1984 Honda Goldwing 1200 Motorcycle

The last word in luxury motorcycling, the Honda Gold Wing is regarded by many as the ultimate long-distance tourer both in terms of rider comfort and relaxed performance. Originally launched by Honda back in 1975 with a 999cc liquid-cooled horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, the Gold Wing grew to 1100cc in 1980 - with the emphasis on torque more so than outright power. A longer wheelbase provided more room for both the rider and passenger, while new air-assisted suspension provided a more comfortable ride. A new super luxury model, the Aspencade, was announced in 1982 and was mechanically identical to the less expensive Standard and Interstate Gold Wings but boasted the most opulent equipment levels yet found on a two-wheeled vehicle. Features included LCD instrumentation, stereo, optional four-channel CB radio with a talk switch and intercom, an on-board air-compressor and numerous storage compartments, not to mention two-tone paintwork and special edition Aspencade badging. In 1984 Honda revamped the entire Gold Wing range, enlarging the engine to 1200cc and the Aspencade was given a taller passenger seat back, elbow rests and footboards. For 1986 Honda added a splash guard on the rear fender and Dolby noise reduction to the stereo system and three two-tone colour combinations were available. By 1991 the Honda Gold Wing had benefitted from more than 15 years of development with mechanical and technical refinements that made it the closest thing to a car available on two wheels.