Honda GoldWing Turns 40

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Honda GoldWing, one of the most legendary and long running models in the history of two wheeled machines. Officially, the GoldWing doesn’t reach its ruby anniversary until October, but already on sale in the United States (and elsewhere soon) is a special anniversary edition of the motorcycle by Honda.

The first Honda GoldWing was targeted at the long range rider and Honda had a keen interest in making it a success in the United States where the only other models available for such riders included the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide (noisy, high maintenance, bad vibration) plus other average options like the Moto Guzzi Edlorado and BMW R90/6.

The GL1000 as the first model was called cost $2,895 which was $660 cheaper than the Electra Glide (a considerable price difference of around $3,000 in today’s figures). It featured a smooth, 1,000 cc horizontally-opposed four-cylinder, SOHC engine. Strangely for the market Honda was aiming for, the GL1000 didn’t come with saddlebags, had no luggage capacity and didn’t even come standard with a windshield. This gaping hole however was filled by third party accessory manufacturers. It was a smash hit. In it’s first year alone, Honda moved 13,000 machines and by 1979 a massive 97,000 GoldWing’s were sold.

In 1980, two major changes happened. Firstly, the GL1100 was released which had a boost in capacity to 1,085 cc. The second major change was that Honda began to market the GoldWing as being a truly American machine with manufacture of the motorcycle occurring at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio facility. The plant produced over 50,000 machines annually and it continued to be a huge success for Honda.

Over the years the Honda GoldWing has continued to grow in size and capacity. The 40th Anniversary model still features the same 1,832cc engine it’s had now for a number of years. Special features include 40th anniversary badges on the rear trunk, front cowl and glove box as well as 40th anniversary embossing on the passenger seat. And most unlike the original GL1000, it features surround sound, ipod connectivity, sat nav, ABS and tire-pressure monitoring systems and even an optional airbag system.

How things change, though it’s a little disappointing Honda didn’t put a bit more effort into this special year. The 40th Anniversary Honda GoldWing is priced between $23,999 to $30,599. Pricing for Australia, Canada and other markets hasn’t yet been released.

Honda GoldWing Turns 40

The New Honda Africa Twin Is Coming

There hasn’t been an official announcement yet by Honda of a brand new Africa Twin coming out in 2015, however it’s all but assured. It was pretty much inevitable when Honda showed off their True Adventure prototype at EICMA last month, and now Honda has released two videos in a continuing series which heavily hints at a return by Honda of this iconic model.

The True Adventure prototype was for show only at EICMA. Absolutely no technical details about the machine were released but our sources indicate that the machine displayed was production ready and featured a 1,000cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin with the option of Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission.

The first video posted shows Honda’s history of racing in the Dakar Rally – an arena the motorcycle that the Africa Twin was based on had huge success in during the late 80’s.

The second video which was released only a few days ago looks at long distance riding and exploration by every day people – something a new Africa Twin would be perfectly suited to.

And just in case you had any doubt that these videos are part of a pre-marketing plan for the new Africa Twin, take a look at the True Adventure website Honda has published which features the same logo at shown at EICMA.

We’re hearing that an official announcement on the new machine will happen in the new year with a release in Q2 of 2015.

 

 

The New Honda Africa Twin Is Coming

AUS | Honda Announces 2015 VFR800X

The Honda VFR800X receives a major update for the next model year after the VFR800 that it’s based upon received a makeover.

The original Crossrunner which has been available since 2011 combined Honda’s unique 800cc V4 engine in an upright, street-oriented riding position. The VFR range has long had a soft spot in many a rider’s heart due to that unique VTEC engine and the The 2015 VFR800X Crossrunner carries on the tradition, this time with a stronger all-round sporty performance to go with a revised, more aggressive riding position and sharper adventure styling.

At the heart of the machine remains its VTEC-equipped 90° V4 DOHC 16 valve engine, which now offers increased low and mid-range torque for flexible, effortless drive plus increased peak power of 78kW, delivered at 10,250rpm.

The aluminium twin-beam frame features a lighter, revised subframe and new aluminium swingarm ­– another VFR signature piece. Improved suspension provides longer travel: 25mm in its two-piece telescopic forks and 28mm in the rear shock.

With ABS as standard the VFR800X front 17-inch hollow-cast aluminium wheel is fitted with dual 310mm discs, worked by radial-mount four-piston calipers. The 120 front and 180 rear sporty street-size tyres are designed for optimal on-road performance.

The rider now also benefits from the same kind of torque control system fitted. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) offers two levels of control (plus off) to sense imminent loss of rear wheel traction and seamlessly reduce torque to allow the tyre to grip. It’s by no means the most sophisticated system on the market, but it does the job.

Other new features include an adjustable seat offering two height options as well as 5-stage heated grips and Honda’s self-cancelling indicators are both fitted as standard. New full LED lighting adds a distinct presence and premium finishing touch.

The VFR800X Crossrunner will be available in Candy Arcadian Red or Pearl White and will be in dealership January 2015 for a Manufacturer’s List Price of $14,499.

 

AUS | Honda Announces 2015 VFR800X