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 October 2019 Newsletter
Biggest Ever GoldwingDocs Gathering The 2019 third annual GoldwingDocs Gathering this year was based in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. With (mostly) good weather throughout, we had the largest group ever, riding some of the best roads in the country - Tail of the Dragon, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and more. Many, many pictures from the event have already been posted on the forum by quite a few of the members in attendance, including quite a few "action shots" taken while riding the Tail of the Dragon. You can peruse through the collection of posted photos here: 2019 GoldwingDocs Gathering Photos And speaking of riding the Dragon, member BlueThunder posted quite a few videos taken while riding this amazing road, which can be viewed here: 2019 GoldwingDocs Gathering Videos If you have pictures or videos of your own to add, please join and and post them for everyone's enjoyment! Several members have posted their recollections and experiences. There's already talk of locations for next year's Gathering - make your opinion heard! New GoldwingDocs YouTube Channel!!! This is something I've wanted to do for a very long time. For years, I have posted complementary videos to our How-To articles, product reviews, safety and education articles and more, on my own YouTube channel. This meant the channel had a mix of GoldwingDocs videos and other, completely unrelated videos. I wanted to create a dedicated GoldwingDocs YouTube channel, but it's a lot of work to create the channel, collect all the old videos, sort, upload, edit...many, many hours of effort. This is a project that has been ongoing for months, and I'm pleased to announce that it is now complete. The new GoldwingDocs YouTube channel is online. Now, this is important: Thousands of members have subscribed to the OLD channel, so that they are notified when new videos are posted. You will need to subscribe to the NEW channel in order to be notified of any new videos that we post - and we intend to post more and more in the months to come. I would highly recommend that you do just that - not only will you not miss out on any of the new videos, but the more subscribers we have to the channel, the better videos YouTube allows us to post. You can subscribe to the channel here: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube Channel You can read more about the channel, what we're planning for it, and more on the GoldwingDocs site: New GoldwingDocs YouTube Channel Announcement First New Video: Goldwing Bike PC Did I mention that we would be creating lots of new videos? Here's a brand new one just posted to the new GoldwingDocs YouTube channel. Several years ago, I found myself faced with building something to control my heated gear. I thought; "I could build this easily from a microcontroller." Of course...if you have a microcontroller, you can program it to do a lot more than just control your heated gear. So what else could I make it do? Operate my radio...show what gear I'm in...and much more. And thus my "Bike PC" was born. I've had many people over the years ask me about this project, what it does, and how it works. As a result, I decided to create a video that shows just exactly what it does, and how it operates. Interested in this unique piece of technology that's running systems on my GL1500? Check out: My Bike PC Another Final Ride Last month we wrote about member rodee71's final ride - a combination of fog, gravel and a switchback, which conspired to wreck his GL1200 and earn him a helicopter ride to the hospital. Incidentally, he's recovering well. And...if you ever wanted to see a good reason to wear a helmet, have a look at what's left of his helmet, after it finished protecting his head! This month, we have another final ride of a different kind. Long-time GoldwingDocs member and prolific contributor roadwanderer2 from Tucson, AZ has made the very tough decision to hang up his riding gloves after repeated bad news from his doctors. Stuart, aka roadwanderer2, has over 4,400 posts written on GoldwingDocs, and is one of the most helpful and friendly members on the site. I commend him for realizing that his time on two wheels has come to a safe end, and to gracefully accept new challenges and sources of fun in his life. If you'd like to read more about his decision, offer some words of encouragement, or perhaps make an offer on his nice GL1200 SEi, check out: Time to Give Up the Bike Dropped Bike - Now It Runs Poorly! Member fibersport did something that I once did on my GL1100: he went to lean it over on the sidestand, only to realize (too late!) that the sidestand wasn't down. Fortunately this normally only results in slight momentary embarrassment and no damage to the bike. However, this time is different. After his 1990 GL1500 awoke from its brief nap, it was no longer running right. He said it felt like it did when it had a vacuum leak, and that it was bogging down somewhat. There were a few other "symptoms" which may or may not have actually been symptoms. I notice this myself - anytime you think something is wrong, you seem to hear every ping and rattle - sounds that