New Goldwing released. This time for the UK

HONDA'S revamped 2012 Goldwing might have been shown elsewhere months ago but it's finally been confirmed that the bike is coming to the UK later this year.

Featuring changes to the fairing and suspension but otherwise largely unaltered from the decade-old previous version, the new 'Wing is clearly being challenged by a new breed of high-tech, high-performance tourers like BMW's K1600.

However, if you believe bigger is better, there's still little to touch Honda's two-wheeled limo. Here's what Honda has to say about the new bike's UK release:

The latest evolution of Honda’s Goldwing for 2012 will be available in the UK at the end of 2011, featuring a range of updates for this superb machine which has been regarded as the pinnacle of two-wheel touring since its conception almost forty years ago.

Several updates have refined the luxury tourer even further including more dynamic styling which provides a very modern and sleek look and improved weather protection, as well as enhanced stability due to a more streamlined airflow through the machine. Revised suspension front and rear further enhance performance, ride quality and stability and increased luggage capacity and upgraded audio and navigation systems also give this latest generation of Goldwing the continued luxurious grand touring reputation it has become renowned for over the years.

As with previous Goldwing models, Honda’s superb dual combined ABS comes as standard, as does an airbag – one development in motorcycle technology which broke new ground in 2006 and to this day the Goldwing is the only motorcycle to be equipped with an airbag.

The Goldwing’s unique history dates back to 1972, when a new Honda design team set about creating a motorcycle which fulfilled their brief to develop a luxurious grand touring machine capable of covering vast distances. The first production Goldwing debuted in 1975 and since this time has seen a number of revisions to ensure the machine is kept up-to-date and in-line with customers’ requirements from a grand touring motorcycle.

There will be a arrange of Genuine Honda Accessories available for the 2012 Goldwing to include colour-matched rear spoiler with built-in high mount brake lights, high intensity fog lights, helmet headsets, pannier and trunk inner bags, chrome-plated covers and pillion armrest extension, to name but a few.

Goldwing owners from across the globe will be meeting this weekend at the annual ‘Wing Ding’ event in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, where the latest Goldwing, joined by thousands of others from past and present, will be on show to highlight its latest credentials.

Due in dealerships at the end of 2011, the Goldwing will be available in three new colours: Glint Wave Blue Metallic, Pearl Fadeless White and Graphite Black. The price will be announced closer to its launch date.

For full details of the new GL1800 Goldwing or any other models in Honda’s great range of motorcycles and scooters, ‘Genuine Honda’ parts and accessories, latest offers and forthcoming events, visit your local Honda dealer, go to www.honda.co.uk or call  0845 200 8000.