Honda Goldwing Motorcycles

The Honda Goldwing motorcycle series are one of the most popular motorcycle models ever produced. The prototype, made in 1972 was first shown to the world in a 1974 Cologne motorcycle show, and the bike was eagerly anticipated the world over, until its release in 1975. In many ways it was a gamble by Honda – like all new ideas are.

The revolutionary Goldwing

Honda introduced many innovative ideas with the Goldwing 1000cc - a fuel pump system, rather than the gravity oriented fuel flow common to most motorbikes. What appeared to be the fuel tank of the Honda Goldwing, was just a housing for the radiator (yeah, it had a radiator) overflow in fact! The real fuel tank was located under the riders’ seat. A water cooled cooling system was introduced instead of the more common air cooling. This bike quickly caught the attention of bikers all over the world because of its steady feel – owing to its low center of gravity – truly a marvelous design. That’s not all – the Goldwing Motorcycles didn’t have a chain!

Instead it used the ‘shaft drive’ system – it not only proved to be cost efficient in the long run, but you didn’t have to worry about a loose chain slipping off the sprocket, ever. Finally, the twelve volt electrical system of the motorcycle enabled riders to attach all kinds of standard auto accessories to their bikes. And yeah, the engine was a big mean guy – 1000cc.

The later Goldwing models

Many model variations of the Goldwing motorcycle were introduced by Honda motors over the years, the latest being the limited edition series of 2003 – that was a cruiser type by the way, that could very well give a Harley a run for its money! So what is it that brings riders back to the Goldwing series time after time? Well, its durability for one. It was introduced as a touring vehicle – many buyers modified their Goldwings to the cruiser feel, even in the seventies. After all, the powerful engines of the Goldwings made them adaptable to various designs. Honda introduced classy saddle bags as accessories to the Goldwing in the early eighties, and boy, did they look pretty on that motorbike! Some folks added fairings to their Goldwing bikes, to make them look bigger, badder and better, if you know what I mean. Interestingly, Honda never introduced company fairings during the prime time of the Goldwing release and for many years that followed. But that never stopped our bike lovers from innovating did it! For many a bike enthusiast, half the hobby is making their vehicles unique, and maybe that’s where the Goldwing motorcycles gave them the edge – it could be modified in so many ways and still kicked butt!

Over the years, the Goldwing fans have asked for more power and that’s just what Honda conjured up for them – the first model of Goldwing was a 1000cc, while the last limited edition series was a 1800cc – a gradual climb in engine power over the years!


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