1975 Honda GL1000 Solo 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 monster 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 actually located underneath the seat) and naked styling, with comfortable high bars for cruising.  The Gold Wing was an immediate success, with over 13,000 sold in America in the first year alone and Honda made evolutionary changes throughout the 1970s before it was replaced with the new Gl1100 in 1980.