Aside from moving the front wheel forward under full suspension compression , another benefit of the double wishbone front suspension is the reduction in sliding friction ( from bump deflection and steering input ) that a standard telescopic fork creates , as the stanchions travel up and down in the fork leg . Bearings are used in all shaft bush areas for steering and suspension stroke , further reducing friction .
The steering input – via the dual fork holders – is also separated from the suspension provided by the single shock absorber , and the Gold Wing ’ s yaw moment make it nimble and easier to steer . In addition , patented steering cross tie-rods connect the handlebars to the front axle and the handlebar pivot , delivering an entirely natural feel to the rider .
Rake and trail are set at 30.5 °/ 109mm , with wheelbase of 1695mm . The Gold Wing weighs 367kg wet .
The Dual Combined Brake System ( D-CBS ) optimally distributes braking forces to the front and rear wheels . The use of a single , light circulation type ABS modulator – integrated with the brake ECU – keeps weight down within the braking system . It also operates in linkage with the current riding mode of choice , automatically adjusting the braking characteristics to the riding situation . Dual 320mm front discs are gripped by 6-piston calipers , the rear 316mm disc by a 3-piston caliper .
The Gold Wing also benefits from a Pro-Arm swingarm , which attaches to the frame on its left side . The right side serves as a maintenance access . This allows much greater freedom of design and makes the machine easier to manage ; it also contributes to stability . Pro-Link provides progressive suspension action and comfort while spherical joints are used throughout , cancelling out torsion . The rear preload is manually adjustable .
To realise the handling potential of the chassis – and maintain the addictive power delivery and feel that ’ s so much part of this icon ’ s appeal – the Gold Wing ’ s 1,833cc , horizontally-opposed flat six-cylinder engine uses four valves per cylinder .
Peak power of 93kW arrives @ 5,500rpm , with peak torque of 170Nm delivered @ 4,500rpm . The bore size of 73mm matches the stroke of 73mm ; the left and right cylinders are offset 4mm and the cylinder sleeves are aluminium . Compression ratio is set at 10.5:1 .
The Unicam cylinder heads – the inlet valves are operated by finger-follower rocker arm , the exhaust valves by roller rocker arms – also employ a co-axial rocker-arm shaft for both inlet and exhaust . The combustion chambers are a 4-valve ‘ pentroof ’ design with the inlet ports designed to promote ‘ tumble ’ flows inside the cylinders thus improving efficiency . The piston skirts wear a molybdenum coating to reduce friction . Throttle By Wire ( TBW ) engine management adds 4 rider modes to alter character and power delivery , linked to suspension damping and the Dual Combined Brake System ( D-CBS ):
TOUR mode is the base setting for comfort and power . It gives a direct 100 % opening ratio between throttle grip and throttle body butterfly , with ‘ default ’ damping and front / rear brake force distribution .
SPORT serves up the highest throttle to butterfly ratio and delivers strong acceleration , with firmer damping and rear brake lever pressure .
ECON mode offers maximum fuel economy and easy cruising , with lower throttle to butterfly ratio and default damping and brake force .
RAIN turns the dial down to suit wet and slippery conditions , with lowest throttle to butterfly ratio , default braking force distribution and soft suspension damping .
There are two air intake ducts sited front left and right rear . This structure generates swirling as the air is drawn in – the result is more effective use of the air filter ’ s entire surface area and reduction in resistance . The internal shaping of both ducts is optimised to align with the intake pulses of the engine ’ s low-rpm range , improving response and torque from smaller throttle openings . A single throttle body speeds up airflow and improves response .
To complement the engine ’ s deep bass signature the mufflers emit a powerful throb , without excessive noise . The cross-sectional areas of the exhaust pipes for two out of the six cylinders are reduced 20 %, bringing the sound volume and depth .
The ISG ( Integrated Starter Generator ) combines the generator and starter motor into one component , with the generator effectively becoming the starter motor when supplied with reverse power . It ’ s 2.4 kg lighter than a standard system . Helical gears are employed for the ISG driving gears , reducing mechanical noise .
Key characteristics of Idling Stop are the ultra-quiet start-up of the engine thanks to the use of ISG , and the smooth starting feeling achieved through a combination of DCT and TBW control . When stopping at a traffic light with Idling Stop on , the engine automatically stops after 3 seconds and , when restarting , the rider only needs to turn the throttle , which immediately starts the engine .
The system is controlled so that hydraulic oil pressure is applied in advance to the DCT line that activates the clutch when the engine starts , so the time lag from when the rider opens the throttle to movement is reduced . To curb any abruptness the TBW makes the throttle butterfly open gradually following the throttle opening – thus the smooth acceleration befitting of a Gold Wing . Idling Stop can be turned ON or OFF from the right handlebar
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