|
Goldwing changes through
the years
Charting the changes in the Gold Wing's evolution takes a
careful eye. While a few changes have been sudden and obvious,
most are harder to spot. The following guide makes it easier to
tell one year and model from another using key specifications and
features. Darwin never had it so easy.
1975
The original GL1000 Gold Wing, powered by a 999cc liquid-cooled
horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, revolutionized
motorcycle touring. The faux fuel tank contains electrical
components and storage space. Spoked aluminum rims are standard.
Note the black exhaust system, with chrome heat shields and
tailpipes.
1976
A new model marks the Gold Wing's second year. The GL1000 LTD
joins the unchanged standard model, and features gold striping,
special LTD side cover badges, chromed radiator shroud and screen,
quilt-pattern contoured seat, gold wheels and spokes, gold-stamped
GL1000 owner's manual, and leather key case. The LTD's front
fender is slightly flared.
1977
Honda begins to incorporate small but important refinements based
on customer requests, as the Gold Wing's continues to grow in
popularity and redefine touring. Chrome heat shields on the header
pipes are now standard, as is a higher, re-contoured handlebar,
redesigned neoprene grips, a new dual-contoured seat, and a fuel
gauge.
1978
A new instrument panel in the center pod with fuel, voltage and
coolant temperature gauges helps distinguish the GL in its fourth
year. Honda also fitted 1mm-smaller carbs and FVQ shocks with
two-stage damping, redesigned and chromed the exhaust system,
mounted the rear turn signals on the fender, and bolted up
maintenance-free ComStar wheels.
1979
The GL1000 reaches the peak of its development in 1979, and will
be the last Gold Wing to be powered by a 999cc engine. Changes
this year are few and minor: Rectangular turn signals replace the
previous round ones, control levers go from silver to black, and a
twin-bulb taillight with CBX-type ribbed lens replaces the
single-bulb unit.
1980
The introduction of the second-generation GL sees the standard
version joined by the first Japanese turn-key tourer, the
Interstate model. Both are powered by new 1085cc engines with
electronic ignitions--no more points. The chassis boasts air
suspension with a single-inlet equalizer system at each end, black
reverse ComStar wheels, adjustable seat, and bigger tires. The
Interstate sets new standards for touring with its full fairing,
saddlebags and trunk, and optional stereo.
1981
Distinguished by new orange and gold pinstripes, the standard and
Interstate model GL1100s boast redesigned instruments with
improved nighttime illumination. The Interstate also features a
new adjustable, scratch-resistant windshield, and continues to set
the pace for turn-key touring bikes.
1982
For '82, Honda adds a third model to the GL line, the even more
luxurious Aspencade. The Interstate model offers such options as a
new Type II stereo, a 40-channel CB transceiver, and an on-board
air compressor. All of these items are standard on the Aspencade,
as are storage pouches in the passenger backrest, two-tone paint
and seat, and special edition Aspencade badges. All models also
sport twin-piston front brake calipers and wider tires.
1983
The last year for the GL1100s finds them fitted with 11-spoke cast
wheels, TRAC anti-dive forks with an integrated fork brace, and a
unified braking system. The Interstate adds in larger, flatter
footpegs and adjustable passenger pegs, while the top-of-the-line
Aspencade also boasts internally vented front brake rotors, a
digital LCD instrument panel and a new two-tone seat.
1984
This year sees the Wing once again rewrite the rules for touring,
with the all-new GL1200s. All three models are motivated by a new,
1182cc engine with hydraulic valve adjustment, and a redesigned
chassis sports a 16-inch front wheel for steering lightness and
precision previously unseen in the class. The Aspencade
distinguishes itself from the Interstate with a new Type III
radio/cassette/communications system, LCD instruments and special
rear lightbar.
1985
With the surge of touring popularity, Honda drops the standard
Gold Wing in '85, but a top-of-the-line LTD model joins the
Aspencade and Interstate, once again raising the ante for touring
opulence. The GL1200L Limited Edition comes with computerized fuel
injection, Type III audio/intercom system with four speakers,
cruise control, auto-leveling rear suspension and a comprehensive
electronic travel computer.
