VS
The 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing and 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead both compete in the touring segment, offering riders distinct interpretations of the formula.
The 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing from Japan was powered by a 999cc SOHC flat-4 producing 80hp at 7500rpm. Weighing 265.0kg (584 lbs) and with a seat height of 810mm, it was aimed at touring riders.
The 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1207cc of OHV V-twin Shovelhead power, delivering 60hp at 5400rpm. Tipping the scales at 320.0kg (705 lbs) with a top speed of 155km/h (96 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1970s bikes from the Japanese superbike revolution are increasingly sought after. Clean, original examples have seen significant value appreciation.
The 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing from Japan was powered by a 999cc SOHC flat-4 producing 80hp at 7500rpm. Weighing 265.0kg (584 lbs) and with a seat height of 810mm, it was aimed at touring riders.
The 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1207cc of OHV V-twin Shovelhead power, delivering 60hp at 5400rpm. Tipping the scales at 320.0kg (705 lbs) with a top speed of 155km/h (96 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1970s bikes from the Japanese superbike revolution are increasingly sought after. Clean, original examples have seen significant value appreciation.
Specifications Comparison
| 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing | 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 999 cc | 1207 cc |
| Power | 80 hp | 60 hp |
| Torque | 80.0 Nm | 95.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 155 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 265.0 kg | 320.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 289.0 kg | 345.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 mm | 690 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1530 mm | 1550 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 19.0 L | 19.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure touring performance, the 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing has the edge thanks to more power (80hp vs 60hp) and a higher top speed and lower weight. The 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead, however, excels when long-distance touring with passenger comfort is the priority.
About the 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing
The 1975 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing packs a 999cc SOHC flat-4 engine with 80hp into a touring motorcycle package from Honda.
Full 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing Profile →About the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead
The 1966 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead is a 1207cc twin-cylinder touring motorcycle that became one of Harley-Davidson's most memorable motorcycles of the 1960s.
Full 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead Profile →