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 sidecover 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, recontoured
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.