2012 Honda Gold Wing

Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Honda feels riders are going to hear the call of the long, open road and have updated their famous Gold Wing model accordingly.

Being released under the model year of 2012, the latest version of the touring motorcycle seen on American roads since 1974 will be available as of May.

“The Gold Wing now expands its reputation as the premier touring motorcycle in the world, while the Foreman is the newest iteration in a full line of machines built to work—but are also ready to lead the way to good times when a day off comes around,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino.

Honda will bring the latest generation of sophisticated electronic amenities to the latest Gold Wing, starting with an updated and innovative GPS navigation system with user-friendly programmability for sharing favorite ride routes with friends and other riders, which can be accessed online via computer.

The Gold Wing also now incorporates a built-in MP3/iPod interface for a new SRS CS Auto technology surround-sound system for a premium listening experience.

In addition to its renowned power-laden yet refined drivetrain and delightfully sporty handling, the 2012 Gold Wing also brings upgraded styling, increased luggage capacity, greater protection from wind and weather as well as revised suspension settings for enhanced ride compliance and unparalleled comfort for both rider and passenger.

The 2012 Gold Wing’s new layered-surface bodywork offers more wind and weather protection around the rider and passenger’s lower legs, so you’ll experience less buffeting and more warmth on cool days.

Other improvements include;

Redesigned bodywork also means increased saddlebag capacity. Non-airbag models also get a new center-mounted lockable glovebox for added convenience, boosting the cockpit-area storage capacity to 2.8 liters. Honda have increased the storage capacity in the saddlebags by seven liters, upping total capacity to over 150 liters including trunk and fairing pockets.

The Gold Wing’s new design features a dynamic flow line linking the front to the rear, and a new, integrated tail light and rear saddlebag treatment. A redesigned front fascia and blacked-out headlights add styling touches.

Revised suspension settings front and rear yield added compliance for a better ride and more comfort.

The new seat cover and urethane seat-cover material is more comfortable, waterproof and features a new, sportier, custom perforated look.

The Gold Wing’s available fully integrated GPS navigation system features a new lane-guidance feature, junction view, a new GPS receiver that captures satellite signals faster, and a new color LCD screen.

A new SRS CS Auto™ surround-sound system is tuned exclusively for the Gold Wing and produces 'a rich, three-dimensional sound brimming with realism'.

The price to get back into a new Gold Wing saddle will run from $23,199 to $28,499 with final prices to still be decided. As mentioned before, the models will ride onto showroom floors in May 2011.

The first opportunities to view these new Honda models will be at the International Motorcycle Show in Greenville, South Carolina, February 25-27 and Daytona Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 5-12.

If the latest Gold Wing’s have a familiar ride about them, there may be a good reason. Over one million Gold Wings were made at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in Marysville, Ohio from 1979 until 2009, when motorcycle production there was halted. Reportedly enough models were built to meet demand until production resumed in the motorcycles new manufacturing home of Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The new manufacturing facilities use the tooling transported from the old plant to build the 2012 model year motorcycles.

Many bikers will be happy to hear the new Gold Wing could be just the first new models to ride out from the mind and factories of Honda.

“With [this] especially popular model[s] we’re starting off the 2012 model year in a big way, and we’re equally excited about the additional new releases to follow later this year,” noted Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino.