Restoring the Goldwing GL1200

Robin Low
9 min readMar 23, 2024

I’ve had my Goldwing GL1200 for quite some time. It is a fun touring machine, comfortable and it can go pretty fast.

It has gone around the block for a bit and after it left Boston for Singapore, the Goldwing went on more trips and soon, it was time to rebuild it again.

Why the Goldwing GL1200 Aspencade?

The GL1200 Aspencade is a touring motorcycle produced by Honda as part of their Gold Wing series. Introduced in 1984, the GL1200 Aspencade was designed for long-distance touring and offered a range of features aimed at providing comfort, performance, and convenience for riders and passengers.

Here are some characteristics that make the GL1200 Aspencade a good motorcycle:

  1. Comfortable Touring Features: The GL1200 Aspencade was equipped with amenities specifically tailored for long-distance touring, such as a plush saddle, spacious seating for rider and passenger, a large windscreen for wind protection, and integrated luggage compartments for ample storage space.
  2. Smooth and Powerful Engine: Powered by a 1,182 cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, the GL1200 Aspencade offered ample power and smooth performance ideal for touring. The engine’s design provided low center of gravity, contributing to stability and handling, especially at highway speeds.

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Robin Low

Author, Traveler, Innovator. Focuses on Social Impact and Innovation.