The Honda Goldwing of the Honda Goldwing – Key Highlights of Features From 1974 to 1983
If you are looking to buy a used Honda Goldwing, here is a list of some features that changed from 1974 to 1983 – some were simply cosmetic to major technical changes.(note: color choices are not part of this feature list)
Honda Goldwing Gl1000
GL1000
1974 – debuts at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in October as the flat-four cylinder, 999cc GL1000 Gold Wing
1975 – first year of production
1976 – GL1000 LTD model.Style/Comfort changes: flared mud guards better seat.Quality/Safety changes: grease nipple on driveshaft
1977 – Style/Comfort changes: higher handlebars with neoprene grips, dual contoured saddle and chromed heat shields on the header pipes introduced.
Quality/Safety changes: steering head bearings were now tapered rollers instead of quick-wear & seize ball types.Front and rear engine and rocker covers were now thicker and designed to reduce noise.An internal coating applied to the interior of gas tank to prevent rust.Last year with kick start option.
1978 – Style/Comfort changes: stepped saddle.Quality/Safety changes: smaller carburettors, shorter valve timing and increased spark advance for less top speed but more torque
1979 - last year of production.Style/Comfort changes: first year Honda made their own saddlebags and trunk for it, black brake and clutch levers
Used Honda Gold Wing GL 1100
GL1100
1980 - the GL1100 Interstate released and fully kitted as a touring motorcycle, bigger 1085cc engine (still flat-four), smaller carburettors and electronic ignition, air assisted suspension equalled greater handling and comfort
1981 – Style/Comfort changes:reshaped saddle and slightly lowered.Quality/Safety changes: scratch resistant windshield and better instrument shielding to reduce reflections
1982 – introduction of Aspencade model with major changes.Style/Comfort changes:smaller wheels (18” front, 16” rear) with twin pot brake callipers and wider rims (2.5” front, 3” rear), neater crash bars, Clarion type 2 AM/FM stereo radio, digital dash, CB radio, and a clock
Quality/Safety changes: electrically operated air pump for the suspension instead of the previous tyre valve setup and dual piston brake calipers all round
1983 – last year of production.Style/Comfort changes:flatter footpegs with, the passenger ones being slightly adjustable, passenger seat was redesigned to give more room,LCD dash
Quality/Safety changes: Aspencade now had eleven spoke aluminium wheels instead of the Comstars, the suspension pump controls mounted on the handlebars just below the dash, linked brakes and choke lever now operated by thumb on the left handlebar. Anti-dive forks (TRAC to reduce wallowing, better fuel economy, a shorter first gear made the machine faster off-the-line but top gear acceleration was now a bit more sluggish. Changes to the forks and stronger springs in the rear shocks helped prevent bottoming-out