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The 2012 Honda Goldwing: Leader Of The Touring Pack

speedshifter69 May 7, 2012 2012, Dillon Brothers News, Honda Goldwing, Honda Motorcycles, touring 0

“GL1100 Interstate model, the first ever mass produced Japanese motorcycle to roll off the production line fully fitted as a proper touring motorcycle..”

Previously we discussed what is a motorcycle. We then broke them into 7 basic categories which included Touring, Cruiser, Sport, Standard, Dual Sport, Off-Road and Scooters. Today we will focus on the Touring class of motorcycles and the 2012 Honda Goldwing in particular since for decades the Goldwing set the standard for all other touring motorcycles to follow.

In 1980 Honda released their GL1100 Interstate model, the first ever mass produced Japanese motorcycle to roll off the production line fully fitted as a proper touring motorcycle. Even back then the Goldwing was fitted with accessories both standard and after-market that no other brand could compete with. In the decades that followed their commitment to innovation has made it renowned as the ultimate touring motorcycle, a title that the Goldwing has held more or less unchallenged ever since. Every major motorcycle manufacturer has full dress touring bikes to choose from not to mention Harley-Davidson and their near limitless number of available ‘baggers’ but the Gold Wing has been setting the standard since day one.

“Like all motorcycles touring bikes do more than fill a highly specialized niche.”

Touring motorcycles often mean different things to different people. Since their inception people have used them for a variety of purposes. While many riders enjoy taking long distance cross country trips on their touring bikes others never leave the city, preferring to use the the immense storage capacity of the touring motorcycles to make trips to the store or just to carry all of their riding gear.

The large amounts of storage really sets the touring class of motorcycles apart from the rest. Combined with the full front fairings and windshields, hard bags and large displacement motors they truly are the Cadillac of the 2 wheel world. Smooth and powerful, todays selection of touring bikes are so well balanced they can be deceptively nimble and easy to ride despite their size and weight. In addition to the highly advanced level of engineering modern touring bikes have almost all of the comforts of home. Integrated stereo systems, GPS navigation, cruise control, accent lighting and even heated grips and seats. Many riders even incorporate helmet to helmet communication systems so the riders and passengers can talk to each other as they cruise down the highway.

Like all motorcycles touring bikes do more than fill a highly specialized niche. With versatility and power supplemented by endless options and accessories they really have a lot more functionality than just long distance traveling. With all the choices these days you can trust the Honda Gold Wing to lead the pack in innovation, design, and function.

In the coming weeks I will discuss the other categories of motorcycles, giving a brief history, more detailed description and popular examples of each.

	SpeedShifter69 Contributor to Dillon Brothers speedshifter69@gmail.com Website

2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer – The New Cat In Adventure Touring

speedshifter69 May 7, 2012 2012, Adventure, Dual Sport, Motorcycle Accessories, new motorcycle, Off Road, quick look, review, touring, triumph 0

“With an impressive list of goodies including traction control, ABS, and cruise control on the base model, the 2012 Tiger Explorer is bringing some serious game to the table as Triumph enters the adventure touring market. “

New for 2012 is the Triumph Tiger Explorer adventure touring motorcycle. With the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and Yamaha’s Super Ténéré squarely in it’s cross hairs, the Tiger Explorer is primed to make a huge splash as it enters the ADV rider scene. Five years in planning and designing has really paid off in the end. Focusing on comfort, durability and of course stunning good looks, Triumph continues its long history of excellence.

The beating heart of the Tiger is a powerful 1215cc inline triple that pounds out an impressive 135 horsepower at 9,000rpm and 89 lb-ft of torque at 6400rpm. Power is transferred to the 17” 10-spoke real wheel via a virtually maintenance free shaft driving that Triumph has designed to go 10,000 miles between servicing making the Tiger Explorer ideal for long distance adventure riders. Combine that with it’s single sided swing arm, adjustable 46mm front forks, long travel suspension and 19” front wheel and you have an adventure touring motorcycle that is more than capable of coping with unpaved roads as well as the highway.

“The beating heart of the Tiger is a powerful 1215cc inline triple that pounds out an impressive 135 horsepower at 9,000rpm and 89 lb-ft of torque at 6400rpm.”

The cable free throttle on the handlebar is a Heihin ride by wire intake system and 46mm throttle bodies that rely on 2 Hall-effect sensors which continuously monitor and relay the rider’s intent electronically to the ECU which then dictates the actual throttle. This new ride by wire technology makes tuning much easier for the manufacturer by preventing any unnecessary rapid throttle openings and allows for a very precise cruise control system. The standard three stage traction control is similarly run mostly via integrated software.

