New 2018 Honda Gold Wing is the First Motorcycle Equipped With CarPlay

[MacRumors]

Honda is set to release the first motorcycle that comes equipped with CarPlay, reports CNET. The new 2018 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle features a 7-inch LCD in the dashboard, which offers support for CarPlay, just like a standard in-car dashboard.

An iPhone can be connected to the bike via USB in the trunk or the storage cubby in the tank, and then accessed through the touch panel. To use CarPlay with the Gold Wing, a Bluetooth headset is required.

According to CNET, CarPlay in the Gold Wing works well, and can be controlled through the left grip or a rotary controller on the tank.

Yes, you do have to connect a Bluetooth headset, a requirement mandated by Apple, one that is a bit frustrating since most CarPlay interactions don't require voice. Still, once enabled it works well, controlled either via four-way controller on the left grip or a central, rotary controller down on the tank -- though frankly I can't recommend reaching down to that while on the go. Still, having intelligent navigation and access to your media on the bike is great.

Honda's new Gold Wing is 90lbs lighter than older models, and it features an 1,800cc engine with a double-wishbone front suspension. CNET says it's narrower and more attractive, but has much less cargo space than before. Additional information on specs can be found on Honda's website.

Pricing on the 2018 Honda Gold Wing starts at $23,500, and it will be available for purchase in February of 2018.

CarPlay is now available in more than 200 vehicles from a wide range of manufacturers, and there are also several aftermarket solutions available for cars that don't come with native CarPlay support. Along with motorcycles, CarPlay is also now available in some new semi trucks from Volvo.

Article Link: New 2018 Honda Gold Wing is the First Motorcycle Equipped With CarPlay

 

[thisisnotmyname]

Also offers air conditioning and keyless entry. No, really.

 

[akfgpuppet]

This would have been a good chance to implement wireless CarPlay.

 

[Robert.Walter]

Wow, that's a good looking bike!

 

[B4U]

It just undercuts the 2018 Honda Accord LX by a whopping $70 and the Accord LX does not have CarPlay.

 

[nikicampos]

But, why?

 

[jermwhl]

I hope Harley follows suit. Harman Kardon isn't cutting it in the innovation department for Harley's instrument cluster.
[doublepost=1508904778][/doublepost]

Also offers air conditioning and keyless entry. No, really.

Not sure if A/C is real, but yes most bikes do have keyless entry now. My bike has a FOB that disables the alarm and enables the starter. I think the A/C and "heater" is a gimmick as it just redirects air towards the rider. Heater pulls heat from the motor and A/C I would assume redirects air from the front of the bike. I can confirm, redirected air from the front of the bike is only effective at temps below about 85-90 degree F. Anything above that and it just feels like a furnace blasting in your face.

 

[heimo]

To each his own. I can see how this can be appealing to someone, but really - not my cup of mustard.

 

[btrach144]

And Toyota/Lexus still can’t pull their heads out of their butts...

 

[abhibeckert]

But, why?

Why not?

CarPlay on a bike is every bit as useful as CarPlay in a car.

 

[WestonHarvey1]

But, why?

The Gold Wing has always been very car-like in its amenities.

 

[abhibeckert]

The Gold Wing has always been very car-like in its amenities.

I wouldn't call it an "amenity".

I've been mounting my smartphone on the handlebars for years – mostly for navigation. But you have to remove your gloves any time you need to interact (eg if it offers to re-navigate around some traffic).

The voice/hardware control features of CarPlay would be a huge improvement.

 

[jermwhl]

I wouldn't call it an "amenity".

I've been mounting my smartphone on the handlebars for years – mostly for navigation. But you have to remove your gloves any time you need to interact (eg if it offers to re-navigate around some traffic).

The voice/hardware control features of CarPlay would be a huge improvement.

I use Waze on my smartphone (with a handlebar mount) instead of the built-in navigation on my bike. I might actually use the built-in nav if it improved at all. CarPlay would be a welcome addition, for me.

 

[kildraik]

Awesome bike, and unsurprising. Honda has always done a great job with keeping the Gold Wing a well-appointed machine. Always leading edge in electronics, comfort and safety.

I'll stick to my Triumphs and BMWs, though.

 

[macaddiict]

Oh, great. Now I have to provide tech support for grandpa’s bike, too?

 

[MH01]

Ha ha the gold wing. That is kinda cool

 

[crjackson2134]

It just undercuts the 2018 Honda Accord LX by a whopping $70 and the Accord LX does not have CarPlay.

No, but it does have AC

 

[scrapesleon]

anyways in other news the Apple site was just updated

 

[kylelerner]

I can Harley CC this being anything short of awesome.

 

[ctyrider]

iMessage on a motorcycle.. What can possibly go wrong?

 

[Plutonius]

I think it's a bad idea to put it on a motorcycle.

 

[pat500000]

Dude. If Apple can't even get their software right........ (that old map joke) Siri: "turn left...go through the lake."

 

[travisjaymoore]

This is ridiculous. Without wireless CarPlay this is a nonstarter. And REQUIRES a bluetooth headset?
Who wants to plug in their phone every time they putter around town? The extra step is a barrier. The manufacturer should be reducing barriers.

 

[MrCrowbar]

[QUOTE="travisjWho wants to plug in their phone every time they putter around town?[/QUOTE]

The Gold Wing is not a bike for puttering around town. It's the bike for long hauls with your significant other on the rear. It's also a giant motorcycle with all creature comforts you can imagine. I'd rather have people plug in the phone to charge and put it into a compartment than having it in their pocket to vibrate constantly.

 

[canadianreader]

MotoPlay ?