The Honda Gold Wing (colloquially Goldwing or GoldWing) is a series of touring motorcycles manufactured by Honda. It was introduced at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in October 1974, and went on to become a popular model in North America, Western Europe and Australia, as well as Japan. Total sales are more than 640,000 "Wings," most of them in the U.S. market.
The Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (Japanese) includes a Honda Gold Wing GL1000 manufactured in 1974 as one of their 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology. Through 2012, Honda GL models have appeared eighteen times in the Cycle World list of Ten Best bikes.
Over the course of its history, it has had numerous changes to its design and production. In 1975 it had a 999 cc (61.0 cu in) flat-four engine and in 2001 it had a 1,832 cc (111.8 cu in) flat-six. By 2012, the model had a fairing with heating and an adjustable windscreen, panniers (saddlebags) and a trunk, a seatback for pillion rider, satellite navigation and radio, a six-speaker audio system with MP3 and iPod connectivity,anti-lock braking, cruise control, electrically assisted reverse gear, and an optional airbag, none of which were present when it was introduced.