< AllMoto's Motorcycle Investor mag

 

allmoto logo

Motorcycle Investor mag

Subscribe to our free email news


honda gl1000 gold wing 1975

The Gold Wing Run

(Guy 'Guido' Allen, January-February, 2025)

Honda's legendary Gold Wing turns 50 in 2025 and what better way to celebrate than take an original example for a nice long ride?

See below for the road diary...

Part 1 was to get our very tidy 1975 example shipped from our home base in Melbourne up to Brisbane, as we didn't fancy doing the trip in both directions. We simply flew up to meet the Wing, which was transported by Bike Logistics. That's John delivering the machine in Brisbane, at top.

See our 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing profile

The route? It's about 2000km (1200 miles) – maybe not epic, but enough to test a 50-year-old motorcycle.

gold wing map

Here is the road diary...

January 29
Shake-down run – Mount Mee

honda gl1000 mount mee

Road sign of the day: Terrors Creek, north of Brisbane in Queensland. We're on the Mount Mee road, the reputation of which adds flavour to the title.

Why were we there? We figured it was a good idea to take the Gold Wing for a local gallop, in this case north of Brisbane to see old mate Mark Reed – a man with a long and fascinating motorcycle history, including working on Australian Motor Cycle News with muggins, back in the 1980s.

(In case you were wondering, we did have television back then, but not the internet. The dinosaurs had died out and we had some very nice motorcycles.)

It was a good excuse to tour his shed, pat the Bultacos, the Ducatis and the 1920s Sunbeam.

The run was a short 130-ish kilometres (80 miles) and was the longest time we had spent in the saddle since it was purchased last year.

So how is it going? I'm confident it will get back to Melbourne without breaking into a sweat and it has plenty of power to hoot along at a good rate. There are a couple of little adjustment issues to be attended to, such as the idle speed being too high and the height of the rear brake lever.

With more time and resources, I'd also like to see the damping for the front suspension backed off a little. That won't happen on this trip.

The big re-alignment so far has been the trip itself, thanks to Mark's advice. Plan A was to follow the inland Newell Highway (route 39). However in high Summer we've backed out of that. The inland temps are roasting and the road is in questionable shape – not great for this exercise.

There is also a question mark over whether we could safely park the bike overnight in one or more of the towns along the way. (Ed's note: Goondiwindi in Qld and Moree in NSW were highlighted as trouble spots.)

Meanwhile the coastal Pacific Highway (route 1) is much cooler when it comes to climate and better-maintained, if a little longer.

kangaroo art

Even though it was a very brief run, we got to nominate the roadside monument of the day, which was on the outskirts of Dayboro: a beautifully-formed steel kangaroo and joey. Hats off to the creator.

(Ed's note: we've since been told by Mark it's by David Ellsworth – see his web site.)

Meanwhile we've 'designed' the trip to be much more lazy than some of our recent efforts (see the links at the end of the story). I've done enough head-down and bum-up rides over the years and have this strong sense that many of those trips were on the edge of being an endurance test. That's okay, but a bit more time to play rather than endure would be welcome this time.

We'll let you know how we get on...

January 30
Heading south

big
              prawn ballina

A last-minute change of plan has landed us on the Pacific Highway (more or less), which means we're traveling in cooler weather than we would have copped inland, although it now seems certain we'll get wet tomorrow on the way to Newcastle.

It's not the end of the world, but it means the immaculate Gold Wing will need the services of a detailer when we get it home. Such is life...

Meanwhile you know you've hit the tourist trail when you start encountering 'big' and usually bizarre roadside objects. The easy winner today was the big prawn in Ballina, inexplicably located at the front door of a hardware emporium, namely Bunnings (or Hammerbarn if your kids are fans of Bluey). Maybe there are plans for the nearby patch of grass.

You might notice they've gone for the cooked prawn look, rather than coming the raw prawn...

coffs
              harbour jetty disctrict

We've landed in Coffs Harbour, which boasts the big banana – though it's modest when compared to Ballina's shellfish. The foreshore near the jetty (above) is far more inviting.

As for the Gold Wing, it's humming along nicely, as you might expect. For a 50-year-old machine, it's pretty good over a distance. The one modern feature I'm really missing is cruise control. It's something I have on three other bikes in the shed (1999 BMW K1200LT, 2001 Honda Valkyrie Interstate and 2024 Suzuki Hayabusa) and has become a must-have for distance work.

The one thing I didn't get around to checking pre-ride was the fuel consumption. It's on the thirsty side at around 12km/lt. That's 8.3lt/100km, or 34mph in the UK and 28mpg in the USA. The fuel tank claims a 19 litre capacity (4.2/5.0 gallons), so useful range with something in reserve is about 200km (120 miles).

Best guess? It's jetted a little rich. I would definitely be packing a spare fuel container if I was using it down the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory, or on the Perth-Adelaide run.

The one good decision I made prior to the trip was fitting the bike with fresh rubber. That's almost a reflex whenever I acquire a new toy and I suspect will pay dividends when the rain gods decide to drop in.

prawns

Somehow this seemed like a fitting treat at the end of the day.

