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The making of the GL1800 phase 4
From full-size clay models to the open road.
Full-Size Clay Model
Designing the Gold Wing is a process unlike any other utilized on a
Honda motorcycle. In some respects, it resembles the design effort
required for an automobile. Clay modeling allows the team to carefully
detail exterior and interior aspects of the Gold Wing, thereby improving
its final production quality.
Full-size clay model
Several months after numerous 3-D sketches and clay model components
are created, a full-size clay model is undertaken. At this stage, the
surface finish is checked and factory team members provide input that
further improves the accuracy of the 3-D design drawings with an eye
toward
simplified manufacturing and overall production quality. In the case of
the Gold Wing, not only is an exterior clay model built, so is a
complete interior model for the cockpit and instrument panel.
Next, a sales meeting between the design team and American Honda's
top management checks the clay model and confirms the direction of the
full-size clay design. While many detail refinements remain, an
agreement is reached to proceed with a final clay mock-up model.
Mock-Up Clay Model
Several months later, the final clay mock-up is completed. The design
team has made remarkable progress in just over a year, having completed
two 1/8-scale models, a full-size clay model and a final clay mock-up,
as well as the user surveys necessary to confirm the team's design
direction.
Final clay model
One and one-half years before the Gold Wing's announcement, mock-up
colors are evaluated by user surveys in Ohio and Southern California.
Six months later, the design team and American Honda select final
colors. A final user survey confirms the color selections.
Pearl Blue Illusion Red Pearl
Yellow Black
Conclusion
The styling design story of the 2001 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is a
testament to the passionate dedication of each and every team member. It
also speaks highly of a working environment that balances the
contribution of individual designers with the collaborative commitment
required of a team. In the case of the new Gold Wing, the result is a
luxurious motorcycle with a truly athletic persona. For touring riders
everywhere, let the revolution begin.
Courtesy of American
Honda Motor Company.
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