, creating ideal fuel mixture and spark advance settings for superb rideability. Unique knock-control sensors monitor ignition advance to improve performance throughout the entire rpm range.
   
• ECU closed-loop emissions system utilizes two oxygen sensors to constantly deliver a precise air/fuel mixture, while two exhaust catalyzers further reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.
   
• Two side-mounted radiators enhance cooling efficiency and use low-air-pressure areas created by side cowls to draw cooling air through the radiators and beyond the rider at highway speeds.
   
• Efficient stainless-steel 6-into-2 exhaust system produces a pleasing, aggressive sound.
   
• Powerful 1300-watt alternator uses a fluid damper system to minimize alternator noise.
   
• Precise-shifting five-speed transmission includes Overdrive Fifth.
   
• 20-amp YTX maintenance-free battery.

Chassis and Suspension

• Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame.
   
• Unique Pro Arm® Rear Suspension.
   
• Dual full-floating 296mm front discs with Combined Braking System (CBS) three-piston calipers and a single ventilated 316mm rear disc with one CBS three-piston caliper provide excellent braking power.
   
• Combined Braking System (CBS) with optional Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).
   
• Model equipped with ABS features an electric-motor-driven modulator that provides rapid and precise braking-pressure adjustments, resulting in smooth ABS operation. The system incorporates an integrated ECU, self-diagnostics with an interactive ECU test function and automatic protection against system failure.
   
• Massive 45mm front fork with revised settings for improved suspension compliance houses a cartridge damper in the right leg with 5.5 inches of travel for a smooth yet superb ride in all road conditions.
   
• Anti-dive system minimizes front fork dive when braking. The system utilizes brake-fluid pressure generated in the secondary CBS master cylinder mounted on the left fork leg and is activated by input from either the front-brake lever or the rear brake pedal.
   
• Pro-Link® Rear Suspension incorporates a new shock with revised suspension settings for enhanced ride compliance.
   
• Computer-controlled adjustable hydraulic rear suspension preload is easily set by the rider with push-button controls, and features a two-position memory.
   
• Cast-aluminum 18 x 3.5-inch front and 16 x 5.0-inch rear wheels are lightweight, strong and clear-coated to ease cleaning. Radial touring tires are specifically engineered for the Gold Wing.

Honda Gold Wing: A Legend In Its Own Time

It's a beloved motorcycle that has earned many titles, awards and nicknames over the decades: icon, legend, superstar, best-in-class, the definitive yardstick among touring motorcycles—and so much more. Year in and year out, such acclaim flows freely and rightly so; for more than 35 seasons, the Honda Gold Wing® first defined, then re-defined over and over again just how much performance and comfort a motorcycle can deliver to two people, whether the plan is a weekend ride or a cross-country adventure. Three-and-a-half decades represents an eternity for most motorized products, yet as the Gold Wing enters its 36th year of production, it not only continues to lead all would-be challengers, it also continues to evolve. And so we see that the 2012 Gold Wing once again establishes a new and higher standard for what the good life should truly be at the cutting edge of long-distance two-wheeled motoring.

When initially released to the public in 1975, the first Gold Wing literally dazzled the motorcycling press and consumers alike. Never before had the two-wheeled realm witnessed anything like this machine, one that simultaneously wielded world-class power and incredible cross-country capabilities. In short, the 999cc Gold Wing immediately carved out an über-achiever niche all to itself, and to this day no other name offers such a complete and well-balanced blend of motorcycle touring qualities. As decade after decade rolled along, the Honda Gold Wing maintained its supremacy by not remaining static; growth and change have been constant by every criteria, be it displacement, number of cylinders, chassis configuration, power, handling, comfort or innovation.

Such top-dog status has been repeatedly confirmed upon the Honda Gold Wing by the most rigorous of all critics: the buying public. And the statistics don't lie; having produced a total of more than 640,000 units over its lifespan, the Gold Wing outstrips all would-be competitors by such a wide margin it literally forms a class of one.

The first group of horizontally opposed four-cylinder Gold Wing engines steadily grew from 999cc to 1182cc over a dozen years' time, and upon its 1988 debut, the 1520cc Gold Wing introduced the then-radical notion of a six-cylinder engine for a touring motorcycle. That powerplant configuration carried over into 2000, when the next-generation six-cylinder Gold Wing grew in displacement to 1832cc to gain a remarkable increase in performance throughout the powerband. Better yet, it also took on a dramatically new athletic nature with regard to handling, thanks in large part to its sportbike-like box-section aluminum frame. To this day, the 1800 delivers impressive performance when it's put to the spurs—more than enough to astonish riders who have never experienced its capabilities first hand. Those in the know understand such capabilities fully, since the 1800 Gold Wing design team was headed up by a long-time Honda sportbike engineer who is also an avid sport-riding enthusiast.

Having eclipsed the realm of long-range mounts in terms of out-and-out performance, the Gold Wing also extends the horizons of comfort and amenities for rider and passenger alike. And because it's a Honda, the 2012 Gold Wing incorporates innovative features that break new ground in the world of two wheels by offering an unparalleled level of technical sophistication.

In short, when you mount up a Gold Wing, you're riding a living legend—and reaping all the attendant rewards.

2012 Honda Gold Wing Honda Genuine Accessories

Audio Accessories: 40-Channel CB Radio Kit, CB Antenna Kit, Deluxe Headsets (for open-face and full-face helmets), Push-to-Talk Switch, Replacement Headset Coil Cord, Replacement Headset Hardware Kit, Replacement Boom Mike Windsock

Cargo Accessories: Saddlebag/Trunk Liner Set, Deluxe Saddlebag/Trunk Mat Set, Saddlebag Lid Organizer with GL Logo, Trunk Inner Light, Trunk Inner Light Harness, Chrome Trunk Rack, Inner Trunk Pouch, Fairing Pouch with GL Logo, Saddlebag Cooler with Honda Logo, Trunk Net, Coin Holder, Gold Wing Owner's Manual Folio

Convenience Accessories: Passenger Armrests, Tall Vented Windscreen, 12-Volt DC Accessory Socket Kit, Foglight Kit (LED), Replacement Bulb

Protection Accessories: Cycle Cover with GL Logo, Half Cover

Color Match Accessories: Rear Spoiler with Brake Light

Chrome Appearance Accessories: Front Fender Ornament, GL Icon Fender Ornament, Front Fender Emblem, Front Fender Extension, Front Fender Rail, Front Disc Covers, Chrome Bar Ends, Gold Cylinder Head Cover Emblem Set, Silver Cylinder Head Cover Emblem Set, Passenger Floorboard Lower Covers, Swingarm Pivot Covers with GL Logo, Sidestand, Rear Spoiler Accent, Trunk Handle with GL Logo, License-Plate Frame with GL Logo, Exhaust Tips with GL Logo