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 December 2014 Newsletter
OK winter, you win, I give up! Winter weather has roared in across much of the US quickly and brutally this fall. I was caught off-guard, and admitted as much - I waited too long to winterize my bike this year. You can hardly blame me: The last few years I have been riding well into December. Now here we are still in November and we've had enough snow that I've had my snow blower out three times! The poor people in Buffalo, NY had almost ten feet of snow dumped on them in just a few days! As snowplows rumbled by on our roads, spraying salt in every direction, my Goldwing sat in the garage, completely unprepared for the winter. Thankfully, Mother Nature gave us a short respite: Two days of rain to wash the snow and salt off the roads, followed by a cold, sunny day with about three full hours of dry roads before it started raining and snowing again. I seized those three hours and took my bike out to get it good and hot so I could properly winterize it. I had quite a few people ask me, what do I do to winterize my bike? There were several people who offered up their ideas, so I thought I would put down exactly the procedures I have developed over the years to put my bikes away for their winter slumber. I started first with the Honda-recommended procedures, and then followed up with how I deviate or add to those procedures. I also added a couple mentions of things not to do: For instance, please, never ever "start your bike occasionally to keep the oil moving" while your bike is stored. This does huge amounts of damage to your engine and exhaust. Read more about the dos and don'ts when it comes to motorcycle winterization: How to winterize your motorcycle The Holiday Season Approaches Here in the US, the holiday season began this past week, with Thanksgiving occurring on Thursday. And for retailers, their holiday season begins by attempting to win over buyers starting the next day, on "Black Friday." Traditionally store owners will offer huge discounts on everything you can imagine starting on this day, in a frantic attempt to bring in customers. I can't bring myself to crowd into a store and line up for an hour to buy something in order to save a few dollars. That said, the online retailers get into the act as well, with huge sales and discounts available. I find that it is often a great idea to put off larger purchases until this time of year, simply because you can then take advantage of the big sales. While my wife enjoys browsing through stores for ages in hopes of maybe finding something to buy, I prefer to get in, buy what I came for, and get out. That's why I prefer online shopping: No crowds, no pushy salespeople, and generally great prices. For instance, I use Amazon for a lot of my purchases throughout the year - they have a vast amount (literally millions) of products, and with an Amazon Prime membership, I get free shipping (which more than pays for itself over the course of a year). I did a quick search for Goldwing products on Amazon and came up with almost four thousand items, quite a few of which I handed over to my wife as Christmas gift ideas. In fact, my Christmas list is usually just a list of web site links to Amazon! I also started a thread on the site in order to share Christmas gift ideas - so if you have ideas you'd like to share, or are stuck for some Goldwing-related gift ideas, check it out: What do you want for Christmas? How do you turn your motorcycle? Yes, we know that your motorcycle turns corners by leaning. But how do you turn the bike? Have you ever stopped to think about just what it is you do that changes the direction of your bike? It feels like instinct, you just think "I'm going right around that curve," look through the curve, and the bike magically follows suit. But obviously you have done something to the bike to make it go into that turn, and come back out. Just what is it that you do? What is actually happening is something called countersteering - it's counter-intuitive, because to make your bike turn left, you're in fact steering it to the right. You might not even realize you're doing it. But it is important to know, because in an emergency situation, where you need to swerve to avoid a potential crash, you must react correctly - and vigorous, conscious countersteering is the only way this is going to happen. A lot of people say, "well I just lean, and the bike leans with me." And you would be wrong. Amazingly, many people refuse to believe otherwise. They will insist that they steer by leaning, because that's what they believe is happening. In an emergency situation, if you try to lean your way out of a crash, your bike will continue straight on into the object you're trying not to crash into. To prove that leaning does not make a bike turn, the people at California Superbike School created a motorcycle that they call the "No BS bike" - as in "No Body Steer." This bike has a second set of handlebars on the bike, used specifically to demonstrate "body steering" - or leaning - or rather, the lack thereof. For a better explanation of countersteering, a simple explanation of the physics behind it (get ready to get familiar with gyroscopic precession), and a video showing the "No BS bike" in action, check out Leaning vs Countersteering: No BS Heated Grips vs Heated Gloves There really aren't many experiences that are more miserable than being cold when riding. Our hands, and in particular our fingers, having limited circulation to begin with, and being out in the cold wind while riding, suffer more than any other part of our body. This can become a safety issue, if your fingers become so cold that you can't grip the throttle or operate the clutch and brake levers. There are a couple of different electrical options open to help combat frozen