1986
Few changes distinguish the GL1200s for their third year of
production. The Limited Edition gets renamed the GL1200SE-i, and
now features Dolby noise reduction for its Panasonic Type III
sound system. The Aspencade gets the same audio update, and both
Interstate and Aspencade models can be easily identified by their
new rear fender splash guards.
1987
The Gold Wing lineup gets pared to two models, the Interstate and
the Aspencade, with the SE-i consigned to history. Both remaining
models feature a new tapered seat design with three-stage foam,
and the two differ mainly in weight and standard equipment. The
Type III sound system, passenger floorboards and armrests, and a
trunk mirror are standard on the Aspencade, options on the
Interstate.
1988
Honda ups the ante again with the ultimate touring bike, the
fourth-generation Gold Wing GL1500 six-cylinder. The 1520cc six
sets fresh standards of smoothness, silence and power for the
class, while an all-new chassis redefines the limits of handling
and comfort and a unique-to-motorcycling reverse gear and
single-key operation of the saddlebag and trunk lids offer
unparalleled convenience.
1989
Few changes are needed for such a landmark model, even in its
second year of production. The six remains as a single model with
no variants, and as in '88, options include a CB radio, saddlebag
light kit, cornering light kit, color-matched saddlebag and trunk
spoilers, color-matched lower leg air vents, a rear speaker kit, a
trunk light/mirror, a passenger audio control, and exit vent trim.
1990
An SE model joins the standard GL1500, and both benefit from a
host of updates for 1990, including carb and cam revisions for
better rideability, noise reductions, even tighter bodywork fit
and finish, and smoother fork action. The SE sports special
two-tone paint, a three-position center windscreen vent, a special
rear trunk spoiler with running/brake light, adjustable passenger
footrests, and a upgraded, full-logic sound system.
1991
Once again, the Gold Wing counts three members in its extended
family, with the SE joined by Aspencade and Interstate models. The
SE remains largely unchanged for '91 save for new two-tone gold
paint, and the Aspencade takes on the role of the previous
standard-model GL1500. The new model, the Interstate, features a
redesigned seat for an 0.8-inch-lower saddle height, and 40 pounds
less weight for a sportier, more maneuverable feel.
1992
Big news for the Gold Wing line in 1992 centers on the Interstate,
with a revised and upgraded sound system. The Panasonic unit
features a 25-watt-per-channel amplifier, standard GL speakers,
large and easy-to-use knobs, an intercom, a CB radio interface, a
handlebar-mounted control unit, and a special input jack connector
allowing the use of a portable cassette or CD player.
1993
Each Gold Wing model now comes in three colors, with the SE
benefiting from such updates as rear-mounted speakers and
40-channel CB radio that were previously optional. On the SE and
the Aspencade, the cruise control now reads crankshaft speed more
directly for more precise road-speed control. All 1520cc
six-cylinder engines now use needle bearings in their rocker arm
pivots.
1994
Nearly two decades after its introduction, the Gold Wing continues
to define the touring class through the process of continuous
refinement. Honda again offers three models for '94, the SE in
four color choices, and the Aspencade and Interstate in three
choices each. The Interstate carries on in its role as the
lightest member of the Wing family, the Aspencade remains the
full-featured model, and the SE anchors the very top of the Wing
family tree.
1995
Honda celebrates two decades of touring excellence with the 20th
Anniversary Gold Wings. The Interstate, Aspencade and SE are all
distinguished by commemorative gold trim, a distinctive new
headlight signature, and other styling treatments. Beneath the
surface, the Gold Wings also boast a lower seat height and sporty
new suspension that offers even greater agility while maintaining
the Wing's legendary ride compliance.
1996-2000
Two decades after its introduction, the Gold Wing still stands in
a class of its own as the ultimate luxury touring machine. Honda
makes no major model changes to the Gold Wing line until the
venerable GL1500 is replaced with the radical aluminum-frame Gold
Wing 1800.
Courtesy Hondanews.com
|
|
