T he Goldwing

Even the name Gold Wing brings forth images of cruising on a plush cushion of air, Golden gossamer wings, like an Angel. It also has an unfortunate image of  a Geezer ride. When you think of a Gold Wing the image of an elderly gentleman cruising along wearing deck shoes comes to mind and that is truly a pity. Let's face it, the Honda Gold Wing cruises along smooth as silk, it has a reverse gear, it has luggage space, heated seats and grips, enclosed fairings, smooth suspension, and plenty of power. Stereos, Satellite Radio, Citizen Band radio, navigation, electric windshield, cup holders, and the list goes on. The bike truly is the Cadillac of Motorcycles, let' me rephrase that a bit, it is the Classic Cadillac of Motorcycles, lets face it Cadillac isn't what it used to be. Was the Gold Wing always the comfort cruiser it has become? 

The Gold Wing as a model has been on the motorcycle history time line since 1972 when the M1 prototype is designed to explore the possibilities of the Grand Touring bike concept.

1975:
The first model had none of the current full body plastic. The GL1000 was a fairly normal looking motorcycle, until you looked at the engine, a 999cc liquid cooled horizontally opposed power-plant  The bike was made to cruise at speed without giving the engine a work out. 

1976
The GL1000 LTD rolls out, it was pretty much the same as the previous model with more shine, New logos, striped paint, chrome radiator fairing and quilted seat. To make the Gold Wing stand out even more as a "Gold" wing, the bike now sported Gold rims and spokes.

The bike pretty much stayed the same design for the next three years, different paint, darker trim but essentially still a open style motorcycle.

1980: Honda rolled out the GL1100 with it's 1085cc engine and more than that, body work. 1980 saw the addition of bolt on accessories, Luggage and fairings the GL1100 Interstate was born.

In 1982 the Aspencade was born, with it's Luxury Touring concept, LCD instruments, Stereo, CB, and an on-board air compressor.

In 1984 Honda again modified the power plant, now there was the GL1200 with it's 1182cc engine, with hydraulic valve adjustment.

In 1985 the GL1200 Limited Edition rolls out with computerized fuel injection, cruise control, automatic leveling rear suspension, 4 speaker stereo and an electronic cruise computer. Oh yeah...Gold Paint.

In 1988 Honda performs massive testing and builds multiple prototypes and comes out with the all new, sleek fully enclosed, GL1500. The age of full body trim has arrived, the only area of the engine visible are the cylinder head covers.

From then on it has been one modification after another, more technology, and luxury  In 2013 the Gold Wing (2014 models) is a GL1800 (almost double the 1976 engine size), and Honda spun off the Gold Wing FB, to compete with the Harley Davidson Street Glides and unload the Geezer Cruiser image.

What will next year bring?