Revealed: 40th anniversary Gold Wing

Special edition marks 40 years since first ‘Wing was launched in 1975

HONDA has just a special anniversary edition of the GL1800 Gold Wing for 2015, marking 40 years since the original ‘Wing was launched in 1975.

The 40th Anniversary Gold Wing comes in four colours including a new two-tone red and black scheme with blacked-out chassis.

The special editions all have ‘40th anniversary’ and pair of wings embossed on the pillion. The same emblem is on the fairing front and inner, top box lid and key.

The three other colour options are black, white and metallic silver.

Price has not been announced.

Honda’s release said: ‘The Honda Gold Wing has always stood alone. Launched as the GL1000 in 1975 its horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine was not only physically different, it felt very different with a silky output perfect for long days in the saddle. A six-cylinder, 1500cc overhaul in 1987 saw the Gold Wing once again state its intent and purpose to benchmark the ultimate touring machine.

The Gold Wing GL1800 which debuted in 2001, after eight years of intensive research and development, added further dynamic ability and riding enjoyment to the Gold Wing's repertoire. The box-section aluminium frame delivered stability and accurate steering at speed. It also worked with the unique flat-six engine to keep the centre of gravity low - a key factor in the bike's excellent low-speed balance and agility, which made twisting mountain roads or busy city streets a pleasure to negotiate.

And just as the engine enjoys a legendary reputation for reliability, so the rest of the machine is finished to the very highest standards, with outstanding build quality and paint finish.

The core appeal of the Gold Wing remains its unique ability to make long-distance travel a truly rewarding and enjoyable experience. A visual update in 2011 - with improved luggage capacity - under the style concept of 'majestic aggression' perfected a look that is at once elegant, imposing and vibrant.

To celebrate 40 years of production the 2015 Gold Wing will be available in an additional - and very special - two-tone colour scheme, with commemorative key fobs and fairing/trunk badges. The 40th Anniversary badges and key fobs will also be found on the three other Gold Wing colours.’

HONDA has just revealed a special anniversary edition of the GL1800 Gold Wing for 2015, marking 40 years since the original ‘Wing was launched in 1975.

The 40th Anniversary Gold Wing comes in four colours including a new two-tone red and black scheme with blacked-out chassis.

The special editions all have ‘40th anniversary’ and a pair of wings embossed on the pillion seat. The same emblem is on the fairing front and inner, top box lid and key.

The three other colour options are black, white and metallic silver.

Honda’s release said: ‘The Honda Gold Wing has always stood alone. Launched as the GL1000 in 1975 its horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine was not only physically different, it felt very different with a silky output perfect for long days in the saddle. A six-cylinder, 1500cc overhaul in 1987 saw the Gold Wing once again state its intent and purpose to benchmark the ultimate touring machine.

The Gold Wing GL1800 which debuted in 2001, after eight years of intensive research and development, added further dynamic ability and riding enjoyment to the Gold Wing's repertoire. The box-section aluminium frame delivered stability and accurate steering at speed. It also worked with the unique flat-six engine to keep the centre of gravity low - a key factor in the bike's excellent low-speed balance and agility, which made twisting mountain roads or busy city streets a pleasure to negotiate...

To celebrate 40 years of production the 2015 Gold Wing will be available in an additional - and very special - two-tone colour scheme, with commemorative key fobs and fairing/trunk badges. The 40th Anniversary badges and key fobs will also be found on the three other Gold Wing colours...

The 2015 Gold Wing 40th Anniversary model will be available in a very special Candy Prominence Red/Graphite Black paint option. Both colours are tied together, and separated, by a silver band inlaid with 40th Anniversary emblems and the effect - along with the blacked out wheels, frame forks, swingarm and mufflers - is simply stunning. Finishing details are the 40th Anniversary emblems on the fairing front and inner, trunk lid and key fob.'