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 November 2016 Newsletter
It's Deer Season! It's hard to believe that it's happening already, but the world continues to tilt on is axis relative to the sun, resulting in shorter days, colder temperatures - and suicidal deer waiting for motorcycles to ride past. Motorcycle riding on the whole is rising amongst the general population, and as a result deer-motorcycle crashes are also rising. Adding to this is further encroachment upon the natural habitat of deer by incessant development, resulting in more and more deer encroaching upon our roads. Unfortunately, what can involve some vehicle damage (and usually fatal injuries to the deer) when a deer-vs-car crash occurs, is far more serious when the crash is deer-vs-motorcycle: 74% of motorcycle-deer crashes involve rider injury. Of all deer-vs-vehicle crashes resulting in a fatality, 70% of those fatalities are motorcyclists. Sobering numbers Deer continue to be the #3 most common cause of motorcycle crashes, behind motorcycle-vehicle crashes (#1) and motorcycle-object crashes (#2). So what can be done about the danger of riding in a world crowded with deer? There are actually quite a few things, and the first involves educating yourself. We have a posting to help with this, covering where to expect to see deer, what kind of behavior to look for, hints and clues that can help you see otherwise invisible deer, as well as avoiding crashes and injury once you do see one. Not to mention - a very important piece of information on what it means when you see a deer crossing the road! Take a few minutes to read up on some information that can save your life: It's Deer Season! The New 2018 Goldwing? I wrote about this last month: Honda has been filing many patents regarding the new generation Goldwing, causing much speculation that it might emerge as a 2017 model year. I predicted that 2017 would present more of the same, and that 2018 would be the big launch for the new Goldwing. A few days after last month's newsletter went out, I was proven at least half right: the 2017 Goldwing was announced, and yes, the announcement was somewhat underwhelming, with not a lot of changes. Read more about the 2017 Goldwing and the new(?) features that Honda has made available, as well as the predictions for the 2018 Goldwing: Honda's Reverse Trike Wing One new bike that Honda has not kept a secret is its Neowing reverse leaning trike. The prototype of this bike has been shown at motorcycle shows for some time, and Honda is expected to reveal the full production version any day now as I write this. Unlike conventional or reverse trikes (like a Can-Am Spyder), this trike is a bit different: it leans. The front wheels are articulated, so that the bike will stand up straight on its own when at a stop, but it will lean over in turns just like a motorcycle. Powered by a horizontally-opposed four cylinder electric hybrid engine, there are distinct similarities between this bike and the four-cylinder Goldwings of the 1970s and 1980's. One thing on which everyone seems to be in agreement: it is one ugly machine. From "looks like a collection of scrap parts loosely fitted together" to "looks like a mutant bug on acid" - it seems like nobody has a kind word to say about its appearance. Let's hope the production version of this machine is a sight more attractive than this pre-production prototype. Read more about this bike, and follow the announcement of the production version as it happens: Honda Neowing tilting reverse trike Winterizing your Goldwing It's that time of year when those of us in northern latitudes start to think about putting our bikes to sleep for the winter season. Without fail, one of the most popular posts we see on the site around this time of year is along the lines of, "does anyone have some tips for winterizing my motorcycle?" Tips? We have better than that! We have a checklist, with instructions! Supplemented with lots of suggestions and comments from our wonderful users, the end result is comprehensive instruction manual on how to winterize your Goldwing. Check it out and make sure you're doing everything your Goldwing needs this fall season before putting it to bed: Winterizing your Goldwing Brand New Camping & Trailer Section A user mentioned to me that there is an awful lot of members on the site who pull trailers with their Goldwings, and use them for camping. I happen to fall into this group: my wife and I love to go camping in our Aspen Sentry trailer, which we pull behind our GL1500. The user suggested creating a camping and trailering section on the forum. I thought this was a great idea! I've now done just that, and you can check it out here: I've moved almost a hundred existing topics into it, along with over a thousand posts, specifically on trailers and camping. Among those are two fantastic posts that have been pinned to the top of the forum. The first is a long-running topic in which users post pictures of their trailers and trailer setups: Trailer Picture Thread The second is a thread posted by user millerized, where he documented (with lots of pictures!) his fantastic camping trailer build, where he creates a spectacular luxury motorcycle camping trailer from scratch. It truly is a work of art, and seeing it develop through pictures is really amazing: Trailer build (or stuff I do in my spare time) Incidentally, the picture above is user RoadRogue's camping setup - the sleeping portion to the right is the actual trailer, folded out into a single-bed camper. The small tent to the left is a stand-up shower, and he carries a small gas-powered tankless hot water heater, so that he can start his riding day off with a hot shower. All of this packs up into a tiny little trailer that he pulls behind his GL1500. Michigan to Arizona on a 40-year-old GL1000 User landisr decided to ride his 1976 GL1000 back home from Michigan to Arizona. Having left his GL1000 stored there after moving away, it was time to bring it home to Arizona. Along with a few friends, they spent some time riding around the upper peninsula of Michigan before being chased back south by some nasty weather. Pictured to the right is his friend riding a 1986 GL1200 Interstate. Fortunately for us, he took lots of pictures along the way, including some spectacular pictures in and around Colorado (are there any other kind of pictures taken in Colorado?). Check out his trip report and drool over his pictures in MI to AZ on a 40-year-old Wing Perhaps it could give you an idea for some trips you might like to make yourself. This trip along with many others are documented in our Trip Reports, Info and Gatherings forum. Putting Car Horns on a Goldwing It happened to me again just yesterday. I was