With an impressive list of goodies including traction control, ABS, and cruise control on the base model the 2012 Tiger Explorer is bringing some serious game to the table as Triumph enters the adventure touring market. Triumph will offer a wide variety of Explorer accessories for riders to cater to the varying needs of adventure riders including 60-liter panniers, 35-liter top box big enough to hold a full face helmet that has an integrated power port, heated seats, and heated grips powered all of which are by a class leading 950w generator. Of course a variety of crash guards are available to keep your Explorer protected from your off road adventures.

All things considered, the Tiger Explorer should prove to be a more than worthy competitor in the world of adventure touring. With it’s smooth and powerful engine, long travel suspension and traction control, no longer will you be limited to the highway for your cross country adventures. The Tiger Explorer will readily take you to the end of the road and beyond.

Triumph Explorer Genuine Accessories

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Complete Arrow Exhaust
Dual temperature Heated Grips
Heated Rider & Passenger Seat
Aluminum Radiator Guard
CNC Machined GPS Mounting Kit
Halogen Fog Lights: High-Powered Lights w/ Crash Guards
Quick-release Polycarbonate Headlight Guards
Aluminum Skid Plate
Engine Crash Guards
Heated Rider and Passenger Seats
Adjustable Windscreen
Tank Bag
60-liter Side Panniers
Adventure Top Box with 35-liter capacity & integrated power

for charging phones and equipment while underway.

2012 Triumph Tiger Technical Specs

Engine: Liquid-cooled 12-valve DOHC Triple
Displacement: 1215cc
Bore x Stroke: 85 x 71.4 mm
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Final Drive: Shaft
Transmission: 6-Speed
Frame: Tubular Steel Trellis
Rake: 23.9-degrees
Trail: 105.5mm
Front Wheel: 10-spoke 19 x 2.5-in.
Rear Wheel: 10-spoke 17 x 4-in.
Front Tire: 110/80-19
Rear Tire: 150/70-17
Front Suspension: Kayaba 46mm Inverted fork w/190mm travel
Rear Suspension: Kayaba Shock w/ Remote Reservoir. Adjustable preload, rebound w/194mm travel
Front Brakes: Dual 305 mm rotors w/Nissin 4-piston calipers
Rear Brake: Single 282mm rotor w/2-piston caliper
Wheelbase: 60.2 in.
Seat Height: 33.1-33.9 in.
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
Claimed Curb Weight: 570 lbs.
Horsepower: 135 hp @ 9300 rpm
Torque: 89 lb. ft @ 7850 rpm

	SpeedShifter69 Contributor to Dillon Brothers speedshifter69@gmail.com Website

Fast Look: 2012 Goldwing – The Pinnacle of Touring Motorcycles

Editor April 23, 2012 2012, Honda Goldwing, Honda Motorcycles, new motorcycle, touring 0

"If you thought the Gold Wing was the world’s ultimate touring motorcycle, you were right."

For the last 36 years, one motorcycle has stood at the highest peak of the touring world: Honda’s Gold Wing®. It was revolutionary when first introduced, changing how riders looked at touring bikes forever, and over the years it’s always led for others to follow. It’s better than ever in 2012, with a fresh new style and some major upgrades.

2012 Honda Gold Wing

The Apex Motorcycle Touring

Gold Wing

Manufactured by: Honda

Model: GoldWing

5 of 5 stars based on 17 reviews

23,890.00 New MSRP

"And if you think the 2012 Gold Wing is even better, you’re right again."

Find OEM Honda GoldWing Parts

Gold Wing Audio Comfort Navi XM ABS Specs

ENGINE

ENGINE
Engine Type	1832 cc Liquid Cooled horizontally opposed six cylinder
Bore & Stroke	74 mm x 71 mm
Induction	Programmed Fuel Injection
Ignition	Computer controlled digital with three dimensional mapping
Compression Ratio	9.8 to 1
Valve Train	SOHC – two valves / cylinder

DRIVE TRAIN

DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission	Five speed including Overdrive plus electric Reverse
Drive	Shaft

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

CHASSIS – SUSPENSION – BRAKES
Front Suspension	45 mm cartridge fork with anti dive, 4.8 inches of travel
Rear Suspension	Pro Arm single side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer controlled spring preload adjustment with two memory presets; 4.1 inches of travel
Front Brake	Dual full floating 296 mm discs with CBS three piston calipers – ABS Braking
Rear Brake	Single ventilated 316 mm disc with CBS three piston caliper – ABS Braking System
Front Tire	130 / 70R – 18
Rear Tire	180 / 60R -16

DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS
Rake	29.15 degrees
Trail	109 mm / 4.3 inches
Wheelbase	66.5 inches
Seat Height	29.1 inches
Curb Weight	904-933 lbs, depending on option packages selected (Includes standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel-ready to ride)
Fuel Capacity	6.6 gal
Miles Per Gallon	35 MPG : Honda’s fuel economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

OTHER

OTHER
Model Id	GL1800
Emissions	Meets current CARB (California Air Resources Board) and EPA standards.
Available Colors	Pearl White, Black, Candy Red, Ultra Blue Metallic

FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION

FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION
Three Years	Transferable, unlimited mileage limited warranty – extended coverage available with Honda Protection Plan.

	SpeedShifter69 Contributor to Dillon Brothers speedshifter69@gmail.com Website

What is a motorcycle: A different meaning for every rider.

Editor April 17, 2012 atv, Cruiser, Dual Sport, Off Road, Scooter, Side by Side, Sport, Standard, touring, Utility, Watercraft 0

Let’s start with the basics.. What is a motorcycle?

Suffice it to say, motorcycles are motorized vehicles which operate on two or sometimes three wheels. But what are they really? Leaving the overly technical explanations aside, to me and many others they are an alternate means of travel (and entertainment) which provide the operator with gratification far beyond plain utility. The countless unique aspects of motorcycling provide a multitude of experiences that defy words but most people would agree that they each enjoy the broader aspects similarly. Some prefer the thrill of speed and agility, others connect to motorcycling through the social camaraderie, while others mostly enjoy the feel of openness that comes from being exposed to the elements while riding. For riders and passengers alike it’s hard to deny the potency of the motorcycle experience.

“Motorcycles are generally categorized into Touring, Cruiser, Sport, Standard, Dual Sport, Off-Road, and Scooter..”

Motorcycles may have started out as little more than motorized bicycles but over the last hundred plus years they have developed more than enough diversity to satisfy just about any rider. From the large touring bikes which can haul a rider, passenger, and a trailer with enough luggage for a week’s travel to the minimalist cafe racers, bobbers, and street fighters you can take your pick as to which type suits you personally. Granted that there are many bikes that cross-over or defy categorization but motorcycles are generally categorized into Touring, Cruiser, Sport, Standard, Dual Sport, Off-Road, and Scooter [to say nothing of race and other sport specific motorcycles.. that's for a whole other series]. Often you will see categories for ATV, Side by Side/Utility, and even watercraft associated with motorcycles due to their nature and availability through many Motorcycle dealerships. More about those later though…

Given that motorcycles are far more than just machines to most of us this series will be a running dialogue dedicated to expanding on the details of each different motorcycle category and what they represent. Through the rest of these articles I will cover each of the motorcycle categories and highlight some of the major models in each of them while sharing insight along the way. Down the road I hope to expand this further to cover motorcycle safety and maintenance and even some motorcycle related products and reviews but for now it’s probably best to just focus on the road ahead of me and stay in my lane. It’s going to be a fun ride.

	SpeedShifter69 Contributor to Dillon Brothers speedshifter69@gmail.com Website

2012 Goldwing Audio Comfort at the Midlands International Auto Show: Dillon

onebadbiker January 18, 2012 2012, Bike Shows, Honda Goldwing, Honda Motorcycles, new motorcycle, touring 1

