The latest rumors from Honda have hinted that 2017 will bring the Honda Goldwing its first significant updates and upgrades since 2001. It’s less of a revision, and more of a replacement, if the first rumors are to be believed. Back in 1974, when the Goldwing first came on the scene, it was an impressive and technologically up to date machine, and all of its subsequent models have been bearing the standard for Honda’s latest technology – but something went awry over the last 15 years, because we haven’t seen much in the way of innovation since then. Now, it seems that Honda is ready to right this wrong.
Luckily, we can make a few educated guesses as to what a 2017 Goldwing might have on offer. Firstly, a DCT semi-automatic transmission is likely, given that Honda filed patents for a Goldwing dual clutch gearbox a while back. Next, we’re guessing that they’ll opt for an adjustable, semi-active suspension, possibly a multi-link arrangement. Multi-link suspension is definitely better on something like the Goldwing, where additional weight is so much of an issue. Frame wise, know that the Honda will be in need of a new chassis and bodywork to make it much up to modern expectations, and we’ve heard that the frame itself will be a two-piece unit made from cast aluminum, that’s held together by the engine.
In terms of on board tech, being that the Goldwing is one of Honda’s most celebrated flagship models, it’s going to come with the full works. The airbag will remain, naturally, and if the latest patents are anything to go by, the Goldwing is going to come with a whole host of buttons, TFT screens and dash controls – but what are they for? We’ll have to wait and see, but traction control and multiple riding modes are a certainty.
There have also been reports that the 2017 model might (and stress the word “might” here) come with a hybrid drive system: basically, an electric motor, as well as a smaller petrol engine. Honda has the tech to do this, which they unveiled in their Neo-Wing three wheeled concept, but whether or not a 2017 Goldwing will get the goods is a matter of speculation. Some of the filed patents have displayed a hybrid flat four mated with an electric motor, but others have shown it with the usual six cylinder arrangement.
As mentioned above though: this is all rumor and speculation at the moment, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more!
Luckily, we can make a few educated guesses as to what a 2017 Goldwing might have on offer. Firstly, a DCT semi-automatic transmission is likely, given that Honda filed patents for a Goldwing dual clutch gearbox a while back. Next, we’re guessing that they’ll opt for an adjustable, semi-active suspension, possibly a multi-link arrangement. Multi-link suspension is definitely better on something like the Goldwing, where additional weight is so much of an issue. Frame wise, know that the Honda will be in need of a new chassis and bodywork to make it much up to modern expectations, and we’ve heard that the frame itself will be a two-piece unit made from cast aluminum, that’s held together by the engine.
In terms of on board tech, being that the Goldwing is one of Honda’s most celebrated flagship models, it’s going to come with the full works. The airbag will remain, naturally, and if the latest patents are anything to go by, the Goldwing is going to come with a whole host of buttons, TFT screens and dash controls – but what are they for? We’ll have to wait and see, but traction control and multiple riding modes are a certainty.
There have also been reports that the 2017 model might (and stress the word “might” here) come with a hybrid drive system: basically, an electric motor, as well as a smaller petrol engine. Honda has the tech to do this, which they unveiled in their Neo-Wing three wheeled concept, but whether or not a 2017 Goldwing will get the goods is a matter of speculation. Some of the filed patents have displayed a hybrid flat four mated with an electric motor, but others have shown it with the usual six cylinder arrangement.
As mentioned above though: this is all rumor and speculation at the moment, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more!