Honda Gold Wing
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The Honda Gold Wing is a series of touring motorcycles manufactured by Honda. Gold Wings feature shaft drive and a flat engine. Characterized by press in September 1974 as "The world's biggest motorcycle manufacturer's first attack on the over-750cc capacity market...",<ref>Honda to launch 1000cc flat-4? Motor Cycle News, 20 March 1974, p.1 (front cover). Retrieved 13 March 2022</ref> it was introduced at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in October 1974.<ref name=DucheneNYT/>
The Gold Wing series
Total sales are more than 640,000, most of them in the U.S. market.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Gold Wings were assembled in Marysville, Ohio, from 1980 until 2010, when motorcycle production there was halted.<ref name=units>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Sawyers /> No Gold Wings were produced for the 2011 model year, and production resumed in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan in 2011 using tooling transported from the American factory.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>
The Template:Ill includes a Honda Gold Wing GL1000 manufactured in 1974 as one of their 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology.<ref name=JSAE /> Through 2012, Honda GL models have appeared eighteen times in the Cycle World list of Ten Best bikes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Over the course of its production history, the Gold Wing had many design changes, beginning in 1975 with a Template:Convert flat-four engine; by 2001, this had grown to a Template:Convert flat-six. The 2012 model had anti-lock braking, cruise control, electrically assisted reverse gear, an optional airbag, a fairing with heating and an adjustable windscreen, panniers and a trunk, a pillion backrest, satnav, and a six-speaker radio/audio system with MP3/iPod connectivity.<ref name=Williams2012>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=airbag>Template:Cite web</ref>
Gold Wing development
In 1972, following the success of the CB750 superbike, the company assembled an R&D design team to explore concepts for a new flagship motorcycle.<ref name=Salvadori>Template:Cite web</ref> The project leader was Shoichiro Irimajiri, who in the 1960s had designed Honda's multi-cylinder Grand Prix engines and their Formula One V12 engine.<ref name=Index/><ref name=Powersports>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Honda70s>Template:Cite web</ref>
The 1974 Gold Wing with its flat-four shaft-drive powertrain used technologies both from earlier motorcycle<ref>The traditional BMW Motorrad layout, a wet-sump unit construction boxer-twin using shaft final drive, goes back to the R32 model that began production in 1923.</ref><ref name=Benz>Template:Cite news</ref> and automotive designs.<ref name=Maxx2009>Template:Cite news</ref>
Although preceded by the 1971 water-cooled Suzuki GT750 two-stroke triple,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Two-stroke water-cooled engines from The Scott Motorcycle Company go back to the 1920s.</ref> the Gold Wing was the first Japanese production motorcycle with a water-cooled four-stroke engine.<ref name=Designers>Template:Cite web</ref> The first four-cylinder boxer engine was produced in 1900.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Target market
During its development, the CB750 was known within Honda as their "King of Motorcycles."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As it would sit atop the CB750 as the top of the line Honda motorcycle, the project that would become the Gold Wing was informally called the "King of Kings."<ref name=DucheneNYT /><ref name=RiderGL1800 /> Honda first envisaged the Gold Wing as a large sport motorcycle, but on learning that customers were "piling miles on touring", Honda reconsidered the bike's design objectives,<ref name=sport>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Duchene"/> realising that the primary market for the Gold Wing was the long-distance motorcyclist.<ref name=MCcom1996 /> In North America a motorcycle suitable to that task would need comfort for the long haul, wind protection, a smooth ride, a comfortable seat, luggage storage, and power in abundance.<ref name=Colker1999>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=Placa2012>Template:Cite web</ref>
In America in the early 1970s, long-distance motorcyclists had only a few manufacturers to choose from: Harley-Davidson, Moto Guzzi and BMW. The H-D Electra Glide was a touring motorcycle with a loyal cult following.<ref name=Szymezak1/><ref name=Truett1996Valk>Template:Cite news</ref> It faced strong competition from Moto Guzzi's 850cc Eldorado.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> BMW motorcycles were smoother and more reliable, if expensive.<ref name=Salvadori /> Other large Japanese motorcycles, such as the Honda CB750 and the Kawasaki Z1 were cheaper but were not ideal tourers with their small fuel tanks and rear drive-chains needing regular maintenance.<ref name=DucheneNYT>Template:Cite news</ref> The Gold Wing was aimed at a newly emerging market segment, namely, a new kind of American long-distance rider who was not likely to buy a Harley-Davidson or BMW but who would open their wallets for a reliable machine offering comfort, endurance, low maintenance, and a smooth, torquey, quiet engine.<ref name=Powersports/><ref name=Szymezak1/><ref name=Honda70s/><ref name="Truett">Template:Cite web</ref>
The Gold Wing's secondary target market was Europe, where riders prioritised handling and performance over luxury.<ref name=Szymezak1/><ref name=GWEF>Template:Cite web</ref> (The European market's special demands subsequently led to the Honda Pan European).<ref>Visordown quote: "The Honda ST1100 Pan European was one of those bikes that quietly got on with doing the job it was designed to do. And that was to provide something just short of a full-dress touring bike in a slightly more manageable (and cheaper) form, at the behest of the European, not US, market. [1]</ref> Though other motorcycle manufacturers build touring bikes, no other touring bike has achieved the popularity of the Gold Wing.
