For whom
Here are the main features of the Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing:
- six-cylinder engine with a huge resource;
- greater smoothness of engine operation, as well as reduced vibration;
- ability to move in reverse.
All this makes the model a very interesting choice for those who love long trips of hundreds and thousands of kilometers. A motorcycle will allow you to carry a lot of provisions, clothes, in a word, everything you need. At the same time, it will not look ridiculous. The model ceased production in 2000 because it was replaced by a new bike.
Motorcycle Honda GLX 1500 Goldwing 1998 review
Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing is another two-wheeled legend. Produced from the late 80s until the beginning of this century, it was distributed throughout all countries, everywhere being almost the standard of a motorcycle for travel. And not just a motorcycle, but a luxury touring motorcycle, capable of giving its owner such comfort that others have never dreamed of. Being a worthy successor to the traditions of the Honda Gold Wing series of touring motorcycles, the famous 1500 cc “Golda” is still very popular, despite the fact that it was replaced by the Honda Gold Wing 1800 more than ten years ago. And there are many reasons for this. . Price is one of these reasons, but it is far from the only one. Why is the Gold Wing 1500 so loved by many bikers? Probably for something that no one has surpassed it in - for comfort. When you go on a trip with it, it feels like you are riding in a house on wheels. Luxurious seats, excellent wind protection, music, a bunch of different adjustments, excellent power reserve, solid luggage volume and signature Honda reliability - yes, the Gold Wing 1500 has something to brag about, despite the fact that the age of some copies of this motorcycle has already exceeded a quarter of a century. But first things first.
Starting with the Gold Wing 1000, all motorcycles in this line have been equipped with boxer engines, and the GL 1500 is no exception. The six-cylinder boxer engine, producing a hundred horsepower, is powered by a pair of carburetors, and 150 nm of torque turns the Golda into a projectile that shoots sharply forward, as soon as you turn the throttle towards you. Despite a dry weight of more than 370 kilograms and a large windage, the Gold Wing 1500 can be called a truly dynamic motorcycle.
Due to the heavy weight and relatively high center of gravity, handling the motorcycle is not so easy, at least until you get going and reach a speed of 15-20 km/h. On the move, the Gold Wing 1500 handles simply fabulously; you simply don’t expect anything like this from this colossus. But at near-zero speeds there is a feeling that the motorcycle is “floating”, and there is no connection between the steering wheel and the front wheel. This problem, known among GL 1500 owners, is due to the fact that the thin fork “plays” too much and twists, including during braking. This problem is eliminated by installing a third triple clamp, which gives the Gold Wing 1500 fork the necessary rigidity.
The highlight of any Golda is its luxurious equipment. Of course, it varies depending on the configuration - for example, the Aspencade version lacks reverse gear and air suspension, but not everyone can independently push four tons of steel and plastic, even up a small hill. The top version boasts height-adjustable passenger platforms (it is believed that this option was only installed on motorcycles produced for the Japanese domestic market), rear air suspension and reverse gear. All versions of the Gold Wing 1500 are equipped with a music system, an adjustable windshield with a window and a whole bunch of other amenities.
Looking at the prices for used motorcycles in this class, you understand that the Gold Wing 1500 is beyond competition. This motorcycle is capable of providing the highest comfort, the 23-liter gas tank ensures long, carefree trips with a minimum of refueling, the glass and fairing reliably protect from water and wind... Well, if you want coolness, you can open a window in the glass, which will let in exactly as much wind as needed, so that it is pleasant, but not cold. On the highway, the GL 1500 is in its element, and it is capable of taking the happy owner far, far away, even on a trip around the world.
Of course, there were some downsides. The Honda Gold Wing 1500 is a really heavy bike and also very expensive to drop. Maintenance is significantly difficult due to the complex design, and almost any service operation takes a lot of effort and time, and in motorcycle services, due to the complexity of the work, they ask for a lot of money. But if you want to buy a used and not the most expensive luxury touring motorcycle, then the Gold Wing 1500 is a great option. This motorcycle combines reliability, excellent technical characteristics and the highest level of comfort.
