#goldwing

Our man Evans came back breathless about the new 2018 Honda Gold Wing a couple days ago. With its new ride-by-wire engine, optional electronic suspension, and overhauled electronics and entertainment systems, the long-running, long-distance ’Wing has definitely entered the 21st century. These five specs, though, are the ones that jump off the page as the ones that we expect are going to transform what was a touring bike into a truly sporty touring bike.

Not many manufacturers can say they’ve had a model in continuous production for 43 years, but Honda can make that claim with their legendary Gold Wing. Over those model years, Honda has set aside just six versions representing what it calls milestone models – the last of which was produced way back in 2001 with the introduction of the GL1800 Gold Wing. The Wing has been well overdue for an upgrade, and the rumor mill was in full-on salivation mode about the prospects of a ground-up remake for 2018.

Oliepiel in the Netherlands has posted what are reportedly leaked shots of the new long-anticipated Honda Gold Wing, and what could be a new F6B-type bagger. The photos definitely have a legitimate look; the bikes appear to be finished products and ready to roll on October 24, which would mean these are what Honda was teasing with its “What Lies Beyond” video we posted on 9/11 (which features an original GL at the end).

Ah, the venerable Gold Wing, known for decades as an upper-echelon touring bike, with more than 640,000 sold during its 40 years on the market. And it still holds a special place in your hearts as the premier touring platform. The GL1800 garnered 30.4% of your votes, more than doubling the votes for BMW’s K1600GTL, which was the best touring bike according to MO’s editorial staff.

This original Motorcycle.com editorial content was sponsored by American Honda.

This original Motorcycle.com editorial content was sponsored by American Honda.

This original Motorcycle.com editorial content was sponsored by American Honda.

The only thing missing from this edition of the Weekend Awesome is Kenny Loggins singing “Danger Zone” and Tom Cruise playing beach volleyball in a pair of jeans.

What motorcycle has a flat-Six engine and causes power junkies to salivate and then beg whenever its name is mentioned? What performance cruiser has been out of Honda’s lineup for 10 years? What motorcycle, when mentioned in conversation, almost always ends up with someone recounting the broad sliding behemoth on a dry lake bed that set the standard for an exciting motorcycle advertisement for many years?

Ever since man bolted a motor to a bicycle, touring has been one of the true joys of motorcycling. Sure, bouncing around town from errand to errand is easy, and commuting to work is practical – but travel by motorcycle expands the mind, relaxes the spirit and enriches the soul. There’s nothing quite like it.