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 August 2019 Newsletter
Riding in Groups Motorcycles, for better or worse, bring people together. Perhaps it's the shared experience, maybe it's that we just choose to do things a bit differently than the average person. For whatever reason, people who ride motorcycles tend to congregate with other motorcycle riders. When riders get together, they of course want to go riding. Often, this means participating in a group ride. Some group rides are highly organized with leaders, signalling and pre-planned (and sometimes pre-ridden) routes. Sometimes it's just a group of riders who happen to encounter one another while out riding, and end up clumping together. Either way, there are significant differences in terms of riding style, safety and awareness required when riding in a group of other motorcycles. There's no question that the risk is elevated when riding in close proximity to other vehicles: you're depending on the other riders to be on their best behavior. But what other aspects need to be considered? Or is group riding something you even want to consider? If you're new to group riding, or an old pro, if it's something you love, or something you abhor, there's something waiting for you in this month's topic: Group Rides Third Annual GoldwingDocs Gathering Speaking of group rides, there will be plenty of group rides at the Third Annual GoldwingDocs Gathering, this year being held in Maggie Valley, NC from September 11 through the 15th. We will be riding through some of the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plans in place for some fun group rides throughout the area for riders of all skill levels. Most hotel rooms are booked at this point, and some members are also planning to camp at nearby campgrounds. T-Shirts are being made up - if you want a T-Shirt for the event, please put in your order today. If you've been living under a rock and haven't yet heard about the GoldwingDocs Gathering, you can read more about this year's Gathering, some of the plans and ride maps, and offer your ideas for this year's event: Third Annual GoldwingDocs Gathering - Sep 11-15, 2019 Goldwing Motocross?!? No, you're not seeing things, and no, that's not a doctored image - that really is a 40-year old GL1100 on a dirt track, executing a 45-foot jump! GoldwingDocs member Dos.Honduros has been off-roading GL1100's for a little while, and recently posted some videos of not only motocross, but rally-riding his GL1100's in the Touratech Rally. We picked up on it right away on our site, and within a week, it seems that the rest of the Internet also discovered this craziness! Riding in conditions more suited to 250-pound dirt bikes, the GL1100's power their way through mud, dirt, ruts and more. They really are a do-it-all bike! Opinion seems to be divided between "That's amazing!" and "Why would you do that to a GL1100?" What do you think? Check out the collection of crazy/amazing Dos.Honduros videos, and voice your opinion: Off-Road Rally Goldwings Add-On Accessories vs Show Chrome If you have been a Goldwing owner for more than a few months, and have thought about accessorizing your ride, you no doubt have encountered the two largest manufacturers of aftermarket Goldwing accessories: Add-On Accessories and Show Chrome Accessories. GoldwingDocs member JohnUSA in Tacoma is looking to upgrade his 1993 GL1500, and has found many products from both companies. To him, quite a few of the products look identical, although pricing can swing wildly between the two competitors. He is wondering what other owners' experiences have been with the two accessory manufacturers, and if there were specific recommendations for products made by each company. If you have experience with products from either company, or are perhaps looking to accessorize your own Wing, check out: Show Chrome vs Add-On Accessories Stoplight Best Practices GoldwingDocs Member OldGuyGlen is still getting used to his new GL1100. While he's quite comfortable flat-footing it at intersections, he's wondering what the best method is for coming to a stop, waiting at a red light, and starting off again. One foot on the ground? Two feet? What about positioning the bike? In gear? In neutral? Intersections are hands down the most dangerous place for a motorcycle to be. Particularly in this day of distracted drivers, whose minds are subconsciously looking for stopped cars - not stopped motorcycles. I have my own very specific set of procedures when I come to an intersection, and I took the time to think about exactly what it is I do, and write them out into this thread. Others have done the same thing, adding their own suggestions. If you would like to improve your level of safety (and your chances!) at intersections, or perhaps just want to pick up on some tips from others who have been doing it a long time, you owe it to yourself to check out this topic: Traffic Light Stop/Wait/Go Best Practices? Heat can be...Uncomfortable Mitigation of heat while riding is a problem. At highway speeds, the cooling systems which nature bestowed upon our bodies just don't work. Our core temperature rises. And for some, the interface between seat and saddle becomes a