In its day – between ’74 and ’79 – the Honda Gold Wing GL1000 was a luxury motorcycle. Saying that, Gold Wings usually are! Whichever ‘Wing’ you choose, there will always be a few constants. It will be big, it will be heavy – and, surest of all, it will be comfortable. Very comfortable. So much so, in fact, that extra care may be called for. When riding a motorcycle, it pays to be alert. On a bike as relaxing as the Gold Wing, that could pose a problem!
Not that such concerns have harmed the Wing’s sales. The GL1000 had a five-year production run – from ’74 to ’79. Obviously, it was doing something right. Overall – given its gargantuan girth – the Wing was a smooth and compliant mount. A dry weight of 571lb was a lot to coax through corners – and a handful to haul up. On both counts, though, the Wing scored well. Just in case, the Aspencade came with a compressor … for on-board suspension adjustment.
To say the least, the Gold Wing is a bike with a following. For an owner, the ‘season’ starts early – and ends late. Summer rallies cascade like confetti … for those married to a Wing! The bike was always big in the US. Plus, the Gold Wing has graced many a European get-together. In fact, the Gold Wing has gone global. Wherever there is a road, there will be a Honda Gold Wing flying up it, sooner or later. And – with a top speed of 122mph – for the GL1000, it was probably sooner!