Dimensions and weight
Without fuel, the GL 1500 weighs 360 kg. The tire sizes at the rear are 160/80-16, and at the front - 130/70-18. The gas tank has a significant volume - as much as 23 liters. However, the actual consumption per 100 km of road is not small - 10 liters. However, the bike is not intended for traveling through some impassable terrain, like the same Honda Africa Twin, it is just a touring motorcycle for the highway, and where there is a highway, there are gas stations.
Honda GL1500 Gold Wing
Brief review of Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing
Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing is one of the most famous and recognizable touring motorcycles in the world. One of the representatives of the “golden-winged” line, which has many models and many decades of history, it is still very often found on the roads, despite the fact that the last Gold Wing 1500 was produced at the end of the last century. The motorcycle is distinguished not only by a huge range of different options, but also by good driving performance, as well as very high reliability.
Designed in the 80s, taking into account the experience of producing the Gold Wing 1200, this motorcycle became a logical continuation of the series. There were three modifications in total:
- Interstate - the most budget and at the same time the lightest version, which does not have cruise control, reverse gear and is equipped with a simple audio system
- Aspencade - Anniversary version that has everything that the Interstate lacks, and is equipped with a better music system
- Special Edition (SE) - the top version of the Honda Gold Wing 1500, differs in other color options, heated legs, a ventilation “window” in the windshield, adjustable footrests, an improved audio system and additional headlights
Also based on the Honda Gold Wing 1500, the Honda GL1500C Valkyrie cruiser was produced, which also had several versions.
Similar motorcycles:
- Yamaha XVZ1300 Royal Star Venture
Technical characteristics of Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing
- Years of manufacture: 1988-2000
- Class: tourist
- Frame: steel
- Engine: 4-stroke, 6-cylinder, opposed
- Engine capacity, cubic meters see: 1520
- Cooling: liquid
- Valves per cylinder: 2
- Fuel supply: 2 carburetors
- Power: 100 hp (at 5200 rpm)
- Torque: 150 Nm (at 4000 rpm)
- Maximum speed, km/h: 180
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: ~5.5 seconds
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Wheel drive: cardan
- Front tire: 130/70-18
- Rear tire: 160/80-16
- Front brakes: 2 discs 296 mm, 2-piston calipers
- Rear brakes: 1 disc 316 mm, 2-piston caliper
- Front suspension: telescopic fork with automatic air pumping
- Rear suspension: monoshock absorber with automatic air pumping
- Gas tank volume, liters: 23
- Fuel consumption at 110 km/h, liters: ~9
- Dry weight, kg: ~360
Pros and advantages of Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing
- Good set of options
- Smooth ride
- High power and good dynamics
- Low center of gravity
- Nice pendants
- High torque available from the bottom
- Excellent level of comfort
- Availability of reverse gear (except GL1500 Interstate version)
- Affordable price for a used luxury motorcycle
- Huge resource
- Undemanding to fuel quality
Pros and cons of the Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing
- Heavy weight
- Weak front fork that twists when braking (the problem is eliminated by installing a third crossmember)
- Difficult maintenance
- High cost of some spare parts
- Insufficiently effective brakes
- Weak generator
- High fuel consumption
Chassis and brakes
The bike has a steel frame. It has a fairly elegant design and looks decidedly more luxurious than the frame of the previous model. The wheels are cast and have the most common appearance. The steering wheel is small relative to the overall dimensions of the motorcycle, but it copes well with this colossus.
The monoshock absorber acts as the rear suspension, and the telescopic fork acts as the front suspension. Both suspensions have automatic air pumping. The brakes at the rear are a 316mm disc fitted with a two-piston caliper. The front brake is served by two discs, each 296 mm, and two-piston calipers help here.
We should also pay tribute to the trunks - three huge trunks can accommodate a bunch of useful things. Two “integrals” fit into the central one without any problems. But the inquisitive mind of the Russian owner of the Gold Wing will definitely come up with some nasty thing that the naive designers did not suspect. For example, I decided to somehow adjust the locks on the panniers, otherwise they weren’t closing well. Well, of course, I dropped a tiny screw from my hands. And that little bastard fell not to the ground, but into some technological niche in the inside of the case lid. Without turning the motorcycle over, it was impossible to shake out the screw... I had to remove the entire cover, dismantle the decorative elements, and rescue the poor fellow. Having installed everything in place, I still didn’t understand why this niche was needed?
