Honda Announces New Gold Wing

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

It’s quite a remarkable achievement – a model that has lasted for 36 years and sold more than 640,000 units. It’s the Honda Gold Wing, which gets a makeover for the 2012 model year with production shifting to Japan from Marysville, Ohio. Honda revealed its new Gold Wing today with the changes being largely cosmetic as the 1832cc, six-cylinder engine is unchanged.

A redesigned fairing offers extra wind protection, particularly to the lower body and legs, while larger saddle bags (seven additional liters of storage space) up total capacity to more than 150 liters. Revised suspension settings, new seat and seat cover material and updated instrumentation make the Gold Wing more comfortable and easier to ride. A reshaped taillight adds visibility and wheels are now clear-coated for easier cleaning. There’s also a new integrated navigation system and enhanced audio system.

Honda will continue to offer an airbag-equipped Gold Wing model, too.

Base price will be $23,199 – $1 less than the new BMW 1600 GTL – with the Gold Wing topping out at $28,499. It goes on sale in May.