2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
895.0 pounds
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
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Windshield
ColoursMetallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic TitaniumAnniversary Vintage Bronze/Anniversary Vintage Black, Midnight Pearl/Brilliant Silver Pearl, White Hot Pearl, Big Blue Pearl, Vivid Black, custom colors.
Warranty1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Seat Height739 mm / 29.1 in.648 mm / 25.5 in.
Wheelbase1,689 mm / 66.5 in.1,638 mm / 64.5 in.
Height-1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length-2,400 mm / 94.5 in.
Width-1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-3.30 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.22 quarts
Dry Weight-326.1 kg / 719.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
Wet Weight406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs341.1 kg / 752.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Torque-131.40 Nm (13.4 kgf-m or 96.9 ft.lbs) @ 3000
Engine
Displacement (cc)1832.00 cc1687.97 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.9 x 2.8 inches3.9 x 4.4 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)74.0 x 71.0 mm98.4 x 111.1 mm
CO2151.5 CO129.9 CO
Displacement (ci)111.79 cubic inches103.00 cubic inches
Engine TypeSix cylinder boxer, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Fuel ControlSOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Detail-Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B?
Fuel SystemInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio9.8:19.6:1
EmissionsMeets current CARB and EPA standards.-
Exhaust-Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Consumption6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System24
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Belt
Gearbox5-speed6-speed
Chassis
Frame Type1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder-
Suspension - Front45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system.Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - RearPro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presetsIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake29.2°31.0°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.147 mm / 5.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear104 mm / 4.1 in.-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Tank-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 system-High 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 (mm)316 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)12.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)296 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.7 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Anti-lock brakingSingle disc. 4-piston
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc. 2-piston
Rims-Steel Laced
Tyres - Front130/70-R18MT90-B16
Tyres - Rear180/60-R16150/80-B16

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic 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

2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

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

2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic - Advantages

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

2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic?
The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has the lower seat at 648 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 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 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the edge in dual front discs, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.