In general, the amount of plastic in this motorcycle is amazing. Absolutely everything is covered. The only pity is that the grade of some plastics is chosen in such a way that its age is clearly visible. No matter how you polish it, the plastic will never become brand new. This, I think, is out of grade for such a motorcycle. In addition, when in motion, all this equipment rattles great on bumps. VAZ-2108 drivers will understand me.
To get an idea of what Golda has under her dress, you just need to open the gas tank flap. Underneath you will see a gloomy cork made in the industrial style, and no reminders of external shine. If you continue your research and pry off the side panels, you can get acquainted with the gearbox, battery and even, imagine - the frame! The motorcycle is black, tubular, with box-shaped elements and not at all rigid. Although, for tourism it’s just right. Well, it’s time to take some kind of turn... However, I expected more tilt resistance from such a monster! The motorcycle, although not sportbike-like easily, but not chopper-like reluctantly, “settled down” in the turn quite tolerably. Not deep, really - pretty soon the footboards were scratched. This responsiveness is thanks to the low center of gravity and longitudinally oriented crankshaft. This way, after practicing, you can practice urban slalom! Adjusted for dimensions, of course.
I tried it. Did not like. "Golda" is not a city bike. Unless we are talking about driving along night avenues. In this case, everything is on the level - both self-awareness and attention from the sidelines. And in a traffic jam it’s hard on it. Somehow you immediately feel all the almost 400 kilograms and the notorious flimsiness of the steering wheel at low speeds. So, what do we have here with the radio? “Golda” is a motorcycle with music in the standard version! The sound is turned on by the volume control vernier: click! - and from four speakers pours a wonderful, dense sound mess, which, upon closer examination, turns out to be jazz music transmitted by the corresponding radio. I turned another knob, the one responsible for automatically increasing the volume depending on the speed - the porridge became louder. I am inclined to blame the very aged speakers and the weak amplifier of the standard radio for the “cooking”. Advice: these elements should be replaced immediately after purchase with something newer and more powerful - you won’t get any help from your relatives. Moreover, in the “Japanese” version of the American Gold Wing motorcycle, the radio is configured to receive only the very “left” edge of the FM range that is familiar to us.
But the mute button and station tuning levers located under the left hand are very convenient. As well as a large LCD display showing the frequency. It's nestled between the speedometer and tachometer on an almost car-like dashboard. It contains all possible signal lights: in addition to the standard set, you have side stand, and OD (overdrive - overdrive), and oh, miracle! – R – reverse! By the way, it’s a very useful function, I’ll tell you. It is very difficult to pull this mastodon, crouched to the roadside curb, with your own strength. And if the side of the road is also sloping, write: lost. Poor owners of Interstate modification goldwings, they don’t have reverse gear! Just like there is no pneumatic compressor for pumping up the rear suspension. I have! Why it is needed, however, I don’t understand. Apparently, for driving with a full load...
Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you, I never went on a trip to Europe. Life circumstances have changed, and the vacation has become shockingly short. So, I drove a little around our Russian expanses (by the way, noticeably larger than the whole of Europe) and realized that enough was enough. What I get from the car is not what I expected. In addition, the notorious strength of the chassis on our bumps turned out to be not so strong in reality. And next year I won’t go anywhere on the Gold. The reason is simple – I just didn’t like the motorcycle. On an emotional, biological level, I understand that this is not my car. Everything about her is excessive, everything about her is too much. Gold Wing, although beautiful, is a capricious, portly lady, and it takes a long time to get used to communicating with her. And in the course of communication, forgive her countless whims. And I like to find mutual understanding with motorcycles right away.
So it’s her destiny to be sold to someone who will forgive this wayward young lady all her “kinks” and “peculiarities” and will enjoy the soft seat, directional stability and the impression she makes on others. And that’s not enough for me.