M1 prototype & Project 371
In 1972, the project team broke from Honda practice<ref name=Honda70s/> to produce an experimental prototype motorcycle code-named "M1". Instead of the usual transverse engine layout with a chain final drive, the M1 had a longitudinal engine suitable for shaft drive. The M1 had a 1470cc liquid-cooled<ref name=Powersports/> flat-six engine, (twice the displacement of the CB750). Instead of seeking high performance (as some engineers had wanted), the M1 engine was designed to have a broad torque output and to produce Template:Convert at 6700 rpm, with a top speed of Template:Convert.<ref name=Szymezak1>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Duchene">Template:Cite news</ref>
The brainstorming team's M1 project was never intended as a production prototype. Nonetheless, the M1 should be seen as the primordial Gold Wing because so many of its distinctive features appeared on the GL1000.<ref name=Index/><ref name=Powersports/><ref name=F6Bstory>Template:Cite web</ref> The flat-six gave the M1 a low center of gravity, enhancing stability, but the extreme length of the engine/gearbox unit resulted in a cramped riding position.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Instead, the project team chose to build a bike with a compact one liter flat-four engine.<ref name=Szymezak1/><ref name="Duchene"/> This bike was code-named "Project 371", and Toshio Nozue (who had worked on CB750 development)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> took over from Irimajiri as project leader.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
First generation
GL1000
The Project 371 team finally settled on a layout that became the characteristic Gold Wing: a liquid-cooled flat-four SOHC engine, with a gear-driven generator that contra-rotated to counteract the engine's torque reaction.<ref name=GWEF/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Cylinder blocks and crankcase were integral, with the transmission situated beneath the crankcase to keep the unit construction engine as short as possible. Final drive was by shaft.<ref name=GWOCGB1000>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Szymezak2>Template:Cite web</ref>
Before going on sale in the US and in Europe in 1975, the Gold Wing was revealed to dealers in September 1974 at American Honda's annual dealer meeting in Las Vegas, and then shown to the public the following month at the IFMA<ref>Template:In lang Internationale Fahrrad- und Motorrad-Ausstellung</ref> (International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition; today Intermot) in Cologne.<ref name=Sawyers /><ref name=Saunders />
Small fairings had been mounted on two of the show models at the US dealer show in Las Vegas.<ref name=GWEF/><ref name=GWOCGB1000/> These Honda-designed fairings were to be manufactured in the US by the Vetter Fairing Company and sold as Hondaline accessories; but they never went into production after the molds were accidentally destroyed.<ref name=Vetter>Template:Cite web</ref> Consequently, the Gold Wing was issued naked, lacking saddlebags, a luggage rack, and a windshield.<ref name=Sawyers /> This created an opportunity for aftermarket accessory manufacturers,<ref name=Maxx2009/> who soon offered a range of fairings and luggage accessories, particularly the Craig Vetter Windjammer series.<ref name=DucheneNYT />
The original Template:Convert GL1000 (designated K0) had an electric starter backed up by a kick start lever stored inside a dummy fuel tank, which also housed the radiator expansion tank, electrical components, as well as the air filter supplying four Keihin 32 mm CV carburetors. The real fuel tank was under the seat, in order to keep the center of mass as low as possible.<ref name=Spotter>Template:Cite web</ref> The bike had a dry weight of Template:Convert.<ref name=Szymezak2/><ref name=Truett/><ref name=Chrome /> 13,000 Gold Wings were sold in the United States in 1975.<ref name=Salvadori />
There were no significant changes in the standard Gold Wing for 1976 (the K1 model).<ref name=GWOCGB1000/> To mark the United States Bicentennial year Honda announced the GL1000 LTD with distinctive insignia and color scheme (e.g., gold stripes, gold wheels)<ref name=Index/> plus some extra amenities.<ref name=Spotter/><ref name=Werther>Template:Cite web</ref> The LTD was a genuine limited edition with production restricted to about 2,000 units.<ref name=GWOCGB1000/><ref name=Truett/>
In the third model year (K2) Honda began refining the Gold Wing, although the changes for 1977 were small, such as exhaust pipe heat shields, revised seat and handlebar, as well as a new fuel gauge.<ref name=Spotter/> Weight increased to Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett/> The motorcycle division of Honda UK produced 52 Executive GL1000 K1 bikes by adding premium accessories to 1977 Gold Wings.<ref name=GWOCGB1000/>
