Honda 2010 GL1800 Gold Wing

With its distinctive good looks, unique flat-six engine and advanced comfort and safety technologies the Gold Wing still reigns as the world’s most advanced and full-featured touring motorcycle. This year the ‘King of the Road’ is offered in three beautiful new colours that emphasise its sophistication. The quick-starting fuel-injected Gold Wing engine is renowned for its long-haul power and strong performance. The motorcycle’s huge carrying capacity and luxurious ride quality make touring smooth and easy. Its quiet operation and the broad, wind-deflecting fairing together create a serene, relaxed ride.

The compliant suspension systems feature a computer-controlled adjustable pre-load damper while the powerful ABS* ensures confident braking, even in difficult circumstances. In spite of its considerable road presence, the Gold Wing handles with light manoeuvrability, making it an agile performer in city traffic. This is achieved by a low centre of gravity, which enhances stability and gives a secure, balanced ride feel. This exceptional tourer’s user-friendly equipment includes a premium audio system, a multi-function information centre and, on the Deluxe version, an integrated satellite navigation system.

The Deluxe version also incorporates the Honda Motorcycle Airbag system, the first ever designed specifically for a motorcycle. Touring possibilities are maximised with adjustable heated handlebar grips and seats, plus a range of specially tailored optional luggage accessories.

* Supporting Honda’s ongoing commitment to the Road Safety Charter, ABS continues to be offered across our entire Touring range.

The New 2010 Honda VT1300CX

The Honda VT1300CX is a true original in the chopper motorbike genre – a radical concept offered in a unique package that’s accessible to nearly every rider. The VT1300CX is visually daring and great fun to ride, with a feel and sound that place the rider squarely in the chopper domain.

For cruisers and choppers, style is king. The focus of the VT1300CX is its raked-out chopper styling, incorporating a visual balance of positive and negative space between the airy front end and the more substantial engine and rear end. Its high-mount steering head gives the frame a see-through, open-air look with plenty of breathing room between the upper frame and the front cylinder head. Its long, slim fuel tank is perched up high, while its seat is ultra-low. The fat 200mm rear tyre is paired with a slim 90mm front wheel that’s wrapped in an attractively close-fitting fender. A striking visual impact is created by the multi-faceted nine-spoke front and seven-spoke rear wheel design.

The condensed, hard-tail look of the rear end is accentuated by the exaggerated rake and stretched wheelbase which stretches a full 1,805mm between axles, giving a soft ride as well as a characteristic look. Clean lines and curves in every part of the bike emphasise a Spartan return to basics. Equally important, a close-up inspection of the VT1300CX reveals an attention to detail which has been carried to the extreme. The prominent chrome headlight accentuates the frame and fork angles. Even the LED tail-light complements the shape of the rear fender, which also lacks visible fender stays – all for the purpose of giving the rear a simple and elegant shape. Smooth, clean lines also define the swingarm and the driveshaft on the left side.

Clean-cut execution and careful crafting create a chopper with the distinct air of a full-on hand-built custom bike, but one that can be owned and maintained for a fraction of the cost.

The engine is the soul of the VT1300CX. Fire it up and waves of muscular V-twin power, sound and feel flood the senses. Based on Honda’s proven and muscular VTX1300 motor, it is a 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin with a single-pin crankshaft, dual balancers and a new Programmed Fuel Injection system. The engine is cooled by a compact radiator that’s neatly concealed between the frame’s downtubes. Maintaining the neat, uncluttered look, the top radiator hose is hidden away beneath the front head cover. A newly designed dual exhaust system and new camshafts add to the creation of an engine that produces hugely satisfying performance and awesome sound. Low fuel consumption (the VT1300CX delivers an impressive 20km per litre*) and a clean, reliable, maintenance-free shaft drive mean more time spent on the road and less in the garage. It’s all about the ride.