fingers. The first is heated gloves. I personally own a pair of Gerbing's T5 Microwire gloves, have owned them for two years, and I wrote a review on them last year. They are fantastic gloves, warm enough that they work in some cold weather without any electric heat at all. When they are plugged in, there is no temperature too low that I am afraid to face on my bike. My hands are always toasty warm, even when it's freezing outside. The drawback is that they do have to be plugged in, normally to the bike (although you can purchase rechargeable batteries for them). The other option is heated grips. While there is an advantage that you don't have to worry about wires and controllers, and you can turn them on without having to change gloves, the disadvantage is that they heat the inside of your hand - while the outside of your fingers, hanging out in the cold wind, receive no heat at all. There are other options: handlebar mitts along with warm gloves, Baker Hand Wings, and more. The discussion on keeping your hands warm was helpful as people revealed their own methods for keeping their hands warm: Heated Grips or Heated Gloves? Can I give you $100? Once a year, in December, I pony up some cash to buy a gift certificate to Cyclemax as the monthly contest prize. In the past I gave a $50 certificate, I figured it was only fair (due to inflation, you know) to bump it up to $100 this year. So if you think you could use $100 to buy some great Goldwing accessories from Cyclemax, head on over to the Contest page and register for December's contest. It's free, takes only seconds, and after you're registered, every time you post a message in the forum you automatically get another entry to win the gift certificate!
I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah...or happy holidays (take your pick as you please). It is a real labor of love to run this site, it takes up a great deal of my time. But you wonderful, friendly people make it all worthwhile. We'll see you again in the new year. |
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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: | ||
Soldering Techniques Some time ago, I started writing up some primers on electrical work, to try to answer questions that came up frequently. I called them "Electricity 101" and you can read them here: Electricity 101 Part 1: Voltage and Amperage I wanted to write one up that showed the correct way to solder wires together. However, it was extremely difficult to do the soldering and take pictures of the process at the same time, as well as try to describe in writing what it was I was doing. So I gave up, and instead filmed a 15 minute video that goes over making strong, stable solder joints, and the correct method in doing so. You can see the video here: |
What other bikes do (or did) you own? Not very many Goldwing owners bought their Wing as their first bike. And many of those owners still have some of the bikes that led to their Wings. Some have bought other bikes AFTER their Goldwing, for a variety of reasons: Different riding requirements, a deal you couldn't turn down, or simply empty space in the garage that needed to be filled (I wish!). Fill us in! What other bikes do you own? What bikes did you own before? Why did you like them? How are they different from your Wing? Got a problem with one that you need help with? Let's see a picture! We have a new section dedicated to discussion of these non-Goldwing bikes, so check it out and join the fun: Other Bikes Incidentally, that is me on my 1989 air/oil cooled GSX-R750. |
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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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Goldwing GL1500 Omron G8MS-H30 Relay The Goldwing GL1500 Omron G8MS-H30 Relay is a relay used for quite a few different functions in the GL1500. The GL1500 is filled with relays - there is a box full of them, next to the fuse box! These relays are mechanical devices, and have a limited life. When they do fail, critical systems can be affected, leaving you stranded! It's always a good idea to carry one or two spare relays with you. Honda sells replacement relays, Honda part number 38380-MN5-003, for over $25 each! These are the exact same relays, brand new, from the original manufacturer. Thanks to a quantity buy from the original manufacturer, we are able to offer them at a much reduced price. Stock up now and make sure you never end up stranded because of a failed relay! |
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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 The Schampa Double Layer Fleece Neck Gaiter is fantastic for cold-weather riding! I'm in love with my new all-weather/cold-weather jacket from Olympia: Olympia Ranger Jacket Everyday protective over pants that work great in wet and cold weather: Olympia Ranger 3 Over Pants Great gloves for cold and wet riding conditions: Alpinestars Valparaiso Drystar Gloves I revisit the condition of my Spidi Jab-R gloves after two years of use: Spidi Jab-R leather/textile summer gloves 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 |
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 8,100 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. - How to winterize your motorcycle - Installing a 2006+ heated seat in a pre-2006 GL1800 - How to Predict Catastrophic GL1200 Stator Failure - Retrofitting LED Brake, tail and turn signals to GL1500 - GL1200 Poorboy Alternator Conversion Video - How to keep from losing your side covers - GL1200 Ignition Switch Overhaul - How to replace your steering head bearings - 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 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 8,200 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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