Monthly Newsletter
GoldwingDocs sends out a newsletter on the first day of each month to all of our members via email. This newsletter contains the announcement of the previous months' contest winner as well as details on the current month's contest. In addition, it includes news, reviews, information about new additions to the site, and other relevant information.
GoldwingDocs.com August 2014 Newsletter
Forget the Wet When it comes to rain, the approaches taken by various motorcycle riders varies as much as individual motorcycles. Some riders will refuse to go riding if there is even the slightest chance of rain. Other riders don't care in the slightest, and will ride through pretty much any weather (even snow!). Most of us fall somewhere in between - and often it comes down to what we're used to. Riders in California, where nice riding weather is practically guaranteed, differ significantly from riders in England, who often wear wet-capable riding gear even if the forecast is for fair, sunny weather. There's more to wet weather riding than clothing: the dynamics of riding a motorcycle in the wet change drastically. Initially after it begins to rain, particularly if it hasn't rained in some time, the roads are extremely slick and slippery, as the accumulated oils are brought to the surface. Riding on roads in this condition without due care can be extremely hazardous. Even after the rain has had a chance to wash these oils away, the friction available has been reduced, meaning your acceleration, braking and cornering capabilities are severely reduced. Cautious, gentle riding (at least until you get the feel of your bike) is wise. As for riding gear, I can say from extensive personal experience that there are very few experiences more miserable than riding while soaking wet. Wind chill caused by relative wind on wet clothes as you ride can easily give you hypothermia on a 70 degree day! Therefore, when expecting rain (or even when not!) it is wise to bring along some decent waterproof (or at least rainproof) riding gear. Some riding gear is already rainproof, or can be made rainproof with the application of a waterproofing compound. Other gear, such as summer/mesh gear, offers no protection against rain. One of the jackets I own is not waterproof, but comes with a waterproof/windproof liner that can be installed into it. Without having multi-purpose gear, the best option is a rainproof shell. A lot of people swear by Frogg Toggs gear - it is of reasonable quality, and fairly low cost. These are not primarily intended for motorcycling, and I find tend to wear out faster than I would like. Personally, I have used a two-piece rubberized rain suit for years - again, not originally intended for motorcycling, but absolutely waterproof. I rode 21 hours straight from Orlando, Florida to Cleveland, Ohio one day last summer, the vast majority of which was through heavy rainstorms. Unfortunately, it was also quite hot, and being that my rubberized rain suit was not at all breathable, I was roasting inside of it. I decided I wanted a better option. Member tbruno posted a new topic asking the same question: Rain Suits. He tried a Tourmaster rain suit but ended up soaking wet. A one-piece suit was too hot in the summer. Quite a few people chimed in with their opinions. I added mine: a link to my Olympia Horizon Rain Gear review. I've only had it out for a single ride so far, with light to medium rain, but I stayed completely dry - and cool. I did quite a bit of research before buying this set, and I'm impressed with everything I have seen so far. Next I'm going to replace my rain gloves, because the gloves I have now, while completely waterproof, are also non-breathable, and my hands become hot and sweaty in them after a short amount of time. If you have a piece of rain gear - a jacket, pants, boots, gloves - that you use and are happy (or unhappy!) with, let us know. Add to the discussion: Rain Suits But Don't Forget Your Kickstand Most modern motorcycles have a switch built into the kickstand (side stand). If the motorcycle is put into gear when the kickstand is down, the motorcycle kills the engine. The idea is that you can't accidentally ride off with your kickstand down. However, Honda didn't add this feature to the Goldwing line until the introduction of the GL1500. So the GL1000, GL1100 and GL1200 owner can (and does) ride off with the kickstand down - which can be dangerous, or even deadly! We've had quite a few members who have crashed their Goldwings after forgetting to put the kickstand up. Why is riding with your kickstand down so bad? All you need is a slight lean to the left or too much of a crown in the road: the kickstand will dig into the road, and depending on your speed, launch the bike into the air. At best, you experience a heart-stopping BANG and the bike will jump a few inches, after which you continue on. I've had this happen to me on my GL1100 a number of times. At worst...well, you could end up sliding along the ground, with your bike in the ditch, as happened to member Roadrogue (in picture, right) in 2012 while riding his GL1100. Thankfully, he walked away from the incident. He tells about the experience here: Pay more attention, or install a switch? Member ourgangmn recently told us of the ribs and scapula he broke doing the exact same thing. I know I personally forgot to put the kickstand up on my GL1100 several times. I decided I needed to add protection against this sort of thing. I added a very bright, flashing LED right in my face, actuated with a magnet switch on my GL1100: Installing a kickstand warning on my GL1100. It could easily be modified to actuate a relay that could kill the ignition when the kickstand is extended and the bike is not in neutral. GL1500 vs GL1800 This is an age-old discussion - I hesitate to call it an argument. Which is the better bike? The GL1500 or the GL1800? Some GL1500 owners prefer their bike, and having ridden a GL1800, find