If you live your life on two wheels, and love going the distance, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ve either considered the Honda Gold Wing or maybe even own one. The Gold Wing has, for many, been the standard in long-distance riding for decades. Honda’s big luxury tourer turns 50 this year, and the wildest part about its story is that it was never designed to be the best touring bike on the road or the closest two-wheel equivalent to a car. Here’s how Honda accidentally changed motorcycle touring back in the 1970s.
Like many companies, Honda got its start by messing around with bicycles. Immediately after World War II Soichiro Honda found inspiration in the little engines that powered wireless radios during the war. Honda figured he could use an engine like that to make his wife’s life easier. He mounted an engine on her bicycle, which allowed her to ride to town much quicker than before. Given that smashing success, Honda decided to make a whole business out of it.
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