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I need help describing Goldwings

1353 Views 12 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  DBohrer
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Our GWRRA chapter is doing a display including all the different models of Goldwings we have in the chapter over the Labor day weekend, celebrating 35 years of Goldwings.

We will have a, GL1000, GL1100, GL1200, GL1500, GL1800, GL1800 Trike and Valkyrie that we will be displaying. The only one we do not have is a Rune.



I want to display a sign on each bike with a brief description of that model, some of the improvements over the previous model and some highlights of what makes that model special.

I have personal knowledge of the GL1000 and GL1100 so I should be able to create them.

The other models I think would be better described by someone with intimate knowledge of the model, but feel free to try any model. I know there are much better wordsmiths with much better knowledge than me on this site.



I have created the basics of one for the GL1000 as an example.





[align=center]GL1000
[/align]

[align=center]Model years 1975,1976,1977,1978,1979[/b][/align]


[align=center]The one that started it all. [/b][/align]


[align=center]In 1975 when Honda released the first Goldwing No one could have predicted that this bike would define and dominate the whole touring segment of the market for the next 35 years.[/b][/align]


[align=center]When released in 75 this bike was the biggest most futuristic motorcycle anyone had ever seen. Features never before included on a bike of this caliber included a horizontally opposed 1000cc four cylinder engine, Shaft drive, gas tank located under the seat for a lower center of gravity and front and rear disk brakes.[/b][/align]


[align=center]The original GL1000’s did not include any faring or saddlebags in 75 all the touring fixtures needed to be purchased aftermarket. The largest provider was Craig Vetter.[/b][/align]



[align=center]This 1975 GL1000 is owned By Peter and Darla Flynn.[/align]




So, please if you have a few minutes help me out and put a few words together that will describe, interest and educate someone looking at these bikes and make them think your model is the best and post them here.



Peter
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GSMacLean wrote:
Have you looked at the Goldwing History page?
I did look there and will ultimately use the fantastic information provided there.

I just thought that I would ask the people who ride the bikes for what would probably be a more heart felt description than I could write.



Peter
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Ok, I got them mostly done.
Please review your model and let me know if there Is anything you would add or change for your favorite model?

GL1000
Model Years 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 & 1979

The one that started it all

In 1975 when Honda released the first Goldwing No one could have predicted that this bike would define and dominate the whole touring segment of the market for the next 35 years.
When released in 75 this bike was the biggest most futuristic motorcycle anyone had ever seen features never before included on a bike of this caliber included a horizontally opposed 1000cc four cylinder engine, Shaft drive, gas tank located under the seat for a lower center of gravity and front and rear disk brakes.
The original GL1000’s did not include any faring or saddlebags in 75 all the touring fixtures needed to be purchased aftermarket.
The largest provider was Craig Vetter.


GL1100
Model years 1980,1981,1982,1983

The GL1100 was introduced in 1980 this was the first Japanese motorcycle produced with a complete touring setup including faring, windshield, hard bags, trunk, air adjustable suspension and adjustable seat. It was produced in three models The standard which did not include any faring or saddlebags, the Interstate with the complete touring kit and the Aspencade with the complete touring kit, electronic dashboard and onboard compressor to adjust the air suspension. The engine was increased to 1085cc, had more torque, ran smoother and had electronic ignition. A host of accessories were made available from the factory including an integrated am/fm/cb radio cassette player able to be operated from the handle bar while driving.
In 1980 the manufacturing of this motorcycle was moved from Japan to Marysville Ohio where it has been manufactured ever since. The dependability, Comfort and popularity of the GL1100 ensured that Honda would produce Goldwing’s for many years to come.


GL1200
Model years 1984,1985,1986,1987

The GL1200 was introduced in 1984. It was produced in three models, the standard which did not include any faring or saddlebags, the fully dressed Interstate and the top of the line Aspencade. 84 was the last year for the standard. The engine size was increased to 1188cc and had more torque, was more responsive and included hydraulic valves. For the first time on a Goldwing the 85 LTD had electronic fuel injection. The suspension was upgraded. With the new rectangular headlight The look of the whole bike was more integrated with the faring and baggage exposing less of the underlying frame and engine creating a wider look. The front and rear brakes were interlinked to provide more stopping power. The audio system was upgraded to the type III and the electronic dash was upgraded.
This bike was manufactured in Marysville Ohio.


GL1500
Model years 1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,
1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000

The GL1500 was introduced in 1988. The 1500 was redesigned from the ground up. The most prominent feature’s were the 1520cc Horizontally opposed six cylinder engine and a reverse gear. Over the course of its thirteen year run it was produced in three models, the Interstate, the Aspencade and the SE. This monster of a motorcycle tipped the scales at close to eight hundred pounds but handled like it weighed at lot less. The all new bodywork enclosed almost the entire machine. The trunk and bags can all be operated by a single key. This motorcycle lived up to it’s billing as the king of all the touring bikes including such accessories as integrated audio/intercom/CB, cruise control, two tone paint, air adjustable self leveling suspension, lighted handlebar switches, windshield vent, reverse gear, The largest luggage capacity of any Goldwing, adjustable passenger foot boards and a passenger seat the looks more like a throne than a motorcycle seat.


