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 April 2016 Newsletter
Planning that Summer Trip It's a sure sign that riding season is upon us: Goldwing owners are planning their summer trips. There's no better bike for long-distance road-riding trips than a Goldwing, and we love to take them! User Wilcoy02 last year planned a trip from Ohio to Alaska, and lots of users chimed in to help...and come along! This year, Nick R. is planning a trip to a Alaska from Michigan. He's looking to join a group already started, or perhaps start a new group of riders making the trip. Think you might like a trip of a lifetime? Check out his posting: Motorcycle trip to Alaska in 2016 User todmudulutch posted his journal from a month-long trip through Central America on his GL1500. From corrupt border crossing officials to incredible sights, It's an unbelievable story, that had me on the edge of my seat at times. Sit down and get ready to read the story of a lifetime: Central America Trip If you've got a trip report to share, or want to talk about your planned trip (or need help planning!) be sure to stop on by our Trip Info, Reports & Gatherings forum! Or, if you just want to add your plans to let everyone else know what you've got coming up, join the 2016 Planned Rides and Trips discussion. Riding at Night I love to ride at night. the roads are less crowded, the winds have died down, the world is asleep. The majority of people on the highway are professional truck drivers, or people that are used to driving long distances. I will flip my satellite radio to an interesting station, watch the stars, feel the smoothness of the air... Oh, and watch for deer eyes glowing at the side of the road, as they prepare to jump out in front of me. The main downside to riding at night, at least in the USA, is animals, particularly deer. Having an unseen deer suddenly jump out in front of you can really ruin your evening. I have extremely bright lights on my bike that light up the road, but it still worries me. Others have worries that their aging eyes don't see as well in the dark as they would like to - and at some point, give up riding at night because of it. Looking for some night riding hints? Or want to know how best to ride safely at night? Perhaps you have a night riding experience that you could share with others, from which they might benefit. Check out Who Rides at Night? Photo Tag is Back! With the return of riding weather, something else has returned: Photo Tag! Don't know what Photo Tag is? It's a simple game - a user comes up with an object or type of place, for instance a helicopter. The first person to photograph their motorcycle next to this object or place is the winner, and they then get to come up with the next object or place for the game. Lots of times it's just an excuse to ride somewhere - "oh, I know where I can get a picture of my bike next to a caboose!" ...and off you go. Last year we had quite a few interesting and unique submissions, and I'm sure this year will be no different. All you need is a motorcycle and a camera (or cell phone with a camera) and you can participate! Join in the fun and see what the current challenge is: Photo Tag Breaking Up with an Older Bike You love your new bike. You can't imagine ever getting rid of it. But you said the same thing about your old bike, many years ago. The new bike gets taken out and ridden, loved, it's smooth, fast, wonderful. The old bike sits unloved, lonely, in the garage. You keep intending to take it out for a ride, but...the new shiny one is right there, too. You take the old bike out on a pity ride once every couple of weeks, because it's really bad for old bikes to just sit. At what point do you decide it's time? When do you decide that the old bike really deserves a new home, with someone who will love it and ride it? Or do you just keep it as part of the stable, in hopes that you'll one day find a need for it? User stan0614 faced this when he bought a 2015 GL1800. His old Suzuki C90T was relegated to the back shed, but he couldn't bear to let her go - too many great memories! What do you do when faced with this? How did others know when it's time to leave? Breaking up with an older bike A Screw in the Tire Ever gotten a screw or nail in your tire? On a car, it's an annoyance, usually requiring a quick patch or plug, before you're sent on your way. On a motorcycle, it's a bit different. While motorcycle tires can be plugged and patched, their continual flexing and minimal contact patch makes patching or plugging a motorcycle tire a dicey prospect at best. And what other damage has been done to the tire? Are the belts inside the tire damaged or cut? Or were they just pushed aside? While a plug (like this month's contest prize - a DynaPlug motorcycle plug tool) can get you from a deserted, remote place to somewhere that you can get a new tire, personally I would not ride on a plugged tire on a permanent basis. But what is amazing is what you can see inside the injured tire. The tire in the picture has a little screw head protruding - but check out what you can see on the inside of the tire: Screw in the tire Bluetooth Headset Options I love having a headset. I plug the J&M headset wired into my helmet every time I get on the bike - and most of the time, that's without a passenger. I love to listen to the satellite radio, or talk on the CB. I rarely, if ever, ride without my headset plugged in. Wouldn't it be nice not to be chained to the bike with that headset wire? For now, that means Bluetooth headsets. For me, the main problem with Bluetooth headsets is lack of functionality of the original OEM audio system, as well as limited battery life. I can think of a few rides I did last year where the standard 15+ hour battery life of a Bluetooth headset wouldn't have cut it - and the louder you run it, the shorter the battery life. So what are the options now? User busterol89 is looking into Bluetooth headsets, and wanted to know what other people are using. This discussion comes up every so often, but it's worth repeating, because technology advances so quickly, that what was top-of-the-line in terms of functionality a year ago is seriousy out-of-date now. Have a read through what people have bought in the way of Bluetooth headsets, how they are working out for them, and what they would recommend: Bluetooth Headsets If you have a GL1800, you might also want to read this user's experience and how-to guide: Bluetoothing a GL1800 I Need a Job! As I was writing up this newsletter, I received a telephone call informing me that the company at which I have worked for the past 10 1/2 years is cutting its budget, and several positions are being eliminated - mine included. I have over thirty years experience in software development, programming, Internet and web technologies, systems management, electronic