2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
895.0 pounds
2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

Touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
752.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: TRX680FAWindshield
ColoursMetallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic TitaniumAnniversary Vintage Bronze/Anniversary Vintage Black, Midnight Pearl/Brilliant Silver Pearl, White Hot Pearl, Big Blue Pearl, Vivid Black, custom colors.
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)254 mm130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)10.0 inches5.1 inches
Seat Height739 mm / 29.1 in.648 mm / 25.5 in.
Wheelbase1,689 mm / 66.5 in.1,638 mm / 64.5 in.
Height1,207 mm / 47.5 in.1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length2,113 mm / 83.2 in.2,400 mm / 94.5 in.
Width1,189 mm / 46.8 in.1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-3.30 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.22 quarts
Dry Weight-326.1 kg / 719.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
Wet Weight406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs341.1 kg / 752.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Torque-131.40 Nm (13.4 kgf-m or 96.9 ft.lbs) @ 3000
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.9 x 2.8 inches3.9 x 4.4 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)74.0 x 71.0 mm98.4 x 111.1 mm
Displacement (cc)1832.00 cc1687.97 cc
Displacement (ci)111.79 cubic inches103.00 cubic inches
Engine TypeSix cylinder boxer, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
CO2151.5 CO129.9 CO
Engine Detail-Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B?
Fuel SystemInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio9.8:19.6:1
EmissionsMeets current CARB and EPA standards.-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Exhaust-Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Consumption6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)
Fuel Reserve4.54 litres / 1.20 gallons-
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System24
Drivetrain
ClutchAutomaticMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Belt
Gearbox5-speed6-speed
Primary DriveDirect front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential-
Chassis
Suspension - Front45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system.Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - RearPro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presetsIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake29.2°31.0°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.147 mm / 5.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Front175 mm / 6.9 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear203 mm / 8.0 in.-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Tank-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/gear display, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicat
Lighting system-High beam, front fender running lights, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), 6-speed, low fuel warnings
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.7 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)296 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)316 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)12.4 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Anti-lock brakingSingle disc. 4-piston
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc. 2-piston
Rims-Steel Laced
Tyres - Front130/70-R18MT90-B16
Tyres - Rear180/60-R16150/80-B16

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing edges out the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic thanks to its dual front discs and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 254 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 648 mm vs 739 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic?
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has the lower seat at 648 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing sits higher at 739 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the edge in dual front discs and greater ground clearance, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.