Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Unveiling the Honda Gold Wing 1985: A Journey of Discovery and Insight

Unveiling the Honda Gold Wing 1985: A Journey of Discovery and Insight

The Honda Gold Wing, first introduced in 1975, is a touring motorcycle manufactured by Honda. The 1985 model year brought several significant updates and improvements to the Gold Wing, solidifying its reputation as a premier touring machine.

One of the most notable changes for the 1985 Gold Wing was the introduction of a new, more powerful engine. The previous 1000cc engine was replaced with a larger 1200cc engine, providing more torque and horsepower for better acceleration and passing power. The 1985 Gold Wing also received a number of chassis and suspension upgrades, including a new front fork and a revised rear suspension system. These changes improved the bike's handling and stability, making it more comfortable and enjoyable to ride.

In addition to its performance and handling improvements, the 1985 Gold Wing also received a number of new features and amenities. These included a new fairing with better wind protection, a larger fuel tank for increased range, and a more comfortable seat. The 1985 Gold Wing also featured a new audio system with a cassette player and speakers, making it possible to enjoy music while riding.

honda goldwing 1985

The Honda Gold Wing is a touring motorcycle that has been in production since 1975. The 1985 model year brought several significant updates and improvements to the Gold Wing, solidifying its reputation as a premier touring machine. Some of the key aspects of the 1985 Honda Gold Wing include:

  • Engine: 1200cc flat-four engine
  • Power: 95 horsepower
  • Torque: 85 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Five-speed manual
  • Suspension: Front forks and rear shocks
  • Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes
  • Weight: 720 pounds
  • Fuel capacity: 6.3 gallons
  • Seat height: 30 inches
  • Price: $6,995

These key aspects of the 1985 Honda Gold Wing made it a popular choice for touring riders. The powerful engine provided plenty of power for cruising at highway speeds, and the comfortable seat and suspension made it a pleasure to ride for long distances. The Gold Wing also came with a number of features that were designed to make touring more enjoyable, such as a fairing for wind protection, a large fuel tank for extended range, and a built-in audio system.

Engine

Engine, Motorcycles

The 1200cc flat-four engine was a significant upgrade for the 1985 Honda Gold Wing. The previous 1000cc engine was powerful, but the 1200cc engine provided even more torque and horsepower, making the Gold Wing more responsive and enjoyable to ride, especially when overtaking or climbing hills. The flat-four engine design also helped to reduce vibration, making the Gold Wing a more comfortable motorcycle to ride for long distances.

The 1200cc flat-four engine was also more fuel-efficient than the previous 1000cc engine, giving the Gold Wing a longer range. This was an important consideration for touring riders, who often cover long distances between fuel stops.

Overall, the 1200cc flat-four engine was a major improvement for the 1985 Honda Gold Wing. It made the Gold Wing more powerful, more responsive, more comfortable, and more fuel-efficient, making it a better choice for touring riders.

Power

Power, Motorcycles

The 1985 Honda Gold Wing produced 95 horsepower, which was a significant increase over the previous year's model. This increase in power gave the Gold Wing better acceleration and passing power, making it a more enjoyable motorcycle to ride, especially when overtaking or climbing hills.

The 95 horsepower engine was also more fuel-efficient than the previous year's model, giving the Gold Wing a longer range. This was an important consideration for touring riders, who often cover long distances between fuel stops.

Overall, the 95 horsepower engine was a major improvement for the 1985 Honda Gold Wing. It made the Gold Wing more powerful, more responsive, more comfortable, and more fuel-efficient, making it a better choice for touring riders.

Torque

Torque, Motorcycles

Torque is a measure of the twisting force that an engine produces. It is important for motorcycles because it determines how well the bike can accelerate and climb hills. The 1985 Honda Gold Wing produced 85 lb-ft of torque, which was a significant increase over the previous year's model.

  • Acceleration: The increased torque of the 1985 Gold Wing gave it better acceleration than the previous year's model. This was especially noticeable when overtaking or climbing hills.
  • Hill climbing: The increased torque also made the Gold Wing better at climbing hills. This was important for touring riders, who often have to climb mountain passes.
  • Towing: The increased torque also made the Gold Wing better at towing a trailer or sidecar. This was important for riders who wanted to use their Gold Wing for camping or touring.
  • Low-speed maneuverability: The increased torque also made the Gold Wing easier to maneuver at low speeds. This was important for riders who wanted to use their Gold Wing for commuting or riding in traffic.

