Last Updated on September 16, 2022
When did the Honda Gold Wing get fuel injection? Several years ago Honda started to make fuel injection-equipped motorcycles. Honda started out making these motorcycles using a re-designed steel frame and put them on extruded aluminum frames. This made the bikes lighter, as they had just 31 components, compared to 61 for the steel frame model. The Honda Gold Wing also increased its engine capacity to 1,832cc. The engine was designed by Honda’s Shoichiro Irimajiri and produced 117bhp. This was the same engine that was in the prototype M1.
GL1500
When did Goldwings get fuel injection? That’s a question many riders want to know. The GL1500 SE models were introduced in 1992, but the first generation was the only ones to get it. While this was an excellent bike, it was not a great bike. Despite its popularity, a number of Goldwing enthusiasts were disappointed when the model was discontinued in 1996.
In response to these complaints, Honda designed the GL1500, a motorcycle with fuel injection. The GL1500 was the first production six-cylinder motorcycle and was a major change. It was lighter than its predecessors, and offered a smoother ride. However, it lacked cruise control and reverse. The GL1500 was the first model to have fuel injection. It also had a more modern design than its predecessors.
In 1975, Honda released the first production Gold Wing. It was a big touring bike, and it cost just under USD$2,500. Its saddle was the most comfortable in the world, and its rear suspension system featured air assist. In addition, all of the Gold Wing’s switchgear was specifically designed for it, instead of being a “parts bin” approach. In general, these motorcycles had a lower center of gravity than their predecessors.
The GL1500 was an updated version of the GL1000 and used an aluminum frame instead of steel. The frame was made from extruded aluminum, which was much lighter than steel and had 31 parts instead of 63. The engine was also increased in capacity to 1,832cc. The engine was designed by Honda engineers Shoichiro Irimajiri and produced 117bhp.
As a result, the Gold Wing SEi and GL1200 models were no longer produced, and Honda switched back to carburetors in 1987. The injected models were more reliable than carbureted models, and were often referred to as bulletproof. The injected bikes had more power and were remarkably quiet. But the injected bikes did not come without their troubles. So, the question remains, “When did goldwings get fuel injection??”
GL1800
Honda’s Gold Wing was introduced in 2001, and it was immediately updated with the addition of in-dash navigation, heated grips, an airbag, satellite radio, and more. In 2012, Honda refreshed the bike again, and added an airbag as well as new styling. The bike became the first motorcycle in the world to offer fuel injection, and it has remained a popular motorcycle ever since. The question “When did Goldwings get fuel injection?” is still one of the most common questions regarding this bike.
The first Goldwings to get fuel injection were GL1200 Limiteds in 1985. CFI, or Computerized Fuel Injection, was first used on the GL1200 Limited. Honda Goldwings were last equipped with this technology in 1986. The GL1200, 1500, and 1800 are the only Goldwings to feature hydraulic clutches, while the GL1000 and 1100 were cable operated. Hydraulic lash adjusters are also available on the GL1200 and 1800.
GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles were produced in Japan from 2012 to 2013. The model had a completely new styling concept, and resembled a Star Wars character. Originally, the motorcycle’s base model, called F6C, was marketed to buyers looking for a bare-bones muscle bike. Shoichiro Irimajiri, who worked on the original Honda M1 in 1972, had been hired to design the GL1800. The result was a bike that was eye-catching and built with power in mind. Ultimately, the engine was built for speed, and the motorcycle was fitted with six carburettors, one for each cylinder.
The Honda M1 was a development exercise and it’s possible that the designers of the GL1500 engine took inspiration from it. The GL1500 bodywork was completely enclosed in the motorcycle, and no visible screws were visible. This model was more silent than previous Goldwings, and it was a technological feat in its day. It was the quietest one and offered a smoother ride.
GL1200 Interstate
Honda’s GL1200 Interstate was a big hit when it first debuted in 1985. It had a computerised fuel injection system, automatic leveling rear suspension, and a sophisticated trip computer. The new fuel injection system completely transformed the GL1200 and made the carburettor models seem sluggish by comparison. Honda also changed the name to the Aspencade and offered the bike in a two-tone gold and brown color.
During the 1985 model year, Honda fixed the kill switch and replaced the pulse rotor on many models. During the last year of production, GL1500s were still available, but they were costing as much as 10 percent more than they had when they were new. Even though this model was no longer being produced, it is still available in crates for around 10% more than the GL1800 did when it was new.
In addition to the GL1200 Interstate, the model’s other variant, the GL1200 Aspencade, got fuel injection. Unlike the earlier model, this version had four-channel audio and cruise control, and an onboard travel computer. The GL1200 Interstate also comes in Pearl White/Beige, Wineberry Red/Red, Metallic Gold, and Satellite Blue/Blue. This model has an extra-long clutch and can accommodate a larger fuel tank than the other two.
The rear shocks on the GL1200 were improved to accept 57 psi air pressure. The limit would remain at 57psi for the rest of the GL1100’s production run. In addition to the improved brakes, Honda GL1200 also came with orange pinstriping, a higher-quality windshield, and better instrument shielding. The motorcycle’s saddlebags also got airbag liners for a modest extra cost.
In 1985, the GL1200 was still in production, and Honda saved the major changes for next year. The GL1200 was equipped with a larger 1085cc flat-four engine, upgraded suspension, and a chrome front brake disc cover. It also came with an improved saddle and passenger backrest, and chrome accents for the GL1200’s taillight. A 10-year Anniversary Aspencade was also added to the 1991 lineup.
GL1200 Aspencade
The GL1100 Aspencade was a superbike that was built in Japan until 1981, when Honda moved production to the United States. The first generation of the GL1100 was sold from 1974 until 1979. There were three different generations, with varying engines. The second generation, from 1981 to 1982, incorporated EFI technology. The third generation was built from 1983 to 1987 and dropped the Standard and Interstate.
The next year, Honda dropped the standard Gold Wing. They replaced the standard model with the GL1200LTD, a model that had fuel injection, a trip computer, and automatic leveling rear suspension. The new GL1200 was a radical improvement, and the carburetor-based versions seemed slow in comparison. The GL1200 had a new, more powerful engine, with two valves per cylinder and a 9.0:1 compression ratio.
Despite being a full decade later, the 1991 GL1200 Aspencade’s wheelbase was only 63.4 inches. The fuel tank was also bigger, increasing from 5.3 gallons to 5.8 gallons. The GL1200 also weighed 727.5 pounds, while the GL1100’s weight was only 586.4 pounds. While Honda didn’t give the GL1200 Aspencade fuel injection until 1990, it did introduce two different models in 1991.
Despite its weight and complexity, the GL1200 was a popular touring bike. Its fairings and top box made it an ideal touring motorcycle. Despite its high cost, the Honda Goldwing still has a high mileage and a long warranty. Fuel injection changed the way a Gold Wing performs, turning the bike into a true touring monster. But how did it come to fuel injection?
As part of the GL1200 era, the first Goldwing to receive fuel injection was the GL1200 Limited in 1985. It was called CFI (Computerized Fuel Injection), and was first offered on the GL1200 Limited. The GL1200, 1500, and 1800 were the only Goldwings with hydraulic clutches. The other models used cable-operated clutches.
About The Author
Alison Sowle is the typical tv guru. With a social media evangelist background, she knows how to get her message out there. However, she's also an introvert at heart and loves nothing more than writing for hours on end. She's a passionate creator who takes great joy in learning about new cultures - especially when it comes to beer!