Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - 2012 Specifications and Reviews

The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is a full-featured luxury touring bike designed for long-distance comfort and refined performance. Known for its smooth engine, advanced technology, and spacious seating, it excels at highway cruising and extended road trips. Best suited for mature riders seeking a premium, stable platform with extensive creature comforts and weather protection.

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General information

CategoryTouring
Year2012
ModelHonda GL1800 Gold Wing

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Emission detailsMeets current CARB and EPA standards.
Greenhouse gases151.5 CO
Fuel consumption6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)
Transmission type,final driveShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox5-speed
Cooling systemLiquid
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Fuel controlSOHC
Fuel systemInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Valves per cylinder2
Bore x stroke74.0 x 71.0 mm (2.9 x 2.8 inches)
Compression9.8:1
Engine typeSix cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Capacity:1832.00 ccm (111.79 cubic inches)
 
 

Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels

Rear brakes diameter316 mm (12.4 inches)
Rear brakesSingle disc
Front brakes diameter296 mm (11.7 inches)
Front brakesDouble disc. Anti-lock braking
Rear tyre dimensions180/60-R16
Front tyre dimensions130/70-R18
Rear suspension travel104 mm (4.1 inches)
Rear suspensionPro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presets
Front suspension travel140 mm (5.5 inches)
Front suspension45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system.
Trail109 mm (4.3 inches)
Rake (fork angle)29.2°

Physical measures and capacities

Fuel capacity24.98 litres (6.60 gallons)
Wheelbase1,689 mm (66.5 inches)
Seat height739 mm (29.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc406.0 kg (895.0 pounds)

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Color optionsMetallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic Titanium
StarterElectric

Performance Profile & Rider Fit

116.7 hp
Peak Power
4.2s
0-60 mph

Best For

Track15%
City35%
Cornering50%
Daily Riding65%
Touring99%
Passenger97%

Rider Profile

Best ForBest suited to experienced riders who are comfortable managing a very heavy, large-dimension machine at low speeds and in parking maneuvers.
PurposeBuilt for effortless long-distance touring with a passenger and luggage, prioritizing comfort and smooth power delivery over sportiness.
Rider FitIts substantial 421 kg weight and low seat height make it manageable once rolling, but riders need decent strength and confidence to handle it at a standstill or in tight spaces.
CharacterA refined, armchair-like grand tourer with a smooth flat-six engine, shaft drive, and premium features like cruise control and electric reverse for effortless highway cruising.
Not Ideal ForNot for riders seeking a lightweight, flickable bike for tight canyon roads or any off-road use.

Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.

Rider Fit Visualizer

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Rider Ergonomics Assessment

Calculated in your browser only - your height/inseam are never sent to our servers.

Feet:

At 739mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Data quality: measured. Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated (a typical street-bike rule of thumb - stiffer or softer suspension will vary). This is an approximation from category-typical geometry and generic body proportions, not a measurement of this specific bike or you - sit on it before you buy.

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⚠ Safety Recalls (5)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE Jan 2018 · 18V045000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2010 and 2012-2016 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles. These motorcycles have air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag module that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KJ1.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE Jan 2017 · 17V031000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2006-2009 and 2012 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A," Honda is recalling certain 2006-2009 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in Zone A or Zone B above, Honda is recalling certain 2006-2008 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the operator resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KE5.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Oct 2015 · 15V700000

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2010 and 2012-2015 GL1800, 2001-2005 GL1800A and 2013-2015 GL1800B motorcycles. The rear brakes of the affected motorcycles may drag after the brakes are released.

Risk: A rear brake that drags may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, extended riding with the rear brake dragging could generate enough heat to result in a fire.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary brake master cylinder and the rear brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JV6. Note: This recall supercedes recall 14V-472.

EQUIPMENT Dec 2011 · 11E054000

KURYAKYN IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MOUNTS, PART NUMBER 607005, SOLD AND INSTALLED FOR USE ON 2001-2012 HONDA GL 1800 (GOLDWING) MOTORCYCLES. THIS MOUNT WAS SOLD ON KURYAKYN 'TRANSFORMER' PASSENGER FLOORBOARD SETS, PART NUMBER 7005 FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, TO PRESENT. THE FLOORBOARD MOUNT MAY CRACK AND BREAK FREE FROM THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT SECURE THE MOUNT TO THE MOTORCYCLE.

Risk: THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR A CRASH.

Remedy: KURYAKYN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE REPLACEMENT MOUNT KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KURYAKYN AT 1-866-296-4728.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Dec 2011 · 11V567000

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2010, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 GL1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE COMBINED BRAKING SYSTEM'S SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO DRAG.

Risk: UNEXPECTED BRAKING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE REAR BRAKE DRAGGING MAY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO CATCH FIRE.

Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.

Source: NHTSA. View all Honda recalls →

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