the ride too harsh, the bike too constricting, and just not as good for long-distance touring as their GL1500. Some GL1800 owners prefer their bike to the GL1500, saying the handling is much more sharp, the power and torque is far better, and the newer technology (and single-sided swingarm!) makes it the better choice. Then there are the owners who moved from a GL1500 to a GL1800...and wish that they had stayed with their GL1500! Some of them even went as far as to sell their GL1800 and move back to a GL1500. And of course, there are some owners who claim their GL1100 or GL1200 is the best bike they ever owned. Which bike is best for you depends on quite a few factors: Your physical size, your intended riding (long distance touring? Shorter rides?), and just how comfortable you are with maintaining your own bike. This topic reappears every so often, usually when someone wants opinions when faced with buying a new bike, with lots of spirited discussion on both sides. Weigh in with your opinion: 1500 vs 1800 And for those considering a GL1800 as a new-to-you bike, member Sally is selling his gorgeous, sunburst pearl 2002 GL1800. It really is gorgeous - it was featured on the cover of Wing World Magazine in April of 2010! He really wants it to go to someone who loves Goldwings - so if you're looking for a fantastic ride at a great price, you might want to look at his: 02 Goldwing For Sale That's it for August! It doesn't matter what you ride, as long as you ride! See you out on the roads - stay safe! |
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Looking to buy a new (to you) bike, or parts and accessories? We've optimized our Classified Ads page to streamline its operation, and ensure the results are fast and accurate. There are thousands of Goldwing and Goldwing-related ads, from all over the world. If you're looking for a new bike, or maybe parts for your old bike, check us out first! |
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Featured This Month on GoldwingDocs.com: | ||
GL1500 HID Projector Headlights HID, or High-Intensity Discharge lights such as the GoldwingHID Headlight Kit are quite popular, and rightly so: The amount and quality of light output can easily triple that of an OEM halogen headlight, while the power consumed can be as much as half. The main problem with HID retrofit kits is beam pattern: The headlight reflectors are engineered specifically to work with the filament position of a halogen bulb. The HID bulbs produce light from an electric arc, which is positioned differently than a halogen filament. While they engineer the bulbs to be fairly close in position, it's not perfect, and cheaper bulbs can cause beam patterns that dazzle oncoming drivers. The perfect answer is projector HID bulbs. These are bulbs that instead of using a reflector like halogen bulbs, are instead mounted behind a lens. The lens emits a very specific pattern, with a sharp defined upper cutoff - which means all the light is focussed on the road, and none of it dazzles oncoming drivers. The problem is, these projectors aren't really good for retrofitting...until now. Member bigdog9191999 recently mounted a set of projector HIDs into his GL1500, and posted pictures as he went along. The results, as shown in the picture above, are quite spectacular. Have a look at what he did: GL1500 Projector HID Headlight Install |
Randakk's Reusable Fuel Filter Fuel filters aren't really a high-cost item - I try to replace mine once a year, and new OEM Honda fuel filters are around $15.00. However, Randakk has a high-quality reusable fuel filter available for only five dollars more. Anyone who has spent any amount of time around Goldwings is familiar with Randakk, who sells some of the highest quality Goldwing products available. The main benefit of this filter, as I see it, is the ability to inspect it. I normally cut open my plastic OEM fuel filter after I remove it, in order to inspect it for particulate matter or contamination. Randakk's filter unscrews, allowing you to remove the brass filter element, where it can be inspected, cleaned, and reinstalled. I recently installed this filter into my GL1500, and I'm quite pleased with it. Have a look at my thoughts: Randakk's High-Performance Fuel Filter |
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Goldwing GPS Input Device The Goldwing GPS Audio Input Device continues to be far and away the most popular product we have ever offered, and the tons of positive feedback we continue to receive really makes us happy that we're making something that people really like - and use. What is the GPS Audio Input Device? It's an American-made plug-and-play device that lets you hear the audio output of your GPS, cell phone or radar detector over your GL1500 or GL1800 (including F6B) intercom - so that you can hear the spoken instructions from your GPS or cell phone in your headset. It's a simple plug-and-play device that can be installed in minutes, and does not permanently modify any bike wiring. It's been receiving rave reviews - check it out today! Do you already have one of our GPS Input Devices? We've had quite a few people who want to buy a GPS with audio output that they know will work with the GPS Input Device. Take a couple minutes to help out your fellow Goldwingers by posting your GPS make and model on this forum thread. GPS manufacturers don't commonly specify audio output jacks as features, so it can be hard to decide which model of GPS to buy, unless you know beforehand what you're looking for. |
