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 2017 Newsletter
The Aging Motorcyclist According to our not-so-scientific survey (you can read and/or participate here: Age survey), the most common age group for Goldwing owners is between 55 and 59 years old. Second place is 60-64 years old and third place is 65-69. Clearly the bias for Goldwing owners is towards the latter part of the age spectrum. As we age, our bodies change, and not really for the better. Things become a bit more stiff, coordination and reflexes deteriorate, and we don't recover from injuries as quickly. Some of these things we can compensate for: exercise helps stiffness, years of riding experience can compensate for slower reflexes. But there's no stopping the march of time Getting on a motorcycle is not like sliding into a car: You have to hike your leg up and over the bike - something you may do without thinking in your earlier years, but an act that may become an insurmountable obstacle later on in life. Some owners look to step-through maxi-scooters as a solution, like minimac writes about, as he considers giving up his GL1500 for his Burgman Executive. At some point however, you may need to take a long hard look at yourself, your riding, and decide it's time to hang it up. User SteveKon, having experienced a couple of serious accidents in the last few years, decided that he has reached this point. He wrote about his decision to move from two wheels to four (a Mazda Miata) in his thoughtful post "It is time to say goodbye." It sparked some interesting discussion from others who have considered this very personal decision, and supported Steve in making his. Sometimes you're not ready to give it up, but there are some annoying issues that begin to crop up. User nayron was experiencing a problem with his GL1500 trike, in that his hands were going numb after only a few minutes of riding. There are several causes (and solutions) for this issue, so of course our users jumped in to help him out and solve his problem: Hands go numb even on a short ride Cold Weather Stamina My wife has her limits. Below 58 degrees (I don't know where she got that arbitrary value), she really doesn't want to go motorcycling. I, on the other hand, will ride right down to freezing - anything below that, I deem the risk of encountering unexpected ice not worth the reward - that's my personal limit. So it's not really the cold that limits me. That said, I have cold weather riding gear, plus a heated jacket liner, heated gloves and for those really nasty days, heated boot insoles. The jacket liner keeps my core temperature up, to prevent the insidious onset (and very real danger) of hypothermia. The gloves and insoles keep my extremeties from freezing, which is just miserable. I use a Schampa neck gaiter on colder days to keep cold air from my neck and face. With all of that, I still take frequent breaks, far more frequent than I would were I riding in more temperate weather. The reason for that is simple: cold saps energy from your body, and tires you out faster than you would tire otherwise. User Haskinhale bought a 1996 GL1500 and was to go pick it up - in forecast 27 degree weather. He wanted suggestions and ideas of how people manage to ride long distances in cold weather - without heated gear. Of course lots of users had suggestions for him - read on: Cold Weather Stamina More of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize As we mentioned last month, our intrepid traveler diverobin and his girlfriend Katja are on the trip of a lifetime - and this month continued through Mexico, into Guatemala and from there to Belize on his GL1100 and her Suzuki GZ250. Amongst the fantastic pictures and stories related this month, he encountered a few more mechanical difficulties: clogged carburetor, failed rectifier and a flat tire. As before, GoldwingDocs users were there to help out with the issues they encountered along the way. I particularly liked the story of the oil change - and why the owner wanted to keep diverobin's old oil! Facing cobbled streets and endless speed bumps through Mexico, the pair are heading north back towards the USA at this moment. Read the latest instalments of their adventure: USA, Mexico, Guatemala and Belize You can also read about his problem when the bike stopped charging, and how he solved it and got back on the road: GL1000 Not Charging CNG Goldwing Conversion? In some parts of the world, conversion of vehicles to CNG (compressed natural gas) or LPG (liquid propane gas) is a popular option. Most engines meant to run on gasoline will also run on CNG, at a slightly lower power output. LPG is a bit lower output again than CNG. Conversions of these types are relatively uncommon in North America, thanks primarily to the relatively cheap price of gasoline. However in European countries, where gasoline can cost four and five times as much as it does in the USA, these conversions can make financial sense. User ratherdashing59, from Oklahoma, wanted to know if anyone had done a conversion on a Goldwing - he has a GL1100 and is considering doing a CNG conversion on it. I didn't think at first that a motorcycle was a candidate for a CNG conversion - but I was surprised with what our users turned up. Read on: Goldwing CNG Conversion? 2009 GL1800 "To Do" List User mncowboy969 bought a brand new (to him) 2009 GL1800. It has 140,000 miles on it (i.e. just broken in), and was told that the alternator would need to be replaced. He's had a 1985 GL1200 for a while, but the GL1800 is new to him, and he's not as familiar with its intricacies. He wanted to get an idea from GL1800 owners of what to put on his "laundry list" of things to check on his new bike. Some things such as fluid changes are a no-brainer. But are there some gotchas unique to the GL1800 that should be checked over? Of course, our users jumped into action to help out with his list: things like bearings, filters, valves, and more. If you have some ideas you'd like to share from your own experience, or want to use his laundry list as a list for your own maintenance, check out the thread: 2009 GL1800 with 140K miles "To Do" list Of course if it's just springtime readiness you're looking for, have a look through our How to get your bike ready for the riding season article. The 2017 GoldwingDocs Gathering The first ever GoldwingDocs Gathering is happening this year in Hocking Hills, Ohio from September 22 to September 24. There is a block of rooms set aside for us at the Christopher Inn in Chillicothe, OH, but