1976 Honda GL1000 Goldwing Motorcycle

Description

Launched in 1975, Honda’s Gold Wing is regarded by many enthusiasts as the ultimate long-distance tourer, both in terms of rider comfort and relaxed performance. An engineering masterpiece, the Gold Wing managed to eclipse the legendary CB750, becoming one of the most powerful and fastest bikes on the market.  Powered by a 999cc liquid-cooled horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, Honda’s engineers switched to shaft drive while twin disc brakes up front and a twin-caliper rear disc proved more than capable of scrubbing off is prodigious speed.  Four Keihin 32mm carburettors fed the massive engine and a four-into-two exhaust system expelled spent fumes, covered with chrome heat shields and tips.  Other notable features included comprehensive instrumentation, a storage locker where the fuel tank would normally sit (the tank was located underneath the seat) and naked styling, with comfortable high bars for cruising.  Minor revisions to the GL1000 took place throughout the late 1970s, mostly cosmetic and Honda released a Limited Edition version in 1976 boasting Custom Candy Brown paint with gold pinstripes, gold-anodized rims and spokes, additional chrome plating and a new seat plus unique badging.  Costing a third more than the already expensive Gold Wing, Honda only produced 2,000 Limited Editions and surviving examples are fast becoming collectible.