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2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Overview
For 2011, Honda offers the GL1800 Gold Wing as a touring motorcycle with 1832 cc on tap. The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is built around a Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.8:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 74 x 71 mm. In everyday use, the 2011 GL1800 Gold Wing tips the scales at 406 kg, carries a 24.98-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 739 mm and spans a 1,689 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 81.9 kg heavier than the average touring motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing spec sheet below.
2011 GL1800 Gold Wing - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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📏
Accessible seat height: At just 739 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
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⛽
Large fuel range: With a 24.98-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft drive (cardan) final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the GL1800 Gold Wing - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the GL1800 Gold Wing comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on SOHC-equipped engines like the GL1800 Gold Wing's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
Double disc. Anti-lock braking up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by 45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system up front and Pro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presets at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the GL1800 Gold Wing removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The 1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The GL1800 Gold Wing's 406 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
GL1800 Gold Wing - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept GL1800 Gold Wing settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a GL1800 Gold Wing's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the GL1800 Gold Wing's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a GL1800 Gold Wing's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing have?
The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses a Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1832 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing weigh?
The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing weighs 406 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has a 24.98-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 416-499 km between stops.
Is the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing suitable for shorter riders?
The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has a seat height of 739 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing have?
The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Double disc. Anti-lock braking at the front and Single disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing use?
The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing runs 130/70-R18 front and 180/60-R16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What fuel system does the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing use?
The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.
Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Spec Evolution
The Honda GL1800 Gold Wing was produced across 14 model years (2001-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2011 |
2012 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
| Wet Weight |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs |
406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs |
421.0 kg / 928.1 lbs |
421.0 kg / 928.1 lbs |
421.0 kg / 928.1 lbs |
365.0 kg / 804.7 lbs |
366.0 kg / 806.9 lbs |
366.0 kg / 806.9 lbs |
366.0 kg / 806.9 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
363 kg / 800.3 lbs |
363 kg / 800.3 lbs |
363 kg / 800.3 lbs |
- |
359.2 kg / 792.0 lbs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Engine Type |
Six cylinder boxer |
Six cylinder boxer |
Six cylinder boxer |
Six cylinder boxer |
Six cylinder boxer |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
| Seat Height |
740 mm / 29.1 in. |
740 mm / 29.1 in. |
740 mm / 29.1 in. |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
25.00 litres / 6.61 gallons |
16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons |
25.00 litres / 6.61 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 US gallons |
21.10 litres / 5.57 US gallons |
21.10 litres / 5.57 US gallons |
21.10 litres / 5.57 US gallons |
21.10 litres / 5.57 US gallons |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
| CO2 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
151.5 CO |
151.5 CO |
155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
127.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
127.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
127.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
Key Specifications
Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
Not published by manufacturer
Torque
Not published by manufacturer
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Weight
406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
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Full 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Specifications
Colours
Metallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic Titanium
Warranty
1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
Seat Height
739 mm / 29.1 in.
Wheelbase
1,689 mm / 66.5 in.
Fuel Capacity
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
Wet Weight
406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.9 x 2.8 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
74.0 x 71.0 mm
CO2
151.5 CO
Displacement (cc)
1832.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
111.79 cubic inches
Engine Type
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
SOHC
Fuel System
Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Compression Ratio
9.8:1
Emissions
Meets current CARB and EPA standards.
Fuel Consumption
6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)
Ignition
Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Starter
Electric
Valve System
2
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
5-speed
Frame Type
1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
Suspension - Front
45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system.
Suspension - Rear
Pro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presets
Rake
29.2°
Trail
109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
104 mm / 4.1 in.
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
11.7 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
296 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
12.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
316 mm
Brakes - Front
Double disc. Anti-lock braking
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Tyres - Front
130/70-R18
Tyres - Rear
180/60-R16
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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