January 31
Geography soup

honda gold wing 1975

There are times when I wonder if there is a deliberate plot underway to confuse and baffle tourists.

I give you today's two prize examples. The first is from 'The Rock' service station, north of Newcastle. You might notice that's a very long way from Uluru in the Northern Territory.

camel newcastle

Number two was this rather disgruntled camel on the Honeysuckle docks district of Newcastle. Again, a very long way from home.

Anyway, the bike continues to trundle along without fuss. I'm regretting not changing over the American handlebars for something lower, as they do turn you into a wind sock. The upside is they discourage any land speed record attempts.

I must confess to packing in about 18 seconds for this trip and one of the issues with that was I packed enough camera gear to start a decent-sized production company. It was way more than I needed, so I've slimmed the kit right down and posted the excess equipment home. (Of course Australia Post lost it and then asked me to hang around for a couple of weeks while they hoped it turned up! This isn't over, dingbats...)

Unfortunately my predictions of rain came true and the once-immaculate Gold Wing is now looking a bit shabby. Tomorrow's first order of business will be to find somewhere to give it a tub, as I don't fancy letting the crap bake on.

newcastle harbour

Newcastle is blessed with a great waterside location, with lots of beaches and harbour-side areas to explore.

Tomorrow we swing by one of my favourite sections of the trip, crossing the Hawkesbury River and enjoying the spectacular views that northern approach to Sydney has to offer.

February 1
Bluey spotto and the great outdoors

bluey hay bales gold wing

One of the things that takes your mind off the discomfort of long motorcycle trips is playing spotto. For this journey it has been looking for pics to send to the eldest grand-daughter, who is of an age where the animated TV series Bluey is a thing of joy and importance. I'm inclined to agree with her. It sure as hell beats watching elections.

Meanwhile I've been enjoying seeing how towns portray themselves as a way to entice you off the motorway and into the centre to enjoy the fruits of the labour of the local denizens.

Once upon a time the highway went through the town, so all they needed was the nameplate on the outskirts, along with a badge or two from Rotary and RSL, or whatever, to keep them happy.

wollongong honda gold wing

Now, you have to advertise – or so it seems. So there is a staged effort in NSW where, as you near each town, you get a series of tourist signs pointing out the joys of pulling off the main road.

The last of them is generally a giant poster, almost exclusively extolling the great outdoors. Beaches, mountain trails, whatever works. Me, I'd be more impressed with the inside of a wine bar or an engineering shop – the two combined would be nice...

ulladulla

Nevertheless, where we pulled up for the night – sunny Ulladulla – has its attractions.

As for the Gold Wing, it cruises along almost effortlessly. I'll do a more comprehensive rundown at the end of the trip, as I'm not convinced this mount was a great choice for the journey. It would have been a sensational selection back in 1975, but things have changed. (And yes, I'm mindful this trip was all about the model's 50th anniversary. See our profile.)

There are some arguments for and against using one like this, which I'll chew over and share in a couple of days.

February 2
Irony spotto and well-named creeks

gold wing garden of eden

I can now say I have ridden a Gold Wing to the Garden of Eden. Does one get a gold star at Sunday school?

While I have an unhealthy target-focused drive on long motorcycle trips to sit in the saddle and just grind away the miles, muggins has learned that stopping regularly to smell the roses, or spot the irony, is far more rewarding. And today provided an example that was so gob-smacking I initially rode past while the grey cells chewed it over, and then turned back in a hurry.

For a moment there, I thought I was seeing things. Who calls a caravan park the Garden of Eden? Or did they buy said garden of Old Testament fame and turn it into a caravan park? Where's Joni Mitchell when you need her?

fat cow creek

That experience got me focused on place names today and easily my favourite is this simple one: Fat Cow Creek. There will be a story behind it.

air raid tavern moruya

Speaking of anomalies, the Air Raid Tavern in Moruya had me curious. My albeit limited knowledge of modern history suggested there was no enemy air raid there, ever. So what's the story?

According to the local historical society: "The building follows the footprint of former Keating's Hotel which burnt down in 1943. After the fire, the bar re-opened in the stables – blackout rules were in place due to Japanese submarine activity off the coast – hence it became known as the Air Raid Shelter."

 gold wing merimula

Mural of the day goes to the good folk at Merimbula, for the water tower beside the local rural fire brigade station. Somehow the idea of a waterfall mural on a water tower works. Note the little subtle touches, such as the 'leaks' between the slabs. (It's signed by Chalk Talk Inc.)

Meanwhile the riding relationship with the 1975 GL1000 deepens. We got to play in some corners today and I have to say it busted one or two popular myths. More on that as we wrap up the tour, tomorrow...

See our Honda GL1000 Gold Wing profile.

February 3
The homing Gold Wing

honda gl1000

We're home, some 2000km (1200 miles) down the track.

Yesterday consisted mostly of good old-fashioned single lane country roads, with all the little surprises that go with them. It was a refreshing change from the motorways, even if the going was a lot slower.

