A patent, almost certainly for a Honda Gold Wing Hybrid, or a ‘hybrid touring motorcycle’ according to the document, has raised some serious attention on the Internet – online blogs from India to Indiana and moto-related websites everywhere are plastered with the news of the discovery. The idea of a Honda Gold Wing Hybrid could be a game-changer for touring bikes, but it could also be a monumental failure – everything depends on its design, benefits and cost.
The Honda Gold Wing Hybrid patent
The patent which seems to address Honda’s future Gold Wing Hybrid was filed with the authorities back in September of last year. Itnever specifically refers to the “Gold Wing” in the documentation accompanying the filing, but it does use a Gold Wing outline drawing and details to depict the system which this patent describes. One could assume this was done for expediency, but it could just as easily indicate the intended use of this new system.
Another direct indicator pointing to the Gold Wing as the eventual destination of the hybrid powerplant must be the horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, gasoline-powered engine it uses – not too far away from the beloved six-cylinder version powering the current Gold Wing. Those two missing cylinders are exchanged for an electric motor which is connected to the engine’s crankshaft at the front end; presumably done to best keep the motor cool.
Hybrid Gold Wing extrapolation
Placing the motor up front in the Gold Wing Hybrid throws in other benefits for a touring bike as well, such as keeping the system compact and holding the weight down low for good handling characteristics. This configuration could lead to implementation in other types of two wheeled transport such as scooters, smaller bikes and maybe even ATVs. With this combination of power sources, the hybrid package can be made suitable for any design capable of carrying the batteries.
The Gold Wing Hybrid motorcycle design will also have to deal with that problem; the issue holding back all electric and semi-electric vehicles is the currently very heavy battery packs. All of that energy must be stored somewhere. Hopefully, Honda will also figure out a clever way to handle this, especially considering the Gold Wing’s already hefty figure of over 900 pounds wet, sans riders and gear.
Really, Honda Gold Wing Hybrid?
Honda has initially implemented many of their high-tech innovations for the street within the Gold Wing line many times in the past – just look at their first ABS system and the now regularly advancing air-bag technology, both Gold Wing features. Given the evidence, it does seem likely that Honda will certainly research and test a Gold Wing Hybrid, but entering production is an enormous leap. It needs to be cost effective for them to build so that it can reach the sales floor at a good price or no one will buy it. Whether that is even possible at this time is an open question.
Piaggio does manufacture a hybrid version of their MP3 scooter, but it does not have much of a range. The Honda Gold Wing Hybrid will be nearly useless if it can only muster 25 miles, or even 250 miles, as the type of machine it is requires long excursions between fuel-ups or it will not be viewed as a realistic and viable option. Maybe Honda knows something no one else does now, rumor has it that a Gold Wing Hybrid is stalking the roads of Japan right now…
