potential on offer .
Also on display is the motorcycle itself – the double wishbone front suspension , flat six-cylinder engine , exhausts – in all their functional beauty . Drawn together , the design elements create cutting edge style , underpinned by incredible levels of engineering and electronics .
Comfort , heat management and , most importantly , air management are also high on the Gold Wing ’ s agenda . The fairing channels airflow around the rider and pillion , effectively providing a pleasant cooling breeze .
A small electric screen operated from the left handlebar provides excellent wind protection yet , at the same time , a sense of space and freedom when required . Screen angle and height adjustment is stepless . Available as options are a larger screen , a fully adjustable deflector for the arms and upper body , and fixed deflectors for the lower legs and feet .
From a seating perspective , rider and pillion are separated . The rider can enjoy a total focus on riding the bike . The rider ’ s seat shape is comfortable and supportive while allowing movement and easy ground reach .
All lighting is LED . The lower portion of the headlights use 5 polished optical lenses on both sides to create a Jewel-Eye low beam light signature . Using high beam ( in the upper portion ) creates a stereoscopic impression . The front indicators are housed in the mirrors and the indicators also auto-cancel ; the system compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the riding situation .
When riding , the speed that ’ s been set with the cruise control switch ( located on the right handlebar ) is shown in the bottom left area of the speedometer . Through TBW the system achieves a smooth transition to the specified speed and an ultra-smooth operation , especially when going uphill . And , after completing a deceleration with the cruise control system in operation , the Gold Wing returns to the pre-set speed with an appropriate shifting schedule .
Luxurious instrumentation creates a unique cockpit . Different low-contrast colours with dark tones are applied to the dials , of which the peripheral areas form coneshaped slopes to create a feeling of depth . A ring with a metal texture surrounds each dial , and the graduations glow in LED , giving concrete depth and a calm , cool image .
The 7-inch full-colour TFT liquid crystal display screen provides all the information for the audio and navigation systems , as well as the riding modes and suspension adjustment . Information is displayed in differentiated segments in a very functional order , so the rider can get all the relevant data with the minimum of eye movement .
Brightness adjusts automatically ( with the maximum luminous intensity of the screen being 1000 cd ) and the rider can also choose from 8 brightness levels . Tyre pressure is displayed as a numerical figure in the bottom left area of the instruments and , new for 23YM , the new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System will illuminate a clear and bright warning light if pressure becomes too low .
Pride of place on the centre console and Smart Key is the Gold Wing emblem . Its crisp 3D , two-tone chrome design merges the strength and dignity of a lion ’ s head with the majestic wings of an eagle ready to pounce with open talons . The Smart Key activates all the motorcycle ’ s systems and also incorporates the emergency key . The ignition and handlebar lock can be turned on or off while carrying the Smart Key .
Most Gold Wing owners ride short , 2 – 3-day tours , so the total volume of 60L between both panniers is ample . Exclusively designed inner bags are available as an option . With the Smart Key present , a simple push of a button opens the panniers . It ’ s also possible to temporarily unlock via remote control ; the unlock button on the Smart Key enables the passenger instant access . Hydraulic dampers smooth the opening and closing . Pushing and holding the call button results in the indicators flashing .
The Gold Wing is compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ , so the rider can utilise the personalised information and content inside their smartphone , such as telephone numbers and music playlists . Bluetooth™ connectivity has been adopted and there are two USB Type-C sockets to plug in to .
High quality , lightweight speakers achieve superb sound quality with vivid presence . A passenger audio control switch is available to ensure an even more pleasant riding experience ; the switches are located on the upper part of the right pannier and adjusting the volume , switching the source and fast forwarding is possible .
The navigation system is displayed on the 7-inch , fullcolour TFT liquid crystal display screen in the central area of the instruments and includes a gyrocompass – which means guidance is continued even inside a tunnel . Cancellation of any waypoint or ‘ go home ’ instruction operation while riding is also possible . Maps are updated and also offer the possibility of entering up to 99 different waypoints for detailed journey planning .
The capacity of the fuel tank is 21L with fuel economy of 5.5 litres / 100km .
The Gold Wing ’ s diecast , aluminium twin-beam frame is designed to package the engine in a tight space ; its structural thickness is optimised in each area to deliver a smooth and stable ride , from walking speed upwards , whether on tight city streets or out on the open road .
NEWS MAGAZINE
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