painful one. Member Wingrider73 from Florida just returned from a 1100-mile trip. Half of that trip consisted of an eleven-hour ride through 100+ degree temperatures. He said this resulted in a "roaring case" of painful heat rash. Some people never suffer from heat rash, others are constantly afflicted - I am fortunate to belong to the former group. What do you do to prevent heat rash? More importantly, what do you do to quickly treat it and get rid of it in a hurry? Our members have lots of suggestions. Read on: Roaring Heat Rash!! Beating the Heat, Part II Also from the south, Member C-dub from Dallas has a real problem with leaving his bike parked in the sun all day at work. He wants to protect the seat (and everything else) as much as possible for as long as possible from the harsh Texas sun. I've used half covers on my bike for many years, like the Wingstuff half cover pictured here on my GL1500. They work very well for sun protection as well as rain and dew (for overnight trips). But are there other options? And what about storage - just how big are the covers when they are folded up? This can be important when it comes to something you carry with you all the time. Our members had several ideas and products to recommend, based on our own experiences. Looking to help protect your bike from the sun or the elements? Check out: Heat Reflective Cover? Best Camp Toilet? When moto-camping, a lot of riders try to stick to campgrounds and state parks. You know, luxury resorts with things like showers and toilets. However, and particularly out west, for some riders pretty much any spot you can pitch a tent (or park a trailer) will do. In those cases, how do you deal with the call of nature, in a responsible and hygenic way? Member bikersrule from California is looking for suggestions. And boy, did he get some! Everything from "pool noodle on a bucket" to high-tech composting toilets were suggested. Some interesting legal points were made about what has to be done with the leftover waste - and the rules behind this can vary from state to state. Are you a fan of camping? Wonder what products are out there that might make the call of nature a bit easier to answer when away from the luxury of the nearest outhouse? Or perhaps you could offer your own experience as a suggestion? Read on: Need Some Camping Toilet Advice And speaking of camping and trailers...member Sharon 2665 and her husband are about to embark on their first trip ever pulling a trailer behind their GL1800 trike. She is a little worried about the visibility of a small trailer being pulled behind the large trike - and what she might do in order to help increase that visibility. Our members came up with some interesting ideas: Trailer Visibility 1976 GL1000 Sitting For 34 Years Back in 2017, member apex from Livermore, California heard about an estate sale. The gentleman who had passed on was a hoarder of many things...one of which was motorcycles. There were motorcycles in the garage. There were motorcycles in the yard. There were five motorcycles in the house! Nineteen motorcycles in total. He bought them all. One of the bikes was a 1976 GL1000, with a 1985 sticker on the license plate. So what do you do with a motorcycle that hasn't been run in 34 years? You take it apart...and restore it! He's now sold all of the bikes except the GL1000, which he is now restoring - and posting pictures as he gets close to riding the old Wing. Check out his progress, and perhaps offer some encouragement - or assistance - with the issues he's encountering: Estate Sale 1976 GL1000 Sitting since 1985 Superbrace Causes Fork Stiction on GL1500 No, that's not a typo: stiction is not the same as friction. Stiction is like friction, except it applies only when something isn't already moving. When something is moving, resistance to that movement is friction. When it is not moving...yet, it's stiction. Typically it takes a lot more force to overcome stiction than it does to move against friction on the same object. In this case, it's member Mh434 in BC, who installed a Superbrace fork brace on his GL1500, and discovered that the stiction on his front forks increased so much that the rebound springs were unable to overcome it! If he hit a bump and compressed his forks, they would stay compressed until he forced them back out. He was thinking that there was something really wrong...but then discovered what the problem was. If you have a fork brace and notice increased stiction (or friction!), or perhaps you are contemplating adding a fork brace to your bike, you will definitely want to find out what he did wrong...and how to avoid falling into the same trap. Read on: Superbrace -> Massive Stiction Stripped Seat Bolt Repair It's something that can happen to ALL of the Goldwings, but the GL1800 is particularly prone to this affliction. You're finished with the maintenance on your bike. As with most maintenance tasks, the last step is to replace the seat onto the bike. You insert the seat bolt, start turning...and turning...and suddenly realize that there isn't the resistance that you're used to feeling. With rising horror, you realize you just stripped your seat bolt...and more likely, the threaded hole into which