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| Gold Wing | |
|---|---|
| Name | Gold Wing |
| Manufacturer | Honda Motor Company |
| Production | 1974–present |
| Class | Touring motorcycle |
| Engine | Flat-six (later variants); flat-four (early models) |
| Transmission | Manual shaft drive |
| Wheelbase | Varied by model |
| Related | Honda Valkyrie, Honda GL1000 |
Gold Wing
The Gold Wing is a touring motorcycle series produced by Honda Motor Company since 1974 that redefined long-distance riding for touring riders, road-trippers, and motorcycle clubs such as the American Motorcyclist Association-affiliated organizations and international touring groups. It combined innovations from engineering teams at Honda Research and Development (Japan), design influences traceable to the GL1000 lineage, and market positioning competing with models from BMW Motorrad, Yamaha Motor Company, and Suzuki Motor Corporation. Riders, dealers, and aftermarket specialists including National Motorcycle Dealers Association vendors and long-distance endurance competitors embraced the platform for touring events, charity rides, and cross-country rallies.
Introduced in 1974 by Honda Motor Company and unveiled at events attended by journalists from Cycle World and Motorcycle News, the model followed Honda's earlier forays like the Honda CB750 and drew engineering lineage from the GL1000 project teams. Early adoption by touring associations such as American Motorcyclist Association chapters and appearance in endurance competitions linked the motorcycle to long-distance culture shaped by rallies like Iron Butt Rally and cross-country events organized by Iron Butt Association. Over successive generations, corporate strategy decisions at Honda R&D Americas and global market pressures from BMW Motorrad and Kawasaki Heavy Industries influenced platform evolution and international sales campaigns across markets including United States, United Kingdom, and Japan.
Design and development were led by teams at Honda R&D Co., Ltd. and styled by designers collaborating with suppliers such as Showa Corporation for suspension and Nippon Denso for instrumentation; early proposals referenced packaging solutions used in the Honda CX500 and ergonomics research conducted with input from touring organizations like American Motorcyclist Association. Chassis refinement incorporated shaft drive technology and torque management adapted from Honda CBX engineering studies and used testing facilities including the Motegi test track and climatic labs near Saitama. Ergonomic, luggage, and fairing concepts evolved through interaction with dealers represented by the National Motorcycle Dealers Association and aftermarket firms such as Kuryakyn.
The series spawned multiple generations including the early flat-four models (GL1000, GL1100, GL1200), the flat-six GL1500 and GL1800, and derivative variants such as the stripped-down touring cruiser Valkyrie-derived conversions and limited editions issued for anniversaries promoted by Honda Motor Company marketing divisions. Special models and factory options were marketed to touring clubs and dealerships affiliated with American Motorcyclist Association, with competition from touring models like the BMW R1200RT, Yamaha FJR1300, and Kawasaki Vulcan series influencing variant packages.
Powerplants ranged from longitudinal flat-four engines to transverse flat-six configurations produced by Honda Motor Company engineers, coupled to five- and six-speed transmissions and shaft final drives engineered by suppliers including Showa Corporation. Frame types evolved from steel double-cradle to aluminum-composite structures developed in concert with materials specialists and tested at facilities such as Honda Proving Center at Marysville, Ohio. Electronics packages expanded to include navigation, audio, and communication systems interoperable with products from Garmin Ltd. and telecommunications firms active in accessory markets.
Ride characteristics were tuned using suspension components from Showa Corporation and braking systems incorporating multi-disc calipers and ABS units certified under regimes like type approvals in European Union member states and testing protocols used by Department of Transportation (United States). Weight distribution, center-of-gravity management, and steering geometry were refined through testing at circuits such as Motegi and through rider feedback from endurance events like the Iron Butt Rally, balancing touring comfort with stability for two-up riding and cross-country load conditions evaluated by touring associations.
Safety systems integrated innovations such as anti-lock braking systems sourced from suppliers working with Honda Motor Company, traction control, airbag experiments, and rider-assist electronics designed in research collaborations with centers like Honda R&D Americas and tested under standards referenced by regulatory bodies including Department of Transportation (United States), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan), and European Commission. Infotainment and communications evolved to support interoperability with navigation devices from Garmin Ltd. and headset systems produced by firms such as Sena Technologies, while accessory crash protection and luggage solutions were supplied by companies like Givi S.p.A..
The motorcycle became an icon among touring communities, featured in publications such as Cycle World, Motorcycle News, and Rider Magazine, and adopted by long-distance riders participating in events organized by Iron Butt Association and charity rides coordinated by groups like Distinguished Gentleman's Ride chapters. It inspired aftermarket culture involving firms like Vance & Hines and customizers showcased at rallies such as Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Daytona Bike Week, and influenced competitive touring categories in endurance events where manufacturers including BMW Motorrad and Yamaha Motor Company fielded rival machines.
Ownership communities coalesced around dealer networks represented by National Motorcycle Dealers Association affiliates and enthusiast clubs that maintain technical knowledge about engine overhauls, valve adjustments, and shaft-drive servicing; specialized shops and parts suppliers such as S&S Cycle and OEM parts departments within Honda Motor Company service centers support lifecycle maintenance. Maintenance practices emphasize scheduled servicing per manuals produced by Honda Motor Company and the use of specialized tooling available from aftermarket vendors showcased at trade events such as EICMA and national dealer conferences.
Category:Motorcycles