Positioned in Honda's classic motorcycle lineup, the 1976 Honda GL 1000 Gold Wing pairs a 999 cc (61 cu in) liquid-cooled four cylinder boxer, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 82 HP (59.9 kW) at 7,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 83 Nm (61.2 lb-ft), transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 82.1 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.
On the scales, the GL 1000 Gold Wing measures 295 kg (650 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.28 HP/kg (3.6 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 810 mm (31.9 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,545 mm (60.8 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 19-liter (5 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 5.1 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 373 km (232 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 196 km/h (122 mph).
Within MotoLibrary's Honda archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 1975 to 1977, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
82.1 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.28 HP/kg (3.6 kg/HP)
Theoretical Range
~373 km (232 mi)
Engine
Displacement999.0 ccm (60.96 cubic inches)
Engine TypeFour cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Engine DetailsFour cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power82.0 HP (59.9 kW)) @ 7500 RPM
Torque83.0 Nm (8.5 kgf-m or 61.2 ft.lbs)
Compression9.2:1
Bore x Stroke72.0 x 61.4 mm (2.8 x 2.4 inches)
Valves/Cylinder2
Fuel SystemCarburettor. 4 x 32mm Keihin
Fuel ControlOverhead Cams (OHC)
CoolingLiquid
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Performance
Top Speed196.0 km/h (121.8 mph)
Fuel Consumption5.10 litres/100 km (19.6 km/l or 46.12 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases118.3 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Front SuspensionTelescopic fork
Front Travel140 mm (5.5 inches)
Rear SuspensionSwing arm, twin shocks
Rear Travel105 mm (4.1 inches)
Wheelbase1545 mm (60.8 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre3.50-19
Rear Tyre4.50-17
Front BrakesDouble disc. Two-piston calipers.
Front Brake Ø232 mm (9.1 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc. Single-piston caliper.
Rear Brake Ø250 mm (9.8 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight273.0 kg (601.9 pounds)
Weight incl.295.0 kg (650.4 pounds)
Power/Weight0.3004 HP/kg
Seat Height810 mm (31.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
