The Honda GL1000 Gold Wing

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The Honda Gold Wing GL1000 has a horizontally-opposed flat four that keeps weight down low, and is actually 1in shorter and 3.5in narrower than BMW's 900cc twin of the same era.
The Honda Gold Wing GL1000 has a horizontally-opposed flat four that keeps weight down low, and is actually 1in shorter and 3.5in narrower than BMW's 900cc twin of the same era.
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The GL’s “gas tank” flips open to give access to various bits and the bike’s tool kit. The real tank is under the seat.
The GL’s “gas tank” flips open to give access to various bits and the bike’s tool kit. The real tank is under the seat.
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Not as big as it looks: Compared to current touring bikes, the GL1000 seems small and lithe.
Not as big as it looks: Compared to current touring bikes, the GL1000 seems small and lithe.
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Honda GL1000 Gold Wing
Years produced:
1975-present
Total production: N/A
Claimed power: 80hp @ 7,500rpm
Top speed: 125mph (est.)
Engine type: 999cc single-overhead cam, two valves per cylinder, water-cooled flat four
Weight: 295kg (650lb)
Price then: $2,895
Price now: $2,000-$5,000
MPG: 35-40 (approx.)

Looking back, it’s easy to think the first Honda GL1000 Gold Wing in 1975 was a revolutionary motorcycle. It was, in fact, evolutionary, built to appeal to the American bigger-is-better theory. Today, the Honda Gold Wing is an icon for the cross-country touring motorcycle. But back in the day, it was just Honda’s best guess at what Americans wanted in a touring motorcycle.

In the well-lit upstairs offices of any large corporation you’ll find legions of employees who do nothing but analyze things like costs and expectations. Like any huge corporation, Honda’s headquarters had (and has) bean-counters by the bushel, and founder Soichiro Honda, impressed by the strength of the American market, wanted to build a motorcycle that would specifically appeal to U.S. buyers: He told his boys to look into it.

Read Bob Reichenberg’s review of owning and riding a 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing

Price-point analysis is an unrefined art, dedicated to the unvarnished truth of the bottom line. If the cost of any piece of the product can be reduced without harming its function, it’s done. In our industry it boils down to the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of the envisioned competition; in 1975 the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide cost $3,555, (with bags and fairing standard); the BMW R90/6, $3,395; the Moto Guzzi 850-T, $2,699; and the Kawasaki Z1, $2,475. Honda slotted its planned new model right in the middle at $2,895.

  • Published on Jul 11, 2007
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