1975 Honda Gold Class Gold Wing

Three years into retirement, Jeweller Barry Edwards of Adelaide decided it was time for a personal project. Some-thing that could have him busy tinkering and re-building in his garage. He embarked on restoring an all original, low mileage 1975 Honda Goldwing, purchased from classic motorcycle enthusiast Max Richardson - of Yamaha Retro Spares.

What was originally thought to be a simple task of freshening up a 30 plus year old machine, quickly became a full ground up restoration. As soon as one element of this fine motorcycle was refurbished, the next part had to be restored equally as good. From fully rebuilt wheels, with stainless steel spokes, completely refurbished gauges, crystal clear perfect fresh paint, new brakes (including pistons and master cylinder) with stainless lines, a brand new seat to superbly re-chroming or re-zincing every visible possible bolt, clip and hinge. Then there's the decals, they've all been replaced with genuine items, from the tank to the side covers and even the mandatory caution and warning signs. And if a certain part could not be rebuilt then you can be sure it's been replaced with a genuine Honda item.

Now, what's better than spending hours staring at this beautiful bike, is riding it. It's absolutely silky smooth. Max was lucky enough to ride the bike before and after restoration. "It rides fantastic - it does everything it's supposed to do - as if it were brand new."

Turn the ignition, flick off the kill switch and hit the starter - the Honda's flawless flat four comes into life with zero hesitation. Pull in the clutch with minimal effort, tap down to first gear, twist the throttle and immediately the shaft driven rear wheel absorbs those luscious horses and sets you on your way to classic two wheeled freedom.

With fresh suspension, the Gold Wing rides the road like a limo, ironing out any imperfections in the bitumen. Approaching a left hand bend, push left on the bars, gently rub the rear brake and the Gold Wing will hold a super stable rock solid line until you're ready to change direction. The gearbox too, is as smooth as the engine, like swiss clockwork it changes with sound precision, and the brakes, benefiting from new pistons and stainless lines provide incredible stopping power for a motorcycle of this type and year.

If ever there was going to be a gold class restoration, retired jeweller Barry Edwards, has just created it. Anyone who's had the privilege to view this motorcycle in the flesh would have to agree, such a high standard has been set, that this motorcycle really does belong in a class of its own - Gold Class. This first class restoration is available for $16,500 at Yamaha Retro Spares. It's well worth a visit or call.