riding my wife's PC800, with its puny little OEM horn. An oblivious driver ran a red light while I was waiting to turn left. I buzzed the little horn at him, and he never even heard it - in fact, I don't think he even realized he had just run a red light, let alone that there was a motorcycle that he just about cut off. As the intersecting traffic got a green light, I attempted to clear the intersection, as I had been stranded there by the oblivious red-light runner. A large SUV to my left attempted to enter the instersection, heading directly for me. I laid on the little horn again and opened the thorttle wide to get out of the way. He saw me at the last minute and jerked to a stop, clearly alarmed that he hadn't seen what had been directly in front of him for over a minute. In neither case did the little horn do the slightest bit of good. Modern car acoustic insulation, active noise cancellation and loud radios pretty much ensure that the tiny, buzzy OEM horns on most motorcycles are absolutely useless. For this very reason, my GL1500 has a large set of air horns on the side, along with the OEM horns (which I left installed). It's extremely loud, and definitely gets the attention of whoever it is that I am blasting it at. So what is involved in putting loud car horns on a motorcycle? More than you would think. The existing wiring and horn switches are not capable of handling the current requirements of automotive horns, resulting in little (or no) noise, overloaded wiring and burned out horn switches. Find out what's involved, how to get around the current issue, and just which horns are best suited for motorcycles: Putting Car Horns on your Bike Hundreds of Goldwing Parts for Sale The huge number of used (mostly GL1500 and GL1800) parts that I bought a couple of years ago continue to be added to the site for sale. I split my time between photographing and adding new products, and filling the orders that people place. There are still literally hundreds (probably thousands - I haven't even opened all of the boxes yet) of more parts that have yet to be added to the site, and I'm working my way through them as I can. 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 November edition! Ride safe - remember to stay warm, and watch out for wet leaves! |
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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 Novemberbe parts for your old bike, check us out first! |
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Featured This Month on GoldwingDocs.com: | ||
Satellite Radio Antenna You might notice that your GL1800 with Sirius/XM Satellite Radio has somewhat substandard reception compared to other vehicles, like your car. There is a simple reason for this: Have you ever seen the satellite radio antenna on your car? Of course you have, it sits there on top of your roof - it looks like a small lump, or a small shark-fin type antenna. How about on your GL1800? Have you seen its satellite radio antenna? The likely answer is no, because the satellite radio antenna is buried inside the dashboard. And therein lies the reason for the poor reception: The already weak signal from the satellites has to penetrate the windshield as well as the dashboard glareshield before it reaches the antenna. Some owners are fixing this problem by moving the antenna out of the dash. See: Sirius/XM Antenna Location |
Buzzing Noise when Turning It's a very common complaint. "When I'm riding my Goldwing, every time I lean over in a turn, I hear a whirring/buzzing/vibrating kind of noise." Sometimes it happens more when turning left than when turning right. It never happens on brand new tires. It's caused by cupping, and it's a common problem amongst heavy motorcycles. Fortunately, there is a cause, and when there is a cause, there is always a solution - and in this case it's a cheap (i.e. free) solution, and it's easy to implement. Read on: Whirr noise when leaning |
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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 Go Pro Hero Camera gets a great review, with some included video The National Cycle Plexifairing for the GL1000 gets two thumbs up A fantastic alternative to expensive bluetooth headsets: The Cheap UClear HBC Budget Bluetooth Headset Show Chrome GL1500 Heated Grips disappoint, even after repeated attempts A simple and cheap tool to avoid expensive and time-consuming fork seal failures: The Seal Mate Fork Seal Cleaning Tool GL1800 LED Love! Electrical Connection LED Headlights with SoCalMotoGear LED High Beams Much love for Emilio Scotto's book "The Longest Ride", about riding a GL1100 around the world for ten years Some cheap but not-so-great 90 degree valve stems - and an inexpensive high quality alternative! The SKNZ Half Bike Cover gets a very positive review, especiall in comparison to other half covers A great review for inexpensive but high-quality LED driving lights from SuperbrightLEDs Nothing but positive reviews for Cyclemax WingNutJC is very disappointed in his GL1100's new Progressive 416 shocks Show Chrome LED Driving Lights get a positive review. A review on the GL1500 Petcock Rebuild Kit. Gary gives his thoughts on a new Lithium Ion motorcycle battery. The REVPACK Tourpack is great for carrying tons of storage. Finally, the SocalMotoGear Pathfinder LED Headlights are the first usable LED headlights for GL1500 and GL1800! A GL1500 Alternator Warning Light is a great peace-of-mind addition A positive review for Kenda Kruz Tires |
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 10,600 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 replace the battery in a Cardo Scala Q2 Intercom - How to repair your GL1200's Fuel light and Travel Navigator/computer - GL1200 LTD LED Headlight Install - How to bleed the front right & left rear calipers on GL1200 - Operating your GL1800 GPS without stopping! - Installing LED Eyebrows/Halo Lighting on a GL1800 - Installing Mirror Bucket Lighting on a GL1800 - How to remove the rear tire and replace the rear brake pads on a GL1000 - How to replace the rear brake pads on a GL1000 - Clutch removal on the GL1100 - 1986 GL1200 SEi compressor removal procedure - How to change your GL1800 final drive oil (video) - How to install a backup starter switch - How to install SoCalMotoGear LED Headlights - Making your Own Windscreen (video) - Fixing Those Sticking GL1500 Switches - Replacement of GL1200 Stator - GL1200 Maintenance - Clutch Disc Replacement, In Bike - Seat Cut-Down Modification (Video) - 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 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 10,600 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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