it seats. This is exactly the scenario member Big Bog in Minnesota recently experienced on his 2006 GL1800. He turned to GoldwingDocs members for assistance. There were several different suggestions, but in the end, the general consensus is that there is one, best, permanent fix. Read about the fix, and how to do it properly: Stripped seat bolt mount holes GoldwingDocs Gathering Rooms Disappearing The third annual GoldwingDocs Gathering is happening this year from September 11-15. This year we are based at the Maggie Valley Inn, in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. It's been brought to our attention that this area is extremely popular at this time of year, and that hotel room bookings are in short supply. If you don't have a room booked ahead, the chances of successfully booking one closer to the event date are slim. We're told there are only a few left! For that reason, I would highly suggest that even if you are considering attending, that you book your room now, rather than leaving it until later. We have a block of rooms available - just ask for the GoldwingDocs block when calling. The 2019 GoldwingDocs Gathering looks like it will be the best one yet, and if past years are anything to go by, the weather will be spectacular - as will the rides! You can read more about this year's Gathering, some of the plans and ride maps, and offer your ideas for this year's event: Third Annual GoldwingDocs Gathering - Sep 11-15, 2019 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 Replacement 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 stranded!) - and you'd like to take advantage of our quantity purchase, now is the time to buy them for less than half the retail price you'll pay from Honda. Check out our GL1500 relay store page: G8MS-H30 Relays 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.
The final countdown towards the GoldwingDocs Gathering has begun! We'll see you there! |
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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 Augustbe parts for your old bike, check us out first! |
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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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Replacement Goldwing GL1500 G8MS-H30 Relay The Goldwing GL1500 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. We have these high-quality relays in stock, at less than half the price that you can buy the equivalent OEM relay from Honda! |
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Brand New 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 Be heard, wirelessly with the LEXIN 2pcs LX-B4FM Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom What's that? Another Oscilloscope? the DSO150 Digital Oscilloscope A great option for mounting your phone: the RAM Mount Quick Grip Handlebar Mount A unique idea for a phone mount: the RAM Mount GDS Dock Handlebar Mount A somewhat disappointing mount: the RAM X-Grip Handlebar Mount Clamp hoses and much more with the ClampTite Tool Shed some light: Braun Cordless Worklight Scope it out: DSO138 Oscilloscope A new windshield: the 12" MadStad installed on a GL1500 For your trike: GL-1500 EZ Steer 4 Degree Rake Kit Knock out noise with Fit-Ear Custom Molded Ear Plugs Everyone seems to love the MadStad GL1500 Windshield Great winter reading: Chronicles of a Motorcycle Gypsy: The 49 States Tour Keep the mice away this winter: Mouse and Rodent Blocker Measure and inflate effortlessly: JACO FlowPro Digital Tire Inflator Quality wireless audio: J&M Bluetooth Audio |
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 11,900 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. - How to use a Ford F-250 Starter Solenoid on a GL1200 - How to repair broken plastic tabs - GL1500 Forks/wheel/tire on a GL1200? YES you can! - Homemade Regulator/Rectifier for GL1000/GL1100/GL1200 - How to Access the GL1500 Relay Box with a Motor Trike Kit - How to replace throttle shaft seals on GL1000/1100 carbs - How to remove GL1500 shifter arm blocked by frame tube - Using ABS glue to repair GL1500 rear storage hinge pins - Radiator Plastic Grill Repair - Adjust fore/aft Older Corbin Backrests - How to Make Replacement GL1500 Saddlebag Screw Covers - A new method of demounting and remounting tires on rims - Welding Plastic for ABS Repairs - Converting GL1200 cornering lights to high-output LED for only $22 - How to convert GL1500 side marker lights to LED strips - How to Remove the GL1800 (2001-2017) fairing - Installing a New Starter on a 1975 GL1000 - Beating the 80 MPH Limit of the GL1500's Cruise Control - Changing the Cruise Control Set Points On 1988 to 1992 GL1500 - Home-made Pulley for GL1200 external Alternator - 1985 GL1200 Regulator/Rectifier Testing - GL1500 Radio cover Latch replacement/Repair - GL1500 In-Dash Voltmeter ver 2.0 - Installing an Electric Fuel Pump on a GL1000 - 1983 GL1100 Motor Removal - Video 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 hundreds of thousands of messages posted by tens of 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 11,900 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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