I’m a retired Harley mechanic and I’ve been riding a 1999 Honda Valkyrie that I bought for $2000 with 5000 miles on it , I’ve been going coast to coast on it every year and have 90,000 miles on it now and it seems to ride better with age, I buy oil filters from the dealership and the last one I noticed it was made in the USA, even on my motor it says made in USA, can’t beat the reliability that Honda has
Can’t beat the old Hondas, so reliable and such a nice ride , if some of the tough guy Harley riders would just take off there blinders and look or ride a few other bikes they might just see there’s a whole lotta great rides out there and won’t have to spend over $30,000 to get it
I owned a 1985 GL1200 Interstate for 10 years, put 120,000 miles on it, and sold it in 2001 with 160K on the clock, and drove it 400 miles to it’s new owner in LA. I changed the stator assembly in my garage and did all maintenance myself. I toured the whole west coast of the USA with it and commuted 160 miles a day for 6 years on it. I have had a Kawi 1000 Concours, a Suzuki GS1100G, and a Kawi Vulcan 1500 since. I could ride it for 10 hours a day or chase sport bikes in the twisties dragging my bag guards with no problem. To this day, I still miss that GL1200!
My daily driver is a 1983 Goldwing, restored in 2015. I just finished a restoration of a 1978 Goldwing. These are awesome bikes even by today's standard.
That's exactly how I used to feel about my GL1100's, but after 40 years, Harley has finally caught up and surpassed my naked Wings in raw acceleration, as my old tired Wing can only pull off a 12.8 sec quarter and the fresher one is only good for a 12.2. There are also quite a few SUV's and trucks these days that can smoke me at a traffic light, like the many Cherokee Trackhawks, and F-150 Lightnings. Not to mention being spanked by just about any 650cc Sport bike. One thing about the old Wings that I do appreciate over the new bikes is that they run on regular gas and get 43 mpg if I DON'T take it easy and 52 if I obey the speed limit. They also seem to still handle better than the hogs in the tight twisties. I just wish I could add about 50 HP, so I could keep up with the hogs at the lights and get the front end up high enough to ride a wheelie and set it down softly.
Yep. Great bikes ! I bought an '81 model (naked) brand new. I put on a Vetter fairing and Krauser bags and trunk. The most delightful machine I ever owned. I bought a new '21 DCT Wing and hated it; fortunately, was able to unload it soon after for only a 300 $ loss, due to demand and shortage of available bikes ! I was very lucky to recover most of my costs ! The DCT version is the clankiest, busiest and most annoying transmission I've ever experienced. If I ever own a GW again, I'll get a manual tranny version. I now ride a BMW r1200RT. Thanks for the GREAT GW history !! THUMBS UP !
I used to be a Diehard Harley guy. Then I got a GL1800 and never looked back. In fact, at the meet ups, my Harley buddies would always tease me. So any time they did, I threw them the keys to my 2004 GL and every single one came back smiling and shaking their head. They got it, they understood and I've caught a few of them on their own GL's. All it takes is trying it to be sold.
When the dealership I was working at first opened in mid to late 70's we had guys from the factories of Yamaha, Honda, triumph and Husky come in and talk to us. One of the Japanese Honda factory guys told me and the owner that Honda had decided to make the GL basically automotive in design and reliability. That made a great deal of sense when I looked at the bikes more closely. I think they accomplished that goal exceptionally well. Yet they didn't lose the motorcycle feel in the process thankfully! I've owned several GL1000's over many years and none of them ever left me stranded on the side of the road like some other brands have. I've always been a pretty aggressive rider no matter what I happen to be on and never a whisper of a problem.
I've got an 83 Honda Goldwing GL1100 that I got super cheap. Get it out of yard cheap. Previous owner didn't know what was wrong with it so he let it go and it's twin for $200. I took both apart and took the best of the 2 and put it into 1. Been riding that 1100 for the last 8 years. With little problems. Love that bike. Wouldn't trade it for nothing. The second bike, the one I scalped parts from, I parted out, and sold the bare frame. Between parts and frame I made $200. So basically my bike was free by the time I was done.
I always loved his story on the start. He, like me, rode to Texas early in the year, froze nearly to death, and was rained on much fo the trip, and decided he needed something to keep that off of him. In his case, he created a great fairing. In my case, I bought one of his when I got back. We owe him much, as he changed the world of motorcycling greatly.
There is quite an error in the video. In 1985 the GL1200 LTD was the only one which came in the Gold-Brown 2 tone colour. It was the first fuel-injected GL. All the other GL1200 models were still carburated . All the amenities as described for the ´86 Aspencade SEI were already in the ´85 LTD. I have an LTD and it is a great tourer.
Long time Harley guy here but bought my first Wing nearly two years ago after being a secret lurker for years. I have to say, I love my GoldWing GL1800. I still own a Harley but I’m on the Wing 90% of the time.
You can't go wrong with any wings. I saw a gl1000 on a ride the other day. It looked great. 1978 and still kicking. THe 1800 is a great deal to be had.
I ride 2 Harleys and an 06 Yamaha stratoliner. Was a professional HD test rider for 2 years. Love Harleys, love big V-twin's. But have to admit, the GW's are the finest and most reliable motorcycle on the planet, bar none. Simply change oil, add gas, ride motorcycle. Not my kind of bike, but they have my total respect.
I have owned three Goldwings. I started with a 1984, 1200 Interstate, rode it for over five years and toured a lot. Next was a 2000, 1500. I live in Oregon and had it to the East coast twice and did a circle of the USA, to the East coast, down to Florida, back to California and back up I-5 to Oregon. Almost 10,000 miles by the time I got home. Now I own a 1982, 1100 Interstate I bought from a wrecking yard. Its previous owner had dropped it and did minor damage to the fairing, his insurance totaled it. I bought it for $175.00. Two tires, a battery and some minor repairs the fairing I took care of it looks nearly perfect now, drives and runs great. Loved all my Goldwings.
As a Harley rider and owner,I have nothing bad to say about the Goldwing ! Perfect motorbike. Harley's are far from perfect...I can't explain why I choose Harley over Honda,You have to have it in your blood I guess !But I would own a GW in a heartbeat also !
100% agree! Thank you for wonderful memories. Loved all my Wings. 84 GL1200 Two tone Wineberry Interstate and 98 Pearl white GL1500 LE. Now my game changing 22 Ultra blue DCT Tour airbag. We have lived in great times for motorcycle development. May it never end. Ride safe and ride often ya’ll.
Couple years ago I bought a 88' 1500GL (first year with reverse), for $1800. I fixed some cosmetics but bike runs smooth like new. I love it! I delivered Honda products from Seattle docks too Portland Honda. I learned first hand what hold on America Honda had over other brands. Japanese motorcycle warehouse was so long you couldn't see the end of building. Honda occupied around 85%-90% of build with all others in 10%-15% building floor space. With all the Honda red signs on box's I bet I waved 500 to 1000 times each trip to horn honks an enthusiastic waves from all ages!
