2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Specifications

Name: 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing
Brand: Honda

Touring • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Overview

The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is a touring motorcycle built around 1832 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.8:1. The bore and stroke measures 74 x 71 mm. From a practical standpoint, the 2012 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. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2012 GL1800 Gold Wing - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Accessible seat height: At 739 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Large fuel range: The 24.98-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft drive (cardan) final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

Age-related wear: As with any used GL1800 Gold Wing, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Valve clearance checks

SOHC valve actuation on the GL1800 Gold Wing means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Brake disc and pad wear

The Double disc. Anti-lock braking front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the GL1800 Gold Wing runs 45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system and Pro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presets at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 406 kg, the GL1800 Gold Wing is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

GL1800 Gold Wing - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained GL1800 Gold Wing should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any GL1800 Gold Wing. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The GL1800 Gold Wing's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used GL1800 Gold Wing. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing have?

The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses a Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1832 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing weigh?

The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing weighs 406 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?

The 2012 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 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing suitable for shorter riders?

The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has a seat height of 739 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing have?

The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Double disc. Anti-lock braking at the front and Single disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing use?

The 2012 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 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing use?

The 2012 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

Full 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Specifications

Comments Model ID: TRX680FA

Colours Metallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic Titanium

Warranty One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.

Ground Clearance (mm) 254 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 10.0 inches

Seat Height 739 mm / 29.1 in.

Wheelbase 1,689 mm / 66.5 in.

Height 1,207 mm / 47.5 in.

Length 2,113 mm / 83.2 in.

Width 1,189 mm / 46.8 in.

Fuel Capacity 24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons

Wet Weight 406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs

Fuel Control SOHC

Engine Type Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke

Displacement (ci) 111.79 cubic inches

Bore x Stroke (in,) 2.9 x 2.8 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 74.0 x 71.0 mm

Displacement (cc) 1832.00 cc

CO2 151.5 CO

Fuel System Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Compression Ratio 9.8:1

Emissions Meets current CARB and EPA standards.

Engine Lubrication Dry sump

Fuel Consumption 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

Starter Electric

Valve System 2

Clutch Automatic

Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan)

Gearbox 5-speed

Primary Drive Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential

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 175 mm / 6.9 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 203 mm / 8.0 in.

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 - 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.