G/W gearing

[Greenhornet]

Can some one please explain why the 1800 GW is geared so low. With all the H. P. and torque the engine has why do they have it turning such high RPM in 5th gear?

 

[mhgoldwing]

so that riding two up and loaded you can cover a lot of ground without shifting. The torque is nearly flat from 2,000 - 6,000 rpm. If you start spreading the gear ratios you would fall out of the sweet spot. Above 3,200 rpm the fuel economy starts deteriorating rapidly. Personally, I think the 1800 is nearly perfect for touring since I also pull a cargo trailer and haul two lard butts with a lot of junk.

A lot of people talk about wanting a sixth gear but I had one on a Kaw 1600 and it was useless below 65 mph and more comfortable over 70. Since I avoid Interstates whenever possible I had very little use for it. Just saying......

 

[Gold Rush]

+1

I could not have said that any better. It would be wonderful if manufactures could custom build for each individual but then they would have to charge twice what they do now like the custom shops do.. I believe we have the best of both worlds right now. :xszpv: :xszpv:

 

[GoldWingrGreg]

Can some one please explain why the 1800 GW is geared so low. With all the H. P. and torque the engine has why do they have it turning such high RPM in 5th gear?

Yes ... actually, I believe it's quit simple. Let me use the analogy of a Ford pickup. Basically, a GL1800 is built to be versatile like a F150... on any given week a F150 may carry 1 person to work 5 days a week, and on the weekend have a camper in it's bed, and towing a 22" ski boat hauling a wife, 6 kids and all their camping gear ... bicycles and all.

The same is true for a GL1800. Honda makes it to be the most versatile m/c built. I know of no other that can do what a GL1800 can do. Some are used as a daily commuter carrying a solo rider to and from work. While other Wings will be triked, and used to lug 2 extremely heavy people, towing a large camp trailer carrying 300lbs of gear and doing a full-time tour. Honda's combination of only having 5 gears (2 of which are ODs), and a powerful motor with no torque band works best for what Honda intended it to do.

Also, steady torque makes for a safer m/c.

 

[Greenhornet]

Thanks for the answers. I better understand now

 

[Burnerboy]

WoW I just learned something here also interesting info..
thank you

Ronnie