Great historical overview of the GoldWing. I purchased my 1975 GL in early 1976. They over produced the '75's and my dealer had 52 '75's on the show room floor and I drove one home. Still have it and runs great! In the 70's added Vetter fairing and Bates bags which are still on. Road all over the country covering almost all 48 contiguous states and never had a break down. Great machine and still a joy to ride today. Retiring and downsizing soon so will be looking for someone to carry the torch of this amazing machine.
@@kevincraig8257 it’s the aqua blue or whatever they called it. Don’t recall the official color name but that was the only color the dealer had and there were 52 of them all lined up in the show room. Impressive sight for sure.
I wanted to comment on the GL1200A Stator problem of failing and it's replacement on the road, I will tell you from personal experience that as long as you can find a Stator and have "ONLY" the original factory tool kit (the rolled up tool satchel) that came with the bike you can remove the engine and remove the engine cover and replace the STATOR (note that you might want to replace the water pump seal while you are in there) and reassemble the motor and then reinstall the motor back into the bike and be on your way! Yes it can be done! I know because I did it over a weekend in Las Vegas during a road trip 30 years ago riding to my brothers house, OMG he did not even have a screw driver but he did have a house with a garage so I could work on the Gold Wing there. It was one of the best road trips I can remember - L.A. to Denver and back.
@@BobKramer51 Sorry about my grammar, I meant to say use your head to block up your bike if it does not come from the factory with center-stand it's not like you are using it for much else.
I remember a trip to Laguna Seca for the Moto GP. Taking the I-5, we met up with a group at a gas station talking about going through the mountains to the 1. The leader was on a Goldwing. I was on an R1. He saw that I caught up to him and took me for a ride. Following that Goldwing, I was in awe. How could that bike be going this fast on these turns?!! That was in 2005, I believe.
I bought my first Goldwing in 1980, a GL1000K1, which started my love for Wings. This was followed by a GL1100 with a Vetter fairing, a GL1500SE, two GL1800's and finally my current ride, a 2019 Goldwing Tour DCT. What can I say, I just love them :D
The shaft drive wasn't what eliminated the awesome twisting effect, that was done by the counter-rotating stator. Both BMW and Guzzi use a shaft drive.
I owned a 77’ gen 1 with the spoked wheels and a backup kickstarter. I own now 2 Gen 3s 1200. A fuel injected one and a carbureted one. They are awesome and very easy to maintain.
I just sold my 1100 last week.. didn’t have a place to keep it and I didn’t ride it much anyway. Most of my riding is around the city and I frequently park on sidewalks and stuff like that. My daily ride is an 84 vt500ft.. pretty comparable performance, comfortable on the highways and small enough to park anywhere. That wing was next level comfy though!
I worked for this company for 25 years, they were Amazing, their engines and transmission are 2nd to nobody, I have had a least one bike my whole life, about the carbs the reason honda did that was because at the time their carbs were better than any injector of the day, they were able to tune them more precisely the cv carbs were really well adapted. the mid 80s was a weird time in the auto industry
I'm working on same bike and I had transmitted engine from one to another bike but I'm having problem with clutch wire can you help me to.finish project
Nice well thought out vidio. I purchased a 1977 CB750K but really wanted a GL1000. In 1994 I traded my PC800 for a new Gl1500. Great bike but was boring, so I went to BMW and never looked back. I liked the sportier handling of the BMW. By the time the 2018 wing came out and hearing of fantastic handling I wanted one but in 2020 my health significantly declined, I lost a leg and that ended my riding days.
44 years of riding and my third wing. I've owned a 1993 wing 2013 wing now a 2018 wing and yep the 2018 wing wins hands down. No complaints smooth ride great handling great gas mileage (regular) and a real head turner.
Thanks for the upload. Still miss my GL1500SE anniversary edition 1989. Me and my wife rode it for 8 years and astonished ourselves and fellow riders in the twisties. No problems at all besides a defective kill switch which left us stranded in Germany.. Finally sold it because I got older and of it's weight and maneuverability at (very) low speeds. With to up we tumbled a couple of times over doing low speed U turns. No harm done besides being embarrassed .After that my wife lost a bit of confidence. But all in all I want it back !
I had a gold wing GL1000 series K0 ....This was the second oldest. It was an incredible bike without any problems during 4 years I drove. Even in the winter it was one push on the starter and it runs. I was stupid to sell it. The reliable was on top. With proud I can say:"I was a Goldwing driver"
I miss my Honda C. B. 750. It was built to a 900 from the factory. Great bike. I now ride a Yamaha Deluxe 1200. It's a 1984. I love this bike, easy to ride and so comfortable you feel as if you are riding on a cloud. I had the 1100 Honda and in 2005 I had to sell it to buy replacement solar panels after a high wind blew a roof on my panels. I had to have power for my kids. Being a single parent I had to put my children first. My kids are grown now and they cannot understand why I purchased my Yamaha. I could care less how old I am I will ride till I die.
I rode the 2018 Tour DCT. Believe it or not, the dealer gave it to me as a loaner while my CB500X was getting service & tires. Rode it for 4 hours. I never got the concept before, but that day I got it. It finally clicked
I had a 1976 Goldwing and a 1984 CB750K. Liked them both. The GL1000 used the same fuel pump, camshaft pulleys, belts and idler pulleys as the Accord CVCC engine by the way.
The GoldWing was Triple disc brakes from day 1. My '75 GL1000 was easy enough to kickstart when I wanted to show how well built it was. I ride my '81 Goldwing GL1100 often, and it never disappoints! The GL1100 was also available "naked" through 1983. The 1985 GL1200 was the 1st Goldwing that was not available "naked".
I have a 1981 also with 75 or 76 Cames put in it years ago. someone told the last owner GW were built to be muscle bikes then in 1977 Kawasaki 900 16 valve came out. anyway, my old 1981 pulls very hard can take it to 10,000 rpm shift points and makes power all the way to 10,000. full dressed stock exost. you may find cams laying around some where. lol
@@1301tbear Yes, you are correct, I made the correction above. I've been through so many of the early years that they are starting to run together in my head, lol!
@@1301tbear I have one of each color, of the 1984 GL1200 Standards. A Black one with 37631 miles, Vin 1HFSC1400EAOO3164. And the other is the Honduras ? Maroon with 30898 miles and a dealer installed Honda windshield, VIN 1FSC1408EA000917. I sure wish there was a registry for the factory 'Naked' wings, with VIN number, color, miles, and location. My two are here in the Phoenix, Az area.
People would load their cp750 with veteran gear and everything on the bike but the kitchen sink to up with luggage it would result in over heating. Honda look at these issues with the 7:54 and went to water cooling to alleviate the overheating issues as well as shaft drive to eliminate chain maintenance. The prototype was originally a six-cylinder motor but they cut it back to four cylinders. The goldwing was the first motorcycle to have an extra digit in the odometer because people would roll the odometer two or three times over. A brand-new looking goldwing could have 300,000 MI on it and you would not know it.
Nice video. I owned a CB550 with Windjammer fairing, GL500 silverwing, A GL1100 naked, GL1100 interstate with sidecar, GL1800 solo, GL1500 25th trike and now I ride a GL1800 reversed trike. The GL1500 had more luxe as the 1800
Great history review on the progress or evolution of the Honda GoldWing! All I can say is I LOVE MY GOLDWING DCT TOUR converted to A CSC Encore Trike. Time for a multi State ride!
