The story of the ultimate Honda power cruiser.

GL1500C (1997-2003), GL1500CT Tourer (1997-2000), GL1500CF Interstate (1999-2001)

In 1974, Honda took the wraps off a 1000cc flat four with shaft drive and water cooling, and the Honda Gold Wing was born. Renowned photographer Malcolm Birkitt has included coverage of Honda's dynamic, new Valkyrie in this update of his best-selling Honda Gold Wing title, as well as examining all the changes in the Gold Wing since 1995. Included are intriguing early design sketches and portraits by Honda's designers and engineers.

For many, a motorcycle bought at the beginning of the 1950s was a first taste of the freedom offered by personal transport. Although postwar austerity was fading, money was still tight and new machines virtually unobtainable, but there were plenty of cheap prewar machines around and an ex-War Department motorcycle could be bought from one of the big city dealers on the never-never; better still it would be sent to your local railway station. Ex-army dispatch riders’ coats and boots would serve to keep the weather at bay as the new motorcyclists explored and enjoyed the quiet roads in a pre-motorway era. The decade would become a Golden Era of motorcycling as manufacturers brought new and excitingly advanced machines to an appreciative audience which had never even heard of a Japanese motorcycle. Motorcycle sport mushroomed in popularity at a time when you actually had to go to the race to see it and helped to reinforce the public’s ever-growing enthusiasm for the motorcycle. the era would also see the arrival of the moped, scooter and bubblecar. For those that were there, Jeff Clew’s insight to motorcycling of the ‘50s will provide a delightful nostalgic journey into the past, while those younger riders who cherish 1950s motorcycles today will discover a whole new dimension to their enjoyment of the machines.

Japanese street bikes are very popular machines built with precision engineering to ensure a long life on the road. With the help of this Clymer repair manual, you will be able to maintain, service and repair your Honda 205 & 305cc Twin, Kawasaki 250-750cc Triple, or Kawasaki 900 & 1000cc Four to extend its life for years to come. Clymer manuals are very well known for their thorough and comprehensive nature. This manual is loaded with step-by-step procedures along with detailed photography, exploded views, charts and diagrams to enhance the steps associated with a service or repair task. This Clymer manual is organized by subsystem, with procedures grouped together for specific topics, such as front suspension, brake system, engine and transmission It includes color wiring diagrams. The language used in this Clymer repair manual is targeted toward the novice mechanic, but is also very valuable for the experienced mechanic. The service manual by Clymer is an authoritative piece of DIY literature and should provide you the confidence you need to get the job done and save money too.

Evolution or revolution ... this was the dilemma Honda faced in creating the new fifth generation Gold Wing. Consumers were happy with the near-perfect GL1500 Gold Wing, but sales were declining and owners ageing.In 1996 Honda's designers and engineers decided the only way forward for the Gold Wing was a revolutionary approach. Given a brief by management to incorporate more 'Fun Factor' and make a large luxury touring motorcycle perform like a sports orientated machine, their target market was the younger rider.The GL1800 Gold Wing launched as a 2001 model and was updated in 2006 with the world's first and only motorcycle airbag system. Surviving a production return to Japan it had a second face-lift for 2012 and from that, two other variants emerged, a 'Bagger' and 'Power Cruiser', the F6B and Valkyrie/F6C.The GL1800 was destined to become the longest running Gold Wing series, but over its 17 years of production Honda faced stiff competition.Peter Rakestrow examines the GL1800's history from 1996 to the end of production in 2017, looking at model improvements through the years of this legendary marque, creating a point of reference for owners, buyers and restorers alike.

American Motorcyclist magazine, the official journal of the American Motorcyclist Associaton, tells the stories of the people who make motorcycling the sport that it is. It's available monthly to AMA members. Become a part of the largest, most diverse and most enthusiastic group of riders in the country by visiting our website or calling 800-AMA-JOIN.