Although Honda has been developing the next generation Goldwing since before the 2001 was introduced the corporate reaction to "new threats" to their market dominance should impact the final product (a little). If the 2014 development is anything like the GL1800 development the motorcycle is already pretty much set. I think the "2012" has just enough new trinkets to get by till the next generation Wing.
Like the CB750K and the GL1800(A) the "Next Big Thing" should be extraordinarily interesting, to say the least. The new BMW 1600 is a great bike no doubt, but I think its effect on the development of the new Goldwing will be about as much as adding a deck chair to the Titanic.
There will be a number of unique engineering features, along with new fluff stuff. The new electronics should be groundbreaking. But the engine will be the big star.
I would not be even mildly surprised if we see a 2000cc flat 8 (250 cc per cylinder like the 1500) or a 2400 cc engine (300 cc per cylinder like the 1200 and 1800). After all, that old six cylinder has been around since 1988. Six cylinders, whether opposed flat or in line have been around a looooong time, no matter how you feed them or let them breathe. Now 8 cylinders is a different deal altogether. I wouldn't put it past those engineers at Honda.
I wouldn't be surprised but I sure would like it, a lot! I think Honda will keep on singing that old Rodger Miller song. What was the name of that old tune again?
Like the CB750K and the GL1800(A) the "Next Big Thing" should be extraordinarily interesting, to say the least. The new BMW 1600 is a great bike no doubt, but I think its effect on the development of the new Goldwing will be about as much as adding a deck chair to the Titanic.
There will be a number of unique engineering features, along with new fluff stuff. The new electronics should be groundbreaking. But the engine will be the big star.
I would not be even mildly surprised if we see a 2000cc flat 8 (250 cc per cylinder like the 1500) or a 2400 cc engine (300 cc per cylinder like the 1200 and 1800). After all, that old six cylinder has been around since 1988. Six cylinders, whether opposed flat or in line have been around a looooong time, no matter how you feed them or let them breathe. Now 8 cylinders is a different deal altogether. I wouldn't put it past those engineers at Honda.
I wouldn't be surprised but I sure would like it, a lot! I think Honda will keep on singing that old Rodger Miller song. What was the name of that old tune again?