I had a 1981 Goldwing I bought in 2009 with 40,000 miles on it. I rode it and rode it and rode it putting another 40,000 miles on it in about 5 years or less. Then one day some idiot in a car decided it was more important to look at her telephone and yell at her kids than look out the windshield of her car. That was the end of the bike and could just have easily been the end of me, but God was good and I walked away. I rode that bike from Tulsa to Santa Fe, NM a couple of times. I used to tell my wife I was going to Kansas and just get lost. I would get on some small farm highway, come to an intersection and just turn one way or another on a whim Finally, I would decide I needed to turn back to Oklahoma and I always came back to where I did not know I would be. And my Goldwing never let me down or left me stranded. Sure wish I had it back.
I had a 79 GL1100 myself. It had the Vetter faring with the lowers on it & the Vetter trunk & saddlebags that detached with a keyed lock. Damn right I miss that bike!!!
As a former K1200LT rider and looking to return to touring I found this incredibly helpful. My gut feeling is that the 5 series would suit me better for munching miles in Europe. But I must admit the 6 series does look pretty sexy!
I've got a 79' GL1000 "Naked Wing" w/a Vetter fairing & 8k original miles on it. It rode awesome. My wife and I rode up to the White Mtns here in NH, all day trip, totally comfortable. I even have a trailer hitch for it I bought on Ebay. Trying to get it fixed & back on the road, as well as my 79' KZ1000 ST w/19k orig mi. Despite buying a new 21' Vulcan 1700 Vaquero last Spring.
Thank you so much for the trip through Goldwing's evolution, brings me back so far. My first Goldwing was a GL1800 2001 (red ilusion) that I bought at 124 500km and sold it at 181 119km, my second Wing is a G:1800 2012 rebuilt that I got at 13 090km and today has 143 750km. Last year, I discovered Iron Butt rides and have done one 1600 (Aug 10) and two 2000km (Sept 2 & 16) in under 24 hours . I did have a 1982 GL1100 in between, but no windjamer and was not thrilled, so, I sold it.
I appreciated the content. It was fun to see my '97 Gl1500 in this video. The audio, however, continually faded in and out which distracted me from learning as well as I could have.
This is how I like great informative videos to be! Just wanted to say I just stumbled here by accident, randomly played because I just watched a video about the Goldwing I used to ride with my dad on as a child. I now see why he loved it. I subscribed within the first couple minutes of your video. I haven't finished it yet but it seems fantastic. Great voice, descriptions, background music, just very very good overall with everything I saw/heard. I love just good dives into ANYTHING done like this! Have a wonderful day/evening! 🍻🌎❤️🌮
Thank you so much for watching it. I had alot of fun making it, and now I bought a Gl1100. I didn't realize the history of the goldwing until i started making it, but hopefully there will be more videos soon. Thanks again
Excellent review, I've found out things in your video I wasn't even aware of, very well done! - For me, I had an 1985 LTD when I was 23yo brand new up here in Vancouver, BC, Canada.. Delivery came through in early 1986 and it cost me $11,000 Canadian pre-tax (+5%). This brought a whole new level to my female playing field - Thank You Honda 👊 :-)
Great video after my brother n law who was a harley machanic told me he was getting a goldwing next I started looking into them also. I have a heritage but definitely looking at one myself.
a LOT of HD mechanics where i work are riding used Victorys. There a mechanics dream come true, and you can pick them up cheap I have 2 and 3 GW, 2 TRIUMPS.12 RIGHT NOW. will be selling some in 3 months. I don't have much more money in them than 1 new one.
One of the best reviews I have ever seen on a Goldwing. I have done over 60,000 miles on my first wing and now over 60,000 on my 2010. I won’t sell it because I think it this is one of the best wings that was ever made. Since they sent the production back to Japan, I lost interest the only thing I’m thinking about now after 1213 years is upgrading the suspension to the newest suspensions that are available to make it more like a Cadillac on the road.
I just did a title for title trade for a 1981 Honda GL1100 Goldwing Interstate a few days ago, and I have fallen in love with my Lazyboy on wheels. This was great as I wanted to know more on the history of where my forever bike came from. Thank You!!!
I owned a 84 Aspencade for 11 years that I purchased in 1989. I loved that bike and put over 30K on it. BUT, the stator recall kind on screwed me over since it only applied to the original owner.
What a great story and so much information, I really enjoyed watching it. I have never liked goldwings and never thought about owning one, thought they looked too much like a boring old mans bike, I much preferred my Harley, HOWEVER I can't believe I have been turned by the 6th gen and maybe, just maybe considering buying one, just need to find somewhere I can test ride one.... but I will def miss the gps in my Harley, its so friggin good and the storage.... well thats been discussed so many times, who knows I might get a bagger version and add a Harley trunk, problem solved ;)
The '83 1100 was the last naked Wing available to US buyers. What may have been offered outside the US is unknown to me, but in general, non-import models were hotter bikes than they sold here.
@@oregongaper May I correct you ? It was the 1984 GL1200 that was the last factory 'Naked' wing, known as the GL1200 Standard that was sold in the USA.. I have 2 of them, one of each color sold that year.
I used to have a 1970 Suzuki with a 'hop up kit. It became a 100cc single ring, expansion chamber pipe, along with matching the transfer ports, lowering the intake ports, extending the carb cover for optimum cfm. This bike was extremely powerful to the point of throttling back to let the cutch stop slipping! Top end with a passenger was over 130mph. It reved 11,000 rpm! With just a twist of the wrist... My brother still has this bike in his garage to this day! The End
I own a 1984 GL1200 Standard (aka naked) wineberry. It is fitted with a 1983 Hondaline Fairing put on by the selling dealer. By 1984 the standards time was over due to the Interstate and Aspencade. Dealers were overstocked with the 83 and 84 standards and mine wasn't the only one to have this done to it in order to get it out the door. There WAS no 1984 Hondaline fairing only made so dealers simply put an 83 Hondaline on it. SO.....I have the Last year standard and the first year GL1200! Best GL I have ever owned. Easy to ride, and the Hondaline is there for extended highway cruising. This is the 1975 Goldwing taken to the highest level.
I've been considering a GoldWing CSC and recently had an opportunity to compare a 2018 GoldWing CSC with my 2018 CanAm RT Limited. The CanAm was far more comfortable. Don't know if there's a selection of seats for the GoldWing CSC, but that one was genuinely uncomfortable. The person who owned it was complaining of how uncomfortable it was to ride for any distance. But no question, it is a beautiful motorcycle, as a bike or a trike!
I transitioned from a 2018 Can Am RT Limited to a 2018 Goldwing Motor Trike. It is every bit as comfortable as the Can Am. But beyond comfort, the Can Am was under powered, to my liking. After thousands of miles on both motorcycles, I would not go back to the Can Am. In 2018 it was a decade behind other touring bikes in technology. I'm sure it has caught up by 2023 or 2024.
