File:Flickr - ronsaunders47 - The Honda Gold Wing. GL 1000. 1974-79..jpg

The Honda Gold Wing (or Goldwing) is a touring motorcycle designed and manufactured by Honda. It was introduced October 1974, and went on to become a popular model in North America, Western Europe and Australia. Over the course of its history, it has had numerous modifications to its design. In 1975 it featured a 999 cc (61.0 cu in) flat-four engine and in 2001 it featured a 1,832 cc (111.8 cu in) flat-six. In 2010, the model featured an adjustable windshield, a trunk, a seatback for pillion rider, satellite navigation, an audio system, anti-lock braking, cruise control, electrically assisted reverse gear, and an optional airbag,[1] none of which were featured when it was introduced.

Over one million Gold Wings were made at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in Marysville, Ohio from 1979 until 2009, when motorcycle production there was halted.[2] Honda says that before the plant closed, sufficient 2010 model year Goldwings were produced to meet demand until production resumes in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan in 2011, when 2012 model year motorcycles will be produced using tooling transported from the old plant.[3] The 2011 model year was not produced.

GL1000 1978 Honda GL1000 1978 GL1000 from above shows the opposed cylinders GL1000 engine closeup

The Gold Wing made its debut at the Intermot motorcycle show in October 1974 as the GL1000.[4] It featured a flat-four 999 cc (61.0 cu in) engine, and had a dry weight of 267 kg (590 lb). 13,000 units were sold in the United States in 1975.[5]

Although the GL1000 was listed as a touring motorcycle, it was sold without fairings. Soon, a market developed offering fairings and luggage accessories, including the Windjammer series by Vetter Fairing Company. With only minor differences for different markets, the model remained virtually unchanged during the 1975 to 1977 production run. In 1978 many changes were introduced, including changes to the faux tank shape, instruments on the top of the faux tank, seat, camshafts, carburetors, exhaust system, Comstar wheels, and removal of the kickstart.

During the final run of the GL1000 in 1979, Honda included their own saddlebags and trunk, but still did not offer a fairing. Honda sold more than 97,000 units of the GL1000 in the United States between 1975 and 1979

Manufacturer Honda Production since 1974 Assembly Kikuchi, Japan since 2011 Marysville, Ohio, USA 1979–2009 Class Touring Engine Liquid-cooled flat-six, SOHC 2 valves per cylinder Bore / Stroke 74 mm x 71 mm Compression ratio 9.8:1 Ignition type Electronic Transmission Five speed manual, electric reverse Suspension Front: cartridge fork with anti-dive; Rear: Computer controlled single sided swing-arm Brakes ABS; Front: Disc; Rear: Disc Tires 130/70R - 18 radial front; 180/60R - 16 radial rear Wheelbase 1,690 mm Seat height 740 mm Weight 412 kg (wet)