Honda Goldwing/Valkyrie Specs & Parts

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The Honda Goldwing has been in a class of it's own since it was introduced to the public in 1975. When Honda origionally intrduced the Goldwing GL1000 it was unclear what the future was going to bring but Honda inlisted consumer feedback to create an entirely new genere of motorcycling. The original Goldwing did not have the extensive body work and storage that give the Wing that destinct tour bike look.

Introduced in 1980 the Honda Goldwing GL1100 Interstate was the first in the series to offer the fully faired version complete with saddlebags and trunk that the give the Goldwing the iconic look we see today. The standard version was also available but the stage was set for the Goldwing to define the future of the Tour Bike. With the factory installed fairing riders could easily add Honda Line accessories like a radio with cassett, CB to stay connected and entertained while riding across the country. To support the weight of the additional body work and storage Honda installed front and rear air shocks that could be adjusted to support heavier loads while maintaining a comfortable ride. In 1982 Honda added the flagship Aspencade to the line up which included additional factory accessories and a bit more flair than the Interstate. One of the biggest differences was the addition of an electrically controlled on-board air pump to adjust the pressure of the suspension. In 82 all of the Goldwing series including the standard also received self canceling turn signals.

In 1984 Honda released the Goldwing GL1200 the 3 version in the Goldwing series. Yamaha and Kawasaki both attempted to cash-in on the new Tour-Bike market but Honda developed many one-off parts to insure the Goldwing would remain king of the mountain. Honda installed a larger 1182cc Flat-Four engine and a hydraulic clutch to give the Goldwing better low-end torque to aid low speed navigation. The frame was stiffened and the suspension was upgraded to support the growing weight of the fully accessorized Goldwing which now tipped the scale at over 700lbs. Honda also updated the luggage and fairing to give the Wing a more modern look and increase storage capacity. In 1985 the standard Goldwing was dropped from the line-up leaving riders with only the Interstate or Aspencade fully faired versions of the Goldwing to choose from. Honda also experimented with fuel injection on the 1985 GL1200I which had mixed reviews and did not become standard issue until the intrduction on the GL1800 in 2001.

The Honda Goldwing GL1500 was introduced in 1988 and remains one of the best Tour-Bikes ever built. The Gl1500 might resemble the previous versions but it was completly redesigned from the ground up. The new body work looked like something from Star-Trek with complete coverage front to rear with no exposed nuts or bolts. The luggage and trunk blended right into the boday panels giving the GL1500 a very streamlined, modern look.To increase power  Honda did a complete redesign instead of a bore and stroke. The original flat-four was replaced by a flat-six. The 1502cc engine remains one of the smoothes operating and relaible engines on the market today. The GL1500 was also the first mass produced Tour-Bike to have a reverse gear which was alomost a nesseccity considering the bike weighed in at nearly 800lbs. The Goldwing GL1500 was a fantastice bike and stayed in production for 12 years until 2001 when it was replaced by the GL1800.

In 2001 Honda replaced the aging GL1500 with the new Glodwing GL1800. The newest version in the long line of Goldwings is lighter and more powerful than the previous version. To shed some unwanted weight Honda utilized an aluminum frame which weighed 25lbs less and provided additionl strenght over the steel frame. The Flat-6 powerplant was increased to 1832cc while dropping 4lbs in the process. Honda wanted to appeal to a younger crowd so the body work received a modernizing make-over and vibrant colors like Hot Rod Yellow, Sunbust Orange, Illusion Red, and Pearl Chromium Purple were added to the lineup. 

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 Since the launch in 2001 the Goldwing 1800 has received countless alteratiions, updates, upgrades and additional accessories. A few of the additions you can get on the current model include Navigation, Satelite Radio, CD changer, MP3 hook-up, Adjustable Windscreen, Tire Pressure Monitering, Antilock Brakes and Air Bags. The Goldwing is Honda's flagship Tour-Bike and continues to pave the way for prestige and comfort in Luxury 2 wheel travel.

Major Model Year Changes

1975-1980 GL1000

1981-1983 GL1100

1984-1987 GL1200

1988-2000 GL1500

2001-Present GL1800

Q. What do the letters in the model name of my Goldwing mean?

A. The letters after the engine size indicate which model of Goldwing you have.

A = Aspencade

I = Interstate

L = Limited

T = Tourer Edition

SE = Special Edition