Honda launches 2021Gold Wing Tour at Rs 37.20 lakh onward

The motorcycle is powered by a 1,833cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke 24-valve SOHC flat-6 engine produces peak power of 125hp@5,500rpm and peak torque of 170Nm@4,500rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. There is also an option of a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

The key line of the body, stretching front to back, highlights the differing upper and lower bodywork functions. A central element is the fairing, with its sharp and solid flat surfaces, and its nuanced aerodynamic detailing. It adds a tension that hints at the performance 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 air management are also high on the Gold Wing Tour’s agenda. The fairing channels airflow around the rider and pillion, effectively providing a pleasant cooling breeze.

An extended 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 step-less.

From a seating perspective, rider and pillion are separated. The rider’s seat shape is comfortable and supportive while allowing movement and easy ground reach. Both rider and pillion now benefit from a luxurious new suede/synthetic leather seat cover; the angle of the pillion backrest also relaxes from 16° to 23°.

All lighting is LED and the Gold Wing Tour is equipped with dual LED fog lights. The lower portion of the headlights uses 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 auto-cancel indicators are housed in the mirrors.

When riding, the speed that is been set with the cruise control switch is shown in the bottom left area of the speedometer. Through Throttle By Wire(TBW), the system achieves a smooth transition to the specified speed and an ultra-smooth operation, especially when going uphill. In the case of manual transmission, squeezing the clutch or brake, or twisting the throttle cancels cruise control.

For the DCT variant (in AT mode) after completing the deceleration with the cruise control system in operation ¬– and resuming the previous speed – the Gold Wing returns to the pre-set with an appropriate shifting schedule.

Luxurious instrumentation creates a unique cockpit. Different low-contrast colours with dark tones applied to the dials, of which the peripheral areas form cone-shaped slopes to create a feeling of depth.

The 7-inch full-colour TFT liquid crystal display screen provides all the information for the audio and navigation systems, as well as managing 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 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.

The Smart Key activates all the motorcycle’s systems and incorporates the emergency key. The ignition and handlebar lock can be turned on/off while just carrying it.

For 2021, an additional 11 litre for the rear top box brings total capacity to 121 litres. With the Smart Key present, a push button opens all of the boxes which makes the luggage operation simple. The unlock button on the Smart Key enables the passenger instant pannier access.

The Gold Wing Tour 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 is also available and there are two USB Type-C ports to plug into.

Upgraded 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 navigation system is displayed in the central area of the instruments and includes a gyrocompass – which ensures continued guidance even inside a tunnel. The capacity of the fuel tank is 21.1litre.

Engine& Performance

The 1,833cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke 24-valve SOHC flat-6 engine produces peak power of 93kW @ 5,500rpm and peak torque of 170Nm @ 4,500rpm. The bore size of 73mm matches the stroke of 73mm; the left and right cylinders are offset by 4mm and the cylinder sleeves are aluminium. 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, Sport, Econ & Rain.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) seamlessly monitors and maintains rear wheel traction, in all riding conditions, for an extra layer of riding confidence. Its level of input, too adjusts via TBW relative to riding mode selection. Complementing engine’s deep bass signature the exhausts emit a powerful throb, without excessive noise.

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 Gold Wing Tour has Hill Start Assist (HSA) on both Manual and DCT variants. This eases the effort of starts on different grade of slope.When setting off – even when the brake lever is released – the hydraulic pressure temporarily retains braking force (for about 3 seconds) so starting on the uphill slope with the throttle is possible.

Transmission System

The 6-speed manual gearbox is fitted with a ‘cam damper’ between the clutch and transmission, separating each inertial mass, reducing noise and improving shift quality/durability. A cam assist and slipper clutch (with fewer discs and reduced hydraulic friction in the release mechanism) replace the traditional hydraulic assist clutch. This reduces clutch load at the lever by 20% and smooth downshifts; the slipper mechanism also contributes to the high-quality downshift feel. It also includes electric reverse feature.

The third generation Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) features 7-speeds, with clutch feel, shift speed and rpm range of up/downshifts tailored specifically to each riding mode. It also features a creep forward and back function. It is optimised for low speed maneuverability, with close ratios reducing shift-shock. In the higher speed range, they are set wider apart to reduce engine rpm. In both speed ranges comfort is improved as shifting up or down is of the highest quality.