On a Goldwing is much different than other bikes. From the technical point - with Boxer engine and shaft drive - one could compare it with a BMW, but of which it has outgrown in the truest sense of the word. Instead of initially four, it now has six cylinders and a kerb weight of 400 kg, not so easy to approach of any other machine. Although, for its size one could describe it to be slight. It has even a reverse gear, which actually (almost) is reserved only for sidecars. So this Honda founds an own class. At its first appearance in 1975 it is still relatively slim and only wants to shine with its particular technology. It has a very low vibration four-cylinder boxer engine with passenger-car technology, this is really something special. Add to that a gearbox under the engine, generator and starter drive on auxiliary shaft and the tank behind instead above the engine.
The development of the Goldwing will be largely determined by the fact that they - has designed primarily for the U.S. market, - is now built in America. Who knows the there slightly higher average age of the motorcycle public than in Europe, can vividly imagine the tendency to greater comfort with an unchanged desire for a good base engine. So grows the Goldwing and with it the power unit. Already the first prototypes had a six-cylinder. In its early days it is less suitable for curve slopes because of its technology, at the end are debt the overhanging forms. Their owners (women can keep this vehicle safe right now?) do not care. You cruise literally and, although the tyres are allowed up to 210 km/h, one has rarely seen someone at 180 km/h. Perhaps the consumtion blame for this.