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2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Overview
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is a touring motorcycle built around 1832 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.8:1. The bore and stroke measures 74 x 71 mm. From a practical standpoint, the 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing tips the scales at 406 kg, carries a 24.98-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 739 mm and spans a 1,689 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 GL1800 Gold Wing - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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📏
Accessible seat height: At 739 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: As with any used GL1800 Gold Wing, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
SOHC engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
GL1800 Gold Wing - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained GL1800 Gold Wing should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any GL1800 Gold Wing. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The GL1800 Gold Wing's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used GL1800 Gold Wing. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing have?
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses a Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1832 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing weigh?
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing weighs 406 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has a 24.98-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has a seat height of 739 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing have?
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Double disc. Anti-lock braking at the front and Single disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing use?
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing runs 130/70-R18 front and 180/60-R16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What fuel system does the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing use?
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.
Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Spec Evolution
The Honda GL1800 Gold Wing was produced across 14 model years (2001-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2011 |
2012 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
| Wet Weight |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs |
406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs |
421.0 kg / 928.1 lbs |
421.0 kg / 928.1 lbs |
421.0 kg / 928.1 lbs |
365.0 kg / 804.7 lbs |
366.0 kg / 806.9 lbs |
366.0 kg / 806.9 lbs |
366.0 kg / 806.9 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
363 kg / 800.3 lbs |
363 kg / 800.3 lbs |
363 kg / 800.3 lbs |
- |
359.2 kg / 792.0 lbs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Engine Type |
Six cylinder boxer |
Six cylinder boxer |
Six cylinder boxer |
Six cylinder boxer |
Six cylinder boxer |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
| Seat Height |
740 mm / 29.1 in. |
740 mm / 29.1 in. |
740 mm / 29.1 in. |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
739 mm / 29.1 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
745 mm / 29.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
25.00 litres / 6.61 gallons |
16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons |
25.00 litres / 6.61 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons |
24.98 litres / 6.60 US gallons |
21.10 litres / 5.57 US gallons |
21.10 litres / 5.57 US gallons |
21.10 litres / 5.57 US gallons |
21.10 litres / 5.57 US gallons |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.8 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
2.9 x 2.9 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
74.0 x 71.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
73.0 x 73.0 mm |
| CO2 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
151.5 CO |
151.5 CO |
155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
127.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
127.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
127.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
Key Specifications
Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Weight
406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
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Full 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Specifications
Comments
Model ID: TRX680FA
Colours
Metallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic Titanium
Warranty
One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Ground Clearance (mm)
254 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
10.0 inches
Seat Height
739 mm / 29.1 in.
Wheelbase
1,689 mm / 66.5 in.
Height
1,207 mm / 47.5 in.
Length
2,113 mm / 83.2 in.
Width
1,189 mm / 46.8 in.
Fuel Capacity
24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
Wet Weight
406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs
Fuel Control
SOHC
Engine Type
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)
111.79 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.9 x 2.8 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
74.0 x 71.0 mm
Displacement (cc)
1832.00 cc
CO2
151.5 CO
Fuel System
Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Compression Ratio
9.8:1
Emissions
Meets current CARB and EPA standards.
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
Fuel Consumption
6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)
Fuel Reserve
4.54 litres / 1.20 gallons
Ignition
Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Starter
Electric
Valve System
2
Clutch
Automatic
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
5-speed
Primary Drive
Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential
Suspension - Front
45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system.
Suspension - Rear
Pro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presets
Rake
29.2°
Trail
109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
175 mm / 6.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
203 mm / 8.0 in.
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
316 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
12.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
296 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
11.7 inches
Brakes - Front
Double disc. Anti-lock braking
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Tyres - Front
130/70-R18
Tyres - Rear
180/60-R16
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