2022 Honda Gold Wing GL1800: Everything You Need To Know

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2022 Honda Gold Wing GL1800, a bike that's been turning heads and setting standards in the touring world for decades. If you're thinking about getting one, or you're just curious about what makes this machine so special, you're in the right place. We're going to cover everything from its incredible features and performance to its design and technology. Buckle up; it's going to be a fun ride!

What Makes the 2022 Gold Wing GL1800 Stand Out?

When it comes to touring motorcycles, the Honda Gold Wing GL1800 is often the first name that comes to mind. And for good reason! This bike isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about doing it in supreme comfort and style. The 2022 model takes everything that was great about previous versions and cranks it up a notch.

First off, let's talk about that engine. We're looking at a liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder beast. This isn't just any engine; it's a masterpiece of engineering. It delivers smooth, effortless power, making long rides a breeze. You'll appreciate how responsive it is, whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling twisty mountain roads. The Gold Wing’s engine provides a unique riding experience. You can expect smooth acceleration and plenty of torque, which means less shifting and more enjoying the scenery. Plus, the engine's design helps keep the bike's center of gravity low, improving handling and stability. This is a huge plus when you're fully loaded with gear and a passenger. Beyond the engine, the 2022 Gold Wing boasts a ton of features designed for comfort and convenience. Think about heated seats and grips – perfect for those chilly mornings or late-night rides. And let's not forget the premium audio system, which lets you enjoy your favorite tunes while you eat up the miles. The integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is seamless, making it easy to stay connected on the go. The Gold Wing also comes with a host of advanced safety features, including ABS, traction control, and multiple riding modes. These technologies work together to keep you safe and in control, no matter the road conditions. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to the touring scene, you'll appreciate the added peace of mind these features provide. And that's really what the Gold Wing is all about: combining luxury, performance, and safety into one incredible package. It's a bike that's built for the long haul, designed to make every ride an unforgettable experience. So, if you're looking for a touring motorcycle that can do it all, the 2022 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 is definitely worth a serious look. You will not be disappointed.

Key Features and Specs

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty details of what makes the 2022 Gold Wing GL1800 tick. Knowing the specs is crucial, especially if you're comparing it to other bikes or trying to figure out if it fits your riding style. This section will break down the key features and specs to give you a clear picture of what this bike offers.

