Gold Wing Stories
First Generation Gold Wing Designed as Flagship High-Speed Tourer
Gold Wing now has an unmistakable presence as a long-distance tourer. The first generation Gold Wing (GL1000), however, was designed as a supersport model, due to the popularity of large-displacement supersport models in the United States.
The CB750 FOUR, designed for the United States as its main market, was highly popular as soon as it was launched in 1969. It became a hit not only in the U.S., but also in Japan and Europe.
The CB’s high popularity was within a few years later as supersport models released by other manufacturers had eroded its advantages, prompting Honda to rapidly pursue a flagship model that would surpass the CB750 FOUR.
The development team’s answer was to pioneer new possibilities to go beyond the preconceived ideas, and to build the biggest, most spectacular motorcycle.
The result was the first-generation Gold Wing (GL1000). Its engine was newly designed and unique for a motorcycle: a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder 1000cc engine. The fuel tank was positioned under the seat to lower the center of gravity, and the freed up space was used to store electrical and other components in a unique configuration.
Honda unveiled the Gold Wing (GL1000) at the U.S. Dealer Show in Las Vegas in September 1974. It made a big impact on the motorcycle industry once shown in Cologne, Germany, and Paris, France.
In December 1974, complete engines rolled off the line at the Saitama Factory’s Wako Plant, and mass production of completed models began at the Sayama Plant. In 1975, the long-awaited sales of the GL1000 in the U.S. began.
GL1000 engine line-off ceremony (Saitama Factory Wako Plant, December 1974)
As a high-performance bike, the GL1000 aimed for the pinnacle of tourers for exhilarating rides in the majestic American landscape, but its use in the United States gradually changed.
Riders began to transform the GL1000 to their own liking, such as installing fairing to enjoy long-distance tandem touring.
The first Gold Wing (GL1000), introduced as a high-speed tourer, was changed by the will of American riders, thus beginning its history as a grand tourer for two to enjoy long distance riding.