One thing Wingers would know and perhaps not other Bikers, is the '09 and '10 models. They carried different model year numbers, but were built at the same time with only color options being different. I think this was largely to have an inventory available as they planned to move out of the USA. Nice report. I had the 1500 and an 1800, with an ST in between them. Loved them all. Now if we could get a Pacific Coast available again, I think I would need that!
what a great intro, to how the GL came about, i remember the first one i saw on the road, and it was a green one , and it looked so majestic sitting a the lights and how it just took off, and the intro was right, there was a local MotoGuse dealer who had a California in the window and it did look great, but not to be taken out if it rained, and i remember the BMW bikes and they so expenses, but like all thing that evolve, things got even better and the GL was no exception, but i must say, on my many ventures crossing Europe HDs have taken over, from BMVs and so on. And i have not seen many GLs on European roads. like one did years ago. yours Kevin
I'm currently retromodding a 1983 gl1100A. Theses bikes are fairly strait forward. if you can find parts are easy to build and can be done by a novice. the fun is finding the parts. I've done demos on Harley's , Indian's and a slew of bikes. they're all nice but for an afordable bike , ease of maintenance. you cant beat the Gl
Great video. I've been riding a Yamaha FJR 1300 for over a decade but, at 5' 7", I have to use a less than comfortable Corbin seat which gets a little stiff after a couple hundred miles. I'm wondering if it might be time for me to move to a more dedicated touring bike as I approach my 60's. This was super-informative. Thanks so much!
I worked at a Honda dealer when the first Goldwing was announced. We got a display model by driving to a dealer in Nebraska to pick it up. We were allowed to have it for a week, then it went to a dealer in North Dakota. We were told not to ride it.
I worked at a dealership from 81 to 88 and was the kid who installed all the accessories from radios to chrome. Also assembled and got to ride all the new Goldwings. I remember the first Aspencade we got in. I got to ride all the new Hondas, Yamaha and Suzuki. We were one of the first huge dealerships. Fun days.
Gold wing is a great bike and superior to everything on the road and freeway on a trip. It can be a bit of a challenge in the driveway and parking lots. I have a Kawaski Vulcan 900 with a plexi fairing, saddle bags, glove bag and a mustang seat. I use for day rides and it's a breeze to backup out of the bar. I wouldn't try to ride more than 5 hrs/day on a trip.
I bought one of the first Goldwings in 1975. and i traveled tp Elkins west Virginia to get it at a cost of $2,995.and i rode it up and down the east coast, from Maryland tp California, then from Tiajuana to Vancouver, and it was a very dependable bike, for a first edition. and i eventually put 140000 miles on it.
I have one of those Candy Red 30th Anniversary 2005 GL1800 Goldwings. Still ride a Harley, but just for going slow. Goldwing is my daily rider and usually redlining the engine and spinning the rear tire when the light turns green....
Think project 371 was a 6 cylinder as far as I can recall. You can also see it at the picture if you look closely, there are 3 inlet manifolds on top of the cil-head. Otherwise a really nice walk through! Thanks!
Clearly this is by someone looking back at the past without having lived in it. Goldwings are not naked. There was the GL1000, period. Then there was the GL1100 (base bike), GL1100I (Interstate with fairings and luggage), and the GL1100A (Aspencade, an upgraded Interstate). After that, yu had the GL1200, GL1200I, and GL1200A. The Base bike was dropped and all you could get were ones with the touring package of fairing and saddlebags. CB radios had NOTHING to do with getting gas, but were ways to avoid police radar traps so that people could exceed the 55 mph speed limit. They certainly had nothing to do with weak cell areas as there were no cell phones. And while you can consider a Goldwing from 1980 to 2010 an American bike, it isn't more American than Harley. Most of the GW parts are Japanese made and shipped to the US for assembly, whereas some of the Harley parts are made in the US.
One of my first motorcycles was Rescuehoundemtd 10th anniversary bike in 1985. It was in the two tone gold. I bought it for $1500 and rode it for 10 years. Money well spent. Mine was fuel injected.
I’m a retired Harley mechanic and I’ve been riding a 1999 Honda Valkyrie that I bought for $2000 with 5000 miles on it , I’ve been going coast to coast on it every year and have 90,000 miles on it now and it seems to ride better with age, I buy oil filters from the dealership and the last one I noticed it was made in the USA, even on my motor it says made in USA, can’t beat the reliability that Honda has
Considering that the Valkyrie is essentially a throwback to the early "naked" Goldwings (albeit with that insane flat-6), its a badass cruiser bike.
Gl 1200 naked greeting from Europe love it🍀
Can’t beat the old Hondas, so reliable and such a nice ride , if some of the tough guy Harley riders would just take off there blinders and look or ride a few other bikes they might just see there’s a whole lotta great rides out there and won’t have to spend over $30,000 to get it
9 Ino8@@jamespolucha8790
@@jamespolucha8790if they did that the prices would shoot up for metric bikes
I owned a 1985 GL1200 Interstate for 10 years, put 120,000 miles on it, and sold it in 2001 with 160K on the clock, and drove it 400 miles to it’s new owner in LA. I changed the stator assembly in my garage and did all maintenance myself. I toured the whole west coast of the USA with it and commuted 160 miles a day for 6 years on it. I have had a Kawi 1000 Concours, a Suzuki GS1100G, and a Kawi Vulcan 1500 since. I could ride it for 10 hours a day or chase sport bikes in the twisties dragging my bag guards with no problem. To this day, I still miss that GL1200!
My daily driver is a 1983 Goldwing, restored in 2015. I just finished a restoration of a 1978 Goldwing. These are awesome bikes even by today's standard.
That's exactly how I used to feel about my GL1100's, but after 40 years, Harley has finally caught up and surpassed my naked Wings in raw acceleration, as my old tired Wing can only pull off a 12.8 sec quarter and the fresher one is only good for a 12.2.
There are also quite a few SUV's and trucks these days that can smoke me at a traffic light, like the many Cherokee Trackhawks, and F-150 Lightnings. Not to mention being spanked by just about any 650cc Sport bike. One thing about the old Wings that I do appreciate over the new bikes is that they run on regular gas and get 43 mpg if I DON'T take it easy and 52 if I obey the speed limit. They also seem to still handle better than the hogs in the tight twisties. I just wish I could add about 50 HP, so I could keep up with the hogs at the lights and get the front end up high enough to ride a wheelie and set it down softly.
Just bought my first bike a 1978 goldwing needs some work but I already love it
My first g.w ., Was the 83 naked, now ride 96 gl1500, never well I forget the thumbs up from Harley riders, Sometimes when I blew pass them.
LOVE to see some pics of those! I have a 1985 Limited & love it so....
Yep. Great bikes ! I bought an '81 model (naked) brand new. I put on a Vetter fairing and Krauser bags and trunk. The most delightful machine I ever owned. I bought a new '21 DCT Wing and hated it; fortunately, was able to unload it soon after for only a 300 $ loss, due to demand and shortage of available bikes ! I was very lucky to recover most of my costs ! The DCT version is the clankiest, busiest and most annoying transmission I've ever experienced. If I ever own a GW again, I'll get a manual tranny version. I now ride a BMW r1200RT. Thanks for the GREAT GW history !! THUMBS UP !
