2009 HONDA GL1800 GOLD WING

The first GL1000 Gold Wing wowed the crowds at the Cologne show at the end of 1974. Billed as a tourer, the unique machine featured an 80bhp, liquid-cooled 999cc flat-four engine, shaft drive, and an underseat fuel tank. But though the weighty 265 kilo bike did go on to generate huge success as a mile-eater, its lack of fairing and luggage seemed odd oversights. Accessories firms soon solved those omissions, and the Wing’s popularity was assured. Americans were especially keen on it, with nearly 100,000 sold by 1979. In 1980 the GL1100 was introduced, and then for the following season Gold Wing production was moved to Ohio in the US.