The engine was modified in 1978 for the GL1000 K3 model, in order to make more torque available at lower engine speeds; the carburetors were reduced in size by 1 mm, the exhaust system was redesigned, valve timing and ignition timing were altered.<ref name=Touch>Template:Cite web</ref> The kick-start mechanism was removed from the engine, and a reserve lighting module for the headlight and taillight (automatically switching to the second filament when one burns out) was removed from the electrics.<ref name=GWOCGB1000/> A small instrument panel appeared on top of a restyled dummy fuel tank. Wire-spoke wheels were replaced with Honda's new ComStar wheels, but the existing tires with inner tubes remained.<ref name=Spotter/><ref name=Szymezak3>Template:Cite web</ref> Dry weight grew to Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett/>
1979 marked the end of GL1000 development with the K4 model (the UK version was designated KZ). Dry weight increased slightly to Template:Convert.<ref name=GWOCGB1000/> for the last Gold Wing to be powered by a one-liter engine.<ref name=AndreaB/><ref name=Spotter/> There were only minor changes for this model year, except for the ComStar wheels; new ComStars had stronger steel spokes on aluminum rims instead of the original aluminum spoked wheels that precipitated a 1979 recall (for the 1978 model year).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=NHTSA/> During the final run of the GL1000 in 1979, Hondaline saddlebags and trunk were available, but Honda still did not offer a fairing.<ref name=Saunders/>
Honda sold more than 97,000 units of the GL1000 in the United States between 1975 and 1979.<ref name=Salvadori /> Template:Multiple image Template:Clear
Second generation
GL1100(SC02)
After five years of the GL1000, the second-generation Gold Wing was released in 1979 as a 1980 model, and the GL1100 would be continued through the 1983 model year. The GL1100 was manufactured in Japan until May 1980 when Honda started assembling 1981 models at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in Ohio,<ref name=Sawyers /><ref name=GWOCGB1100 /> which had been making frames and parts for various models since 1974.<ref name=Szymezak5 /> Gold Wings would be built at a rate of 150 units a day for the years 1981–1983. Engines were still being built in Japan, but Honda began to market the machine as being made in America.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Gold Wing faced competition from Japan in the form of the Suzuki GS1000 with an inline-four engine, and especially in the Kawasaki Z1300 that had a massive DOHC 1300cc straight-six engine with water cooling. Honda responded by increasing the displacement of the Gold Wing, and then followed-up by announcing the first Japanese full-dress tourer.<ref name=GWOCGB1100 /> The new engine was more than just a GL1000 with a 3 mm larger bore, the alterations clearly emphasized torque over horsepower.<ref name=Index/> The cylinder heads were modified to improve combustion at low and middle engine speeds, transmission gear ratios were changed and the final drive ratio shortened to make more torque available at highway speeds.<ref name=Touch/> The bore size for all four carburetors was again reduced by 1 mm, to 30 mm.<ref name=Szymezak4 />
The wheelbase was lengthened over that of the GL1000, and air suspension was added.<ref name=Index/><ref name=Werther /> The GL1100 had an adjustable seat, and for the first time used tubeless tires, mounted on black reverse ComStar wheels.<ref name=Spotter/> The naked Gold Wing, which would become known as the Standard model, weighed Template:Convert dry.<ref name=Truett/> In spite of the fact that there were only minor changes to differentiate the GL1100 '81 edition from the previous year.<ref name=GWOCGB1100 />
Ridden by Emilio Scotto, the GL1100 is the bike that toured the world. Holding the record for the longest distance of any motorcycle total distance of 457,000 miles (735,000 km).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
All the 1982 Gold Wings had transmission ratios revised (again) to lower engine rpm at cruising speeds, new brakes with twin-piston calipers and wider tires on smaller wheels.<ref name=Touch/> Dry weight for the GL1100 '82 was Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett/><ref name=GWOCGB1100/>
Transmission gear ratios were revised yet again for the 1983 Gold Wings to lessen engine speed on the highway.<ref name=Touch/> But the significant changes were not to the engine, they were to the running gear in this last year for GL1100s. Cast aluminum eleven-spoke wheels replaced the ComStars. The front suspension was endowed with TRAC anti-dive forks with an integrated fork brace,<ref name=Spotter/> and the rear suspension worked even with no air pressure.<ref name=GWOCGB1100/> Honda's first combined braking system, dubbed Unified Braking at the time, debuted in 1983; it engaged both front and rear brakes in unison when the brake pedal was applied.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dry weight for the standard GL1100 inched up to Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett/>
