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30 years on and still growing strong! Happy birthday Honda Gold Wing!
In 2005 Honda UK has been celebrating 30 years of a motorcycle that’s grown up over the last three decades into one of the definitive motorcycles ever – the Honda Gold Wing.
The story started in October 1974 when the new Honda GL1000 Gold Wing was unveiled to the press in time for the 1975 model year. The original bike was a 999cc liquid-cooled flat-four configured machine which was – at the time – one of the sportiest motorcycles on the market. As the years rolled by, the machine itself grew in size and capacity and its abilities grew with it. In 1980 the Wing’s engine capacity was increased to 1085cc and the GL1100 came enclosed in a fairing, while panniers and a top-box indicated its new touring capability.
In 1984 Honda introduced the GL1200 which was another major overhaul of the machine. The engine was now 1182cc and the bike came with a radio/cassette stereo, and uprated air suspension. Four years later the bike grew again – this time by adding two more cylinders. This new GL1500 had a 1520cc six-cylinder engine with the addition of a reverse gear, which was needed on such a large machine! The radio/cassette stereo was also joined by gadgets such as cruise control and an intercom for use between rider and pillion.
With mild updates over the intervening years, finally the all-new GL1800 Gold Wing appeared in time for the 2001 model year. This completely new motorcycle featured an 1832cc, six-cylinder motor and gave touring bikes a completely new tone as it handled as good as it looked. A CD player and ABS is an option on this latest model, while the use of lightweight materials sees the whole bike lighter than the previous machine.
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| The New GL1800 (US colour) |
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| If you want to know a bit about the Goldwing just click on the model of your choice, please also check out the events page you might be able to see them in person. |
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GL1500
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GL1800
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GL1500 TRIKE
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