Description
This motorcycle is Lot 394 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 394
1976 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing
Registration no. OMY 62R
Frame no. GL1-2033656
Engine no. GL1E-2032875
In a world grown accustomed to an excess of decadence on all fronts, it is hard to imagine the mixture of awe and disbelief that greeted the Honda Gold Wing on its arrival in 1974. "Motorcycle or sci-fi fantasy?" was Bike magazine's reaction. "Quite simply the most advanced motorcycle ever made," was Honda's preferred description, and given the mind-boggling specification: 1, 000cc flat-four engine, water cooling, belt-driven overhead camshafts, shaft drive, triple disc brakes, etc, it was certainly complex if not, strictly speaking, that advanced. One of the fastest production motorcycles of its day, the Gold Wing was described in Honda's Stateside ads as -
"the epitome of what touring is all about" and proved eminently capable of taking sales from both BMW and Harley-Davidson. As owners began to fit more and more accessories - including trailers the size of small caravans - engine capacity was increased first to 1, 100cc and then to 1, 200cc to cope with the increasing demands for more power. Over the years the 'Wing has continued to grow in engine capacity, overall size and complexity, which only serves to underline the increasingly collectible original's purity of form.
This early example comes with documentation including parts invoices from David Silver Spares; various services invoices; the purchase receipt (dated 2018); a V5C Registration Certificate; and a quantity of tax reminders. Keys present.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