Overall, the increased torque of the 1985 Honda Gold Wing made it a more powerful and versatile motorcycle. It was better at accelerating, climbing hills, towing, and maneuvering at low speeds. This made it a better choice for touring riders, who often have to deal with all of these conditions.

Transmission

Transmission, Motorcycles

The 1985 Honda Gold Wing was equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. This type of transmission gives the rider more control over the bike's performance, allowing them to select the right gear for the riding conditions. The five-speed manual transmission was also more durable and reliable than the automatic transmissions that were found on some other motorcycles at the time.

  • Gears: The five gears of the transmission allowed the rider to select the right gear for the riding conditions. For example, first gear was used for starting off and riding at low speeds, while fifth gear was used for cruising at highway speeds.
  • Control: The five-speed manual transmission gave the rider more control over the bike's performance. For example, the rider could downshift to engine brake when going downhill, or upshift to accelerate when overtaking.
  • Durability: The five-speed manual transmission was more durable and reliable than the automatic transmissions that were found on some other motorcycles at the time. This was important for touring riders, who often put a lot of miles on their bikes.

Overall, the five-speed manual transmission was a major advantage for the 1985 Honda Gold Wing. It gave the rider more control over the bike's performance, was more durable and reliable, and was better suited for touring than automatic transmissions.

Suspension

Suspension, Motorcycles

The suspension system of a motorcycle is responsible for absorbing bumps and vibrations from the road, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. The 1985 Honda Gold Wing was equipped with a front fork and rear shock suspension system that was designed to provide a balance of comfort and handling.

  • Front forks
    The front forks of the 1985 Honda Gold Wing were telescopic forks with 41mm stanchions. These forks were designed to provide a smooth and controlled ride, even on rough roads. The forks were also adjustable, allowing the rider to fine-tune the suspension to their liking.
  • Rear shocks
    The rear shocks of the 1985 Honda Gold Wing were dual shocks with adjustable preload. These shocks were designed to provide a comfortable ride, even when the bike was carrying a heavy load. The shocks were also adjustable, allowing the rider to fine-tune the suspension to their liking.
  • Benefits of the front forks and rear shocks
    The combination of the front forks and rear shocks provided the 1985 Honda Gold Wing with a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads. The suspension system also helped to improve the bike's handling, making it easier to ride and control.

Overall, the suspension system of the 1985 Honda Gold Wing was a major factor in its success as a touring motorcycle. The suspension system provided a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads, and it also helped to improve the bike's handling.

Brakes

Brakes, Motorcycles

The 1985 Honda Gold Wing was equipped with front and rear disc brakes, a significant upgrade over the drum brakes that were found on previous models. Disc brakes provide superior stopping power and are less prone to fading than drum brakes, making them ideal for a heavy touring motorcycle like the Gold Wing.

  • Stopping power
    Disc brakes provide superior stopping power to drum brakes. This is because disc brakes use a caliper to squeeze a pair of pads against a rotating disc, which creates friction and slows the wheel. Drum brakes, on the other hand, use a pair of shoes to press against the inside of a rotating drum, which is less effective at creating friction.
  • Fade resistance
    Disc brakes are also less prone to fading than drum brakes. This is because disc brakes dissipate heat more quickly than drum brakes. When brakes are used repeatedly, they can overheat and begin to fade, which reduces their effectiveness. Disc brakes are less likely to fade because they have a larger surface area to dissipate heat.
  • Weight
    Disc brakes are also lighter than drum brakes. This is because disc brakes do not require the heavy backing plates and drums that are used in drum brakes. The lighter weight of disc brakes reduces the unsprung weight of the motorcycle, which improves handling and performance.
  • Maintenance
    Disc brakes are also easier to maintain than drum brakes. This is because disc brakes have fewer moving parts than drum brakes. The simpler design of disc brakes makes them less likely to need, and makes it easier to perform maintenance when it is necessary.

