2002 Honda Gold Wing Photo Gallery

It was day one of our twisty sojourn aboard Honda's latest GL1800 Gold Wing, headed toward Northern California's Trinity Alps. See how this bike did during our 2002 Honda Goldwing Bike Test.

Though unchanged for 2002, Honda's big boy is still riding high on a wave of enthusiasm generated from last year's complete renovation.

Pondering which way to go at the Old Country Store in Lewiston, California. The Gold Wing can get you here starting at $17,699. All the bells and whistles will put you back $18,999.

2002 Honda Goldwing

Stopping for rest

Welcome to mission control. An optional six-disc CD changer, 12 FM and six AM preset stations, weather band radio, CB, intercom, volume and more can be adjusted from either the rider's fingertips or the center console.

2002 Honda Goldwing

Several miles of dirt road along the shores of Trinity Lake did little to deter the Big Wing. Come nightfall, the GL's four massive headlights cut a huge swath through the darkness, a relief for those who enjoy late night rides. Beneath the fairing is a horn loud enough to wake the dead.

2002 Honda Goldwing

Taking a rest along Highway 3, 15 miles south of Trinity Lake.

The Gold Wing's capacious trunk easily swallows two full-face helmets. Saddlebag lids feature hydraulic dampers for smooth operation, and a remote control can lock/unlock the compartments and pop the trunk.

Sporty, beautifully sculpted cast aluminum wheels grace the GL1800. Up front, a 16 x 3.5-inch hoop wears a 130/70 series radial, while two, 296mm discs and three-piston Nissin calipers rely on Honda's LBS to get the job done right.

2002 Honda Goldwing

A stripped-down Wing reveals the low, forward engine placement Honda employed in attempt to lower the center of mass and improve both high and low-speed handling characteristics.

Be honest now, if we had a contest asking which bike this swingarm was from, would you guess a Gold Wing? The cast aluminum Pro Arm single-sided swingarm was new for 2001, and uses a Pro Link shock with 4.1 inches of travel to keep the rear tire firmly planted on the tarmac.