GL1800

Model years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

The long awaited GL1800 was introduced in 2001. The 1800 was redesigned from the ground up. The horizontally opposed six cylinder fuel injected engine was increased to 1832cc with 118 hp. This motorcycle would actually be lighter and stronger than its predecessor with its one piece welded aluminum frame, Mono Shock and one sided swingarm. The all new bodywork was designed to be more sporty and streamlined. The luggage space was a little less than its predecessor with a capacity of 147 liters. This motorcycle more than lives up to it’s roll as the king of all the touring motorcycles including such amenities as an integrated audio/intercom/CB with up to six speakers, CD changer, XM radio, Integrated GPS navigation system, cruise control, adjustable suspension, ABS brakes, Airbag, Tire monitoring system and reverse gear. The grips and seats could be heated now and are reported to be the roomiest most comfortable touring seats yet.


Valkyrie
Model years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000,2001, 2002, 2003

In 1997 Honda introduced the Valkyrie also designated as the GL1500C. This Cruiser style motorcycle used a transplanted Goldwing engine. The horizontally opposed six 1520cc engine was modified from the standard goldwing engine with a different cam and six separate carburetors. These changes gave the engine a significant increase in horsepower and torque. Models produced included Standard, Tourer and Interstate. The Tourer included a windshield and hard saddle bags with the Interstate having a faring and hard saddle bags.
In 2003 a limited edition Valkyrie Rune was produced including unique custom styling and the 1832cc GL1800 engine. The Rune was made for 2003 and 2004

Peter
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Pete,

The GL1000 was actually a 996 cc "liquid cooler" engine not a 1000 cc engine.

Another large supplier of after market trunks, luggage racks, saddlebags and saddlebag wrap around rails was Bates.

The 1975 - 19777 had spoked type wheels and used tube type tires.

The 1978 and 1979 had "Lester Style" type wheels and used tubeless tires.

The GL1100 Aspencade was not introduced until 1982. The 1980 - 1981 years only had the standard and Interstate.

The GL1200 LTD's also had a "computer" on them.

The 1988 - 1989 GL1500's were just called Gold Wing's.

In 1990, there was the Gold Wing and the first Gold Wing SE.

The CB radio's were only standard on the SE models. However, they could be added to the Aspencade and Interstate.

The Interstate (no reverse) was only produced from 1991 - 1996. They were used by several Police Departments around the country for traffic patrol.

The CB and CD on the GL1800's are not standard equipment, they had to be added by the owner.

The Valkyrie had 10 more horsepower than the Gold Wing engine.

The Rune was not accepted well by the motorcycle community and sales were quite low. The reason they were only produced for two years.

You asked for input................!!
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DBohrer wrote:
Pete,

The GL1000 was actually a 996 cc "liquid cooler" engine not a 1000 cc engine.

Another large supplier of after market trunks, luggage racks, saddlebags and saddlebag wrap around rails was Bates.

The 1975 - 19777 had spoked type wheels and used tube type tires.

The 1978 and 1979 had "Lester Style" type wheels and used tubeless tires.

The GL1100 Aspencade was not introduced until 1982. The 1980 - 1981 years only had the standard and Interstate.

The GL1200 LTD's also had a "computer" on them.

The 1988 - 1989 GL1500's were just called Gold Wing's.

In 1990, there was the Gold Wing and the first Gold Wing SE.

The CB radio's were only standard on the SE models. However, they could be added to the Aspencade and Interstate.

The Interstate (no reverse) was only produced from 1991 - 1996. They were used by several Police Departments around the country for traffic patrol.

The CB and CD on the GL1800's are not standard equipment, they had to be added by the owner.

The Valkyrie had 10 more horsepower than the Gold Wing engine.

The Rune was not accepted well by the motorcycle community and sales were quite low. The reason they were only produced for two years.

You asked for input................!!
Thank you,DBohrer



That's just the kind of input I am looking for. I will definitely use some of your suggestions.



When you say "The CB and CD on the GL1800's are not standard equipment, "



I realize that, but is it an official Honda accessory?



I wanted to list most of the possibilities. I don't want to cause confusion do you think adding accessories IE: including such amenities and accessories, would clarify it?



Peter
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The rims on the 78-79 models were also called Comstars. At that time, no tires were rated for tubeless use.

The CB radio was an option on the 1200's. Even the Aspencade model.

As far as I know, the air suspension on the 1500's is not self leveling.(correct me if I'm wrong). It is on the 1200 LTD and SEi.

John
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Also, don't forget the '80 model actually came out, or was "introduced" in the Summer of '79. The '84 was introduced Summer of '83.

Just like the 2010 is out now, or should be shortly.
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I moved the self leveling suspension from the 1500 to the 1200.
For the purposes of these information signs I am going to leave the introduced year with the model year as oposed to the actural year it was released. I think using the actual year would cause confusion to the average person reading the signs.
Thanks again for the information.

Peter
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I just found it amusing that I saw this thread title:

"I need help describing Goldwings"

right above the thread titled:

"Geezer Bikes".

Coincidince?
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garyft wrote:
I just found it amusing that I saw this thread title:

"I need help describing Goldwings"

right above the thread titled:

"Geezer Bikes".

Coincidince?
Which year and model is the Geezer bike? Is it an option or standard equipment?
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When you say "The CB and CD on the GL1800's are not standard equipment, "

I realize that, but is it an official Honda accessory?

Peter, Yes, the CB and CD are Hondaline accessories. It probably would help to clarify................
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