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The 1971 Honda CB500 Four and 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing represent two chapters in Honda's storied history.
The 1971 Honda CB500 Four from Japan was powered by a 498cc SOHC inline-4 producing 50hp at 9000rpm. Weighing 185.0kg (408 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing by contrast offered 999cc of SOHC flat-4 power, delivering 80hp at 7500rpm. Tipping the scales at 265.0kg (584 lbs) with a top speed of 190km/h (118 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 1971 Honda CB500 Four from Japan was powered by a 498cc SOHC inline-4 producing 50hp at 9000rpm. Weighing 185.0kg (408 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing by contrast offered 999cc of SOHC flat-4 power, delivering 80hp at 7500rpm. Tipping the scales at 265.0kg (584 lbs) with a top speed of 190km/h (118 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
| 1971 Honda CB500 Four | 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 999 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 80 hp |
| Torque | 40.0 Nm | 80.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 190 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 185.0 kg | 265.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 200.0 kg | 289.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm | 1530 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 19.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Honda machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1971 Honda CB500 Four laid the groundwork with 50hp, while the later 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing pushed output to 80hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing holds the edge with a 7/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Honda collection.
About the 1971 Honda CB500 Four
The 1971 1971 Honda CB500 Four is a 498cc four-cylinder standard motorcycle that became one of Honda's most memorable motorcycles of the 1970s.
Full 1971 Honda CB500 Four Profile →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 →