GL1100 Interstate
Honda went beyond the mechanical makeover of the naked Gold Wing in March 1980 by releasing the first Japanese turn-key tourer, the Interstate model (GL1100I) with a factory-installed full fairing, saddlebags and a removable trunk, plus a long list of optional extras including a stereo system.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This bike was called the De Luxe model (GL1100DX) in some markets.<ref name=Szymezak4 /> The fairing was designed to protect both the rider and a passenger from the wind. Likewise, the saddlebags and trunk were intended to carry the baggage of two people.<ref name=Designers/> This made the Interstate significantly heavier than the standard model, with a dry weight of Template:Convert.<ref name=Index/> The almost identical Interstate model was made for 1981.<ref name=GWOCGB1100/>
The GL1100I '82 model offered more options, such as a new stereo, a 40-channel CB transceiver, and an on-board compressor to adjust the suspension air pressure.<ref name=Spotter/> Dry weight was Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett/><ref name=GWOCGB1100/>
The GL1100I '83 received the engine and running gear updates of the standard model; dry weight increased to Template:Convert.<ref name=GWOCGB1100/>
GL1100 Aspencade
Starting in 1982, Honda offered three different Gold Wing models.<ref name=Spotter/> With the introduction of the Aspencade (GL1100A) Honda took the full-dress tourer to a new level of luxury, with a larger seat, two-tone paint and more storage compartments, together with many options from the Interstate that were being included as standard.<ref name=Index/> All three brake disks on the GL1100A were internally ventilated. The additional items jacked up the dry weight to Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett/><ref name=GWOCGB1100/>
The GL1100A '83 received the same engine and running gear updates of the other models. The Aspencade also got new front and rear brakes, with internally ventilated front discs (only), as well as a digital LCD instrument panel and some additional amenities for rider and passenger. Weight went up just a bit to Template:Convert.<ref name=GWOCGB1100/> Template:Multiple image Template:Clear
Third generation
GL1200(SC14)
In 1983 Honda was facing a challenge in the marketplace from a new full-dress tourer, the Yamaha Venture XVZ 1200 with its DOHC four valve per cylinder V4 engine (as Yamaha's XS Eleven Venturer had challenged the GL1100 two years earlier). Honda hit back at the Milan motorcycle show late that year by announcing a new 1984 Gold Wing that pushed its four-cylinder engine design to its limits. The bored and stroked boxer produced more power and torque; a new final drive ratio gave the GL1200 taller gearing in order to reduce noise and vibration.<ref name=Touch/> The four Keihin 32 mm CV carburetors were larger than those on the GL1100 engine, on the other hand, they were the same size as the '75–'76 GL1000 carbs.<ref name=Chrome /> Incorporating hydraulic actuation for the clutch, in addition to hydraulic tappets for the valves, made the new engine virtually maintenance-free.<ref name=Index /> In order to make the Gold Wing more nimble, front and rear wheel diameters contracted (and tire widths expanded) one more time.<ref name=GWOCGB1200 /> The GL1200 was built on a new, stronger frame and despite all the improvements, the claimed dry weight of the naked bike remained unchanged at Template:Convert for the 1984 model year.<ref name=Truett/>
1984 was the one and only year for the GL1200 Standard (which was not exported to Europe) for the reason that sales had decreased in favor of the Interstate and Aspencade models. This led to the decline of aftermarket manufacturers such as the Vetter Fairing Company.<ref name=Szymezak6 />
The GL1200's competitors were becoming more numerous. Last of the big Japanese manufacturers to do so, Suzuki finally entered the marketplace in 1985 with their full-dress tourer, the GV1400 Cavalcade with a DOHC, four valves per cylinder, V4 engine. In 1986 Yamaha enlarged the Venture's V4 engine to 1300cc, and Kawasaki introduced the ZG 1200 Voyager XII with a four-valve, DOHC, Inline-four engine.<ref name=GWOCGB1200/>
With three versions of the Gold Wing boxer motor spanning a dozen years, by 1987 further development of the flat-four engine was regarded as being constrained by the law of diminishing returns.<ref name=Szymezak7 /> Piston displacement had been increased twice to generate more torque, but this also made each power stroke more intense. During the same time period, gear ratios had been raised to decrease engine RPM (boosting fuel economy and reducing vibration as well as noise levels) which in turn made pulses through the drivetrain seem rougher to the rider because firing intervals were farther apart. The obvious way to deliver power more smoothly (as Irimajiri-san had demonstrated with the M1 engine) was to step up from four cylinders to six.<ref name=Touch/>
