Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1980's

Everybody thinks of the Gold Wing Interstate as a long-distance mount, but all those bags and boxes make it a convenient commuter, too. Chromed and shrouded, the 1984 GLengine is larger. but still bulletproof. Some go 100,000 miles without engine problems well to what amounted to six months of daily neglect. The chrome showed no signs of rust, and the paint and vinyl surfaces were easily shined to "as new" condition. In fact, the photography which accompanies this article was shot at the end of the test. Overall, our 1984 Gold Wing proved to be sound and reliable for the duration of the test. Gold Wings have a world-wide reputation for reliability - a reputation the bike has earned over the past nine years. There are a good many Wings which have sailed past the 50,000 mile mark, and a surprising number which have gone on to see 100,000 miles. Our six-month visit with the new 1984 Gold Wing showed this newest version to be worthy of this reputation. For some riders, the most crucial question for determining the suitability of a touring bike reads like this: would you pack that motorcycle tomorrow mornipg and ride it from coast to coast? With 10,000 miles showing on the clock of the 1984 Gold Wing parked downstairs, the answer is yes. • problem was likely to be in the wIring harness leading to the steering head, curing it would have involved removing great pieces of the bodywork. The exact cause remains a mystery ...one that would be solved withi.n the warranty. Speaking of tight left turns, the sheer bulk of this motorcycle proved a challenge when paddling in tight spaces. Once, in the course of parking the bike on a narrow walkway, all 723 pounds of this behemoth rolled g.ently but decisively into a fence. The price: one taillight lens, which was later cemented together with acetone. Other glitches? One of the plastic covers in the fairing (where a radio speaker would be installed) managed to shake itself loose. Attempts to fasten it back into the fairing suc- ceeded in breaking the little tangs which retain the' cover, leaving it with a permanent droop. The latch for adjusting the seat also hung up a bit; a problem that a few minutes of fiddling and a spritz of WD-40 would likely cure. Handling remained reasonably sure and wobble-free throughout the test. Granted, most of the mileage was rolled under the wheels with a minimal load, and Honda's rear shocks are notorious for long-term suffering when the bike is fully loaded. Make no mistake: the Wing ain't no canyon racer, but it certainly isn't a slouch. Besides ... if someone challenges you to an impromptu race in the hills of southern California, you can accept that challenge with confidence. ] ust set the finish line in Denver. Cosmetically, the bike stood up Have it your way: Variations on a theme of Wing GL1200 When the Gold Wing was first introduced in 1974. it appeared as a slab-seated motorcycle with spoked wheels; a bike with the potential to become a cross-conti nent cruiser. The direct descendant of that early Wing still exists, in the form of the GLI200. This model sports the cast wheels and stepped seat of the more deluxe Wings, as well as the new engine, frame and running gear. Missing are the saddlebags, trunk and fairing... making this a heavyweight motorcycle without the touring appendages. This Gold Wing could form the starting point for a custom-built tourer, ready to accept the accessories and gadgetry of the owner's choice. Interstate The next step up the line is the Gold Wing Interstate. This model spOrts the classic touring fairing with integrated lowers, colormatched saddlebags and travel trunk. This is the model which might be dubbed "The thinking man's Wing," in that it has ~Il the touring bodywork and cargo space of the top-line Wing, with none of the frills and goodies which drive up the cost. Traditional analog gauges grace the console of the Interstate, giving the machine a simple and uncluttered appearance. Aspencade For the top of the line Gold Wing, Honda pulled out all the stops and gave this king-of-Wings virtually every lavishment known to touring. Mechanically, the Aspencade sports . dual front disc brakes which are internally vented for improved cooling. An on-board air compressor with a battery of switches is patched into the air suspension, and features a separate air valve for inflating footballs, air mattresses and flat tires. For instrumentation, the Aspencade does away with antiquated needle-and-pointer analog gauges: all readouts for speed, tach and engine functions are liquid-crystal digital displays. Also on the digital roster are the trip odometer, gear position indicator and a quartz clock. Integrated into the dashboard is an impressive l2-watt radiolcassettelintercom unit, which can be patched into an optional CB radio for complete communications control. Finishing touches for this top line tourer incl ude a fancy chrome-plated tool kit, comfy passenger floorboards (instead of footpegs), and a pair of dandy zip-shut storage bags to the sides of the backrest. No doubt about it, the new Aspencade is for folks who believe in going all the way when touring. • 27

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