Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Honda Gold Wing" in English language version.
As we got comfortable with each other, Honda gave us permission to use our loaner GLs to make hardware to fit up my own Windjammer III fairing. Consequently, we had Windjammer brackets for GLs before Honda dealers even had the motorcycles.
The final evolutionary stage of the Benz racing car equipped with a contra engine was the 20-hp Benz vehicle introduced in 1900. Whereas the two previous models both had a two-cylinder boxer unit, this vehicle – developed by Georg Diehl – featured a four-cylinder boxer with a 5,440-cc displacement.
We ride a motorcycle that can take us from one end of Europe to the other with ease and comfort – just with a twist of the wrist.
Last but certainly not least is the 2013 Gold Wing, the true icon of two-up long-distance luxury travel with U.S. sales approaching 550,000 units since its introduction in 1975.
…the 1832cc Goldwing is mechanically old-school. The architecture of the flat-six engine is the same as the GL1000 of 1975, with a low (9.8:1) compression ratio, and SOHC, two-valves-per-cylinder valvegear. The only significant changes in more than 36 years of production have been the addition of two extra cylinders and the substitution of two 40mm Keihin throttle bodies for the original downdraught carbs.
The Gold Wing GL1000 accelerated the demand for larger motorcycles in the American market. A long-distance touring model rather than a sport model, it incorporated innovative technologies and ideas.
This motorcycle had a water-cooled, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder engine that provided good acceleration over a wide speed range from low to high.
I'm not dead, just touring.
Introduced in 1975, the Honda GL 1000 was a stunning technical achievement. The original, unfaired Gold Wing was the world's biggest, heaviest, and second fastest bike available at the time (only the mighty Kawasaki Z1 was swifter). Novel features included a liquid-cooled flat four engine, belt-driven overhead cams, shaft drive, triple disk brakes, under-seat fuel tank, counter-rotating alternator, two oil pumps, 'floating' piston pins, faux top shelter 'tank' and detachable back-up kick-start arm, to mention a few.
Unchanged is the familiar 1832cc Flat Six powering the Honda. The Wing also remains a heavyweight touring platform, tipping the scales at a staggering 903–944 pounds, depending on the options. Thankfully, the electric Reverse system remains a standard feature. Also standard fare on the base Gold Wing are five-position heated grips, seat and backrest. Honda's combined braking system is standard as well, with ABS optional.
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.
The Moto Guzzi Eldorado was the biggest weapon in a snout-to-snout battle with Harley-Davidson
Transcontinental meditations on the land yacht that zigs
The Honda shines in the luggage department, too, showing how decades of real-world research pays off. Capacity of the trunk and saddlebags is enormous, and their operation is very car-like, so you can stuff in your junk and snick it shut with one hand.
It is often said that Harley-Davidson is the last American motorcycle manufacturer. Perhaps the last American-owned manufacturer would be more accurate. Honda has been building motorcycles in America since the late '70s at its plant in Marysville, Ohio.
The modern Gold Wing's appearance really hasn't changed since its last overhaul 12 years ago, which included the addition of two more cylinders and upped the displacement to 1520cc's. On the 25th anniversary we get a couple of gold emblems proclaiming it as such, with few other modifications.
Now Honda has come almost full circle by adding a full fairing, radio, and touring trunk. Add a pinch of '50s retro style, and you've got the Valkyrie Interstate.
The GL1800—the fifth stage in the GL's evolution—has changed little since its 2001 debut, and with Gold Wing production moved from Ohio to Japan and no 2011 models produced, expectations ran high. As we chronicled last month, the 2012 Gold Wing will get many useful enhancements but not the complete overhaul many were hoping for.
…Benz gave the world its first horizontally opposed style engine in 1897 – later to be known as 'boxer' because the pistons punch back and forth. He called it the 'contra engine.'
A true limousine on two wheels, the Gold Wing comes fitted with airbags, ABS, Comfort Package, heated seats and feet warmers, features without which any normal rider wouldn't be able to pun the number of miles that this bike is capable of.
Last but certainly not least is the 2013 Gold Wing, the true icon of two-up long-distance luxury travel with U.S. sales approaching 550,000 units since its introduction in 1975.
The Gold Wing GL1000 accelerated the demand for larger motorcycles in the American market. A long-distance touring model rather than a sport model, it incorporated innovative technologies and ideas.
…Benz gave the world its first horizontally opposed style engine in 1897 – later to be known as 'boxer' because the pistons punch back and forth. He called it the 'contra engine.'
This motorcycle had a water-cooled, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder engine that provided good acceleration over a wide speed range from low to high.
We ride a motorcycle that can take us from one end of Europe to the other with ease and comfort – just with a twist of the wrist.
Introduced in 1975, the Honda GL 1000 was a stunning technical achievement. The original, unfaired Gold Wing was the world's biggest, heaviest, and second fastest bike available at the time (only the mighty Kawasaki Z1 was swifter). Novel features included a liquid-cooled flat four engine, belt-driven overhead cams, shaft drive, triple disk brakes, under-seat fuel tank, counter-rotating alternator, two oil pumps, 'floating' piston pins, faux top shelter 'tank' and detachable back-up kick-start arm, to mention a few.
As we got comfortable with each other, Honda gave us permission to use our loaner GLs to make hardware to fit up my own Windjammer III fairing. Consequently, we had Windjammer brackets for GLs before Honda dealers even had the motorcycles.
The GL1800—the fifth stage in the GL's evolution—has changed little since its 2001 debut, and with Gold Wing production moved from Ohio to Japan and no 2011 models produced, expectations ran high. As we chronicled last month, the 2012 Gold Wing will get many useful enhancements but not the complete overhaul many were hoping for.
Unchanged is the familiar 1832cc Flat Six powering the Honda. The Wing also remains a heavyweight touring platform, tipping the scales at a staggering 903–944 pounds, depending on the options. Thankfully, the electric Reverse system remains a standard feature. Also standard fare on the base Gold Wing are five-position heated grips, seat and backrest. Honda's combined braking system is standard as well, with ABS optional.