GL1200 Interstate
Having introduced the full-dress Interstate with the GL1100, Honda used the GL1200I '84 to refine the Gold Wing's fairing so that it would come across as a basic part of the bike and not as an afterthought. The new model Interstate (still called De Luxe in Europe) had an automotive-style instrument panel up front and increased luggage capacity in back: Template:Convert in each saddlebag plus another Template:Convert in the trunk.<ref name=Szymezak6 /> Dry weight for the 1984 Interstate was Template:Convert.<ref name=GWOCGB1200 />
Despite giving the Gold Wing taller gearing the year before, in 1985 Honda shortened the overall gearing to improve performance.<ref name=Touch/> There were many small changes to the GL1200I '85 but atypically its price was the same as it was the previous year, and at Template:Convert its weight was basically stable.<ref name=GWOCGB1200/>
The GL1200I '86 got more small updates, but the significant change was that all Gold Wing engines were being produced in Honda's Anna, Ohio plant from July 1985.<ref name=Index/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Claimed dry weight for the 1986 Interstate was unchanged.<ref name=GWOCGB1200 /> The GL1200I '87 got a new seat design with three-stage foam;<ref name=Spotter/> the weight was unchanged for 1987, the last year of the four-cylinder Gold Wing Interstate.<ref name=GWOCGB1200 />
GL1200 Aspencade
The GL1200A '84 had all the features of the GL1200I, plus a new Panasonic audio system that combined AM/FM radio, cassette player and an intercom between the rider and passenger. Unlike the analog instruments of the Interstate, the Aspencade had a dashboard with an LCD digital display.<ref name=Spotter /> The GL1200A also had foot boards for the passenger instead of footpegs.<ref name=GWOCGB1200 /> Claimed dry weight for the 1984 Aspencade was Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett /> The price was unchanged for 1985, and the Aspencade received the same updates as the Interstate model for that year. Dry weight for the Aspencade was Template:Convert in both '85 and ’86.Template:Citation needed
In 1986 Dolby noise reduction was added to the audio system, which was replaced with an improved Panasonic system in 1987. In its final year, the GL1200A got the same seat upgrade as the GL1200I '87 model and some amenities that had been optional were made standard, increasing the dry weight of the Aspencade to Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett /><ref name=Spotter /><ref name=GWOCGB1200 />
Fuel-injected models
In 1985 Honda marked the tenth anniversary of the Gold Wing by launching a gold-painted Limited Edition model (GL1200L) luxuriously equipped with cruise control, auto-leveling rear suspension, an electronic trip computer and a four-speaker audio system.<ref name=Index/><ref name=Truett/> The significant development was that the GL1200L was furnished with Honda's programmed fuel injection system, previously used on the turbocharged CX500T and CX650T (variants of the GL500 and GL650 Silver Wing).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Also known as the LTD, 5372 units were built and sold only in North America. Claimed dry weight for the GL1200L was Template:Convert.<ref name=GWOCGB1200/>
To a limited extent, the Limited Edition turned out to be a sham when the SE-i (Special Edition—injected) debuted in 1986, as essentially a repainted GL1200L.<ref name=GWOCGB1200 /> The SE-i had the same Dolby audio system as the GL1200A '86 and was only available in the US.<ref name=Spotter /><ref name=Szymezak6 /> This was the only year for the SE-i because the high cost of the fuel injection system forced Honda to return to carburetors for 1987.<ref name=Touch /> Template:Clear
Fourth generation
GL1500(SC22)
A new design team began work on the fourth-generation Gold Wing in 1984. Honda describes prototype testing as involving sixty developmental stages, and building fifteen different test bikes, including one made from a GL1200 frame coupled with the original M1 engine so that a six-cylinder could be compared to a four-cylinder head-on.<ref name=Index /><ref name=GWOCGB1500 /> This early '70s prototype had an influence far beyond what the M1's initial designers could have expected.<ref name=Powersports/>
New Gold Wing engine design goals were smoothness, quietness and enormous power.<ref name=Index /><ref name=Spotter /> Ultimately, a redesigned Gold Wing made its debut at the 1987 Cologne Motorcycle Show, 13 years after the original GL1000 was first shown to the public at the same venue, and the GL1500 brought the most changes seen to the Gold Wing series since its inception. The biggest difference was that the flat-four engine was replaced with a flat-six engine.<ref name=GWOCGB1500 /> Although the GL1500 still used carburetors, there were just two large 36 mm CV Keihins supplying all six cylinders, the first time any Gold Wing had less than one carb per cylinder.<ref name=Chrome />
