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This page is dedicated to the various models, options and images of the Gold Wing throughout the years.

 

    

  1975 GL-1000          1984 GL-1200     1988 GL-1500      2001 GL-1800

 

1975-1979 Honda Goldwing GL1000
      Honda's original 1975 Goldwing was worlds away from today's heavily accessorized successor. The idea was for it to be "the king of motorcycles," to beat the Z1 and regain the glory Honda had lost to Kawasaki. At the time it was Japan's only water-cooled four-stroke; and it was an immediate hit in the U.S, although England was not impressed. Its smooth cruising ability made it a favorite with long-distance riders and led to may after-market fairing and touring accessories being produced.

Only some 5000 were sold, the first year in the U.S. Candy Red or Candy Blue (retail was around $2890. The 1975 Honda Goldwing GL1000 included a false tank that stored the kickstarter pedal, some electric modules, the air cleaner and some storage space. The real fuel tank was found under the seat, unusual at that time. The chassis was built with tubular steel and had high wide handle bars, twin front disc brakes, and a shaft final drive. The capacity was 999cc. Power output was 80bhp@7500rpm. The weight of the bike was 259kg (571lb). The top speed was 120 mph.

At the end of it's run in 1979 the GL-1000 Standard was available in three colors: Candy Burgundy, Candy Blue or Black and retailed for about $3700. Changes were minor with a rectangular turn signal replacing round ones, control levers going from silver to black, and a twin-bulb taillight with replacing the single-bulb unit.
 
1980-1983 Honda Goldwing GL1100
The second-generation GL sees the introduction of the first turn-key touring bike: the Interstate model. Both the Interstate and the standard model are powered by a new 1085cc engine with electronic ignition. 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 it's full fairing, saddlebags and trunk, and optional stereo.  Available in Candy Burgundy or Black the standard retails for $3790 with the Interstate running $4900.

1981:  Distinguished by new orange and gold pinstripes, the standard and Interstate model GL-1100s boasted redesigned instruments with improved night-time illumination. The Interstate also features an adjustable scratch-resistant windshield, and continues to set the pace for turn-key touring motorcycles. Saddlebag liners were introduced this year and a Metallic Blue was added to the color choices. The standard retail price goes up to about $4098 with the Interstate running $5300.


1982:  Honda adds a third model to the GL line, the even more luxurious Aspencade. Rumor has it that they chose this name from the rally of the same name and gave the rally organizer a free bike for the rights to use the Aspencade label.
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 back-rests, two-tone paint, a removable trunk, saddlebag liners and special-edition Aspencade badges. All models included twin-piston brake calipers and wider tires.  Color choices varied between the models with the Standard having Wineberry Red, Black or Metallic Black for $4250; the Interstate coming in Metallic Black only for $5450 and the Aspencade having a choice of Metallic Brown or Silver two-tone for the relatively low price of $5700.  The age of touring luxury is born!

1983:  The last production year for the GL-1100 finds them fitted with 11-spoke cast wheels, TRAC anti-drive fork with an integrated fork brace, and a unified braking system. The Interstate adds larger, flatter foot pegs and adjustable passenger boards, 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. Both the Standard and Interstate models were available in Black or Candy Regal Brown priced at  $4300 and $5550 respectively.  The Aspencade was available in Candy Wineberry Red two-tone or Metallic Gray two-tone and would set you back $6998
 
1984-1987 Honda Goldwing GL1200
The Wing once again rewrites the rules for touring, creating a heavier more powerful bike that handles so much better that reviewers and owners alike cannot believe the changes. The three all-new models are motivated by a new, 1182cc engine with hydraulic valve adjustment, and a redesigned chassis sporting a 16-inch front wheel for steering lightness and precision previously unseen in the class. The Aspencade distinguishes itself from the Interstate with LCD instruments and special rear light bar, 3-piece removable soft luggage, as well as a new Type III audio system that combines AM/FM radio bands, cassette and intercom.  The Standard, available in Wineberry Red or Black ran @ $4800; the Interstate (Wineberry Red, Metallic Gray or Pearl Blue) about $6200 and the Aspencade sported either Burgundy, Pearl Blue or Metallic Beige for a cool $7900


1985: With the surge in touring popularity, Honda drops the standard model from it's lineup and adds a top-of-the-line LTD model called the Limited Edition. The GL-1200L Limited Edition came with computerized fuel injection, removable soft luggage, Type III audio/intercom system with four speakers, cruise control, auto-leveling rear suspension and a comprehensive electronic travel computer.
The Interstate was available in Metallic Silver, Metallic Blue or Wineberry Red for $6200.  The Aspencade colors were Metallic Beige, Metallic Blue or Vintage Red and it ran about $7898. The Limited Edition came ONLY in Metallic Gold two-tone and  retail was $10,000! This may well mark the first bike to break the 4-digit price barrier.

