golden wings, Honda’s motobikeThe brand’s flagship touring motorcycle, launched in 1974 as a 1975 model. The original GL1000, powered by a Four in-line engine with ultimate axle drive, was a production motorcycle. second most powerful at the time, behind the venerable Kawasaki Z-1. It has no frame and no luggage, but it’s so smooth, torquey and reliable that it’s become popular with touring racers and has evolved over six generations. (Read our Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT 2021 road test review).
Just a few years after the Gold Wing was introduced, Gold Wing Roaders Association (GWRRA) established. The annual meeting of GWRRA is called Wing Ding, and the 43rd and final event taking place from June 28 to July 2, 2022, in Shreveport, Louisiana. At Wing Ding 43, it was announced that GWRRA would be shutting down as of July 31. Following is the press release issued by American Honda.
Gold Wing Road Riders Association founders Paul Hildebrand and Shirley Stevens-Garcia announced last week during the Wing Ding opening ceremony that the organization would be closing. Honda USA is saddened to hear of this news and thanks GWRRA for its dedication to one of Honda’s most iconic models.
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Founded in 1977, GWRRA has grown through the golden age of motor tourism to eventually have around 80,000 members in 53 countries and with more than 800 active chapters managed by 4,000 volunteer leader. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, GWRRA calls itself “the world’s largest single-brand social organization for Honda Gold Wing/Valkyrie motorcycle owners” and it has adopted the motto “Friends” fun, safe and knowledgeable”.
A dedicated group, like a family that publishes its own magazine (Wing Worldwill be the last issue in September), GWRRA has worked hard to improve motorcycling’s image and is proud to be a non-profit, non-religious, non-political organization whose members include many origins, but who are united by a love of owning and driving Honda’s legendary touring car, the Gold Wing.
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“We want to thank our members, suppliers and advertisers for 45 years of unwavering support,” said Abel Gallardo, COO of GWRRA. “We really wouldn’t have gotten this far without all of you. For our driver education program, we can’t begin to put a number on the lives you’ve touched. For our driver awareness and leadership training programs, thank you for educating our members, officers and the public to keep our riders safe. and enjoy the ride. “
GWRRA will officially close on July 31. During that time, GWRRA will issue prorated refunds to prepaid members.
“For nearly five decades, GWRRA has set the standard for sporting prowess for a grassroots organization based on a single model, and Honda will forever be grateful for the enthusiasm shown by its members. set that embodied and created for the Gold Wing,” said Bill Savino, Honda USA Senior Manager of Customer Engagement. “The closure of GWRRA is undeniably the end of an era, but we want to make sure their members and all Gold Wing enthusiasts know that Honda remains committed to the Gold Wing and these customers for years to come.”