Honda also enclosed the entire motorcycle in plastic, giving it a seamless appearance. The seat height was lowest yet on a Gold Wing, the passenger back rest and trunk were integrated, and a central mechanism locked the trunk lid and saddlebags. Rear suspension air pressure was adjusted by an on-board compressor. One major innovation was the addition of a "reverse gear", which was actually a creative use of the electric starter motor linked to the transmission. Because of the size and weight, Honda felt that some people would have problems backing it up.<ref name=Spotter /><ref name=GWOCGB1500 />
The new Gold Wing had grown in nearly every dimension. A larger windshield, longer wheelbase, two more cylinders, more horsepower, more bodywork, more electronics, more accessories and more mass: Template:Convert dry.<ref name=Szymezak7 /> Options include a passenger audio control and rear speakers, CB radio, auxiliary lights and exterior trim.<ref name=Spotter/> In another first for the GL1500, 1988 was the year Honda exported Gold Wings from the US to Japan for the first time.<ref name=JapanSE /><ref name=Truett />
For 1989 Honda modified the brake discs, and raised the price. Brake discs were modified again in 1990, as were the carbs and camshafts, without a price increase.<ref name=Spotter /> The claimed GL1500 dry weight for '90 was Template:Convert. In addition, a Gold Wing 15th Anniversary Special Edition model (GL1500SE) made its debut in 1990.<ref name=GWOCGB1500 />
The following year, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of American-made Gold Wings, every bike produced for 1991 came with a numbered plaque and anniversary edition insignia. There were three '91 models: Aspencade indicated the regular GL1500 model; the luxurious Special Edition from the year before carried on as the SE model; and the Interstate name denoted a stripped-down model.<ref name=Spotter />
GL1500 Aspencade
When the Honda of America Manufacturing (HAM) plant in Marysville, Ohio produced its 500,000th vehicle in 1991, it was a Gold Wing Aspencade.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The claimed dry weight for the GL1500A '91 was Template:Convert. Honda began offering extra cost paint options, and Honda Canada inaugurated Canadian Edition Gold Wings in '92.<ref name=Truett /><ref name=GWOCGB1500 />
Beginning in 1993, all GL1500 rocker arms pivoted on needle bearings, and the cruise control was updated to directly read crankshaft speed for enhanced precision. 1994 was the seventh year of GL1500 production (longer than any of its forerunners) and nothing significant changed except the asking price.<ref name=Truett/><ref name=Spotter/><ref name=GWOCGB1500/>
1995 was the 20th anniversary of the Gold Wing.<ref name=Index/> American Honda published a special hard-cover book Template:Cite book All 1995 models got commemorative emblems, cosmetic changes, a thinner and narrower seat and suspension improvements which reduced ground clearance, contributing to an even lower seat height (offsetting the weight gain).<ref name=MCcom1996 /><ref name=Spotter/> The GL1500A was at its heaviest in '95; the claimed dry weight would stay at Template:Convert until the end of this model.<ref name=Truett/><ref name=GWOCGB1500/>
The 1996 Aspencade received an upmarket audio system that had been exclusive to the GL1500SE. Yet another milestone was reached in mid-1996 when a Gold Wing Aspencade was the millionth Honda motorcycle made in America to roll off the assembly line at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant.<ref name=Index /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The GL1500 family got bigger when Honda created the first GL1500C Valkyrie in May 1996 (for the 1997 model year). The Valkyrie was the first naked GL since 1984.<ref name=Spotter/><ref name=GWOCGB1500/>
1997 GL1500s received engine, transmission and final drive improvements first introduced on the GL1500C. A 1998 Gold Wing styling makeover extended to the engine with redesigned valve covers, but no price increase. Honda commemorated 50 years in America by adding 50th Anniversary emblems to all 1999 Gold Wings; the GL1500A '99 price increased. The 2000 Gold Wings had chrome-plated valve covers, Canadian and American models also had gold-plated 25th Anniversary emblems marking 25 years since the first GL1000 debuted for the 1975 model year.<ref name=GWOCGB1500/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Andrews />
The 2000 model was the last GL1500 Aspencade model.<ref name=GWOCGB1500/> A complete redesign of the Marysville Motorcycle Plant began In January 2000 to build the next Gold Wing,<ref name=Index/> and stories soon came out in the motorcycle press that the Gold Wing itself was being redesigned.<ref name=Andrews /> The GL1500 had been in production for 13 model years, which was as long as all of the four-cylinder Gold Wings combined; moreover, GL1500 engine continued to be used in the Valkyrie through the 2003 model year.<ref name=Verpeide/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