Overall, the front and rear disc brakes on the 1985 Honda Gold Wing were a significant upgrade over the drum brakes that were found on previous models. Disc brakes provide superior stopping power, are less prone to fading, and are lighter and easier to maintain than drum brakes. These advantages make disc brakes ideal for a heavy touring motorcycle like the Gold Wing.

Weight

Weight, Motorcycles

The 1985 Honda Gold Wing weighed 720 pounds, making it one of the heaviest motorcycles on the market at the time. This weight was due in part to the Gold Wing's large engine, frame, and bodywork. However, the weight also contributed to the Gold Wing's stability and ride quality.

The Gold Wing's weight made it very stable at highway speeds, even in strong winds. The weight also helped to absorb bumps and vibrations from the road, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. Additionally, the Gold Wing's weight made it a good choice for towing a trailer or sidecar.

However, the Gold Wing's weight also had some drawbacks. It made the bike more difficult to maneuver at low speeds and in tight spaces. The weight also made it more difficult to pick up the bike if it was dropped.

Overall, the 1985 Honda Gold Wing's weight was a significant factor in its performance and ride quality. The weight contributed to the bike's stability, ride comfort, and towing capacity. However, the weight also made the bike more difficult to maneuver at low speeds and in tight spaces.

Fuel capacity

Fuel Capacity, Motorcycles

The 1985 Honda Gold Wing had a fuel capacity of 6.3 gallons, which was a significant increase over the previous year's model. This increase in fuel capacity gave the Gold Wing a longer range, which was important for touring riders who often cover long distances between fuel stops.

  • Range: The 6.3-gallon fuel capacity gave the Gold Wing a range of approximately 300 miles on a single tank of gas. This was a significant increase over the previous year's model, which had a range of approximately 250 miles.
  • Convenience: The increased fuel capacity also made the Gold Wing more convenient to ride. Touring riders no longer had to worry about finding a gas station as often, which allowed them to focus on enjoying the ride.
  • Peace of mind: The increased fuel capacity also gave touring riders peace of mind. They knew that they could always make it to the next gas station, even if they were riding in a remote area.

Overall, the 6.3-gallon fuel capacity was a major advantage for the 1985 Honda Gold Wing. It gave the Gold Wing a longer range, made it more convenient to ride, and gave touring riders peace of mind.

Seat height

Seat Height, Motorcycles

The 1985 Honda Gold Wing had a seat height of 30 inches, which was relatively low for a touring motorcycle. This made it easier for riders to mount and dismount the bike, and it also made it more comfortable to ride for long periods of time.

The low seat height was also beneficial for shorter riders. Many touring motorcycles have seat heights that are too high for shorter riders to reach the ground comfortably. This can make it difficult to ride the bike safely and confidently. The Gold Wing's low seat height made it a good choice for shorter riders who wanted to experience the comfort and performance of a touring motorcycle.

Overall, the 30-inch seat height of the 1985 Honda Gold Wing was a major advantage for riders of all sizes. It made the bike easier to mount and dismount, more comfortable to ride for long periods of time, and more accessible to shorter riders.

Price

Price, Motorcycles

The 1985 Honda Gold Wing had a price tag of $6,995, which was a significant increase over the previous year's model. This increase in price was due to a number of factors, including the Gold Wing's new and improved engine, suspension, and brakes. However, the Gold Wing's price was still competitive with other touring motorcycles on the market at the time.

  • Value for money: Despite the increase in price, the 1985 Honda Gold Wing was still considered to be a good value for money. This was because the Gold Wing offered a number of features and benefits that were not available on other motorcycles at the time, such as a powerful engine, a comfortable ride, and a long range.
  • Target market: The Gold Wing's price point also reflected its target market. Honda was targeting the Gold Wing at experienced touring riders who were willing to pay a premium for a high-quality motorcycle.
  • Sales success: The Gold Wing's sales success its price was competitive. The Gold Wing was one of the best-selling touring motorcycles on the market in 1985.

Overall, the price of the 1985 Honda Gold Wing was a significant factor in its success. The Gold Wing's price was competitive with other touring motorcycles on the market, and it offered a number of features and benefits that were not available on other motorcycles at the time. This made the Gold Wing a good value for money, and it helped to make the Gold Wing one of the best-selling touring motorcycles on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Honda Gold Wing 1985

The Honda Gold Wing 1985 is a touring motorcycle that has been praised for its comfort, power, and reliability. However, there are some common questions and concerns that potential buyers may have about the bike.

