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The 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing and 1979 Kawasaki KZ1300 are both iconic 1970s tourings that defined their respective markets.
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 1979 Kawasaki KZ1300 by contrast offered 1286cc of DOHC inline-6 power, delivering 120hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 297.0kg (655 lbs) with a top speed of 220km/h (137 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 1979 Kawasaki KZ1300 by contrast offered 1286cc of DOHC inline-6 power, delivering 120hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 297.0kg (655 lbs) with a top speed of 220km/h (137 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 | 1979 Kawasaki KZ1300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 999 cc | 1286 cc |
| Power | 80 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 80.0 Nm | 108.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 6 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 220 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 265.0 kg | 297.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 289.0 kg | 327.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1530 mm | 1580 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 19.0 L | 27.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure touring performance, the 1979 Kawasaki KZ1300 has the edge thanks to more power (120hp vs 80hp) and a higher top speed. The 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing, however, excels when long-distance touring with passenger comfort is the priority. Parts availability is good for the 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing and moderate for the 1979 Kawasaki KZ1300 — an important factor for any restoration project.
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 1979 Kawasaki KZ1300
Born in 1979, the 1979 Kawasaki KZ1300 is a 1286cc six-cylinder touring motorcycle producing 120hp from Kawasaki.
Full 1979 Kawasaki KZ1300 Profile →