Photo: Silosarg · CC BY-SA 3.0
Honda Gold Wing GL1000
83/100 Overall
82 On the road83 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda Gold Wing GL1000 vs Suzuki GT750
Honda Gold Wing GL1000 scores 83/100 overall against Suzuki GT750 on 80/100. On the road: 82–70. As classics: 83–90. Overall result: Honda Gold Wing GL1000.
Photo: ronsaunders47 · CC BY-SA 2.0
Suzuki GT750
80/100 Overall
70 On the road90 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda GL1000 | Suzuki GT750 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 6 | Honda GL1000 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 7 | 6 | Honda GL1000 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 10 | 8 | Honda GL1000 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 7 | Honda GL1000 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 10 | 8 | Honda GL1000 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 7 | 8 | Suzuki GT750 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 9 | Honda GL1000 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Suzuki GT750 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 10 | Suzuki GT750 |
Choose the Honda GL1000 if…
you want exceptional smoothness, comfort and dependable long-distance engineering in an early Japanese touring landmark.
Choose the Suzuki GT750 if…
you want smooth two-stroke touring, unusual liquid-cooled engineering and unmistakable triple-cylinder character.
Background
History
Honda GL1000
The Honda Gold Wing GL1000 was produced from 1975–1979 and used a 999cc liquid-cooled flat four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, historic importance, comfort. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Suzuki GT750
The Suzuki GT750 was produced from 1971–1977 and used a 738cc liquid-cooled two-stroke triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, historic importance, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda GL1000
- Its production span in this library runs from 1975 to 1979.
- The recorded engine description is: 999cc liquid-cooled flat four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, historic importance, comfort.
Suzuki GT750
- Its production span in this library runs from 1971 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 738cc liquid-cooled two-stroke triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, historic importance, collector appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda GL1000
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda Gold Wing GL1000. Its library score for reliability is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Suzuki GT750
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Suzuki GT750. Its library score for character is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda GL1000
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Suzuki GT750
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda GL1000
Rivals to the Suzuki GT750
Final result
The verdict
Honda Gold Wing GL1000 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Suzuki GT750 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda Gold Wing GL1000 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.