Random 1 AM thought

"bhtooefr" (bhtooefr) 07/02/2017 at 01:01 • Filed to: 2wheelsgood, honda, gold wing

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The Gold Wing is a ridiculous luxobarge of a motorcycle, has been for many years.

Honda’s made quite a few motorcycles with semi-automatic and automatic transmissions - not counting rubber belt CVT scooters, of which they’ve made many, there’s the torque-converted 2-speed semi-automatic CB750A, the CB400A, and the CM400A/CM450A, the hydrostatic CVT DN-01, and the DCT VFR1200F, NC700/NC750 family, and NM4 (which really is part of the NC700 family itself).

The Gold Wing has only ever had 5-speed manual gearboxes.

Luxobarges, as a rule, have automatics, and have for many decades. (Yes, I know, Tatra never made an automatic 613 or 700. That’s the exception that proves the rule.)

Why hasn’t Honda put an automatic of some sort on the Gold Wing? (Note that this isn’t a product I’d actually buy, just a random musing.)

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > bhtooefr 07/02/2017 at 01:11

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It has reverse

CRider > bhtooefr 07/02/2017 at 01:21

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The damn thing weighs over 900 lbs without a torque converter, that’s quite enough thanks.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 07/02/2017 at 01:55

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Automatic 4 wheelers have reverse why choudnt a motorcycle

bhtooefr > CRider 07/02/2017 at 02:04

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Although it wouldn’t have to be a torque converter - note that Honda’s automatic blitz nowadays has been with DCTs.

However, had they done it when they realized that the Gold Wing was only ever going to be a full-dress tourer (so, with the GL1500, as the GL1200 launched in a Standard model still), I’m thinking it would’ve been a torque converter...

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 07/02/2017 at 02:05

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Those really need it, it’s a two wheeled car.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 07/02/2017 at 02:23

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I thought you were saying the fact that it has reverse is why it can’t have an automatic trans

ThePenguin > bhtooefr 07/02/2017 at 15:16

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DCT’s are still heavier though.

atfsgeoff > bhtooefr 07/02/2017 at 15:19

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“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is a much-adhered-to maxim in the world of motorcycle manufacturers. Most of the big Japanese manufacturers are still building multiple platforms that are essentially unchanged since the 1980s. Some of this has to do with grandfathered emissions/safety standards, but it’s mostly because, at the end of the day, they still sell like hotcakes. Take the TW200 and XLR650, for example.

In the case of the Goldwing in particular, I think it has less to do with grandfathering and more to do with proven longevity. GWs are routinely taken to 100k, 200k, and 300k miles and those venerable 5 speed gearboxes are in it for the long haul. Newer motorcycle DCTs are not nearly as maintenance free or long-lived in comparison.

I would not be surprised to see a DCT option offered on the GW within the next 5 years, though.

McMike > bhtooefr 07/02/2017 at 17:10

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Because no one is asking for it?

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it?

That’s all I got.

Argosy Bob > bhtooefr 07/02/2017 at 18:26

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I can’t imagine wanting an automatic transmission in a wing, but a 6 speed trans would be nice. I own 2 1983 GL1100s, never had a bigger wing, don’t even want one, but would consider an 1800 if they finally add a 6th gear. My $.02.