c.1978 Honda GL1100 Gold Wing & Watsonian Sidecar

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.

According to the accompanying V5C Registration Certificate, this GL1100 was 'registered and/or used' and first registered in the UK on 11th June 1997. No previous history is known. Its late owner purchased the Honda in 2018 and it was in running condition when placed in storage. (The sidecar was already attached at time of purchase.) The current odometer reading is 39,341 miles. Following a period of inactivity, the machine will need recommissioning - including a new battery - before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed.

The Gold Wing is offered from a private collection of motorcycles which were run regularly up to 2022 when the late owner's ill health prevented any further work or use. All of the machines were purchased from dealers and had been fully serviced prior to joining the collection. None have been ridden since they were confined to storage apart from a short trip to a local show where they were displayed. Accompanying documentation includes a V5C Registration Certificate; the 2018 purchase receipt; two expired MoTs; sundry invoices; and a sidecar operator manual. Offered with key. It should be noted that this combination is still licensed as a 'Bicycle' according to the V5C.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Offered with key