GL1500 SE
The original 15th Anniversary Special Edition model had a vented windshield, additional lights, upgraded sound system, two-tone paint with special insignia, adjustable passenger floorboards and adjustable foot pegs as well as foot heaters for the rider. In 1990 It had a weight of Template:Convert dry. The GL1500SE '91 was essentially unchanged, though weight and price were up a bit at Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett /><ref name=GWOCGB1500 />
Hitherto optional rear speakers and CB radio became standard on the GL1500SE '93; boosting both its weight—Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett /><ref name=GWOCGB1500 />
The GL1500SE '97 had powertrain updates. Honda marked its 50th anniversary in 1999 without a GL1500SE price increase, and the American-made GL1500SE '99 that was exported to Japan got a two-tone paint job. More significantly, the export model got an exhaust air-injection system along with carburetor modifications in order to pass Japan's new emission regulations.<ref name=Colker1999 /><ref name=GWOCGB1500/><ref name=JapanSE/>
The 25th Anniversary GL1500SE in 2000 had a claimed dry weight from 1995 to 2000 was Template:Convert.<ref name=GWOCGB1500/>
GL1500 Interstate
The GL1500I '91 model had its weight and price cut by eliminating the reverse gear, cruise-control, the passenger footboards, and by replacing the audio system with a small Kenwood radio. The seat was lowered by Template:Convert. Claimed dry weight for the 1991 Interstate was Template:Convert. In 1992 the Kenwood radio was, in turn, replaced by a new Panasonic 25-watt-per-channel sound system with intercom. Weight for the GL1500I '92 rose slightly to Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett/><ref name=GWOCGB1500 />
As with the other 20th Anniversary models, the cost of a GL1500I '95 jumped. The last GL1500I was the 1996 model. Claimed dry weight for '95 and '96 was Template:Convert.<ref name=Truett/><ref name=GWOCGB1500/> The Interstate model was discontinued, replaced in 1997 by the Valkyrie Tourer (GL1500CT) as well as the 1999 Valkyrie Interstate (GL1500CF).<ref name=MCN-F6C/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Multiple image Template:Clear
Fifth generation
GL1800(SC47)
The first new model for 13 years, the 2001 GL1800 had a larger Template:Convert engine with fuel injection, and a power increase from Template:Convert to Template:Convert. The GL1800's extruded aluminium frame, comprising 31 elements (barely half the GL1500's number) resulted in an overall weight decrease. Options included ABS braking.Template:Citation needed
The 2006 model had further options: an airbag,<ref name=airbag/> in-dash GPS called Internavi, with audio information provided through the speakers and headset cables, plus a rider "comfort package" comprising saddle heating, heated grips, and adjustable engine-air vents ahead of the driver's foot pegs.Template:Citation needed
Update(SC68)
The 2010 model year was the last to be produced in the United States, and no 2011 model year Gold Wings were produced while manufacturing was transferred to Japan in 2012. Some retailers and aftermarket traders group all GL1800 models into two categories: US made GL1800s (2001–2010) are "1st Generation",<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Japanese-built GL1800's (2012–2017) are "2nd Generation".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Note: These categories are somewhat is misleading, since the GL1800 itself is actually the 5th generation Gold Wing.</ref><ref name=RiderGL1800/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2nd Gen GL1800 had minor updates:<ref name=Index/> restyled bodywork made the fairing and saddlebags seem less bulbous, despite being more capacious. A revised fairing gave better protection to the rider's legs, with vents channelling warm engine air onto the rider's feet.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The trunk, fairing pockets and saddlebags gave a storage capacity of Template:Convert.<ref name=Timeline>Template:Cite web</ref> The instrument display has a brighter screen, an updated satellite navigation / radio, and a revised six-speaker audio system with MP3 and iPod connectivity.<ref name=Williams2012/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Template:Multiple image Template:Clear
Sixth generation
2018 GL1800(SC79)