I used to be a Diehard Harley guy. Then I got a GL1800 and never looked back. In fact, at the meet ups, my Harley buddies would always tease me. So any time they did, I threw them the keys to my 2004 GL and every single one came back smiling and shaking their head. They got it, they understood and I've caught a few of them on their own GL's. All it takes is trying it to be sold.
When the dealership I was working at first opened in mid to late 70's we had guys from the factories of Yamaha, Honda, triumph and Husky come in and talk to us. One of the Japanese Honda factory guys told me and the owner that Honda had decided to make the GL basically automotive in design and reliability. That made a great deal of sense when I looked at the bikes more closely. I think they accomplished that goal exceptionally well. Yet they didn't lose the motorcycle feel in the process thankfully! I've owned several GL1000's over many years and none of them ever left me stranded on the side of the road like some other brands have. I've always been a pretty aggressive rider no matter what I happen to be on and never a whisper of a problem.
Yes but a little boring to drive at times like many Jap bikes.
I've got an 83 Honda Goldwing GL1100 that I got super cheap. Get it out of yard cheap. Previous owner didn't know what was wrong with it so he let it go and it's twin for $200. I took both apart and took the best of the 2 and put it into 1. Been riding that 1100 for the last 8 years. With little problems. Love that bike. Wouldn't trade it for nothing. The second bike, the one I scalped parts from, I parted out, and sold the bare frame. Between parts and frame I made $200. So basically my bike was free by the time I was done.
Always nice to see positive documentaries showing off my dad's work with fairings. Nice video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I always loved his story on the start. He, like me, rode to Texas early in the year, froze nearly to death, and was rained on much fo the trip, and decided he needed something to keep that off of him.
In his case, he created a great fairing.
In my case, I bought one of his when I got back.
We owe him much, as he changed the world of motorcycling greatly.
Of all your dads work, I have to say the Triumph Trident tank/seat bodywork was an absolute masterpiece.
@@markblundell9461 So many good fairings. They are iconic.
I thought that was the best part of the video. He knew what they needed before Honda did. Those were beautiful.
There is quite an error in the video. In 1985 the GL1200 LTD was the only one which came in the Gold-Brown 2 tone colour. It was the first fuel-injected GL. All the other GL1200 models were still carburated . All the amenities as described for the ´86 Aspencade SEI were already in the ´85 LTD. I have an LTD and it is a great tourer.
Long time Harley guy here but bought my first Wing nearly two years ago after being a secret lurker for years. I have to say, I love my GoldWing GL1800. I still own a Harley but I’m on the Wing 90% of the time.
You can't go wrong with any wings. I saw a gl1000 on a ride the other day. It looked great. 1978 and still kicking. THe 1800 is a great deal to be had.
I love Harley as well and glad they are doing things quit well. but Honda has always had a big part of my heart, owned one since the early 80s
A very well done documentary, thank you!
100%!
I owned a 1100cc Goldwing. It was an upgrade from a Honda CB550 (also an amazing bike). That Goldwing brought me many years of joy.
I ride 2 Harleys and an 06 Yamaha stratoliner. Was a professional HD test rider for 2 years. Love Harleys, love big V-twin's. But have to admit, the GW's are the finest and most reliable motorcycle on the planet, bar none. Simply change oil, add gas, ride motorcycle. Not my kind of bike, but they have my total respect.
Right on!
any honda bike is like that
its a matter of preference, which model do you prefer, but a honda is GOOD TO GO
2/3 of the world runs on honda scooters
I have owned three Goldwings. I started with a 1984, 1200 Interstate, rode it for over five years and toured a lot. Next was a 2000, 1500. I live in Oregon and had it to the East coast twice and did a circle of the USA, to the East coast, down to Florida, back to California and back up I-5 to Oregon. Almost 10,000 miles by the time I got home. Now I own a 1982, 1100 Interstate I bought from a wrecking yard. Its previous owner had dropped it and did minor damage to the fairing, his insurance totaled it. I bought it for $175.00. Two tires, a battery and some minor repairs the fairing I took care of it looks nearly perfect now, drives and runs great. Loved all my Goldwings.
As a Harley rider and owner,I have nothing bad to say about the Goldwing ! Perfect motorbike. Harley's are far from perfect...I can't explain why I choose Harley over Honda,You have to have it in your blood I guess !But I would own a GW in a heartbeat also !
Still riding my GL1100 in full dresser regalia with now 140k on the clock. The carbs still have the factory loctite on the screws!
100% agree! Thank you for wonderful memories. Loved all my Wings. 84 GL1200 Two tone Wineberry Interstate and 98 Pearl white GL1500 LE. Now my game changing 22 Ultra blue DCT Tour airbag. We have lived in great times for motorcycle development. May it never end. Ride safe and ride often ya’ll.
Couple years ago I bought a 88' 1500GL (first year with reverse), for $1800. I fixed some cosmetics but bike runs smooth like new. I love it! I delivered Honda products from Seattle docks too Portland Honda. I learned first hand what hold on America Honda had over other brands. Japanese motorcycle warehouse was so long you couldn't see the end of building. Honda occupied around 85%-90% of build with all others in 10%-15% building floor space. With all the Honda red signs on box's I bet I waved 500 to 1000 times each trip to horn honks an enthusiastic waves from all ages!
At almost 70 years old I love my GL 1800 because of the smooth, quiet ride. The dependability of this bike is unmatched.
Great historical overview of the GoldWing. I purchased my 1975 GL in early 1976. They over produced the '75's and my dealer had 52 '75's on the show room floor and I drove one home. Still have it and runs great! In the 70's added Vetter fairing and Bates bags which are still on. Road all over the country covering almost all 48 contiguous states and never had a break down. Great machine and still a joy to ride today. Retiring and downsizing soon so will be looking for someone to carry the torch of this amazing machine.
what color is it I have the sulfer yellow 76
@@kevincraig8257 it’s the aqua blue or whatever they called it. Don’t recall the official color name but that was the only color the dealer had and there were 52 of them all lined up in the show room. Impressive sight for sure.
I wanted to comment on the GL1200A Stator problem of failing and it's replacement on the road, I will tell you from personal experience that as long as you can find a Stator and have "ONLY" the original factory tool kit (the rolled up tool satchel) that came with the bike you can remove the engine and remove the engine cover and replace the STATOR (note that you might want to replace the water pump seal while you are in there) and reassemble the motor and then reinstall the motor back into the bike and be on your way!
Yes it can be done!
I know because I did it over a weekend in Las Vegas during a road trip 30 years ago riding to my brothers house, OMG he did not even have a screw driver but he did have a house with a garage so I could work on the Gold Wing there.
It was one of the best road trips I can remember - L.A. to Denver and back.
That must have been some tool kit. Even included a rolling jack? 🤔
@@BobKramer51 center stand most bikes have one. HD'S don't just use your head.
@@BobKramer51 Sorry about my grammar, I meant to say use your head to block up your bike if it does not come from the factory with center-stand it's not like you are using it for much else.
