In late 1974 there was a huge buzz around Honda. Everybody speculated that Honda would bring out an update to the uber successful CB 750 that had stood the market on it’s ear 6 years earlier. Kawasaki had the Z1 out and selling like crazy and everybody KNEW that Honda needed to up their game.
Everybody was right of course, Honda brought out the new game changer. It just wasn’t what any of the experts anticipated. Enter the Goldwing at the Cologne show in October, 1974.
A water cooled flat four? 650 LBS? Rubber belt driven cams? Heavy torque without the explosive acceleration? What were they thinking? Honda obviously thought that the world needed a heavy touring machine and history seems to have proven them right.
The 1975 Honda Goldwing used a 999 CC (61 CID) liquid cooled four stroke overhead cam flat four motor that produced 80 HP with a 5 speed transmission with shaft drive for an estimated top speed of 125 MPH. Dual disc front and single disc rear brakes coupled with telescopic front and coil over shock rear suspension with a fat 4.5 inch tire on the rear (3.5 inch front) made for a smooth and predictable ride. The smooth motor and a 5 gallon gas tank made it a motorcycle built for long rides.
This particular 1975 Honda Goldwing (VIN# CL11019147) is in Wichita, Kansas and is listed as a 7,152 mile all original survivor. Owner’s manual, tool kit and kick starter go with the bike. The ‘wing is currently priced at $840.00 with reserve not met
Sources:
Wikipedia
Motorcycle Classics
Classic Motorbikes
Bikez