1986: Few changes distinguish the GL-1200s for their third year of production. The Limited-Edition gets renamed the GL-1200 SE-i, and now features Dolby noise reduction for it's 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.
The Interstate comes in Wineberry Red or Black (retail $6698); the Aspencade - Metallic Beige, Metallic Blue or ZMetallic Silver (retail $8498) and the  Aspencade SE-I is available in Pearl White & Beige only for a retail price of $10,598.

1987: The lineup gets pared to two models, the Interstate and the Aspencade, with the more expensive SE-I now consigned to the status of collectables. Both remaining models feature a new tapered seat design with three-stage comfort foam, and 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. The Interstate colors this year were Metallic Blue or Amethyst Silver for a retail price of about $6698 versus the Aspencade's Wineberry Red, Black or Metallic Silver for $8498. The Aspencade also came with turning lights in the lower fairing, an option not available for the Interstate model.
 
 
1988-2000 Honda Goldwing GL1500
1988:  Phantom Gray, Martini Beige or Dynastic Blue with a retail price of $9998, just below the 5-digit level the GL-1500 was designed to set the touring world on its ear and it did just that. Upping the ante yet again the fourth-generation GoldWing GL-1500 sported a six-cylinder engine larger than many car engines! The 1520cc six cylinder set fresh standards of smoothness, silence and power for the class, while an all-new chassis redefines the limits of handling and comfort. A unique-to-motor-cycling slow-speed electronic reverse and single-key operation of the saddlebags and trunk lids offer unparalleled convenience. For your listening pleasure a 24-watt am/fm stereo cassette system with integrated intercom with easy-to reach controls was added, and of course the bag liners were still an important luxury feature.

1989: Martini Beige, Wineberry Red or Blue Green Metallic. Spurred by the amazing success of the first model year the retail price once again soars above the 4-digit level to $11,498. Few alterations were needed for such a landmark model. 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, and passenger audio controls. The 1500/6 badge is removed from the rear of the right-side bag.


1990: A new SE model joins the standard GL-1500 and both benefit from a host of updates for 1990, including carb and cam revisions for better drivability, noise reductions, 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 foot-rests, and an upgraded, full-logic sound system. GL-1500 Wineberry Red or Light Metallic Blue retail $11,498. SE - Pearl White retail $13,498.

1991: Once again the GoldWing counts three members in it's extended family, with the SE joined by Aspencade and Interstate models. The SE remains largely unchanged for '91 except for new two-tone gold paint, and the Aspencade takes on the role of the previous standard-model GL-1500. 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 feel. Main items such as: An air compressor, Reverse gear, and Saddlebag/Trunk liners are not included on the new Interstate.  Interstate - Beige retail $8998. Aspencade - Black retail $11,998. SE - Gold two-tone (retail $13,998.


1992: The big news for the GoldWing line is 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. Interstate - Candy Red (retail $9399) or Metallic Blue retail $9199. Aspencade - Candy Red ($12,299) or Metallic Blue ($12,099). SE - Metallic Teal ($14,199).


1993: Each model now comes in three colors. The SE benefited from such updates as rear-mounted speakers and a 40-channel CB radio that was previously optional. On the SE and the Aspencade, the cruise control now reads crankshaft speed directly for more precise road-speed control. All 1520cc six-cylinder engines now use needle bearings in their rocker-arm pivots. Interstate colors: Candy Red (retail $9799) or Metallic Blue (retail $9599) the Aspencade: Candy Red (retail $12,599) or Metallic Blue (retail $12,399) and the SE - Metallic Teal two-tone, Pearl Blue two-tone or Pearl White two-tone (retail $14,699) Pearl White solid (retail $14,999)

