2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic vs 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

Touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
765.0 pounds
2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
928.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsWindshieldModel ID: GL1800. Surround Sound. Cruise Control. Electric reverse.
ColoursVivid Black, Black Quartz, Superior Blue, Black Hills Gold/Black Quartz, Crushed Ice Pearl/Frosted Teal Pearl, Mysterious Red Sunglo/Velocity Red Sunglo, Bonneville Blue/Phatom BlueBlack, Red/black
Warranty-Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)131 mm130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)5.2 inches5.1 inches
StorageSaddle bagsSaddle bags, top box, glovebox
Seat Height690 mm / 27.2 in.745 mm / 29.3 in.
Wheelbase1,635 mm / 64.4 in.1,695 mm / 66.7 in.
Height-1,430 mm / 56.3 in.
Length2,405 mm / 94.7 in.2,575 mm / 101.4 in.
Width-905 mm / 35.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.22 quarts0.37 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)3.30 litres5.60 litres
Dry Weight333 kg / 734.1 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
Wet Weight347.0 kg / 765.0 lbs421.0 kg / 928.1 lbs
Performance
Max Torque125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 3000 Revolutions170.00 Nm (17.3 kgf-m or 125.4 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2342 HP/kg-
Engine
Displacement (cc)-1832.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-111.79 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 4.4 inches2.9 x 2.9 inches
CO2129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)98.4 x 111.1 mm73.0 x 73.0 mm
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeSix cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Engine DetailHigh Output Twin Cam 103B-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection
Compression Ratio9.7:110.5:1
ExhaustChrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers-
Fuel Consumption5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)6.72 litres/100 km (14.9 km/l or 35.00 mpg)
Ignition-Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathDual Clutch Transmission with forward and reverse. Hydraulic, wet, multiplate with oil pressure.
Final DriveBeltShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed7-speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Aluminum die-cast, twin tube
Suspension - FrontTelescopic forkDouble Wishbone
Suspension - RearTwin shocksPro Link
Rake31.0°30.5°
Seat-Urethane. Waterproof cover.
Trail147 mm / 5.8 in.109 mm / 4.3 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 warningsLED Headlights
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-12.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-316 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. ABS. 4-piston.Double disc. Floating discs. 6-piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. 2-piston.Single disc. Three-piston calipers.
RimsSteel laced, optional whitewall tiresHollow-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres - FrontMT90-B16130/70-R18
Tyres - Rear150/80-B16180/60-R16

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 690 mm vs 745 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic vs 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is powered by Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic or the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has the lower seat at 690 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing sits higher at 745 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic or the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing stands out for dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.