Abstract

In order to meet the values of our next generation of customers, Generation X, the design key words we used when designing the 2018 Gold Wing were lightweight and compact, essence of a motorcycle, advanced design, and high quality. These words were aimed at portraying a design that provided conciseness of form with the spaciousness required by an adult rider. The styling theme was “Styling with Refined Sharpness and Tension.” With this concept, we wanted to represent the vehicle body with qualities similar to those of a top athlete, refined and powerful to the utmost extent but free of excess weight and with the sense of internal physical capabilities invisible from the outside but hidden just beneath the surface. In addition, we focused on representing the grandeur, premium feel, and high quality appropriate for Gold Wing as the flagship motorcycle model produced by Honda. These ideas were incorporated into each of the design sketches and modeling activities, down to the finest details, in order to create a Gold Wing design that connected with the next generation.

References

1. (1) Kaita, K., Nakanishi, Y.: Development of 2018 Gold Wing, Honda R&D Technical Review, Vol. 30, No. 2, p. 1-15
2. (2) Iwata, H.: Styling Design for 2018 Gold Wing – Clay model –, Honda R&D Technical Review, Vol. 31, No. 1, p. 11-17
3. (3) Sawabe, A.: Styling Design for 2018 Gold Wing – Power unit –, Honda R&D Technical Review, Vol. 31, No. 1, p. 28-33
4. (4) Kuriki, D.: Styling Design for 2018 Gold Wing – Lighting system –, Honda R&D Technical Review, Vol. 31, No. 1, p. 34-40
5. (5) Kuwabara, N., Mishiro, J.: Development of Double Wishbone Type Front Suspension for 2018 Gold Wing, Honda R&D Technical Review, Vol. 30, No. 2, p. 47-52
6. (6) Yokota, H., Nojima, S., Sonoda, Y., Osaki, Y., Kontani, M., Yamasaki, S.: Development of Horizontally-opposed Six-cylinder Engine for 2018 Gold Wing, Honda R&D Technical Review, Vol. 30, No. 2, p. 16-30
7. (7) Hirayama, T., Yokogawa, Y., Fujimoto, Y.: Development of 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission for 2018 Gold Wing, Honda R&D Technical Review, Vol. 30, No. 2, p. 31-37
8. (8) Katsuragawa, M.: Styling Design for 2018 Gold Wing – Coloring –, Honda R&D Technical Review, Vol. 31, No. 1, p. 18-27

Author (organization or company)

• Yasuhiro SATO（HONDA R&D AMERICAS, INC.）
• Nobutaka WAKITA（Motorcycle R&D Center）

Publication Information

Article of Honda R&D Technical Review Vol.31 No.1 (1 - 10)

PDF

Citation Information