1994: Honda again offers three models for '94, the SE in four color choices, and the Aspencade and Interstate in three choices each.  Interstate - Candy Red (retail $10,199) Pearl Dark Teal or Black (retail $9,999); Aspencade - Candy Red (retail $13,199) Pearl Dark Teal or Black (retail $12,999); SE - Pearl Green two-tone, Pearl Teal two-tone, Candy Red two-tone (retail $15,299) or Pearl White solid (retail $15,599)

1995: Honda celebrates two decades of touring excellence with the 20th Anniversary GoldWing. 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 GoldWing also boast a lower seat height and sporty new suspension that offers even greater agility while maintaining the Wing's legendary ride comfort.
Interstate - Candy Red (retail $11,399) or Pearl Green (retail $11,199)
Aspencade - Candy Red (retail $14,199) Pearl Green or Pearl Magenta (retail $13,999)
SE - Candy Red two-tone (retail $16,799) Pearl Green two-tone or Pearl Magenta two-tone (retail $16,599) Pearl White solid (retail $16,299)


1996: No significant changes although 4'th gear was redesigned and other minor improvements again made in accordance with Honda tradition of continuous gradual improvement.
The Interstate is offered in Candy Red (retail $12,099) Pearl Green (retail $11,899)
Aspencade - Candy Red (retail $14,899) Pearl Blue, Pearl Magenta or Pearl Green (retail $14,699)
SE - Candy Red/Dark Red two-tone (retail $17,599) Pearl White/Metallic Gray two-tone, Pearl Green/Dark Green two-tone or Pearl Magenta/Dark Magenta two-tone (retail $17,399) Pearl White solid (retail $17,099)
 

1997:
 

1998:

1999:

2000:


 
 
2001- Honda Goldwing GL1800
2001: Now featuring the biggest engine of any mass-produced motorcycle, the new 1832cc Gold Wing brings performance to the touring class with an all-new rigid aluminum frame and sport-oriented handling that surprises even the most jaded of critics.

The innovative aluminum frame is specifically engineered for optimum rigidity. The exhaustively tested 1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine is nearly 2.5 pounds lighter than the previous design. Two 40mm-diameter throttle bodies deliver air to six specially-designed Keihin® 50-psi high-pressure fuel injectors. Bore and Stroke is placed at 74.0mm x 71.0mm with a compression ratio of 9.8:1 - Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with automatic choke is now a standard feature. 

The electronic ignition now boasts Computer-controlled digital three-dimensional mapping.
The Suspension has been upgraded to 45mm forks with anti-dive system in the front and 5.5-inch travel, a Pro-Arm® single-sided swingarm with Pro-Link®; electronically controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presets; 4.1-inch travel take care of the rear.

Brakes are top of the line, with Dual full-floating 296mm discs with LBS™ three-piston calipers in the front and a Single ventilated 316mm disc with LBS™ three-piston caliper in the back - there is also an Antilock braking System available.
Tires have been upgraded to radials with a 130/70R-18 in the front and a 180/60R-16 in the rear.
The wheelbase is 66.6 inches with a rake (Caster Angle)of 29.25 degrees and a trail of 109mm (4.3 inches)

Seat Height is still a low 29.1 inches and the weight has been reduced to 792.0 pounds (799 pounds for the ABS model )

Fuel Capacity is now 6.6 gallons with MPG remaining approximately the same due to increased effeciencies so 200 mile ranges between refills are now easy at any speed.  For this year Colors include: Pearl Blue, Pearl Yellow, Black and Illusion Red.  Suggested Retail Price: Non-ABS w/o Illusion paint / with: $17,499 / $17,999 &  ABS w/o Illusion paint / with:  $18,499 / $18,999

2002: Second model year will show an improved Electronic ignition and engine cutoff switch as well as changes to the driveshaft boot.  Colors for this year include: Black, Metallic Silver, Pearl Orange, Illusion Red, Illusion Blue. Suggested Retail Price: Non-ABS w/o Illusion paint / with: $17,699 / $17,999 &  ABS w/o Illusion paint / with:  $18,699 / $18,999
 

Most of this information was obtained from the list of Model descriptions in 'GoldWing, The First 20 years', A 20th Anniversary book by Honda, published by American Honda Motor Company Inc. © 1995 - the rest was taken from web sites and other publications from American Honda.

Any errors are my own ...