Going from concept to image and design sketches, and then to clay models.

Part 2 of the story of the development of the 2001 Honda Gold Wing.

Image and Design Sketches

Hundreds of sketches are eventually sorted into three key design sets and labeled Mechanical, Conservative, and Integrated. Mechanical design sketches feature the least amount of bodywork and expose the beautiful high-tech internals and frame. Conservative design sketches closely resemble the GL1500 design. Integrated design sketches create a flowing shape that covers the frame and mechanical parts of the motorcycle.

After numerous discussions and design meetings, the design group narrows their focus to two drawings from the Mechanical design set. The primary difference in the two design sketches is the area of exposed frame. To display the best qualities of the two design sketches, a design competition is begun between two subgroups. Utilizing 3-D drawings, each group creates a 1/8-scale clay model to further evaluate the two
designs.

1/8-Scale Clay Models

The final dimensions of the 1/8-scale clay model are determined and confirmed. Now the creation of 3-D sketches is necessary to begin both pre-development testing and the actual development of parts and assemblies. Final 3-D sketches will also be used to further the development of accessory parts.

The development of the fairing cockpit, including the layout of all controls, is modeled with 3-D sketches. Once the final design is approved, a clay model is also created.

Parts Modeling

Similarly, the engine design depicted in a 3-D sketch was realized in a
clay model form.

Final Sketches & Accessory Planning

Personalization, one of the Athletic design elements, is realized by then synchronizing the Gold Wing's development with Honda's accessory development effort.

 

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.

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 HondaÕs 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 teamÕs design direction.
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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.

Image and Design Sketches

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.