Honda Goldwing 1800

The 2001 GL1800 was the first new model in 13 years. The engine was for this model increased to 1,832 cc (111.8 cu in), and fuel injected. At the same time, the weight of the bike decreased from that of the GL1500. This was done by making the frame out of high-strength aluminum. This was anextruded frame, and was composed of only 31 individual parts (almost half the number of the previous frame).

A recall was announced on the aluminum frame after many frames were found to have cracked and failed due to insufficient welding. This deficiency was corrected in the 2004 model year.

ABS braking was an option, added because of the increased power of the new engine, from 74 kW (99 bhp) to 87 kW (117 bhp).

The 2006 model was the first production motorcycle with an airbag.^[1] Other 2006 options were an in-dash GPS with audio information provided through the speakers and headset cables, and a rider comfort package including seat heaters controlled from the dash, heated handlebar grips, and engine-air vents (able to be opened and closed by a lever on the left side dash) located in front of the driver’s foot pegs. Frame weight was reduced.

Honda ST 1300

The Honda ST1300 is a touring motorcycle manufactured by Honda and introduced to Europe in 2002, where it is named the Pan-European. The following year, it was released in North America as the ST1300 in the sport touring category.

Superseding the ST1100, the bike features a standard riding posture, a liquid-cooled V4 engine and a fully-faired body with standard hardpanniers (saddlebags).

The ST1300 incorporates many of the X-Wing’s lines but none of its running gear. Power comes from a lower-slung 1,261 cc V4 enginemounted as a stressed member in a lighter aluminum frame. A major difference from the ST1100 is the use of balance shafts for smoothness, allowing the engine to be directly mounted to the frame. The revised engine layout and a split fuel tank shift some of the weight downward, making the ST1300 less top-heavy than its predecessor. The rear wheel is driven through a cassette-type five-speed transmission and shaft drive.

Honda’s ABS linked brake package is an option on the ST1300 in the United States, but is standard on the ST1300 Pan-European. Unlike the ST1100, the ST1300 does not include a traction control system. In 2002 and 2003, models with ABS included an electrically-adjustable windscreen, which became standard equipment on all bikes in 2004. A long list of minor differences improved upon the ST1100’s comfort, handling and performance.

Kawasaki Concours

The Kawasaki Concours, known in Europe as the GTR1000, is a 997 cc, six speed, four cylinder, liquid-cooled sport touring motorcycle with shaft drive. The bike can reach speeds over 120 mph (190 km/h), offers nimble handling and – with its full fairing, tall screen, twin locking panniers, and 7.5 US gallons (28 l; 6.2 imp gal) fuel capacity – is suited to cross-country two-up touring.

Kawasaki introduced the Concours in 1986, based on their Ninja 900 and Ninja 1000 models. Key differences between the Ninja 1000 and the ZG1000 included 32 mm instead of 36 mm carburetors, less aggressively ramped cams, shaft drive, front and rear sub-frames, hard luggage, and full fairing.

From 1986 to 1993 the design was largely unchanged aside from modifications to the screen, handlebars and other very minor changes. In 1994 Kawasaki updated the instrument cluster, forks, controls, front fender, front brakes, and the front wheel. From 1994 to 2006, the design again experienced only minor changes: fork protectors and exhaust tips. As the Concours first generation endured with few revisions, experienced mechanics and used parts are readily available.

The GTR1000 has 10–20 percent less horsepower than the US Concours, varying by country.

Yamaha FJR 1300

The FJR1300 was introduced to Europe in 2001 before arriving in North America in 2002, with the 2003 model year designation, and offered in a non-ABS version only. Motorcyclist magazine named the 2003 model Motorcycle of the Year. It had 298 mm front brake discs. It appeared in Europe in various colors: silver, blue, black and red.

The 2004 European model came in a range of colors, including Silver Storm. The 2004 North American models included both a non-ABS version with traditional blue anodized brake calipers and a new ABS version. Both were Cerulean Silver. Other refinements included an upgrade to the suspension rates, 320 mm front brake discs, and a fairing pocket for small items.

The 2005, North American model year remained structurally unchanged with a non-ABS and ABS model in Galaxy Blue.

In 2006, the U.S. and rest of the world model years synchronized and design significantly changed including trailing arm changes, radiator curving, instrumentation changes, upgraded alternator and significant attention to airflow changes from reported heat issues in previous years. In response to these complaints, Yamaha added several adjustable vents to the FJR1300, allowing the rider to direct air to or away from the body. The base 2006 FJR1300A model has ABS with linked brakes and is Dark Blue Metallic while the Cerulean Silver colored FJR1300AE model features a semi-automatic transmission. The AE/AS model has YCCS, or Yamaha Chip-Controlled Shift. The rider can either utilize the standard foot shifter without the clutch lever, or shift via a mountain-bike style shifter on the left bar. The AE model continues in production through 2008.

For 2008, some minor changes were introduced, including an update to the altitude-related engine control unit issues and throttle ‘feel’, notably to improve low speed on/off throttle transitions. The colors announced in Europe are; Silver (Silver Tech), Black (Midnight Black) and Graphite. 2008 also sees minor changes in the ABS system.

In the UK, the FJR1300 has replaced the Honda ST1300 as the patrol motorcycle with several police forces, following the withdrawal of the Honda ST1300 Pan-European due to concerns over high speed handling.