Honda GL1000 Gold Wing LTD

Honda GL1000 Gold Wing LTD
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1976
Class	Tourer
Engine	Four stroke, opposed boxer four cylinder, SOHC, 2 valve per cylinder
Compression ratio	9.2:1
Top Speed	178.6 km/h / 111 mph
Transmission	5 Speed
Suspension	Front: Telescopic fork Rear: Swing arm, twin shocks
Brakes	Front: 2 x 232 mm discs, 2 piston calipers Rear: Single 250 mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Front Tire	3.50-19
Rear Tire	4.50-17
Wheelbase	1545 mm / 60.8 in.
Seat Height	810 mm / 31.9 in.
Weight	273 kg / 602 lbs (dry),
Recommended Oil	Honda GN4 10W-40
Fuel Capacity	19 Liters / 5 US gal
Manuals	Service Manual

It could reach a top speed of 178.6 km/h / 111 mph.

Engine

The engine was a Liquid cooled cooled Four stroke, opposed boxer four cylinder, SOHC, 2 valve per cylinder. The engine featured a 9.2:1 compression ratio.

Chassis

It came with a 3.50-19 front tire and a 4.50-17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via 2 x 232 mm discs, 2 piston calipers in the front and a Single 250 mm disc, 1 piston caliper in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a Swing arm, twin shocks. The GL1000 Gold Wing LTD was fitted with a 19 Liters / 5 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 273 kg / 602 lbs. The wheelbase was 1545 mm / 60.8 in. long.

Photos

Overview

Honda GL 1000 Gold Wing LTD

The first Gold Wing, the GL1000-KO, appeared on these shores in 1975, to be followed by the Kl the following year. The latter had a wiper for the sight glass and grease nipples for the drive-shaft splines, but otherwise the machine was unchanged. The nipples were retro-fitted to the KOs by dealers.

In 1978 the K2 got snazzier cosmetics and taper roller bearings in the steering head, but the engine was not to change the whole time it stayed at one-litre capacity until the KZ of '79 to '80. This got the black paint and gold pinstripe treatment plus the new Comstars in place of the spokes. The exhaust turned to chrome and the dummy tank changed configuration, with gauges set in a console at the front

The engine changed at last, becoming 2bhp less powerful, at 78bhp, thanks to smaller carbs and softer valve timing. Torque moved down the range and suddenly the bike was a better, easier to use tourer.

The GL1100 of 1980 was basically an overbored one litre, being bored out, with a strengthened crank and more equipment. A De Luxe version also appeared in 1980, with fairing, panniers and top box, which saved the aggro of fitting them yourself. Considering its intended use, the G-L1000 was remarkable for its nakedness.

Faults and Quirks

Since this was Honda's first attempt at a water-cooled four-stroke, they engineered it thinking of the extreme temperatures and stress of an air-cooled engine. The result is that they last forever. Don't be put off by high mileages since they really will go on into six figures on the  milometer if they are looked after. Happily, most owners tend to be older and richer and so look after their bikes and spend what is necessary on them. The three things to watch out for are the exhaust system, the clutch and, on early models, the spoked wheels. The black-painted pre-KZ model exhaust rusts within ten seconds, while the latter chrome ones simply rot New systems are around £500, but aftermarket ones can be had from people like Gazelle, in stainless steel, for about half this price.

The clutch is down at the back of the engine and hard to get at, but do listen to it carefully as early clutches were overwhelmed by the power and they do slip.

For spoke-wheeled bikes it would be well to check that they are all there and are straight since theirs is a hard life.

Obviously most bikes will be fitted with some sort of touring gear, but equally obviously factory stuff is better - although later GL1200 parts won't normally fit. If you get the option, take one with Vetter. Pantera or Rickman accessories.

The American S&W rear shocks are another welcome addition, as stock units were far from wonderful when new. King 'n' Queen seats are not so welcome, but the stock seat is very average for long-distance work.

Make Model	Honda GL 1000 Gold Wing LTD
Year	1976
Engine Type	Four stroke, opposed boxer four cylinder, SOHC, 2 valve per cylinder
Displacement	999 cc / 60.96 cub in.
Bore X Stroke	72 x 61.4 mm
Compression	9.2:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Induction	4 x 32mm Keihin carbs
Starting	Electric
Max Power	56.9 kW / 78 hp @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque	83 Nm / 8.46 kgf-m / 61.2 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed
Drive	Shaft
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork
Front Wheel Travel	148 mm / 5.8 in.
Rear Suspension	Swing arm, twin shocks
Rear Wheel Travel	84 mm / 3.3 in.
Front Brakes	2 x 232 mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 250 mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Front Tire	3.50-19
Rear Tire	4.50-17
Wheelbase	1545 mm / 60.8 in.
Seat Height	810 mm / 31.9 in.
Dry Weight	273 kg / 602 lbs
Fuel Capacity	19 Liters / 5 US gal
Consumption Average	5.1 L/100 km / 17.9 km/l / 42.0 US mpg
Braking 100 Km/h - 0	48.4 m / 159 ft
Standing ¼ Mile	13.5 sec / 159.4 km/h / 99 mph
Top Speed	178.6 km/h / 111 mph