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7 Volt Regulator for Four Cylinder Wings If you have a GL1000, GL1100 or GL1200 Standard Goldwing with mechanical (not electronic LCD) temperature and fuel gauges, you've had this problem. Or...you will. It's only a matter of time. You'll start noticing thkat your temperature and fuel gauges are reading off the scale - the temperature is in the red, and the fuel shows full. The only thing is, the bike isn't overheating, and you know you've only got a quarter tank left. Or...even worse: your bike is operating normally, and suddenly your temperature and fuel gauges just turn off, and look like the picture to the right. How much fuel have you got left? You'll have to guess! What's causing it? A faulty, worn-out 7 volt voltage regulator. Behind the fuel and temperature gauges is a special voltage regulator that turns your motorcycle's normal 12 volts into the 7 volts on which these two gauges run. When it starts to fail, it typically starts doing so intermittently. Left in a failed state, it can cause damage - allowing a full 12 volts into your temperature and fuel gauges, destroying the delicate coils inside! That gets expensive, requiring the replacement of the entire center gauge cluster! What's the solution? For almost five years, we've been manufacturing a modern, solid-state 7 volt regulator to fix this problem once and for all. Hundreds and hundreds of Goldwing owners all over the world now have operating fuel and temperature gauges thanks to our 7 volt regulator. If you've got this problem - or you know someone who does - check out our 7 Volt Regulator and get it fixed! |
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Newest Product Reviews I'm very impressed with the quality and functionality of Olympia's Horizon Rain Gear Never buy another fuel filter, replacing it instead with a reusable, Randakk's High Performance Fuel Filter A slick plastic repair kit that sets up in ten minutes and works perfectly for repairing fairing cracks, and even replacing broken tabs! Plast-aid Plastic Repair Solution Keep yourself cool in the hot summer sun while riding, while keeping your protective riding gear: Polar Vest Phase Change Cooling Vest Want to replace those always-burning-out cornering lights with bright LEDs that never fail? Here's a product that fits the bill: GL1500 Cornering LED You ride motorcycles, you need sunglasses. These are perfect, and at less than $5 a pair, you can't beat the price: The Best (and cheapest) Riding Sunglasses Loading your Goldwing (or any heavy motorcycle) into the back of a pickup? You need serious ramps, and here's some that fit the bill: Big Boy Aluminum Folding Motorcycle Ramp If you have a navigation screen on your GL1800, screen glare is your nemesis. Here's how to fix it: Navigation Visor for GL1800 A fantastic product for anyone who uses screwdrivers - and if you've got a bike, that means you! ScrewGrab is a friction enhancer that allows you to easily remove stripped fasteners. |
Pictures? We Love Pictures! Do you have pictures of your bike you want to share? Of course you do! And we want to see them! We have one of the largest collection of Goldwing-themed images on the Internet, with over 7,800 images, and it grows every day. Visit the Member Picture Gallery, view some of the great pictures, and add yours to the collection! The newest pictures uploaded each day are compiled into a single page, and if you like, you can have these pictures sent to your inbox waiting to greet you every morning. Check it out: Image Update Email |
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Regular GoldwingDocs.com Features: | ||
How To Articles Want to do some of your own maintenance but scared to take your bike apart? You're going to like this: We have tons of world-reknowned How-To Articles articles - the largest collection of Goldwing How-To Articles on the Internet! Even if you think you might not be capable of working on your bike yourself, our illustrated, step-by-step instructions make it easy - even for the beginner. Check them out today! We've added lots of new ones, and more are being added all the time. - GL1500 Projector HID Headlight Install - How to open a GL1500 trunk when keys are locked inside of it - How to upgrade GL1500 horn to FIAMM Freeway Blaster - How To Clean and Repair Your GL1000 Fuel Tank Sending Unit - GL1000 Starter clutch and stator removal and replacement - How to install the GL1500 Shifter Brace - How to replace your GL1500 shifter oil seal - Poorboy alternator conversion on GL1200 - Improving spark plug performance GoldwingDocs Classifieds Looking for a deal on a Goldwing, parts or accessories? Have you checked out our Goldwing Classifieds section? We have literally thousands of Goldwings and Goldwing-related accessories listed, primarily by private sellers from around the world, updated twice a day. If you're looking for a new-to-you bike, or something to add to your existing Goldwing, you should check us out first! GoldwingDocs Message Forum If you haven't visited our Goldwing Message Forum lately, you owe it to yourself to check it out. With tens of thousands of messages posted by thousands of helpful and friendly people, you can just about guarantee that you will find the information you're looking for, or find an interesting topic to chat about. Stop by and just say hello, we'd love to hear from you! GoldwingDocs Vendor Database The GoldwingDocs Vendor Database is a great place to search for sellers of Goldwings, parts and accessories. Not only do we have a huge, user-maintained database of vendors, but each of those vendors is rated in several categories, with written reviews from other Goldwing owners. Both traditional bricks-and-mortar vendors and Internet vendors are represented. If you want to check up on the reputation of an online vendor, or simply look for a Goldwing-friendly shop nearby, the GoldwingDocs Vendor Database has got what you need! GoldwingDocs Member Pictures The GoldwingDocs Member Picture Area has over 7,800 pictures, all uploaded by GoldwingDocs members. There's nothing that Goldwing owners love more than to show off their bikes - so take a few minutes and upload a few pictures of your pride and joy, to share with the world! You can search through all of the existing pictures, or just browse to your heart's content! |
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