Steve’s comment got me thinking….. the GL1000 will celebrate a 50 year anniversary very soon. Only a few years newer than my K1. When I first saw one, I thought it was monstrously big. Funny how time changes perspective!
With even bigger Goldwings and Indians and Harleys as well as the monstrous Triumph Rocket III.
The 1000-1200cc Goldwings are smaller bikes today...
Very true!!
Back when I was is Parts in the mid 70s, and the 1st wing came out of the crate, I wasn't interested in the behemoth, boxer motor(reminded me of the Bmers that I knew that tweeked as you twisted the throttle....) I was happy with my 750 and was tweaking the motor to go more faster....with go fast Goodies and knowledgeable people to help make it Go Faster....
I watched our service manager try for 2 hours to dance that GL1000 on the rear wheel like he did on the 750s for a 1/4 mile, he never got the front wheel more than 6 inches off the ground. He came to me and said "I need a new rear tire"....I laughed and said I bet you do!
And yes, times have changed me also. Where as I used to ride my 750 across the country and had a blast, I have come to enjoy the smoothness(and comfort!) of the wings for long distance riding. The behemoth of the GL1000 of 1975 is minute compared to my 08 GL1800(155,000 miles in 10 years of riding it)
