'79 GL1000, 60Kms

[Nachodaddy]

The GL1000s were very popular in the early 80s when I was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base not too far north of Santa Barbara, CA. Nearly all of them were fitted with Vetter fairings and bags and lost a lot of their special identity, but, in the long run, I think, led Honda to develop their touring line. The GL1000s opened the door to motorcycle touring in the US, with Craig Vetter's help.

[Gone in 60]

The GL1000s were very popular in the early 80s when I was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base not too far north of Santa Barbara, CA. Nearly all of them were fitted with Vetter fairings and bags and lost a lot of their special identity, but, in the long run, I think, led Honda to develop their touring line. The GL1000s opened the door to motorcycle touring in the US, with Craig Vetter's help.

The AMA magazine recently did an article basically stating exactly that. The GL1000 was a nice bike, but with Vetter fairings and luggage, it became the first super tourer, and Honda, after licensing Vetter's products, eventually started making an in-house fully-faired and luggaged-up touring Goldwing. Had that mag somewhere around here, but just remembered I gave it to Mrs. G's boss.

[Lunchbag]

My favorite Vetter creation that never made it to production is the Vetter ram wing (if you don't have the audio turned on, you'll miss the experience):
Vetter Ram Wing video

[Cormanus]

I haven't heard that for years! Brilliant!