Question 1: Is the Honda Gold Wing 1985 a good motorcycle for long-distance touring?


Answer: Yes, the Honda Gold Wing 1985 is an excellent choice for long-distance touring. It has a comfortable seat, a powerful engine, and a long range, making it ideal for covering long distances in comfort and style.

Question 2: Is the Honda Gold Wing 1985 difficult to ride?


Answer: No, the Honda Gold Wing 1985 is not difficult to ride. It has a low seat height and a well-balanced chassis, making it easy to maneuver at low speeds and in tight spaces. The bike is also very stable at highway speeds, making it a pleasure to ride on long journeys.

Question 3: Is the Honda Gold Wing 1985 expensive to maintain?


Answer: The Honda Gold Wing 1985 is not particularly expensive to maintain. It is a well-built motorcycle with high-quality components. However, like any motorcycle, it will require regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire changes, and brake inspections.

Question 4: Is the Honda Gold Wing 1985 a good value for money?


Answer: Yes, the Honda Gold Wing 1985 is a good value for money. It is a high-quality motorcycle that is built to last. It also has a number of features and benefits that are not available on other motorcycles at the same price point.

Question 5: What are the most common problems with the Honda Gold Wing 1985?


Answer: The Honda Gold Wing 1985 is a very reliable motorcycle. However, like any motorcycle, it can experience some problems over time. Some of the most common problems include carburetor issues, electrical problems, and suspension problems.

Question 6: How can I find out more about the Honda Gold Wing 1985?


Answer: There are a number of resources available to learn more about the Honda Gold Wing 1985. You can read reviews from other riders, visit Honda's website, or talk to a local Honda dealer.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought


The Honda Gold Wing 1985 is a great choice for riders who are looking for a comfortable, powerful, and reliable touring motorcycle. It is a well-built machine that is sure to provide years of riding enjoyment.

Transition to the next article section

Tips for Riding a Honda Gold Wing 1985

The Honda Gold Wing 1985 is an iconic touring motorcycle that is known for its comfort, power, and reliability. However, there are a few things that riders can do to get the most out of their Gold Wing experience.

Tip 1: Adjust the seat to the correct height. The Gold Wing has a low seat height, but it can still be difficult for some riders to reach the ground comfortably. If you are having trouble reaching the ground, you can adjust the seat height by following the instructions in your owner's manual.

Tip 2: Familiarize yourself with the controls. The Gold Wing has a number of controls, so it is important to familiarize yourself with their location and function before you start riding. This will help you to operate the motorcycle safely and efficiently.

Tip 3: Start the motorcycle in neutral. The Gold Wing has a five-speed transmission, and it is important to start the motorcycle in neutral. This will help to prevent the motorcycle from lurching forward when you start it.

Tip 4: Be aware of the motorcycle's weight. The Gold Wing is a heavy motorcycle, so it is important to be aware of its weight when you are riding. This will help you to avoid accidents.

Tip 5: Take your time when riding. The Gold Wing is a powerful motorcycle, so it is important to take your time when riding. This will help you to avoid accidents and to enjoy the ride.

Tip 6: Be aware of your surroundings. The Gold Wing is a large motorcycle, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings when you are riding. This will help you to avoid accidents and to stay safe.

Tip 7: Wear a helmet. A helmet is the most important safety gear that you can wear when riding a motorcycle. It will help to protect your head in the event of an accident.

Tip 8: Have fun! The Gold Wing is a great motorcycle to ride, so make sure to have fun when you are riding it.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits


By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable riding experience on your Honda Gold Wing 1985.

Transition to the article's conclusion

Conclusion

The Honda Gold Wing 1985 is a legendary touring motorcycle that is still popular today. It is known for its comfort, power, and reliability. The Gold Wing 1985 is a great choice for riders who are looking for a motorcycle that can handle long distances in comfort and style.

In this article, we have explored the Honda Gold Wing 1985 in detail. We have discussed its history, features, and benefits. We have also provided some tips for riding a Honda Gold Wing 1985. We hope that this article has been informative and helpful.

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Images References, Motorcycles

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