• Engine: At the heart of the Gold Wing is a 1,833cc liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and incredible torque. Whether you're accelerating from a standstill or passing on the highway, you'll feel the engine's responsiveness. The six-cylinder design also contributes to the bike's smooth and refined character, minimizing vibrations and enhancing overall comfort. The engine's design is compact, which helps keep the bike's center of gravity low, improving handling and stability. This is especially important for a touring bike, as it makes it easier to manage the bike's weight, especially when fully loaded with luggage and a passenger. The engine also features a four-valve-per-cylinder design and a single Unicam valve train, which helps optimize performance and fuel efficiency. The fuel injection system is precise, ensuring smooth throttle response and efficient combustion. This translates to better fuel economy and reduced emissions, making the Gold Wing a more environmentally friendly choice. The engine also incorporates several features to reduce noise and vibration, including rubber mounts and a counter-balancer. These measures contribute to the bike's overall refined and luxurious feel, making long rides more enjoyable. Overall, the Gold Wing's engine is a masterpiece of engineering, delivering a perfect blend of power, smoothness, and efficiency. It's one of the key reasons why this bike is so highly regarded in the touring world. It's not just an engine; it's the heart and soul of the Gold Wing experience.
• Transmission: You've got options here! The Gold Wing comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission). The DCT is particularly interesting because it offers seamless gear changes, either automatically or via paddle shifters. The six-speed manual transmission is smooth and precise, offering a traditional riding experience with a wide gear ratio for both city and highway riding. The gear ratios are carefully selected to maximize the engine's power and torque, ensuring smooth acceleration and comfortable cruising. The transmission also features a slipper clutch, which reduces rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, enhancing safety and control. The seven-speed DCT is a game-changer, offering the convenience of an automatic transmission with the performance of a manual. The DCT uses two separate clutches for odd and even gears, allowing for lightning-fast and seamless gear changes. You can choose between automatic mode, which handles gear changes for you, or manual mode, where you can use paddle shifters to select gears yourself. The DCT also offers different riding modes, such as Tour, Sport, and Economy, which adjust the transmission's shift points to suit your riding style. In Tour mode, the DCT shifts smoothly and efficiently for comfortable long-distance cruising. In Sport mode, the DCT holds gears longer and downshifts more aggressively for enhanced performance. In Economy mode, the DCT prioritizes fuel efficiency, shifting to higher gears as quickly as possible. The DCT also features a creep function, which allows the bike to move forward slowly without throttle input, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the Gold Wing's transmission options offer something for every rider. Whether you prefer the traditional feel of a manual transmission or the convenience of an automatic, you'll find a transmission that suits your needs.
• Suspension: The Gold Wing features a double-wishbone front suspension and a Pro-Link rear suspension. This setup provides a plush and controlled ride, even on rough roads. The double-wishbone front suspension is a unique design that separates the suspension and steering functions, improving handling and stability. The design also reduces dive under braking, enhancing safety and control. The Pro-Link rear suspension is a single-shock system that provides a smooth and comfortable ride while maintaining excellent handling. The rear suspension is also adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the ride to suit your weight and riding style. The suspension system also incorporates electronic preload adjustment, which allows you to adjust the rear suspension's preload with the touch of a button. This is especially useful when carrying a passenger or luggage, as it allows you to compensate for the added weight and maintain optimal ride height and handling. The electronic preload adjustment also features different settings for solo riding, riding with a passenger, and riding with luggage. The suspension system also incorporates electronically adjustable damping, which allows you to adjust the suspension's damping characteristics with the touch of a button. This allows you to fine-tune the ride to suit different road conditions and riding styles. The electronically adjustable damping features different settings for comfort, normal, and sport riding. In comfort mode, the suspension provides a plush and comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and vibrations. In normal mode, the suspension provides a balance of comfort and handling. In sport mode, the suspension provides a firmer and more controlled ride, enhancing handling and stability. Overall, the Gold Wing's suspension system is designed to provide a smooth, comfortable, and controlled ride in a variety of conditions. The combination of the double-wishbone front suspension, Pro-Link rear suspension, electronic preload adjustment, and electronically adjustable damping makes the Gold Wing one of the most comfortable and capable touring bikes on the market.
• Brakes: Equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and linked brakes, the Gold Wing offers excellent stopping power and control. The ABS system prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, enhancing safety and control. The linked brakes system distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels, providing balanced and effective braking performance. The brake system also features large-diameter rotors and powerful calipers, providing ample stopping power. The front brakes feature dual 320mm rotors and four-piston calipers, while the rear brake features a single 316mm rotor and a three-piston caliper. The brake system also incorporates electronic brake force distribution (EBD), which optimizes braking force based on weight distribution and road conditions. This helps to maintain stability and control during braking, especially when carrying a passenger or luggage. The brake system also features hill start assist, which prevents the bike from rolling backward when starting on a hill. This is a useful feature, especially when riding in hilly or mountainous areas. Overall, the Gold Wing's brake system is designed to provide excellent stopping power, control, and safety in a variety of conditions. The combination of ABS, linked brakes, large-diameter rotors, powerful calipers, EBD, and hill start assist makes the Gold Wing one of the safest and most capable touring bikes on the market.
• Technology: The 2022 model includes a 7-inch TFT display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a premium audio system. All these features keep you connected and entertained on long journeys. The 7-inch TFT display provides a clear and easy-to-read interface for accessing bike information and settings. The display is also customizable, allowing you to choose which information is displayed. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allows you to connect your smartphone to the bike and access your favorite apps, such as music, navigation, and phone. The navigation system provides turn-by-turn directions, helping you to stay on course. The premium audio system delivers high-quality sound, making your rides more enjoyable. The audio system also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or other Bluetooth devices. The Gold Wing also features smart keyless ignition, which allows you to start the bike without using a key. The smart key also allows you to lock and unlock the bike's storage compartments. The Gold Wing also features tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which monitors the pressure of your tires and alerts you if the pressure is low. This helps to prevent tire-related accidents and ensures optimal tire performance. Overall, the Gold Wing's technology features are designed to enhance your riding experience, providing convenience, entertainment, and safety.