The fact that you did that with limited tools & before you could just go on Google or TH-cam and get a step by step video on how to do it is insane 😂
I remember a trip to Laguna Seca for the Moto GP. Taking the I-5, we met up with a group at a gas station talking about going through the mountains to the 1. The leader was on a Goldwing. I was on an R1. He saw that I caught up to him and took me for a ride. Following that Goldwing, I was in awe. How could that bike be going this fast on these turns?!! That was in 2005, I believe.
I bought my first Goldwing in 1980, a GL1000K1, which started my love for Wings. This was followed by a GL1100 with a Vetter fairing, a GL1500SE, two GL1800's and finally my current ride, a 2019 Goldwing Tour DCT. What can I say, I just love them :D
The shaft drive wasn't what eliminated the awesome twisting effect, that was done by the counter-rotating stator. Both BMW and Guzzi use a shaft drive.
I owned a 77’ gen 1 with the spoked wheels and a backup kickstarter.
I own now 2 Gen 3s 1200.
A fuel injected one and a carbureted one.
They are awesome and very easy to maintain.
Admirable.
"Working on getting a new microphone for new videos." Yes, that's a very good idea.
The mic is not the problem. it's too close to the narrator's mouth. Easy fix.
I just sold my 1100 last week.. didn’t have a place to keep it and I didn’t ride it much anyway. Most of my riding is around the city and I frequently park on sidewalks and stuff like that. My daily ride is an 84 vt500ft.. pretty comparable performance, comfortable on the highways and small enough to park anywhere. That wing was next level comfy though!
This is a beautiful documentary. Honda Motors should be proud of your work !
Thank you very much.
Trinidad & Tobago.
West Indies.
I worked for this company for 25 years, they were Amazing, their engines and transmission are 2nd to nobody, I have had a least one bike my whole life, about the carbs the reason honda did that was because at the time their carbs were better than any injector of the day, they were able to tune them more precisely the cv carbs were really well adapted. the mid 80s was a weird time in the auto industry
That makes perfect sense. Did you get discount on a gold wing while working there?
I'm working on same bike and I had transmitted engine from one to another bike but I'm having problem with clutch wire can you help me to.finish project
Nice well thought out vidio. I purchased a 1977 CB750K but really wanted a GL1000. In 1994 I traded my PC800 for a new Gl1500. Great bike but was boring, so I went to BMW and never looked back. I liked the sportier handling of the BMW. By the time the 2018 wing came out and hearing of fantastic handling I wanted one but in 2020 my health significantly declined, I lost a leg and that ended my riding days.
44 years of riding and my third wing. I've owned a 1993 wing 2013 wing now a 2018 wing and yep the 2018 wing wins hands down. No complaints smooth ride great handling great gas mileage (regular) and a real head turner.
Thanks for the upload. Still miss my GL1500SE anniversary edition 1989. Me and my wife rode it for 8 years and astonished ourselves and fellow riders in the twisties. No problems at all besides a defective kill switch which left us stranded in Germany.. Finally sold it because I got older and of it's weight and maneuverability at (very) low speeds. With to up we tumbled a couple of times over doing low speed U turns. No harm done besides being embarrassed .After that my wife lost a bit of confidence. But all in all I want it back !
I loved my GL1000. It was so smooth, quiet and comfortable to ride. I should never have sold it.
Good choice!
I had a gold wing GL1000 series K0 ....This was the second oldest. It was an incredible bike without any problems during 4 years I drove. Even in the winter it was one push on the starter and it runs. I was stupid to sell it. The reliable was on top. With proud I can say:"I was a Goldwing driver"
I miss my Honda C. B. 750. It was built to a 900 from the factory. Great bike.
I now ride a Yamaha Deluxe 1200. It's a 1984. I love this bike, easy to ride and so comfortable you feel as if you are riding on a cloud.
I had the 1100 Honda and in 2005 I had to sell it to buy replacement solar panels after a high wind blew a roof on my panels. I had to have power for my kids. Being a single parent I had to put my children first. My kids are grown now and they cannot understand why I purchased my Yamaha. I could care less how old I am I will ride till I die.
I rode the 2018 Tour DCT. Believe it or not, the dealer gave it to me as a loaner while my CB500X was getting service & tires. Rode it for 4 hours. I never got the concept before, but that day I got it. It finally clicked
I had a 1976 Goldwing and a 1984 CB750K. Liked them both. The GL1000 used the same fuel pump, camshaft pulleys, belts and idler pulleys as the Accord CVCC engine by the way.
Bought a GL 1000 in 1975, with a vetter fairing, it owns my heart for a bike. Rode it into the late 80s. It was more agile then the later GLs.
The GoldWing was Triple disc brakes from day 1. My '75 GL1000 was easy enough to kickstart when I wanted to show how well built it was. I ride my '81 Goldwing GL1100 often, and it never disappoints! The GL1100 was also available "naked" through 1983. The 1985 GL1200 was the 1st Goldwing that was not available "naked".
I have a 1981 also with 75 or 76 Cames put in it years ago. someone told the last owner GW were built to be muscle bikes then in 1977 Kawasaki 900 16 valve came out. anyway, my old 1981 pulls very hard can take it to 10,000 rpm shift points and makes power all the way to 10,000. full dressed stock exost. you may find cams laying around some where. lol
Yes it was 1984 gl1200 standard , no fairing or bags. 1984 only and no many wear sold
@@1301tbear Yes, you are correct, I made the correction above. I've been through so many of the early years that they are starting to run together in my head, lol!
@@1301tbear I have one of each color, of the 1984 GL1200 Standards. A Black one with 37631 miles, Vin 1HFSC1400EAOO3164. And the other is the Honduras ? Maroon with 30898 miles and a dealer installed Honda windshield, VIN 1FSC1408EA000917. I sure wish there was a registry for the factory 'Naked' wings, with VIN number, color, miles, and location. My two are here in the Phoenix, Az area.
People would load their cp750 with veteran gear and everything on the bike but the kitchen sink to up with luggage it would result in over heating. Honda look at these issues with the 7:54 and went to water cooling to alleviate the overheating issues as well as shaft drive to eliminate chain maintenance. The prototype was originally a six-cylinder motor but they cut it back to four cylinders. The goldwing was the first motorcycle to have an extra digit in the odometer because people would roll the odometer two or three times over. A brand-new looking goldwing could have 300,000 MI on it and you would not know it.
Love my gl1100 standard. I got the interstate hard side bags for it and ran straight pipe exhaust. Looks amazing sounds even better
Nice video. I owned a CB550 with Windjammer fairing, GL500 silverwing, A GL1100 naked, GL1100 interstate with sidecar, GL1800 solo, GL1500 25th trike and now I ride a GL1800 reversed trike.
The GL1500 had more luxe as the 1800
Hope you do better comparing competition on next video, loved the little facts all
Long the way
Great history review on the progress or evolution of the Honda GoldWing! All I can say is I LOVE MY GOLDWING DCT TOUR converted to A CSC Encore Trike. Time for a multi State ride!
