GL1000, 1975

Watch this Honda Factory video of the GL1000 in action.

GL1000 to GL1500 Gold Wing's
1975-1988

Liquid-cooled, OHC flat 4/6-cylinder with shaft-drive.

Honda's first liquid cooled motorcycle. A grand tourer with high specification. 

From a 1470cc liquid-cooled flat 6-cylinder R&D concept model (code named M1) in 1972 to fifty-years of Gold Wing history. 

Apart from the Super Cub the Gold Wing is Honda's longest running motorcycle model.  

With a unique design concept, Gold Wing models feature a dummy fuel-tank where its covers hide electrics and small storage, with the actual fuel tank placed under the seat!  

Such was the interest and high demand across America that all Gold Wing models were manufactured in Honda's Ohio plant from 1980 till 2010. 

The Gold Wing has had for many years a cult following with many Gold Wing specific rider clubs throughout the world.
 

1975 GL1000
- First generation Gold Wing.
- 999cc liquid-cooled flat-four cylinder with shaft-drive.
- Spoked alloy wheel rims.
- Triple disc brakes.
- Manufactured in Japan.

1976 GL1000 & GL1000 LTD
- Standard model unchanged.
- Additional LTD model with gold stripes, LTD badges and other cosmetic changes.

1977 GL1000
- Minor amendments.
- Chrome heat shields added to exhaust header pipes. 

1978 GL1000
- Revised model.
- New instrument panel above dummy fuel tank.
- ComStar wheels.
- FVQ rear suspension shocks.
- New all-chrome exhaust system.

1979 GL1000
- Last of the 999cc series of Gold Wings
- Minor cosmetic changes.
 
1980 GL1100 & GL1100 Interstate
- Start of the second-generation Gold Wing
- New 1085cc engine with electronic ignition.
- Revised air-assist suspension.
- Black reverse ComStar wheels.
- Additional 'Interstate' model with full fairing, panniers and optional stereo entertainment system.  
- Manufacture of Gold Wing's changes from Japan to Ohio, USA.

1981 GL1100
- Minor amendments.

1982 GL1100; GL1100 Interstate & GL1100 Aspencade
- Standard and Interstate models have minor amendments.
- Twin-pot piston brake calipers added to all models. 
- More luxurious 'Aspencade' model added to range featuring two-tone paint; enhanced dual seat and extra storage etc.    

1983 GL1100
- Last year of the GL1100 models.
- New 11-spoke cast wheels.
- TRAC anti-dive front forks with brace.
- Unified braking system.
- Aspencade features ventilated front brake discs and digital LCD instrument panel. 

1984 GL1200
- Start of the third-generation Gold Wing.
- All 3 model types remain.
- New 1182cc engine with hydraulic valve adjustment.
- 16-inch front wheel.
- New colours.  

1985 GL1200
- Standard model discontinued.
- Interstate and Aspencade models have minor amendments.
- New 'Limited Edition' model added to range featuring computerised fuel-injection; audio/intercom system; cruise control; auto levelling rear suspension and travel computer.

1986 GL1200
- Minor amendments on all 3 model types.
- Limited Edition model renamed 'GL1200 Aspencade SEi'    

1987 GL1200
- SEi model discontinued.
- Minor amendments to remaining Interstate & Aspencade. 
- Last year of the GL1200 models.

1988 GL1500 Gold Wing
- Start of the fourth-generation Gold Wing.
- New 1520cc flat-six cylinder engine. 
- All new chassis design.
- Reverse gear added. 
- Just one model offered until 1991 when Interstate and Aspencade versions were re-introduced. 


Price at introduction: 
GL1000 Gold Wing - £1,600.00 (UK, 1975)
GL1100 Gold Wing - £2,399.00 (UK, 1980)
GL1200 Gold Wing - £4,540.00 (UK, 1984)
GL1500 Gold Wing - £9,199.00 (UK, 1988)



And the Wing story continues...
The GL1500 continued with a number of model enhancements each year until the introduction of the fifth-generation Gold Wing, the GL1800 in 2001. 

The manufacture of Gold Wing's started in Japan but moved to Honda's Ohio, USA factory where they were produced from 1980 until 2009 after which production switched back to Japan.  

GL1800 Gold Wing - For the 21st Century, the very latest top of the range Gold Wing features an 1,833cc 24-valve 6-cylinder powerplant; electronic fuel-injection; 7-speed dual-clutch shaft-drive transmission with reverse gear; electronic ABS braking; fly-by-wire throttle; 7-inch TFT instrument display with Bluetooth Audio/Apple CarPlay and much more! For 2021 the UK retail price is £31,449.00! 
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