Riding Experience: Comfort and Handling

The Honda Gold Wing GL1800 isn't just about raw power and cool features; it's about the overall riding experience. Let's get real – nobody wants to be uncomfortable on a long ride. This is where the Gold Wing truly shines. The riding position is upright and relaxed, reducing strain on your back and wrists. The seat is plush and supportive, providing all-day comfort for both the rider and passenger. The ergonomics are carefully designed to minimize fatigue and maximize control. The handlebar is positioned for easy reach, and the footpegs are placed for a natural and comfortable leg position. The windscreen provides excellent wind protection, reducing wind noise and turbulence. The windscreen is also electrically adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the wind protection to suit your height and preferences. The fairing provides excellent weather protection, shielding you from rain and wind. The fairing also incorporates vents that can be opened or closed to regulate airflow and temperature. The heated seats and grips are a welcome addition, especially on chilly mornings or late-night rides. The heated seats and grips provide adjustable warmth, allowing you to customize the level of heat to suit your comfort. The Gold Wing also features cruise control, which allows you to maintain a constant speed without using the throttle. This is a useful feature on long highway rides, as it reduces fatigue and allows you to focus on the road. The Gold Wing also handles surprisingly well for a bike of its size. The low center of gravity and well-tuned suspension contribute to the bike's stability and maneuverability. The bike is easy to handle at low speeds, making it easy to navigate through city traffic. The bike is also stable at high speeds, providing confidence and control on the highway. The Gold Wing's advanced rider aids, such as ABS and traction control, enhance safety and control in a variety of conditions. The ABS system prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, while the traction control system prevents the rear wheel from spinning out of control. Overall, the Gold Wing provides a comfortable, confident, and enjoyable riding experience. The combination of relaxed ergonomics, plush seating, excellent wind and weather protection, heated seats and grips, cruise control, and advanced rider aids makes the Gold Wing one of the most comfortable and capable touring bikes on the market.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2022 Gold Wing GL1800 for You?

So, after all that, the big question remains: Is the 2022 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 the right bike for you? Well, it really boils down to what you're looking for in a motorcycle. If you prioritize comfort, luxury, and advanced technology, the Gold Wing is a top contender. It's a bike that's built for long-distance touring, offering a smooth and refined ride that can eat up the miles with ease. The Gold Wing's engine provides smooth acceleration and plenty of torque, making it easy to pass other vehicles and climb hills. The Gold Wing's transmission options offer something for every rider, whether you prefer the traditional feel of a manual transmission or the convenience of an automatic. The Gold Wing's suspension system provides a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads. The Gold Wing's brake system provides excellent stopping power and control, enhancing safety. The Gold Wing's technology features provide convenience, entertainment, and safety. However, it's important to consider the bike's size and weight. The Gold Wing is a large and heavy motorcycle, which can make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces or at low speeds. The Gold Wing's size and weight also mean that it's not the most nimble bike on twisty roads. The Gold Wing's price tag is also a significant factor to consider. The Gold Wing is one of the most expensive touring bikes on the market, so it's important to make sure that it fits your budget. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Gold Wing is right for you is to take one for a test ride. This will allow you to experience the bike's comfort, handling, and technology firsthand. If you're looking for a touring motorcycle that offers the ultimate in comfort, luxury, and technology, the 2022 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 is definitely worth considering.