For its sixth generation, in 2018, Honda produced a completely redesigned Gold Wing.<ref name=gales>Template:Citation</ref><ref name=gens>Template:Cite web</ref> The new model has a new four-valve engine and is available in two versions: the standard Gold Wing (replacing F6B bagger) and the "top trunk" Gold Wing Tour. Sportier in appearance, technologically more advanced, and more compact, the 2018 Gold Wing is Template:Convert lighter than before. Its new robotically welded frame has a double wishbone front suspension, resembling the Duolever from BMW.<ref>The DuoLever was derived from a 1980s design by Norman Hossack</ref> New features include throttle by wire, four ride modes, traction control, LED lighting, hill start assist, Apple CarPlay,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and (on the Tour model) electronically adjustable suspension. Options include automatic dual clutch transmission with a forward and reverse "walking mode".<ref name=firstlooks>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=update>Template:Cite web</ref>
In mid-June 2020, Honda introduced Android Auto.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> For 2021, Honda increased the size of the top trunk from 50 litres to 61 litres. The passenger's back seat rest features a more relaxed angle with thicker foam and taller profile. Speakers were changed to 45 watt with automatic volume adjustment and standard XM radio. Rear turn signals were changed to all red.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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F6C "Valkyrie"
In 1997 Honda brought back an incarnation of the "Standard" or "classic" Gold Wing, renamed the Valkyrie in the US, and called F6C in the rest of the world. It had a higher performance engine, based on the GL1500, in a cruiser-style frame. The Valkyrie Tourer version had a windshield and saddlebags. A more touring-oriented version was introduced in 1999 as the Valkyrie Interstate with a full fairing, saddlebags and trunk. It was released as a naked bike, but also had a Tourer and an Interstate model. These two incarnations lasted relatively short and were re-absorbed by the Goldwing line.Template:Citation needed
These Valkyrie models were dropped due to slow sales, leaving the standard Valkyrie, which was discontinued after the 2003 model year and since then intermittently new Valkyrie models introduced into the market as "limited" editions. One such case was the in 2004 released Limited Edition model, the Valkyrie Rune, complete with Template:Convert engine and unique styling.Template:Citation needed
The Valkyrie engine is based on the Gold Wing engine, but has solid lifters instead of hydraulic lifters, six carburetors instead of the Goldwing's two (carbs ≤ 2000, FI ≥ 2001), more aggressive camshafts, a free flowing exhaust, and altered ignition timing to increase performance.Template:Citation needed
Valkyrie revival
At the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda revealed a new naked version of the GL1800, the 2014 Valkyrie, using the same 1832cc six-cylinder engine as the Gold Wing but weighing Template:Convert less.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The new Valkyrie has increased rake and trail, front and rear suspension revised for the reduced weight, 50/50 weight distribution and large tires after the fashion of sport-bikes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Going beyond the naked bike genre, the Valkyrie's horsepower-to-weight ratio puts it clearly into the muscle bike class.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
F6B "Bagger"
In 2013, Honda brought out a new variation on the traditional Gold Wing, itself being available in two models, The F6B and F6B Deluxe. The F6B is basically a greatly stripped-down version of the 'standard' Gold Wing with most of the chrome trim being 'blacked out', giving the F6B a look that should appeal to many cruiser buyers. It is affectionately known as the Bagger.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The rear trunk has been eliminated and the windshield is much smaller. The seat is changed for both the passenger and the rider with the most obvious difference being that the passenger no longer has the oversize backrest – a result of the removal of the trunk. The F6B Deluxe does, however, come with a small passenger backrest, heated grips, self cancelling turn signals & center stand as standard equipment. The basic design is, otherwise, the same as the full blown Gold Wing except that there is no reverse gear and early models did not have cruise control. For 2018 this model is now just called the standard Gold Wing.<ref name=firstlooks/><ref name=update/> Template:Clear
In popular culture
The 4th generation Honda GL1500 Goldwing served as basis for Gunmax's Gun Bike in Japanese mecha anime series The Brave Police J-Decker.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
See also
- Honda Pan European
- Harley-Davidson FL
- BMW R1200RT and K1600
- Kawasaki Z1300
- Suzuki GV1400 Cavalcade
- Yamaha XS Eleven, V-Max, Yamaha Venture Royale and Royal Star Venture
Notes
References
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External links
- Motorcycle airbag system in Honda's motorcycle technology picturebook (requires Adobe Flash)
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