Do you mean adding traction control to the new goldwing non tour models? The 1600b is a BMW bagger.

 

HIGHLY unlikely that it would even be possible at all. And even if it were, it would be VERY expensive. Because besides sensors, and programming changes (computer), you'd also need a new dash. These types of options on the Japanese bikes just aren't meant to be added on.

 

First forgive my ignorance on all topics Goldwing, i am not an owner, YET.., this topic is very interesting to me as the HTSC is the one option that may have me purchase a Tour instead of standard.
SKYFLIX- why would you need a new dash? I assume they are all the same on all models but differnt options show differnt readings on dash. can you alloborate?
Also, does anyone know if this option is of value to a moderatley aggressive twisty rider? other than on gravel etc. my understanding is that traction control helps avoid high siding the bike if you lose traction in a corner then the tire suddenly grabs and you flip

 

Having owned both models (a 2018 Gold Wing, and now a 2020 Gold Wing Tour), I can tell you definitively that they are in fact different dashes, or what the parts catalog calls the "meter". The tour has more features like TPMS pressure display, options for electronic adjustable rear preload, traction control, etc., all of which require special lights and LCD segments. The part # for the Gold Wing meter:
METER (MPH/KPH)
37130-MKC-A11 37130-MKC-A12

The part # for the Gold Wing Tour meter:
METER (MPH/KPH)
37130-MKC-A01 37130-MKC-A02

I should mention that I pulled these from the DCT models. The standard transmission models might have another part altogether. I didn't check.

Oh, did I mention that these meters are $3,500?

So if you were wondering why I traded for a 2020, now you have a better idea. And all I wanted was the bloody trunk and TPMS. My bike's traction control has NEVER kicked in, and I set the rear preload once and never touch it again. In fact, the non-tour has a wider adjustment range for the rear preload, even if it is a bit more inconvenient to adjust.

The long and short of it is that it doesn't make financial sense to try to turn one model into another. There are aftermarket TPMS solutions (which are better), and like I said I've never even had my traction control kick in on my bike (that I know of at least), and there are certainly options for trunks. Your money would be better spent on getting a Traxxion suspension setup on the base than doing anything else. Just my $0.02.

 

Adding the feature to a base GL1800 would not be practical. If, like SpayNeuter, you are in the market and wish the features of the one of the Tour group, then buy the model with the features you desire and then it is easy to convert the rear to be like the B model GL1800s. Traxxion has a conversion kit and maybe others too. Way less effort, cheaper and prctical.

prs

 

My TC saved my butt twice. both times in the rain. coming around a curve and standing water right in the middle. the back end tried swapping out but the TC saved me. buy the most bike you can and remove trunk, as mentioned.

 

What they said. TC is seen as a "nice to have" until it becomes a "must have" and then it's too late. I went with the tour because I needed several of the features, most notably the trunk and electronic suspension selection. I've got no time for manually changing the preload any more. You'll spend as much trying to add the TC function as you would to buy the next level bike and you will always wonder "Is it actually working like it should?".
BTW, my traction control kicked in and saved my ass within the first week of having the bike. Sport mode is no joke and a bumpy corner caused me to hit the throttle harder than I wanted. If not for TC, I'd have been in the trees. Yes, I know this was my fault. Poor throttle control and I shouldn't have been in sport mode until I learned the bike a bit better. Even so, TC paid for itself very quickly.

 

For you guys who have had the traxxion control kick in..how did you know that it kicked in.

 

A photo of smiling Max pops up on your Nav display.
And you will hear a ‘ding’ as a $150 debit hits your credit card.

 

My TC kicks in very often and it has never been a situation where I needed it. I have been turning it off, especially when I am getting on the freeway in what would normally be commute time with the meters being active for a nearly empty freeway moving at 70+. I turn it off because if I try to get the bike moving in sort order with TC on, it bogs me down to the acceleration of a 1970's 50cc scooter, and I start cussing over it. I turn TC off and never come close to breaking the rear end loose on the rapid acceleration and only once have I gotten a tiny bit of air between the front tire and road; after all, I know how to get the acceleration I want without overdoing it spinning the rear wheel. If TC would stay off between rides, I would probably just leave it off until it rained. Oh yeah, I am on a manual and set to ECON as I will have better control on a rodeo bull if it was set on Sport or even Tour.

 

Ive never felt the traction control engage...Im sure if I hit the throttle in the rain the rear wheel would break free and spin, but on dry roads I've never had any traction problems that would activate the traction control...but then again Im not doing full throttle acceleration out of every corner either.

 

Honda calls it TORQUE control, rather than TRACTION control.

(Similar but not the same as a traction control system that reacts to wheelspin)


Honda Selectable Torque Control (Torque Control)

Toque Control will limit the amount of torque applied to the rear wheel when the system detects the rear wheel spin during acceleration.

Torque Control can be turned on or off in the multi-information display. (P31)

uTorque Control mode (on/off) cannot be changed while riding.
Stop the motorcycle first and select the Torque Control mode (on/off) in the multi-information display.

uEach time the ignition switch is turned ON, the Torque Control is automatically turned to on.

uWhen the Riding mode is changed, the Torque Control characteristic also changes according to each mode.



The MODE control changes
• Engine output characteristic
• Brake feel
• DCT characteristic
• Torque Control operating level
• Suspension damping characteristic

 

......

The MODE control changes
• Engine output characteristic
• Brake feel
• DCT characteristic
• Torque Control operating level
• Suspension damping characteristic

Yes, Torque Control operating level switches to "1970's 50cc scooter" mode when in "ECON". I can switch to "Sport" and be able to take off like a rocket, except that rocket will be more like riding a bull in a rodeo as it lurches and bucks from over sensitivity of the throttle. Every 2018 that I have ridden which includes 2 different demo rides in two different states on 2 different models (trunk and no trunk); so it is not just an issue with "my bike".

But then, the above also supports the notion that it will may not be just a programming flash to add Torque Control to a bike that does not come with it. It will likely require a different ECM and that different ECM may not be able to plug into the harness it needs.

 

I wish TQ was off by default and only came on when in RAIN and Touring Mode. It is very intrusive. Or the ability to set it to the amount of nannyism required by the rider.

 

The most noticable way to tell how it is working is to turn it OFF and see how the bike rides when it is not working. You can peal out, burn rubber, do wheelies, maintain full power when rear traction is not perfect, you can drift or powerslide. Maybe not for the blue haired grannies among us, but this is a sporty cycle.

prs

 

What Pigeon said.

 

A minor comment. When the Honda "Traction Control" turns on (Front wheel and rear wheel are not in rotation sync) the power is cut. So do a wheelie and power is cut ... do some off road dirt and spin the rear tire .. the power is cut. Losing power when on a dirt / gravel road can be a hell of a thing when on a heavy motorcycle. Losing power after doing a train crossing "jump" can throw you almost over the handle bars when the power abruptly is cut.

On my 2018 DCT ... I found both riding on Florida roads ...