they are going fast. If you're intending to attend, please join the thread and let user Wingsconsin know, as he has got the block of rooms from them. This is not a formal convention, more of a gathering of friends to meet, talk, visit, tourist, and ride some of the best motorcycling roads in all of Ohio! If you're not interested in hoteling it, there are many excellent campgrounds and cabins for rent in the area as well, with lots to see - some spectacular scenery, caves, and parks. Cabins tend to rent early, so you're best advised to book soon. For more information and to let everyone know your intentions - and please, if you're intending to stay at the Christopher Inn - join us on the GoldwingDocs Gathering thread. Reviews...We've Got Reviews! We've got some new product reviews to peruse this month: The MotoBatt AGM battery is checked out and installed, and so far we are impressed. We'll update this review as we have more time with the battery to let you know how it holds up. And if you need to know how to change it, we've got that too: How to Replace your Battery The new Arai Signet-X Helmet is give a thorough examination. There are some great new features that we uncover in this impressive helmet. Some Cheap and Easy Hand Wings from eBay are given the thumbs up - a great and inexpensive alternative to more expensive brand-name wings. The J&M Elite 787 Corded Headset is evaluated - and then installed into a new helmet, with full step-by-step instructions in a combination Review/How-To article. The Holy Grail of Boots Motorcycle boots have stiff soles. They have to - otherwise you get very sore feet from the pressure points created by the footpegs. The problem is, this makes the boots very uncomfortable to walk in. Motorcycle boots also have some unique features you don't find in street boots: armor, shifter reinforcement toe patches, wind and waterproof velcro fastenings, and flex-limiting panels. This tends to make them look a bit like moon boots, and let's face it, you look a bit ridiculous walking around the museum in your moon boots - not to mention getting sore feet! User rmoss from beautiful Southampton, Ontario (I have spent many a summer up there) thought he had found the perfect boot: A set of Goretex boots that provided protection, but were comfortable to walk in...until he sat on his GL1800 and found that with the thickness of the toe - or perhaps the inability to flex - he was unable to shift the transmission. So apart from moving the shifter on the bike, he wanted to know if anyone had a line on some good Goretex motorcycle boots that works on a Goldwing, yet is comfortable to walk in. This generated lots of responses - so if you are looking for a new motorcycle boot, or perhaps have a suggestion for him on something that works for you, join the discussion: Riding Boots They Need Help! At the beginning of the month, we had a tremendous cold front blow through Northern Ohio. With straight line winds in excess of 40 mph gusting to 60 mph, there was damage all over the area. My wonderful sister in law Amy and her husband Christian returned home from work driving their much beloved new-to-them 2005 car, and minutes later were horrified by a tremendous boom and the sound of breaking glass as a perfectly healthy, 50-year-old tree was blown down on top of them - totalling their car and ripping a huge hole in the roof of their home. The damage to their home and car was so severe, they even made the front page of the local newspaper! They are now left owing more on their totalled car than insurance has paid. They are in a very tight spot financially with few options, and could really use some help. Even just a few dollars would make a difference. If you could find it in your heart to help out a couple of truly good people who really didn't need this disaster in their life right now, I know they (and I) would appreciate it. You can read their story, see some more pictures, and make a donation here: Christian and Amy Windstorm Fund And... on top of it all, today is Amy's birthday. Please help make it a good one! Thank you. 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 April edition! Let's get out and ride! |
||
Have you forgotten your User ID and/or Password? Click here to visit the password reset page, and then click Submit to reset your password. |
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 Aprilbe parts for your old bike, check us out first! |
|
Featured This Month on GoldwingDocs.com: | ||
GL1500 Engine Stall Mystery Two seemingly unrelated systems, that are having a bizarre effect on one another: When the bike is on the side stand, moving the handlebars makes the engine shut off. But moving the handlebars when the bike is on the center stand has no effect. What's behind this mystery? It's actually a well-known problem - so well-known in fact that there is a recall from Honda for it. Read more about this potentially dangerous problem, the cause, and the very simple fix: Engine turns off when I shake the handle bars? |
GL1500 Gear Box Rattle User Pniccolls' GL1500 has a bizarre rattle coming from his transmission, that only happens when you tilt the bike forward. His mechanic claims it's well-known problem that requires the replacement of the engine to fix. This can be true - read on to find out how to tell if a transmission rattle is just a rattle, or signals this expensive and terminal problem: Gear Box Rattle |
|
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. |
||
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! |
||
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! |
||
Newest Product Reviews I'm very impressed with the updated features on the new Arai Signet-X helmet And you of course need a headset for the new helmet. We go over the installation of the J&M Elite 787 Headset The MotoBatt MBTX24U Motorcycle Battery for GL1500 starts out life with a positive review Some cheap and easy Hand Wings from eBay work well 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 |
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 |
|
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. - Homemade iPhone controlled garage door opener - J&M Elite 787 Headset Review - and Installation How To - How to replace your GL1500 Battery - How to rebuild your GL1500 front fork anti-dive unit - How to make your own fork cap spring removal tool - 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) - 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! |
This newsletter is sent on the first day of each month.