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2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Overview
Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is a touring motorcycle, displacing 1832 cc. Power comes from a Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Bore and stroke come in at 73 x 73 mm. On the performance side, it delivers 170 Nm @ 4500 Revolutions of torque. On the road, the 2018 GL1800 Gold Wing tips the scales at 421 kg, carries a 24.98-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 745 mm and spans a 1,695 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 110.5 kg heavier than the average touring motorcycle in our database. The full 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing compared with other bikes in the Touring category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing against up to 656 bikes in the Touring category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 28 of the other 450 bikes in the Touring category have a heavier wet weight than the 421 kg of the GL1800 Gold Wing.
- With 170 Nm, the GL1800 Gold Wing has the joint 25th highest torque of 414 bikes in the Touring category, 41% above the category average of 120.4 Nm.
- Engine displacement of 1832 cc is larger than that of 577 of the other 655 bikes in the Touring category.
- Narrowing the field to the 193 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 421 kg is heavier than that of 170 of the other 192.
Versus the 2017 model
Compared with the 2017 model, peak torque increased from 167 Nm to 170 Nm (+3 Nm) and seat height rose from 739 mm to 745 mm (+6 mm). Wet weight and displacement are unchanged.
2018 GL1800 Gold Wing - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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🛑
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the double disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
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📏
Accessible seat height: A 745 mm seat height keeps this manageable for most riders, which helps confidence at parking-lot speeds.
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⛽
Large fuel range: A 24.98-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Running a shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: Nothing specific stands out as a weak point on the GL1800 Gold Wing - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
The fuel injection on the GL1800 Gold Wing needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Valve clearance checks
With Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) valve gear, the GL1800 Gold Wing needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from double disc with floating discs and 6-piston calipers - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The GL1800 Gold Wing's suspension runs Double Wishbone at the front. The rear uses Pro Link. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The GL1800 Gold Wing uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.
Frame & chassis check
Built around an Aluminum die-cast, twin tube, the GL1800 Gold Wing's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Handling the weight at a standstill
421 kg puts the GL1800 Gold Wing toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
GL1800 Gold Wing - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing with its 1832 cc touring, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 8 years old, this touring is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy GL1800 Gold Wing should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the GL1800 Gold Wing's 1832 cc six cylinder boxer, four-stroke like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). The sump holds 5.60 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. With a 10.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the GL1800 Gold Wing needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used GL1800 Gold Wing since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.
2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing have?
The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses a Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1832 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing weigh?
The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing weighs 421 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much torque does the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing produce?
The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing produces 170 Nm @ 4500 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2018 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 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing suitable for shorter riders?
The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has a seat height of 745 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing have?
The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses double disc with floating discs and 6-piston calipers at the front and single disc with three-piston calipers at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing use?
The 2018 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.
How much oil does the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing take?
The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing takes 5.60 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
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
Torque
170.00 Nm (17.3 kgf-m or 125.4 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions
Weight
421.0 kg / 928.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
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Full 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Specifications
Comments
Model ID: GL1800. Surround Sound. Cruise Control. Electric reverse.
Colours
Black, Red/black
Warranty
Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Ground Clearance (in.)
5.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
130 mm
Storage
Saddle bags, top box, glovebox
Seat Height
745 mm / 29.3 in.
Wheelbase
1,695 mm / 66.7 in.
Height
1,430 mm / 56.3 in.
Length
2,575 mm / 101.4 in.
Width
905 mm / 35.6 in.
Oil Capacity (l)
5.60 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
0.37 quarts
Fuel Capacity
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
Wet Weight
421.0 kg / 928.1 lbs
Displacement (cc)
1832.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
111.79 cubic inches
Engine Type
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.9 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
73.0 x 73.0 mm
CO2
155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel System
Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Fuel Consumption
6.72 litres/100 km (14.9 km/l or 35.00 mpg)
Ignition
Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Dual Clutch Transmission with forward and reverse. Hydraulic, wet, multiplate with oil pressure.
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
7-speed
Frame Type
Aluminum die-cast, twin tube
Suspension - Front
Double Wishbone
Suspension - Rear
Pro Link
Rake
30.5°
Seat
Urethane. Waterproof cover.
Trail
109 mm / 4.3 in.
Lighting system
LED Headlights
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
12.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
316 mm
Brakes - Front
Double disc. Floating discs. 6-piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. Three-piston calipers.
Rims
Hollow-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
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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