likely are there every day, but that you never notice until something else is going wrong. He did eventually figure out what the problem was, and it was not something that anyone had guessed. Think you know what the problem might have been? Or maybe you'd just like to find out in case you face the same issue? Click through: Dropped bike and now it runs poorly Disaster: Lost 2018 GL1800 Smart Key The new GL1800 has some fantastic technology. This includes a wireless smart key, which activates the bike without having to take the keyfob out of your pocket. As with all technology, it's fantastic and helpful...until something goes wrong. In this case, it's member pggoldwing from Malaysia, who lost his smart key. With no backup keyfob, and no way of coding a new keyfob to his existing bike's computer, he faced a very expensive keyfob AND computer replacement, in order to be able to start his new Goldwing again. Read about his experience - and how you can prepare against such possibilities, to avoid spending hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars to replace a lost keyfob: Lost 2018 GL1800 KEY and FOB Wind Noise and Buffeting GoldwingDocs Member oldcase in Kansas has a problem with his GL1500. Part of the problem, of course, is that he is in Kansas - and it's windy there! But the main problem is that he is 6 foot 8 inches (457 cm) tall, and his head sits well above the top of his windshield. As a result, he experiences extreme wind noise and helmet buffeting. Not only is this harmful to your hearing, but it is exhausting - continually having the wind beat you up like that drains your energy, and limits how long you are capable of riding your motorcycle. He's considering a different helmet, a windshield vent, a windshield extension, or perhaps a windshield replacement, and is looking for opinions and experiences of other riders. Do you suffer from wind on your bike? Are you particularly tall, and sitting up in the slipstream? Perhaps you have a solution to offer oldcase and other members with the same problem? If so, check out: Wind Noise and Buffeting Issue with 2018 Goldwing DCT and Centramatic Balancers? Member tirvin100 installed new Centramatic balancers on his 2018 Goldwing DCT Tour. Centramatic balancers are little round channels filled with loose weights. As the wheel turns, the weights redistribute, dynamically balancing the wheel. They've been used on Goldwings for years with excellent results. However, once he put the wheel back on the bike, the brakes started working strangely. When stopped, his brakes worked perfectly. However, after he started riding, the brake lever travelled almost all the way to the grip before he got any braking action. He came to GoldwingDocs for assistance in figuring out what his problem was. In the end, the fix ended up costing him $900 at the dealer. Read on about his experience, and what ended up being the cause of his problems: 2018 Goldwing DCT Tour Brake Issue 1986 GL1200 Project Bike Back in 2017, member Smartin bought a "new" Goldwing: a 1986 GL1200 Interstate, with only 25,000 miles. He joined GoldwingDocs back then and received lots of great advice on how to proceed with his restoration project. Life intervened, and two years later, he's finally getting his fingers into the old bike. As you can see here, he has really gone to town tearing the bike apart. Top of the list: fuel system. The inside of the tank was thick with rust and needed to be completely reconditioned. Next: carburetors. All four carburetors were in need of rebuilding, and he's well into that phase of the restoration now. This will be a lengthy project, and he is posting lots of pictures as he goes along...and asking for help. If you have advice, want to help, or just want to vicariously participate in his restoration project, check out: 1986 Goldwing Interstate Project Bike Blowing Fuse in GL1500 Member Scaldedchevy from Louisiana has a 1988 GL1500 with an electrical problem. As soon as he switches the key on, a fuse blows. Obviously there is a short causing the problem. However, it gets worse: He found a ground wire in a connector under the seat that heats up so much that it has melted the insulation off of it. If he replaces the fuse and then switches the bike on, this wire gets very hot before the fuse blows once again. Tracing a power issue where a fuse blows and a supply wire gets hot is fairly straight forward. Not so when the wire getting hot is a ground wire - and in this case, a ground wire that provides ground to multiple different circuits. Think you can help him out? Want to know how you can diagnose and fix electrical issues yourself? Read on: Blowing Fuse - Wire Question: GL1500 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.
Next month: Getting ready for winter. Don't forget to check out the GoldwingDocs YouTube Channel! |
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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 Octoberbe 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 replace discontinued GL1000 Carb Intake Boots with GL1500 parts - 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 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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