I had a 1981 Goldwing I bought in 2009 with 40,000 miles on it. I rode it and rode it and rode it putting another 40,000 miles on it in about 5 years or less. Then one day some idiot in a car decided it was more important to look at her telephone and yell at her kids than look out the windshield of her car. That was the end of the bike and could just have easily been the end of me, but God was good and I walked away. I rode that bike from Tulsa to Santa Fe, NM a couple of times. I used to tell my wife I was going to Kansas and just get lost. I would get on some small farm highway, come to an intersection and just turn one way or another on a whim Finally, I would decide I needed to turn back to Oklahoma and I always came back to where I did not know I would be. And my Goldwing never let me down or left me stranded. Sure wish I had it back.
The gl1100 didn’t come out until 80. In 79 they were still 1000 I have one with vetter windjammer bags and trunk. I absolutely love it
I had a 79 GL1100 myself. It had the Vetter faring with the lowers on it & the Vetter trunk & saddlebags that detached with a keyed lock.
Damn right I miss that bike!!!
As a former K1200LT rider and looking to return to touring I found this incredibly helpful. My gut feeling is that the 5 series would suit me better for munching miles in Europe. But I must admit the 6 series does look pretty sexy!
I've got a 79' GL1000 "Naked Wing" w/a Vetter fairing & 8k original miles on it. It rode awesome. My wife and I rode up to the White Mtns here in NH, all day trip, totally comfortable. I even have a trailer hitch for it I bought on Ebay. Trying to get it fixed & back on the road, as well as my 79' KZ1000 ST w/19k orig mi. Despite buying a new 21' Vulcan 1700 Vaquero last Spring.
I took my 1979 Gold Wing across Canada and back in 3 weeks. We had a few long days in the saddle.
Thank you so much for the trip through Goldwing's evolution, brings me back so far. My first Goldwing was a GL1800 2001 (red ilusion) that I bought at 124 500km and sold it at 181 119km, my second Wing is a G:1800 2012 rebuilt that I got at 13 090km and today has 143 750km. Last year, I discovered Iron Butt rides and have done one 1600 (Aug 10) and two 2000km (Sept 2 & 16) in under 24 hours . I did have a 1982 GL1100 in between, but no windjamer and was not thrilled, so, I sold it.
I appreciated the content. It was fun to see my '97 Gl1500 in this video. The audio, however, continually faded in and out which distracted me from learning as well as I could have.
I just got a new mic and it will improve the videos going forward. Beautiful gl1500! looking to get one myself.
I have a '98 A
my dad had a wing used to pick me up from school on it, the other kids was so envious, i did feel like a king on it, great times
This is how I like great informative videos to be! Just wanted to say I just stumbled here by accident, randomly played because I just watched a video about the Goldwing I used to ride with my dad on as a child. I now see why he loved it. I subscribed within the first couple minutes of your video. I haven't finished it yet but it seems fantastic. Great voice, descriptions, background music, just very very good overall with everything I saw/heard. I love just good dives into ANYTHING done like this! Have a wonderful day/evening! 🍻🌎❤️🌮
Thank you so much for watching it. I had alot of fun making it, and now I bought a Gl1100. I didn't realize the history of the goldwing until i started making it, but hopefully there will be more videos soon. Thanks again
My first Wing was in 2007. I love that you gave homage to Yellow Wolf. He definitely inspired me. I now ride a 2018 DCT.
Excellent review, I've found out things in your video I wasn't even aware of, very well done! - For me, I had an 1985 LTD when I was 23yo brand new up here in Vancouver, BC, Canada.. Delivery came through in early 1986 and it cost me $11,000 Canadian pre-tax (+5%). This brought a whole new level to my female playing field - Thank You Honda 👊 :-)
Thanks for sharing!
The over 50 women 😅
Great video after my brother n law who was a harley machanic told me he was getting a goldwing next I started looking into them also. I have a heritage but definitely looking at one myself.
a LOT of HD mechanics where i work are riding used Victorys. There a mechanics dream come true, and you can pick them up cheap I have 2 and 3 GW, 2 TRIUMPS.12 RIGHT NOW. will be selling some in 3 months. I don't have much more money in them than 1 new one.
Right on
Update I just got a 1989 gl1500. Needs a little work but cranks and runs with only 55k miles.
I've owned my Valkyrie for two years now, amazing bike
One of the best reviews I have ever seen on a Goldwing. I have done over 60,000 miles on my first wing and now over 60,000 on my 2010. I won’t sell it because I think it this is one of the best wings that was ever made. Since they sent the production back to Japan, I lost interest the only thing I’m thinking about now after 1213 years is upgrading the suspension to the newest suspensions that are available to make it more like a Cadillac on the road.
I just did a title for title trade for a 1981 Honda GL1100 Goldwing Interstate a few days ago, and I have fallen in love with my Lazyboy on wheels. This was great as I wanted to know more on the history of where my forever bike came from. Thank You!!!
I owned a 84 Aspencade for 11 years that I purchased in 1989. I loved that bike and put over 30K on it. BUT, the stator recall kind on screwed me over since it only applied to the original owner.
Interesting video, and didn't need the click bait title. Comparing one bike to an entire company is not a valid comparison either.
What a great story and so much information, I really enjoyed watching it.
I have never liked goldwings and never thought about owning one, thought they looked too much like a boring old mans bike, I much preferred my Harley, HOWEVER I can't believe I have been turned by the 6th gen and maybe, just maybe considering buying one, just need to find somewhere I can test ride one.... but I will def miss the gps in my Harley, its so friggin good and the storage.... well thats been discussed so many times, who knows I might get a bagger version and add a Harley trunk, problem solved ;)
1984 was also the last year for the naked goldwing called the gl1200 standard
The '83 1100 was the last naked Wing available to US buyers. What may have been offered outside the US is unknown to me, but in general, non-import models were hotter bikes than they sold here.
@@oregongaper May I correct you ? It was the 1984 GL1200 that was the last factory 'Naked' wing, known as the GL1200 Standard that was sold in the USA.. I have 2 of them, one of each color sold that year.
@@jamesgk1015 Indeed, I happily stand corrected. I like it.
I've owned two motorcycles. 78 Honda 400 hawk. And, the 1977 gl1000.
I used to have a 1970 Suzuki with a 'hop up kit. It became a 100cc single ring, expansion chamber pipe, along with matching the transfer ports, lowering the intake ports, extending the carb cover for optimum cfm.
This bike was extremely powerful to the point of throttling back to let the cutch stop slipping! Top end with a passenger was over 130mph. It reved 11,000 rpm! With just a twist of the wrist... My brother still has this bike in his garage to this day! The End
Just bought a Black N Gold 86 GL1200 Interstate and fell in love with it on the ride home.
I own a 1984 GL1200 Standard (aka naked) wineberry. It is fitted with a 1983 Hondaline Fairing put on by the selling dealer. By 1984 the standards time was over due to the Interstate and Aspencade. Dealers were overstocked with the 83 and 84 standards and mine wasn't the only one to have this done to it in order to get it out the door. There WAS no 1984 Hondaline fairing only made so dealers simply put an 83 Hondaline on it. SO.....I have the Last year standard and the first year GL1200! Best GL I have ever owned. Easy to ride, and the Hondaline is there for extended highway cruising. This is the 1975 Goldwing taken to the highest level.