design, networking, databases...I've pretty much done it all. I have particular background in financial, gaming and real estate systems. I started two successful technology companies, one of which was extremely popular - I appeared on TV, radio, and in national print news (New York Times, USA Today, etc.) in support of it. I have a patent pending on one of my electronic devices. I am a licensed commercial pilot, a licensed HAM operator, and I (obviously) know and love motorcycles. While the majority of my background is in development, I've done quite a lot in client-facing and technical sales support roles, as well as management of development teams. If you or anyone you know might be looking for a highly skilled, talented individual with my capabilities, please let me know! I am located in the Cleveland Ohio area. Hundreds of Goldwing Parts for Sale Last month I mentioned the huge number of used (mostly GL1500 and GL1800) parts that I bought a couple of years ago. I finally got them on the site for sale, and thought people might be interested. Boy, were they! I could hardly keep up with the orders! My plan to spend some time each night photographing and adding more items to the store quickly got waylaid as I scrambled to fill the orders I received. I'm caught up now, and have refined my system somewhat to make it more efficient. I've had time to add a few more items, and will be doing so regularly throughout April. So if you are looking for some parts for your Goldwing, check back regularly to see what's been added. You can see the store here: GoldwingDocs New and Used Goldwing Parts Omron G8MS-H30 Relays for GL1500's Goldwings, particularly GL1500's and GL1800's, are filled to the brim with relays. These electromagnetically-actuated switches are used to switch all kinds of circuits, from headlights to radios to even the starter. However, they are a mechanical device, and after some time they will fail. If one of the many relays in your GL1500 has failed, or if you'd like to have a few on hand to carry around just in case one does (to avoid being left stranded!) - and you'd like to take advantage of my quantity purchase, now is the time to buy them for less than half the retail price. Check out our GL1500 relay store page: Goldwing GL1500 Omron G8MS-H30 Relay Of course, we still have our other products as well: GL1000/GL1100/GL1200 7 volt regulators, and our ever-popular GL1500/GL1800 GPS Input Devices.
That's it for the April edition! Welcome in Spring on two wheels, and don't forget to take it easy on those sandy roads! |
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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. Also check out our New and Used Goldwing Parts Store! 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: | ||
Cold Hands? One of the worst things about riding in cold weather is cold hands and fingers. The wind rushing over your hands (hopefully inside gloves) just sucks the heat out of them, and with limited circulation to begin with, your fingers quickly suffer. There are quite a few options to combat this - one of which is Hippo Hands, pictured above. However, when using Hippo Hands on Goldwings, there can be a serious safety problem. Read about the various hand-heating options that people have tried, what works for them - and the problem people have encountered with Hippo Hands: Anyone Using Hippo Hands? |
Aftermarket GPS Units The GL1800 has the option to come with the much-maligned factory GPS system. Up until then, and for those who did not opt for the GPS on their GL1800, the solution for mapping and navigation is an aftermarket unit. There are plenty of quite expensive GPS units designed for use on motorcycles - they are waterproof, shockproof, and have sunlight-readable screens. Is that the best way to go? Many users who have GPS units on their bikes chime in with their experiences - and with this information, you could save a bundle! Read on...Aftermarket GPS Suggestions |
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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 A GL1500 Alternator Warning Light is a great peace-of-mind addition A positive review for Kenda Kruz Tires A user gets screwed over by Scootworks, and is very unhappy about it Rivco Hitch Install gets the thumbs-up The MotoBatt MBTX20U AGM motorcycle battery gets another positive review. A report from an unhappy purchaser of Progressive 416 shocks for his GL1100. The Nebo Big Larry Worklight is a fantastic, low-cost and high performance battery-powered worklight, perfect for on-the-road repairs in the dark. A great replacement for aging, dim GL1100 headlights, that are DOT legal: GL1100 headlights from KC Hilites A review not only of a product, but involving a retailer and manufacturer as well - the overall experience: Goldwing HID's, SoCalMotoGear and CycleMax A not-so-great tire review: Shinko Tire Review What I think might just be the perfect on-bike camera: BulletHD Biker Pro Camera A little more power (and sound) from your GL1500: Torq Master Pipes GPS Tracking Device comparison: ACR ResQLink+ PLB vs Spot Gen3 Tracker A great accessory: Fire Creek Ignition bridge, power ports, volt meter & GPS mount Goldwings and the low-cost Harbor Freight 1000lb Motorcycle Lift Platform |
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 9,900 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. - GL1200 Maintenance - Rear/Final Drive Maintenance - GL1200 Maintenance - Clutch Handle Bushing Replacement - Tips if Stripping your GL1800 Engine - How to get your bike ready for the riding season - Adding LEDs to the rear of a GL1800 - How to change (and optionally flush) your coolant - How to fix the three yellow wires (stator harness plug) - How to adjust your GL1500 handlebars - Rebuilding the GL1100 Timing Belt Tension Rollers with a new mounting plate - How to renew your air compressor dessicant - How to replace your universal joint (and driveshaft) - How to repair a broken GL1500 fairing deflector piece - Disassembly and cleaning of the kill switch and start button (video) - A few "hacks" for your GL1100 - GL1200 Speed Sensor failures & repair - Main Fuse Mod for Hondas with Dogbone Fuse - How to install brake light flasher on your GL1800 - DIY Cheap Common Negative Ground/Hot Blocks - Adding a Kickstand Indicator Light - How to fix GL1500 Cruise Control Lag - Timing belt tensioner pulley bearing replacement - How to lubricate the GL1800 reverse switch - How to replace the spring on GL1100 factory rear shocks 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! And don't forget to check the GoldwingDocs New and Used Goldwing Parts Store, where you will find hundreds of parts and accessories for your bike! 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 9,900 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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