| MODEL | HONDA GL 1000 GOLD WING 1978 |
| Year | 1978 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, horizontally opposed (flat) four cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 999 cc / 60.96 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 72 x 61.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 56.9 kW / 78 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 83 Nm / 8.46 kgf-m / 61.2 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm |
| Ignition | — |
| Induction | 4 x Keihin carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork, 148 mm / 5.8 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Swing arm, twin shocks, 84 mm / 3.3 in travel |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 232 mm discs |
| Rear Brakes | Single 250 mm disc |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 2305 mm / 90.7 in |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 810 mm / 31.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 1545 mm / 60.8 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 273 kg / 601 lbs |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.50-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 4.50-17 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 Litres / 5 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.1 L/100 km / 17.9 km/l / 42.0 US mpg |
| Top Speed | 178.6 km/h / 111 mph |
For 1978 (K3) Honda retuned the Gold Wing engine with smaller carburettors and milder valve timing, trading a little peak power for more low-down pull, which suited touring. The kick-starter was dropped and the spoked wheels gave way to ComStar wheels. It was easier to ride with a load than the earlier bikes.