I've been considering a GoldWing CSC and recently had an opportunity to compare a 2018 GoldWing CSC with my 2018 CanAm RT Limited. The CanAm was far more comfortable. Don't know if there's a selection of seats for the GoldWing CSC, but that one was genuinely uncomfortable. The person who owned it was complaining of how uncomfortable it was to ride for any distance. But no question, it is a beautiful motorcycle, as a bike or a trike!
I transitioned from a 2018 Can Am RT Limited to a 2018 Goldwing Motor Trike. It is every bit as comfortable as the Can Am. But beyond comfort, the Can Am was under powered, to my liking. After thousands of miles on both motorcycles, I would not go back to the Can Am. In 2018 it was a decade behind other touring bikes in technology. I'm sure it has caught up by 2023 or 2024.
One thing Wingers would know and perhaps not other Bikers, is the '09 and '10 models. They carried different model year numbers, but were built at the same time with only color options being different. I think this was largely to have an inventory available as they planned to move out of the USA. Nice report. I had the 1500 and an 1800, with an ST in between them. Loved them all. Now if we could get a Pacific Coast available again, I think I would need that!
what a great intro, to how the GL came about, i remember the first one i saw on the road, and it was a green one , and it looked so majestic sitting a the lights and how it just took off, and the intro was right, there was a local MotoGuse dealer who had a California in the window and it did look great, but not to be taken out if it rained, and i remember the BMW bikes and they so expenses, but like all thing that evolve, things got even better and the GL was no exception, but i must say, on my many ventures crossing Europe HDs have taken over, from BMVs and so on. And i have not seen many GLs on European roads. like one did years ago. yours Kevin
I'm currently retromodding a 1983 gl1100A. Theses bikes are fairly strait forward. if you can find parts are easy to build and can be done by a novice. the fun is finding the parts. I've done demos on Harley's , Indian's and a slew of bikes. they're all nice but for an afordable bike , ease of maintenance. you cant beat the Gl
Very nice historic presention of this legendary motorcycle.Thank you.
I've ridden the 1800. Great bike.
The only two things on it that I wish my 1500 had are ABS and chain driven cams rather than belts.
waw thats great pilot i wish i were your neighbour i would have borowed to ride and feel how you felt .
Great video. I've been riding a Yamaha FJR 1300 for over a decade but, at 5' 7", I have to use a less than comfortable Corbin seat which gets a little stiff after a couple hundred miles. I'm wondering if it might be time for me to move to a more dedicated touring bike as I approach my 60's. This was super-informative. Thanks so much!
had an 87 1200 aspencade for years now have a 94 1500 interstate ive wrenched on the newer ones but ill be sticking with my 1500
Have owned a 2004 for 10 ears. Absolutely love it. Hope to buy the new one next year.
Great video, but the music drowns out the commentary.
I have a 83, GL1100 interstate. It’s beautiful but doesn’t want to run. Wish I wasn’t a terrible mechanic lol I love these motorcycles.
I worked at a Honda dealer when the first Goldwing was announced. We got a display model by driving to a dealer in Nebraska to pick it up. We were allowed to have it for a week, then it went to a dealer in North Dakota. We were told not to ride it.
I worked at a dealership from 81 to 88 and was the kid who installed all the accessories from radios to chrome. Also assembled and got to ride all the new Goldwings. I remember the first Aspencade we got in. I got to ride all the new Hondas, Yamaha and Suzuki. We were one of the first huge dealerships. Fun days.
It would be great to have that experience
I'm a lucky guy. I have an '84 and an '86 both Aspencades. Life is good.
My favorite is still RCR'S take on the Goldwing.
RCR talking as the spirit of Honda - "Hey, we started this party in 1969, and WE STILL OWN IT!"
Man I love this bike so much. I saw this bike the most in the 80s
Superb way to end the year, thank you very much, best regards from the IOM, road racing capital of the World!!
Happy new year!
Classy, informative, and pleasing to the eye and ear, the bikes and this vid, thanx so much
I want a Goldwing so bad, it'll probably be my forever bike, with a fun small one to ride on the commute or for fun
A Goldwing and a Monkey! Extremes
Yup, I have a 1985 GL1200 Aspencade. The more I ride it, the more I appreciate it.
Gold wing is a great bike and superior to everything on the road and freeway on a trip. It can be a bit of a challenge in the driveway and parking lots. I have a Kawaski Vulcan 900 with a plexi fairing, saddle bags, glove bag and a mustang seat. I use for day rides and it's a breeze to backup out of the bar. I wouldn't try to ride more than 5 hrs/day on a trip.
Great video. I ride an 83 naked. Love it still.
Great video!! Thanks for making it!
My dad has a 75 and I have a 21.....
I bought one of the first Goldwings in 1975. and i traveled tp Elkins west Virginia to get it at a cost of $2,995.and i rode it up and down the east coast, from Maryland tp California, then from Tiajuana to Vancouver, and it was a very dependable bike, for a first edition. and i eventually put 140000 miles on it.
Nice video and mostly accurate...well done
U gotta get ur microphone straight brother good story wish I could have heard it
Wow. You did a wonderful job with this video
A really good and interesting video on this bike, thanks.
I have one of those Candy Red 30th Anniversary 2005 GL1800 Goldwings. Still ride a Harley, but just for going slow. Goldwing is my daily rider and usually redlining the engine and spinning the rear tire when the light turns green....
Think project 371 was a 6 cylinder as far as I can recall. You can also see it at the picture if you look closely, there are 3 inlet manifolds on top of the cil-head. Otherwise a really nice walk through! Thanks!
Yes you are right, the Project 371 was indeed a 6 cylinder. Thank you for the correction.
19:08 I have that same bike, 82 Aspencade and also the gold and tan 84
Wonderful documentary, you should be proud.
GREAT information and history lesson of an awesome bike
Glad you think so!
Clearly this is by someone looking back at the past without having lived in it. Goldwings are not naked. There was the GL1000, period. Then there was the GL1100 (base bike), GL1100I (Interstate with fairings and luggage), and the GL1100A (Aspencade, an upgraded Interstate). After that, yu had the GL1200, GL1200I, and GL1200A. The Base bike was dropped and all you could get were ones with the touring package of fairing and saddlebags.
CB radios had NOTHING to do with getting gas, but were ways to avoid police radar traps so that people could exceed the 55 mph speed limit.
They certainly had nothing to do with weak cell areas as there were no cell phones.
And while you can consider a Goldwing from 1980 to 2010 an American bike, it isn't more American than Harley. Most of the GW parts are Japanese made and shipped to the US for assembly, whereas some of the Harley parts are made in the US.
Most of the Harley parts are made in the USA. FJB 🖕🇨🇳
One of my first motorcycles was Rescuehoundemtd 10th anniversary bike in 1985. It was in the two tone gold. I bought it for $1500 and rode it for 10 years. Money well spent. Mine was fuel injected.
That was a BMW R75 rear end and shaft drive on the prototype, make use of what was easy to get hold of.
AWESOME video
Squid . Thanks