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 March 2017 Newsletter
Time to Upgrade? Springtime is just around the corner, and it seems that every year around this time, the same thing happens: Goldwing owners start thinking about upgrading to a newer or better motorcycle. This year in particular, there has been more talk on the forum than usual, particularly from GL1500 owners considering swapping out their ride for a newer GL1800. There are reasons either way:
Of course there are those that will never leave their four-cylinder Wings behind. User minimac, owner of a 1993 GL1500 Aspencade asked the question - of those who went from a GL1500 to GL1800, would you go back if you could? Of course, you can find many people talking about this on the site over the years: Moving to an 1800 a good idea? Thinking of Selling GL1500 for GL1800 Bizarre Accessories We as Goldwingers sure love our accessories. We might go out of our way to keep our cars factory stock, but when it comes to our bikes, it's a rare sight to find one on the road in the exact state in which it emerged from the Honda factory. Auxiliary lighting, "safety" chrome, aftermarket mufflers, headlight modulators, satellite radio, helmet lock extenders, wood trim, you name it - if it's something you can bolt to our bikes, someone likely makes it. Companies like Kuryakin and Add-On Accessories exist to sell only these types of accessories for our bikes. Once in a while, someone will come across something unexpected in their Goldwing, usually when it is newly-acquired, and they are exploring it trying to find out more about their new ride. Now I'm not talking about crazy things like were found and documented in our infamous Dirty Air Filter Hall of Fame (check that out if you're in need of a laugh). I'm talking about intentionally added accessories, whose purpose is often completely unexplainable. Did you have any kind of odd accessories on your bike when you first got it? Join our discussion thread, and inlcude pictures of you can - we love pictures: Check it out: ODD Add-ons The "had to lay 'er down" myth debunked If you've been riding motorcycles for any length of time, you've heard this before. It goes something along the lines of: "Well, that truck swerved into my lane and cut me off, so I had to lay 'er down to keep from hitting it." Of course, the vast majority of the time, this statement can be translated directly into: "I was presented with a situation for which I wasn't prepared, and I lost control and crashed, but my ego won't let me admit to it." Where did this myth come from? Is there actually any credence to it? Are you actually better off "laying the bike down" instead of braking, swerving and subsequently potentially hitting an object or another vehicle? User themainviking brought this topic up, and it touched off an interesting conversation involving physics, training, and the best way to both avoid, and survive a motorcycle crash. Do linked brakes help or hurt? What about ABS? What about speed wobbles - are you better off laying the bike down in that situation, or should you try to ride it out? Read on for some genuinely useful information: The "had to lay 'er down" myth debunked A GoldwingDocs Gathering The idea of a GoldwingDocs Gathering was floated last year, however due to a number of unfortunate events, we were unable to make it come to fruition. This year we've got some movement to make it happen, and so far the consensus seems to be: Date: Late August or Eary September Location: Hocking Hills, Ohio If you haven't been to Hocking Hills before, it is an amazing area with plenty of state parks, amazing rock caves and formations, and hundreds upon hundreds of miles of some of the finest motorcycle roads I have ever ridden - mercifully free of traffic of any kind, most of the time. I almost hesitate to talk about it, for fear of it becoming "discovered" and causing the roads to become too crowded. Please check in with your thoughts and ideas, and help make the decisions about the gathering this year: GoldwingDocs Gathering A Mobile-Friendly GoldwingDocs This is a project that I have been working on for over a year, time-permitting. Anyone who has tried to use the GoldwingDocs site on a phone knows it is...well, not the most mobile-friendly of sites. That is primarily because when I first created the site back in 2008, mobile use of the web was a tiny fraction of what it is today. Mobile devices simply couldn't handle the complex sites of the time. Also, the site was never originally intended to be what it is today - it kind of grew in bits of pieces as I came up with ideas for it. This means that the site itself is literally that - piecemeal, bits and pieces written and added to it over the years. This is not the best way to plan an organized, database-driven web site. Today, the percentage of mobile users continues to rise - at any given time it can be upwards of 50% of all users on the site. I had to do something about the mobile-unfriendliness of GoldwingDocs. I decided to kill two birds with one stone: I am scrapping the entire existing site (tens of thousands of lines of code) and writing it again from scratch, using modern programming languages and techniques. But don't worry - it won't be a dramatic, drastic change - things will still for the most part work like they do today. Most pages will have improved layout and design, and the Online Parts Store will be much easier to search and use. The main difference is that the site will be using responsive design, so that it reformats itself gracefully no matter what device you're using to view it. We're still months away from the time when this will go live, but I did want to give a heads-up to let everyone know what's coming! If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please let me know: A Mobile-Friendly GoldwingDocs More Parts! And speaking of the Online Parts Store, I have spent quite a bit of time this month cleaning, photographing and logging more parts from my vast used parts collection, such as you see to the right. I'm really eager to get the whole collection