Honda GL1000 Concept
For more than 40 years, the Gold Wing has been Honda’s flagship motorcycle. From the M1 “King of Kings” prototype to the introduction of the GL1000 for 1975 and multiple model generations since, the legendary Gold Wing rewrote the rules for power, smoothness, reliability and comfort, and it launched?and came to define?luxury motorcycle touring in America and beyond. The following timeline charts significant and notable milestones in the Gold Wing’s history.
Check out Honda Gold Wing Milestone Models 1975-2015
Honda M1 Prototype
1972

A team led by Soichiro Irimajiri develops the M1 prototype (also known as Project 371), a flat-six, 1,470cc precursor of the Gold Wing.

1975 Honda Gold Wing GL1000
1974

The first Gold Wing?the 1975 GL1000 KO with a liquid-cooled 999cc flat four-cylinder engine?makes its public debut at the Cologne Show in Germany. Developed by Toshio Nozue (also responsible for the CB750), the model is dubbed ?the ultimate motorcycle? by Honda.
1976

Honda offers an LTD version of the GL1000, with special features like LTD badges, gold striping, a chromed radiator shroud and a special seat and wheels.

1977

Rider passion quickly emerges as the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) is founded in Phoenix.

1978

The first edition of the Wing Ding touring rally is held in Phoenix.

1979

On June 10, Honda opens its $50 million, 260,000 square-foot production facility in Marysville, Ohio.

1980 Honda Gold Wing GL...