2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic vs 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

Touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
752.0 pounds
2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
895.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsWindshieldModel ID: TRX680FA
ColoursAnniversary Vintage Bronze/Anniversary Vintage Black, Midnight Pearl/Brilliant Silver Pearl, White Hot Pearl, Big Blue Pearl, Vivid Black, custom colors.Metallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic Titanium
Warranty-One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches10.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm254 mm
Seat Height648 mm / 25.5 in.739 mm / 29.1 in.
Wheelbase1,638 mm / 64.5 in.1,689 mm / 66.5 in.
Height1,400 mm / 55.1 in.1,207 mm / 47.5 in.
Length2,400 mm / 94.5 in.2,113 mm / 83.2 in.
Width1,600 mm / 63.0 in.1,189 mm / 46.8 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.22 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)3.30 litres-
Dry Weight326.1 kg / 719.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
Wet Weight341.1 kg / 752.0 lbs406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Torque131.40 Nm (13.4 kgf-m or 96.9 ft.lbs) @ 3000-
Engine
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeSix cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 4.4 inches2.9 x 2.8 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)98.4 x 111.1 mm74.0 x 71.0 mm
CO2129.9 CO151.5 CO
Displacement (cc)1687.97 cc1832.00 cc
Displacement (ci)103.00 cubic inches111.79 cubic inches
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)SOHC
Engine DetailAir-cooled, Twin Cam 103B?-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Compression Ratio9.6:19.8:1
Emissions-Meets current CARB and EPA standards.
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
ExhaustChrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers-
Fuel Consumption5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)
Fuel Reserve-4.54 litres / 1.20 gallons
Ignition-Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System42
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathAutomatic
Final DriveBeltShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed5-speed
Primary Drive-Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential
Chassis
Suspension - FrontIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system.
Suspension - RearIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampersPro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presets
Rake31.0°29.2°
Trail147 mm / 5.8 in.109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-175 mm / 6.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-203 mm / 8.0 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTank-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/gear display, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicat-
Lighting systemHigh beam, front fender running lights, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), 6-speed, low fuel warnings-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-12.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-316 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.7 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-296 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. 4-pistonDouble disc. Anti-lock braking
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 2-pistonSingle disc
RimsSteel Laced-
Tyres - FrontMT90-B16130/70-R18
Tyres - Rear150/80-B16180/60-R16

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing edges out the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic thanks to its dual front discs and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 648 mm vs 739 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 254 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic vs 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is powered by Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic or the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has the lower seat at 648 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing sits higher at 739 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic or the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing stands out for dual front discs and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.