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The 1974 Honda CB550 Four and 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing represent two chapters in Honda's storied history.
The 1974 Honda CB550 Four from Japan was powered by a 544cc SOHC inline-4 producing 50hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 195.0kg (430 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 1974 Honda CB550 Four from Japan was powered by a 544cc SOHC inline-4 producing 50hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 195.0kg (430 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
| 1974 Honda CB550 Four | 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 544 cc | 999 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 80 hp |
| Torque | 43.0 Nm | 80.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 190 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 195.0 kg | 265.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 211.0 kg | 289.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410 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 1974 Honda CB550 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 1974 Honda CB550 Four
Honda released the 1974 Honda CB550 Four in 1974 with a 544cc SOHC inline-4 powerplant making 50hp — a definitive standard motorcycle.
Full 1974 Honda CB550 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 →