online as soon as I can (translation: Mrs. Wingadmin wants these parts out of our basement, NOW!), and over the month of February I've added a couple hundred more. Keep looking, because more and more parts are being added all the time. If you don't know about our online store, we have hundreds of parts, mostly used but some new. They are all in good to excellent condition - anything in poor shape I have just tossed rather than go through the trouble of putting it online, unless it's a really usable, valuable item that someone could potentially use. If you're in need of parts - body parts, engine parts, electrical parts, suspension, driveline, you name it, take a look at our store: New and Used Goldwing Parts USA, Mexico, Guatemala and Belize GoldwingDocs user diverobin set off in November with his girlfriend on a trip of a lifetime. He bought a 1981 GL1100, and his girlfriend, having just passed her riding test, bought a Suzuki GZ250. They originally purchased the bikes in Fort Lauderdale in November of 2015. They travelled to Key West, and eventually to New Orleans, where they parked the bikes in storage while they headed home to Germany for a year. The plan at that point was to ride to the west coast. By the time they returned in November of 2016, their plans had changed: leaving from New Orleans, they headed through Texas, with the idea to travel through Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and then back up to the USA, before heading back home to their native Germany. They've encountered a few problems along the way: a throttle cable snapped early on, but that was easily fixed and they didn't lose much time.. At one point in Mexico, the fuel pump on the GL1100 gave up the ghost, but with help from GoldwingDocs users, he was able to get back on the road. I'm in awe of some of the amazing scenery and stories being relayed whenever they get the opportunity (and Internet connectivity) to post them. He's been posting reports, pictures, maps, and stories of his fantastic trip for several weeks now. If you want to read diverobin's trip of a lifetime, check it out: USA, Mexico, Guatemala and Belize When Should you Change Your Oil? Some people think of oil as an afterthought. Change it when it looks dirty maybe, or once a year at the end of riding season. Other people change it every 2,000 miles, and use only exotic synthetic oil costing four times what you would pay for the Wal-Mart brand. Who is right? Or is the best balance somewhere in the middle? What about what the manual says? Is it OK to use automotive oil in place of expensive motorcycle oil? Or does that ruin a wet clutch? All of this and much more in the current oil thread: Oil Change Interval Springtime is Sandtime With springtime weather arriving, there are more and more bikes on the road. Don't forget however that with the departure of winter weather, some winter artifacts remain: namely sand, salt and grit left behind on the roads. This sand usually migrates to the insides of corners, where it is absolutely no problem for cars - but can mean absolute disaster for motorcycles. When taking curves and corners, particularly on rural roads, remember to expect sand or loose gravel on the insides of curves. Watch your speed, look at the road surface, and stay away from the insides of corners. If you assume that every curve has sand in it until you can prove otherwise, you will never be surprised when you hit the corner that IS covered in sand! Read our users' posts of their encounters with sand: Sand on the Road And don't forget to get your bike ready for the springtime riding: How to get your bike ready for the riding season 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) 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 March edition! Watch out for sandy patches! |
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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 Marchbe parts for your old bike, check us out first! |
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Featured This Month on GoldwingDocs.com: | ||
GL1800 Open Saddlebag Light This is a fairly common complaint on the GL1800: the "saddlebag open" light on the dashboard remains on, even when the saddlebags are closed and locked. While there are a few different possible causes, none of them are serious, and all of them are relatively easy to fix - most of them involving just an adjustment. Read more: Saddlebag Indicator on Dash Stuck On |
GL1500 Speaker Upgrade The GL1500 has adequate speakers, but they could not even generously be called high-fidelity. A common upgrade, there are several aftermarket options for the GL1500 that not only give you better sound, but are waterproof to boot. Read more about users who have upgraded their 1500's sound: GL1500 Speaker Upgrade |
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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 Some good words for the Pittsburgh 1500 pound Motorcycle Lift Lots of options for Warm Winter Gloves are given. The Dr. Long Spark Plug Socket gets a positive review. An overwhelmingly positive review for Pro Honda Spray Cleaner and Polish. A good review for some CD Changer to MP3 Converters for GL1800's. A Generic 1156 LED gets a dismal review. A mixed review for the Corbin GL1500 Master Saddle - but with rebuttal! 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 |
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 10,800 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. - How to make your own steering yoke bottom bearing pulling tool - How to make your own steering head bearing removal tool - Wes's GL1100 Alternator or Poor Boy Conversion - Wes's GL1100 Rear Shock Seal Replacement Video - How to rebuild your GL1500 Petcock - GL1500 In-Dash Voltmeter Installation - How to build your own Hippo Hands standoffs - 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 - How to get your bike ready for the riding season 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 10,800 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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