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2018 Honda Gold Wing Overview
Honda Gold Wing is a touring motorcycle. 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 167 Nm @ 4000 Revolutions of torque. On the road, the 2018 Gold Wing tips the scales at 357 kg, carries a 21.01-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 744 mm and spans a 1,694 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 46.5 kg heavier than the average touring motorcycle in our database. The full 2018 Honda Gold Wing spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2018 Honda Gold Wing compared with other bikes in the Touring category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2018 Honda Gold Wing against up to 451 bikes in the Touring category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 37 of the other 413 bikes in the Touring category have a higher torque than the 167 Nm of the Gold Wing.
- With 357 kg, the Gold Wing has the joint 153rd heaviest wet weight of 451 bikes in the Touring category, 15% above the category average of 310.5 kg.
- Narrowing the field to the 227 models within five model years of it, the torque of 167 Nm is higher than that of 167 of the other 226.
Versus the 2016 model
Compared with the 2016 model, wet weight fell from 415.5 kg to 357 kg (-58.5 kg) and seat height rose from 739 mm to 744 mm (+5 mm). Peak torque is unchanged.
2018 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 744 mm seat height keeps this manageable for most riders, which helps confidence at parking-lot speeds.
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⛽
Large fuel range: A 21.01-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 Gold Wing - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
The fuel injection on the 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 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 CBS three-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 Gold Wing's suspension runs Double Wishbone Type; 4.3 inches travel at the front. The rear uses Pro Arm® single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single shock; 4.1 inches travel. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The Gold Wing uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.
Handling the weight at a standstill
357 kg puts the 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.
Gold Wing - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2018 Honda Gold Wing 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 Gold Wing should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the Gold Wing's six cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). 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 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 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 Gold Wing - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Honda Gold Wing have?
The 2018 Honda Gold Wing is powered by a Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine.
How much does the 2018 Honda Gold Wing weigh?
The 2018 Honda Gold Wing weighs 357 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much torque does the 2018 Honda Gold Wing produce?
The 2018 Honda Gold Wing produces 167 Nm @ 4000 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 Honda Gold Wing?
The 2018 Honda Gold Wing has a 21.01-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 350-420 km between stops.
Is the 2018 Honda Gold Wing suitable for shorter riders?
The 2018 Honda Gold Wing has a seat height of 744 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2018 Honda Gold Wing have?
The 2018 Honda Gold Wing uses double disc with floating discs and CBS three-piston calipers at the front and single disc with CBS three-piston calipers at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2018 Honda Gold Wing use?
The 2018 Honda Gold Wing runs 130/70-18 front and 200/55-16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
Honda Gold Wing Spec Evolution
The Honda Gold Wing was produced across 5 model years (2016-2022). 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 |
2016 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2022 |
| Wet Weight |
415.5 kg / 916.0 lbs |
357.0 kg / 787.0 lbs |
357.0 kg / 787.0 lbs |
357.0 kg / 787.0 lbs |
357.0 kg / 787.0 lbs |
| Seat Height |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
744 mm / 29.3 in. |
744 mm / 29.3 in. |
744 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
21.01 litres / 5.55 gallons |
21.01 litres / 5.55 US gallons |
21.01 litres / 5.55 US gallons |
21.01 litres / 5.55 US gallons |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) |
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 |
| Bore x Stroke (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 |
| CO2 |
155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
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126.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Comments |
Model ID: GL1800. Model also called called Gold Wing Audio Comfort. Surround Sound. Cruise Control. Electric reverse. |
Model ID: GL1800 |
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Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ allow smartphone use. Smart Key. Two USB Type-C sockets. |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) |
296 mm |
320 mm |
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Key Specifications
Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Torque
167.00 Nm (17.0 kgf-m or 123.2 ft.lbs) @ 4000 Revolutions
Weight
357.0 kg / 787.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
21.01 litres / 5.55 gallons
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Full 2018 Honda Gold Wing Specifications
Comments
Model ID: GL1800
Colours
Candy Ardent Red, Matte Majestic Silver, Pearl Stallion Brown
Warranty
Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Storage
Saddle bags, top box, glovebox
Seat Height
744 mm / 29.3 in.
Wheelbase
1,694 mm / 66.7 in.
Fuel Capacity
21.01 litres / 5.55 gallons
Wet Weight
357.0 kg / 787.0 lbs
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
Fuel System
Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Emissions
Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.
Ignition
Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
6-speed
Suspension - Front
Double Wishbone Type; 4.3 inches travel
Suspension - Rear
Pro Arm® single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single shock; 4.1 inches travel
Rake
30.5°
Seat
Urethane. Waterproof cover.
Trail
109 mm / 4.3 in.
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. CBS three-piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. CBS three-piston calipers.
Tyres - Front
130/70-18
Tyres - Rear
200/55-16
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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