The Honda Goldwing GL 1200 featured an all new engine, but has a lot in common with the previous design, only the fuel and oil pumps were taken from the old engine.

 

Capacity was bigger up to 1182 cc stroke was 66 to 75.5mm,

A quartet of 32 mm Keihin carburetors squirted fuel trough larger 36 mm inlet valves into a combustion chamber with more efficient cylinder head design.

 

Modified valve timing with longer valve lift duration and computerized ignition contributed to an increased output to 94 bhp at 7000 rpm.

 

Improved handling was also sought by dragging back and lowering the steering head. Like all the previous wings cornering clearance was limited.

 

Enthusiastic drivers had the footrest soon at the floor, but fortunately they were flexible enough to raise a little, mine were after 5 years of enthusiasm almost gone (the rubber that is)

 

Radio and cassette player were on board, and the luxury types had an compressor to raise the shocks. The torque of the bike was good enough for not shifting gears to often, if you had a lazy touring day.

 

Some problems were risen with the alternator which was a weak point of this bike, but I must say, I never had any trouble, you had to keep the connections clean, so that the power flow was not interrupted. 

 

1982
For '82, Honda adds a third model to the GL line, the even more luxurious Aspencade. The Interstate model offers such options as a new Type II stereo, a 40-channel CB transceiver, and an on-board air compressor. All of these items are standard on the Aspencade, as are storage pouches in the passenger backrest, two-tone paint and seat, and special edition Aspencade badges. All models also sport twin-piston front brake calipers and wider tires.

 

1983
The last year for the GL1100s finds them fitted with 11-spoke cast wheels, TRAC anti-dive forks with an integrated fork brace, and a unified braking system. The Interstate adds in larger, flatter footpegs and adjustable passenger pegs, while the top-of-the-line Aspencade also boasts internally vented front brake rotors, a digital LCD instrument panel and a new two-tone seat.

 

1984
This year sees the Wing once again rewrite the rules for touring, with the all-new GL1200s. All three models are motivated by a new, 1182cc engine with hydraulic valve adjustment, and a redesigned chassis sports a 16-inch front wheel for steering lightness and precision previously unseen in the class. The Aspencade distinguishes itself from the Interstate with a new Type III radio/cassette/communications system, LCD instruments and special rear light bar.

 

1985
With the surge of touring popularity, Honda drops the standard Gold Wing in '85, but a top-of-the-line LTD model joins the Aspencade and Interstate, once again raising the ante for touring opulence. The GL1200L Limited Edition comes with computerized fuel injection, Type III audio/intercom system with four speakers, cruise control, auto-leveling rear suspension and a comprehensive electronic travel computer.

 

1986
Few changes distinguish the GL1200s for their third year of production. The Limited Edition gets renamed the GL1200SE-i, and now features Dolby noise reduction for its Panasonic Type III sound system. The Aspencade gets the same audio update, and both Interstate and Aspencade models can be easily identified by their new rear fender splash guards.

 

1987
The Gold Wing lineup gets pared to two models, the Interstate and the Aspencade, with the SE-i consigned to history. Both remaining models feature a new tapered seat design with three-stage foam, and the two differ mainly in weight and standard equipment. The Type III sound system, passenger floorboards and armrests, and a trunk mirror are standard on the Aspencade, options on the Interstate.

 

 

 

  

 

 

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