Gold Wing Stories
First Generation Gold Wing Designed as Supersport Model
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 supersport models in Japan, Europe, and the United States, and the fierce competition among manufacturers in this genre.
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.
Equipped with a 4-stroke, 4-cylinder engine, revolutionary for a mass-produced motorcycle at the time, its dynamic and graceful styling was highly praised by sports fans.
Its high popularity was overshadowed a few years later by supersport models released by other manufacturers, prompting Honda to rapidly pursue a flagship model that would surpass the CB750 FOUR.
The result was the first-generation Gold Wing (GL1000), which was positioned as a supersport model. 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 road sports models 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-performance supersport, was changed by American riders, thus beginning its history as a long-distance tourer.