It was also more revealing of the Gold Wing's abilities. I'll confess that my teeth grate whenever someone comes out with the sarcastic 'Lead Wing' nickname, as if it was a fresh joke. I've exercised self-control and not smacked anyone, yet...

So far, no-one who has used the accursed Lead Wing term in my presence has actually owned one. They prefer to offer long-winded explanations of a bike owned by an alleged mate. The phrase "pack of uninformed numbats" springs to mind.

GL1000 JOHN WAUGH

The GL1000 was unquestionably big and heavy for its day and of course the series grew into giant fully-fledged heavy tourers. But this early version is different. Old mate and former Two Wheels mag staffer John Waugh chimed in on our social pages regarding this theme: "I've owned two of them, a K1 and K3," he wrote. "Great bikes and often underestimated by those who have never ridden them." Amen to that.

John's K3 is above, complete with four-into-one exhaust...what a weapon!

So let's look at some raw stats. A 1975 Wing claimed 84 horses for a dry weight of 273kg. A Kawasaki Z900 of the same year claimed 82 horses for a 230kg dry weight. The Kawasaki had a power-to-weight advantage, but the performance gap from the saddle wasn't as great as most people imagine. In other words, an early GL1000 had the potential to be a quick motorcycle for its day.

That was something noted in the contemporary road test featured at Classic Two Wheels even though they fried the clutch on the drag strip.

honda gl1000

Five decades later, I wasn't expecting too much when I started flinging the thing into a few sets of corners. I know what worn 1970s Japanese suspension feels like and kind of braced for a floaty and unstable ride. Not so. It handled surprisingly well – no FireBlade, but really stable and predictable. In fact you could fling it at a set of turns at a respectable clip.

Now you may recall that I whined about the overly stiff front suspension a few days ago. You see this bike had a big rebuild/restoration under the stewardship of a previous owner and had seen little use since. That is, until I got my scone-grabbers on it.

The front end has since loosened up and works really well on backroads. Plus the rear end is far better than stock. A closer look reveals it is riding on a set of modern Ikon shock absorbers which look perfect for the period. Add in the set of  Bridgestone tyres I had fitted just before the trip and you come out with a halfway decent package.

That restoration, by the way, included braided steel lines for the brakes, plus what I suspect was a careful choice of pad material. They work pretty well, too. The only hitch is a moment's delay in braking power if they're soaking wet. Anyone who knows 1970s Japanese motorcycles will be aware that's pretty good!

As for the engine, it has enough grunt to enable you to select a single gear for a set of corners and just roll it through on the throttle. It's smooth for the seventies, but less exceptional now. Power is ample and the spread very good.

When it comes to the transmission, it's typical GL1000, which means it likes a slower change if you want to keep it smooth. It can be clunky and a little rider sympathy goes a long way.

The mechanicals are stock, with exception to the aftermarket solid state ignition replacing the twin set of points.

A big factor in the decision to buy this example was it was running a factory exhaust system. They are near-impossible to find now in any sort of use-able shape. There was someone in the UK making accurate aftermarket copies for a while, but they seem to have disappeared. If you're still out there, now is the time to get back into business – you'd do alright.

Aftermarket systems generally miss out on the balance chamber between the two banks of cylinders, which makes a big difference to how a GL1000 sounds and feels.

As a classic tourer, I rate it very highly, probably ahead of my BMW R75/6 of the same year. It handles better and is much quicker, though the BMW would be more comfortable and has a better fuel range.

Note that I said 'classic tourer'. The thing is, I have a 1999 BMW K1200LT which cost me less than the GL1000 even when you throw in the big rebuild for the clutch and rear main seal. It's faster, more comfortable, has greater carrying capacity, handles better, brakes better, has cruise control plus ABS and uses less fuel.

But it doesn't look as good.

From a collector point of view, the K1200LT will keep dropping in value and was strictly a utilitarian purchase. However early GL1000s have shown signs of garnering collector interest, but don't expect to get rich.

honda gl1000

If you got an early Gold Wing you'd have a significant slice of touring motorcycle history that just happens to be a decent ride.

We started this run with the question: can you still tour on a 50-year-old motorcycle? The answer is definitely a yes.

See our Honda GL1000 Gold Wing profile.

(ends)

***

A few of our recent rides...

bmw
              r1150gs darwin

The Darwin run

kawasaki gpz900r australia

The Kawasaki GPz900R fly-buy-ride experience

bmw
              r100gs

BMW R100GS Paris-Dakar fly-buy-ride


bmw k1200lt denmark wa

The Perth run


See our 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing profile

More features here

See the bikes in our shed

-------------------------------------------------

Produced by AllMoto abn 61 400 694 722
Privacy: we do not collect cookies or any other data.

allmoto logo

Try our books...

Travels with Guido
                book

youtube

YouTube

Instagram

Instagram

facebook

Facebook

Emneail newsletter

Archives

News archive

Features

Our Bikes stories

Travels with Guido columns

Contact

About AllMoto

Email me