2012 Goldwing Audio Comfort

CLICK GOLDWING IMAGE FOR DETAILS

New for 2012

New Styling: The Gold Wing’s new design aims for a more integrated appearance, with a sporting edge and visual flow line linking the front to the rear, and a new, integrated taillight and saddlebag treatment. Other touches include redesigned front fascia and air intake, blacked-out headlight garnish, and new instrument panel fonts and design.
Improved Ride Quality: New suspension settings are a part of the reason your new Gold Wing offers handling that can put many a sportbike to shame. Gold Wings have always offered the best overall handling of any touring machine, but these new settings really improve things when you decide to dial it up a notch.
Clear-Coated Wheels: For 2012, our wheels are clear-coated from the factory for an improved appearance and easier cleaning.
Improved Wind and Weather Protection: The 2012 Gold Wing’s new layered-surface bodywork does more than just look great. We took the opportunity to fine-tune the rider and passenger environment. There’s appreciably more wind and weather protection around your lower legs, so you’ll experience less buffeting and warmer legs on those cool days.
Enhanced Storage Capacity: When we redesigned the new Gold Wing’s bodywork, we took the opportunity to increase the storage capacity in the saddlebags by seven liters, upping total capacity to over 150 liters including trunk and fairing pockets.
iPod® Connectivity: Now you can connect a compatible Apple® iPod® player or other USB mass storage devices, such as flash drives that contain MP3, WMA6 or AAC music files, and control them through the Gold Wing’s audio controls. The connector is located in the lockable trunk, where devices can be conveniently carried and discreetly stored.
Audio System with Surround Sound: Featuring a surround-sound system that’s tuned exclusively for the Gold Wing. When using the speakers (SRS CS Auto*), the audio image is enhanced along with deep low tones, producing a powerful surround sound. When using the headsets (SRS Headphone**), you’ll hear a three-dimensional sound field brimming with realistic sound. (SRS CS Auto* and SRS Headphone** are trademarks of SRS Labs, Inc.)
New Seat Cover and Urethane Seat Material: The best seat in the house just got better. Both the rider and passenger will feel the difference that our new urethane seat material makes. The waterproof cover also features a new, sportier, custom perforated look too. A day in the saddle never felt so good!
Lockable Glovebox: Non-airbag models also get a new center-mounted lockable glove box for added convenience, boosting the cockpit area storage capacity to 2.8 liters.

Innovations

1832cc Liquid-cooled, Fuel-injected Engine: The Gold Wing’s fuel-injected, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine is exceptionally smooth and incredibly powerful. This time-tested powerplant delivers plenty of useable power, using regular unleaded fuel. And to eliminate crankshaft-induced torque reaction at the chassis, the gearbox spins opposite the crank’s rotation—an elegant solution, and a typical Gold Wing engineering touch.
Pro-Arm Rear Swingarm: The Gold Wing’s MotoGP-inspired single-sided cast-aluminum swingarm is super-rigid and lightweight, with reduced unsprung weight, delivering sharper, sportier handling. Its unique Pro-Arm design mates up with Honda’s patented Pro-Link® rear suspension, featuring electronically adjustable hydraulic preload settings for various riding and load conditions.
Shaft Final Drive
Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Checking tire pressure can be a hassle—except when you’re riding a Gold Wing with our Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). A pair of monitors keep track of both front and rear tire pressures, and the dashboard readout is updated once per minute. They’ll send you an alert if either tire is significantly underinflated.
Heated Grips/Seat: Heated grips, a heated rider’s seat, and a heated passenger seat/backrest, all with individual rider and passenger controls. There’s even a foot-warming system for cold mornings!
Adjustable Windscreen: Our sturdy, ratcheting windscreen adjustment system provides six settings over nearly four inches of travel.

Engine

Engine Type: 1832 cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
Bore And Stroke: 74 mm x 71 mm
Induction: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
Valve Train: SOHC; two valves per cylinder

Drive Train

Transmission: Five-speed including Overdrive, plus electric Reverse
Final Drive: Shaft

Chassis / Suspension / Brakes

Front Suspension: 45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system, 5.5 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Pro Arm® single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single shock with computer-controlled spring preload adjustment with two memory presets; 4.1 in. travel
Front Brake: Dual full-floating 296 mm discs with CBS three-piston calipers
Rear Brake: Single ventilated 316 mm disc with CBS three-piston caliper
Front Tire: 130/70R-18
Rear Tire: 180/60R-16

Dimensions

Rake: 29.15 degrees
Trail: 109 mm (4.3 in.)
Wheelbase: 66.5 in.
Seat Height: 29.1 in.
Curb Weight: 904-933 lb., depending on option packages selected (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel-ready to ride)
Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gal.

Other

Model Id: GL18HPM
Emissions: Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.
Available Colors: Candy Red, Pearl White, Ultra Blue Metallic, Black

Factory Warranty Information

Three Years: Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

Biker News

Motorcycle & ATV Parts and Accessories

The 2012 Honda Goldwing: Leader Of The Touring Pack

“GL1100 Interstate model, the first ever mass produced Japanese motorcycle to roll off the production line fully fitted as a proper touring motorcycle..”

“Like all motorcycles touring bikes do more than fill a highly specialized niche.”

2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer – The New Cat In Adventure Touring

“With an impressive list of goodies including traction control, ABS, and cruise control on the base model, the 2012 Tiger Explorer is bringing some serious game to the table as Triumph enters the adventure touring market. “