1976 HONDA GL1000 GOLD WING – 28,000 MILES – ORIGINAL CANDY RED PAINT – MUSEUM DISPLAY – UNRESTORED SURVIVOR!

RARE SECOND-YEAR HONDA GOLD WING | 1,000CC FLAT-FOUR | SHAFT DRIVE | ORIGINAL PAINT & CHROME | NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM DISPLAY BIKE!

Offered for sale by Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum is this absolutely stunning 1976 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing, an exceptionally well-preserved, unrestored example of one of the most historically significant Japanese motorcycles ever produced.

Finished in its gorgeous factory Candy Antares Red paint with gold pinstriping, complemented by brilliant original chrome fenders, beautiful factory gauges, and its original saddle, this classic Gold Wing is a true time capsule.

Showing just 28,000 miles on the odometer, this motorcycle has spent approximately the last decade on indoor museum display.

This is not a restored motorcycle. It has not been repainted or re-chromed. What you're looking at is an authentic, remarkably well-preserved survivor with over half a century of history!

DOES NOT RUN / NEES RECOMMISSIONING AFTER LONG TERM MUSEUM DISPLAY

THE MOTORCYCLE THAT REDEFINED TOURING

When Honda introduced the GL1000 Gold Wing in 1975, it completely changed the landscape of motorcycling.

With its sophisticated 999cc liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, overhead camshafts, four carburetors, shaft drive, and triple disc brakes, the original Gold Wing was decades ahead of many of its competitors.

The GL1000 established the foundation for what would become one of the most legendary touring motorcycle families in history.

This particular motorcycle is a 1976 model, the second year of Gold Wing production, making it one of the earliest examples of this revolutionary machine.

In celebration of the Gold Wing's 50th anniversary, Honda showcased its heritage at Daytona International Speedway, and this very motorcycle was proudly displayed at the New England Motorcycle Museum to honor that same milestone.

Now, as we make room for several new collections entering the museum, we're offering this beautiful original example to its next caretaker.

EXCEPTIONAL ORIGINAL COSMETIC CONDITION

For a motorcycle approaching its 51st year, the overall cosmetic condition of this GL1000 is absolutely outstanding.

The preservation of its original paint, chrome, instruments, and factory components is what makes this motorcycle special.

Highlights include:

• Original Candy Antares Red factory paint with beautiful gold pinstriping

• Original chrome front and rear fenders

• Original factory saddle in excellent preserved condition

• Only 28,000 indicated miles

• Beautiful original gauges and instrumentation

• Original ignition switch with key

• Original fuel gauge

• Factory handlebar switch housings with exceptionally legible lettering

• Excellent fork tube chrome with no noticeable pitting

• Clean, undamaged engine cases

• Original taillight assembly intact

• Upgraded Italian handlebar grips

• Smooth-operating clutch lever

• Smooth-operating throttle assembly

• No visible evidence of significant crash damage

• Engine exterior appears clean and dry, with no visible oil leaks

• Approximately 30 years of indoor museum display history

The original finish is especially impressive. The paint has a deep, beautiful appearance, and the factory gold pinstriping complements the red perfectly.

The side covers retain their original finish with some minor age-related beauty marks. The front chrome fender has a couple of very small dings, and there is a small area that could benefit from some minor paint touch-up.

These are honest imperfections consistent with a motorcycle of this age.

The original engine cases look excellent, with no significant scratches or damage noted during our inspection.

The fork tubes are remarkably well preserved, and the original handlebar controls still have clear, readable markings, something you rarely see on motorcycles that have spent decades exposed to the elements.

This is the type of original preservation that collectors appreciate and that a restoration simply cannot duplicate.

A LEGENDARY 999CC HONDA FLAT-FOUR

The original GL1000 Gold Wing is powered by Honda's legendary 999cc liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine.

Factory specifications:

• Engine: 999cc liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder

• Valve train: Single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank

• Fuel system: Four carburetors

• Transmission: 5-speed manual

• Final drive: Shaft drive

• Front brakes: Dual hydraulic discs

• Rear brake: Single hydraulic disc

• Cooling: Liquid-cooled

• Starting system: Electric start

• Model year: 1976

These original Gold Wings earned an outstanding reputation for smooth power delivery, mechanical durability, and long-distance reliability.

One of the GL1000's most fascinating design features is its unconventional fuel tank arrangement.

