Back in 1975, Honda introduced the Gold Wing, a flat four cylinder, 999cc motorcycle without all of the fairings, radios, luggage and accessories most folks think of when they hear the words Gold Wing. There is quite a bit of interest in the old Wings and some owners have rather innovative ideas of how they should look.
This particular example, the Bulldog Bobber, looks better than any of the early Wings I remember seeing. It's amazing what a a few changes and a little paint can do, the bike looks completely different and I think a whole lot better. Neat.
Link: Naked Gold Wings via cafe racer society
See also: Honda Gold Wing GL1000 for sale
{ 25 comments }
If it goes and handles as good as it looks, it’s the best thing I’ve ever seen done to a ‘Wing…..
By FAR the best GW I’ve ever seen. I almost want to see if I can find a cheap one in town now…
I’ve had the idea for a Wing-powered streetfighter kicking around in my head for like four years now. This is almost as good. I just LOVE the look of that flat-four engine (although it would also hinder clearance for a hardcore corner carver).
cl
There was a Dresda framed ‘Wing built in England about 30 years ago, complete with clip-ons and full race fairing, if I remember right.
It looks like the bastard child of a Gold Wing and a Harley flat tracker – and I mean that in a GOOD way!
When I think of Goldwings I think of acres of plastic, a flat six and smooth touring. From now on, I’ll think only of this angry bastard. I like.
Well, look like someone read my mind, and a few others. I’ve been thinking about doing something like this. I’d even gone so far as to make a few sketches. Unfortunately, the small plate that I allow myself for projects seems to be perpetually full. I’m glad somebody did it and I get to see the pictures! All hail The Kneeslider!!! Thanks for the awesome website!
Chris ,if your dragging cylinders in the corners on a 30 year old bike, I don’t know if I should respect you or prey for you. (No disrespect intended)
Imagine for a moment if Honda had built something like this back in the late 70s. Then Yamaha comes out with the Vmax. The two, competing with each other could have helped steer the Jap-cycle cruiser market in a serious direction… and, just perhaps, spared us over 20 years of far too many lame Harley wannabes.
Fun! An Old-wing done right
Just what I need, another project idea!
Diesel — With an updated or stiffened frame, of course
And modern wheels and tires.
cl
why cant they build a production model like this I would buy one today. would love to see more pics.p.s. I am rideing the same goldwing I bought 30 years ago.rockin nice job.
Most folks think Gold Wings are big heavy touring bikes. In reality, they’re one of the fastest and best handling bikes on the market today. They’re all as mean as this one looks.
like it alot, realy nice bike, want to make somthing simular, Question: does anyone know what sadle (from what bike) that is on this bike now. best reg Johnny
been doing some cafe/mad max cb 750′s and a few xs650′s, I started on two 76 gl 1000′s a while back, a complete showroom stocker and a low n nasty version, the stocker is done except for tires, and the low-n-nasty is about ready for fire up. It’s a shame that they didn’t retain some sort of a naked wing for this sort of thing, the Valkerye missed the mark because it tried to emulate the Harleys, a mistake in my opinion. I have harleys, and a butt-load of cb 750′s these wings will fill the space between my cb’s and my cbx. Hey Honda, are you listening? warmer weather has almost arrived in Illinois, watch for two old codgers hacking down the road on some obnoxious Gold Wings and wave (more than one finger at a time please)
I would also like to know what the seat is on this man critter, also where did the exhaust system come from? Rad as Hell!
what tank did you use
rear fender
how long to build
thank you
Im building the same style bobber out of a 79gl and would like to know where you picked up the seat, thanks
chadwick
San Antonio TX
One cool Wing makes me want to find an old one and do it up.
dear kneeslider,
love that bike…
I got an 83 interstate and I’d love to do something similar…
please e mail me…
you are the man
ray
chicago
Hi folks!
I’m the guy who build it.
Thanks for all your kind words.
The seat is a modified Triumph Speed Triple seat.
The bike has since, been “slightly updated” with a
Magnacharger supercharger and a Weber carb.
It’s seriously flippin’ fast!
You can see/hear it here:
http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x214/octane98/?action=view¤t=CIMG3747.flv
and an on-board-camera video here:
http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x214/octane98/?action=view¤t=wroooooooom.flv
If you want to know more about it; the whole
process of the build is on:
nakedgoldwings.com
Again: thanks !
Great Job,,,What tank is that? I can’ find the link.
I just got a 75 gl1000 about 2 weeks ago, the kicker is i got the bike for free via myspace! the bike is titled and runs, the plans i have for the bike are very similar to the bulldog style and this bike gives me plenty if inspiration…looks amazing and i can’t wait to finish my project. ride on!
cheers
riley james
I just bought a 76 gl1000 off craigs list and am heading home this weekend to go through everything on the bike from start to finish to get it running again. It’s been sitting for 2 years and so I’ve got my work cut out for me. I’m 23 years old and this is the first motorcycle I’ve ever bought. I saw pictures of this Bulldog Bobber, and showed my dad who was totally excited. He’s owned a Honda before.
Once we get the Gold Wing back to operational, I’d really like to bob it out like this one. It looks amazing. I’ve shown this picture to other people and most everyone has the same response; “THAT’s a Gold Wing?!”. I’m excited to say that I am proud to be a Gold Wing owner and am excited to start the process this coming weekend of changing it from not running, to operational, to bobber.
I’d love to hear more from you experienced Gold Wing owners and from Lars himself about the beauties of owning a Gold Wing and any suggestions you might have for making the recovery process and bobbing process smoother. Much love for the Bulldog Bobber!
It looks to me that the rim on the front is the same size as the wheel rim on the back. 2.50 x 17 maybe? Ive got a question; if the rim is the same size, did you have to get a different size spokes for the front rim to fit the rest of the front disc brakes and such? And what size were they? I want to have the same wheel rims on both the front and back of my bike (where the front is not bigger than the rear), however, I would need to have a very specific length spokes to make that change possible. What length is that, and where would I purchase them?
Thanks,