Honda GLX 1500 Gold Wing Sport

The next-generation GL begins to take shape under the guidance of Masanori Aoki, a sportbike enthusiast who has already headed up development of high-performance bikes including the CBR250RR, CBR400RR and the CBR®600F3. "We set out to keep 80 percent of the Gold Wing's touring capability," Aoki said. But he also added, "My job is to add more fun factor, to build a Gold Wing with the kind of acceleration and handling people normally associate with sporting machines." After considering flat-four, flat-six and flat-eight engine configurations and displacements up to 2000cc, customer response overwhelmingly points to a flat-six of about 1800cc displacement. In 1998, a full-scale model is created.

The Honda GL1500 Gold Wing was the first Gold Wing with a liquid-cooled flat-six engine with a displacement of 1520 cc. This type was available from 1988 until and including 2000. During this period the model remained nearly unchanged. In the year 1990 a special edition, the GL1500 SE, was introduced at the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Honda Gold Wing. This type remained available in the years thereafter. Since 1991 three different variants were available : the Interstate, the Aspencade and the SE.

he first model of 1988 was extremely complete and provided with almost all possible gadgets. Unique was for instance the electric reverse gear which made the maneuverability easier. The saddlebags and the trunk could be opened and closed with the (one) ignition key. Furthermore there was an air compressor on board and an audio system consisting of a radio with a cassette player and an integrated intercom. Also an electronic cruise control was standard. Furthermore the windshield was adjustable in height into three different positions.

The maximum power of the Honda GL1500 Gold Wing was 73.5 kW or nearly 100 hp at 5200 rpm. With a maximum torque of 150 Nm or 15.3 kgm at 4000 rpm the GL1500 had an impressive tractive power. Furthermore the GL1500 was provided with five gears of which the last one was an overdrive. With a fuel tank capacity of well over 23 Litresa fairly radius of action could be achieved. The dry weight was well over 360 kg.

In the anniversary year 1990 (15 years Honda Gold Wing) besides the standard model an even more luxurious version, the GL1500 SE (Special Edition), was introduced. This version was painted in a special luxury colo(u)r (Pearl White) and was provided with an extra brake and tail-light bar on the trunk. Furthermore the passenger footrests were adjustable and the audio system was somewhat more luxury. The model remained available in the years thereafter.

Since 1991 besides the GL1500 SE two different versions were available : the Interstate and the Aspencade. In fact, the Aspencade was equal to the formerly standard model. However, the Interstate was somewhat more sober and therefore somewhat cheaper. For instance, the GL1500 Interstate was not provided with an electric reverse gear which allowed backWard driving at a walking pace. Furthermore, this model was not standard provided (only optional) with an air compressor and a cruise control. Finally the windshield of the Interstate was not adjustable in height. Weighing nearly 350 kg the GL1500 Interstate was somewhat lighter than his heavier little brothers, the GL1500 Aspencade (well over 360 kg) and the GL1500 SE (well over 370 kg).

Until 1997 the three different models (Interstate, Aspencade and SE) remained available. In 1993 the electronic cruise control of the GL1500 Aspencade and the GL1500 SE was improved. By measuring the speed of the crankshaft a better accuracy was obtained which allowed an adjustment of the cruising speed in steps of 1 mph. In the anniversary year 1995 (20 years Honda Gold Wing) the three models were provided with a special anniversary badge. Furthermore some minor improvements were carried through. From 1997 on the less popular Interstate model was no longer available.