What appears to be the fuel tank directly in front of the rider is actually a storage compartment, while the real fuel tank is mounted low in the chassis beneath the seat area.

This innovative layout helped Honda achieve a lower center of gravity and excellent stability for such a substantial motorcycle.

The result was a remarkably smooth, comfortable, and capable machine that helped establish the modern long-distance touring motorcycle.

MECHANICAL CONDITION – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: THIS MOTORCYCLE IS BEING SOLD AS-IS, AS A NON-RUNNING RECOMMISSIONING PROJECT.

This beautiful Honda has been on static display in the museum for approximately 10 years.

Because of its extended storage, it will require a complete mechanical recommissioning before being returned to road service.

We recommend planning for the following work:

• Complete carburetor removal, cleaning, inspection, and rebuilding as necessary

• Fuel tank inspection and thorough cleaning

• Complete fuel system inspection and servicing

• New battery

• Front and rear brake system inspection and servicing

• Brake caliper rebuilding as needed

• Brake master cylinder rebuilding or replacement as needed

• Replacement of aged fluids and rubber components as necessary

• General mechanical inspection, servicing, and safety checks before operation

The throttle operates smoothly, and the clutch lever pulls exceptionally smoothly.

The motorcycle has not been recommissioned or road-tested, and we are not representing it as ready to ride.

This is an excellent candidate for a sympathetic mechanical restoration while preserving its outstanding original cosmetic condition.

WHY ARE WE SELLING IT?

At Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum, we have an enormous inventory of classic motorcycles awaiting restoration and mechanical service.

Currently, we have approximately 240 motorcycles in our restoration and service backlog, including customers' machines that have been waiting an extended period for completion.

As much as we'd love to service the carburetors, rebuild the brakes, and return this beautiful Gold Wing to the road ourselves, our restoration department is simply at capacity.

We're also making room for several exciting new motorcycle collections arriving at the museum.

Rather than have this outstanding original GL1000 continue sitting in storage, we've decided to offer it for sale in its present condition.

This gives the next owner the opportunity to purchase an excellent original example and complete the mechanical recommissioning to their own standards.

COLLECTOR APPEAL AND LONG-TERM OWNERSHIP

Early GL1000 Gold Wings have earned their place in motorcycle history.

The 1975 and 1976 machines represent the original generation of a motorcycle that would go on to become one of Honda's most recognizable and successful models.

Unlike the fully dressed touring machines that followed, these original Gold Wings have an unmistakable classic naked-bike appearance, featuring their exposed flat-four engines, chrome fenders, elegant bodywork, and distinctive 1970s styling.

Finding an example that retains its original paint, chrome, saddle, and instruments in this level of preservation is increasingly difficult.

We've personally sold early Gold Wings to customers who have enjoyed many years of reliable riding after proper servicing.

These machines were built to travel long distances, and a properly maintained GL1000 can provide many additional years of enjoyment.

With just 28,000 indicated miles and its beautiful original cosmetics, this motorcycle has tremendous potential as a collectible survivor, vintage show bike, or classic weekend rider following proper mechanical recommissioning.

WORLDWIDE SHIPPING AVAILABLE!

We can arrange professional, licensed, insured, enclosed motorcycle transportation directly to your door.

Whether you're located across the country or need assistance coordinating an overseas shipment, our team can help make the process simple.

Financing options are also available, subject to approval.

CONTACT KAPLAN CYCLES

Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum

Rockville, Connecticut

Call: 860-454-7024

Contact us with any questions about this beautiful 1976 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing or to discuss purchasing and transportation arrangements.

We encourage prospective buyers to review all available photographs and videos carefully and to contact us with any questions before purchasing.

Motorcycle is sold as-is, in its current non-running condition, requiring mechanical recommissioning. Indicated mileage is 28,000; actual mileage has not been independently verified.

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN AN ORIGINAL SECOND-YEAR GOLD WING!

If you've been looking for an early Honda GL1000 with beautiful original paint, outstanding chrome, low indicated mileage, and a history of indoor museum display, this one deserves serious consideration.

This isn't a freshly restored motorcycle with replacement finishes. This is the real deal — an authentic 1976 Honda Gold Wing survivor, proudly preserved and displayed at the New England Motorcycle Museum.

An outstanding foundation for a collector-quality vintage Honda that deserves to be preserved, enjoyed, and passed on to the next generation.

Thanks for looking, and God Bless America!

— Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum

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WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

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AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

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We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

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Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.