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 May 2020 Newsletter
The April That Wasn't This is a picture I took of my Goldwing tonight. Notice the snow shovels behind it? The gas can sitting back there, having been used to fuel up my snowblower over the winter? These are hints that this bike has not moved since last fall. Normally, by this time of year, I have already put at least a couple of thousand miles on my Goldwing. Not this year, however. Just three days after I last wrote and sent out the March newsletter, I started feeling not so good. The next day, I was sick in bed with fever, headache, and worse. That was four weeks ago, and it's only in the last couple of days that I am starting to feel well again. You might have noticed that I haven't been around on the forum much this month. That's why! This is also why there were no new YouTube videos on the GoldwingDocs YouTube Channel this month. This virus is nasty. It's hospitalized and killed so many people. Friends of mine have lost loved ones. Please do your utmost to protect those most at risk. While I haven't been around much on the GoldwingDocs forum ths month, it would seem that most of the GoldwingDocs members have taken to the forum in lieu of going out riding! April 2020 has seen a huge rise in posts! People are working on their bikes like crazy, asking questions, sharing their problems and their triumphs. If you haven't checked it out lately - what are you waiting for? The GoldwingDocs forum With most online sellers still shut down or weeks behind in shipping, last month's postponed product review special newsletter has again been pushed forward. We'll see how next month plays out... Ten Years of Free Stuff! Ten years ago, I had the idea of offering a monthly contest on the site. Each month I would buy a Goldwing-related prize, and send it to the winner of the monthly contest. Unlike some contests where you just submit your name to enter each month, I designed this one a bit differently: Once you sign up for each monthly contest draw, every time you write a message in the forum, you get another entry for that month. If you write 100 posts in the forum, you get 100 entries into that month's contest. And it's retroactive: if you write 100 posts in the month of May, and on May 30th enter the contest, you get credit for all 100 of those posts! This helps reward the biggest contributors to the site. The contest was an immediate hit, and several other websites attempted to copy my idea, but they soon gave up on it. Not us! This month marks TEN YEARS that we have been giving away monthly prizes! People continue to participate, so I continue to run it - and besides, who doesn't love winning something once in a while? If you haven't entered the contest lately, or have never tried before, what have you got to lose? It's free! All you have to do is click the "Register to Win" button the GoldwingDocs Contest page. You can also see all the winners from the past ten years there. How Do You Clean Your Wheels? There's not much on a Goldwing that gets as filthy, as quickly, as the wheels. Road grime, mud, spray, brake dust, grease - it coats the wheels and eventually turns them black with filth. Sometimes, the finish itself is affected. Member zeoran has a GL1500 with dirty wheels, and coincidentally member Big Bob also posted about his GL1800's dirty wheels. Both posts generated some excellent ideas, product and procedure suggestions for cleaning wheels quickly and easily - as well as ideas on what to do when the problem is beyond dirt, and has progressed to actual corrosion or damage. Check out both of their topics: No Flash With Keyfob Member Mzomaxrph (how do you pronounce that?) has a problem with his 2009 GL1800. The keyfob no longer flashes the signals and dash lights when he locks and unlocks the bike. The dash and turn signals operate normally when the bike is being ridden, and the lock/unlock is functional, but the lights just don't flash anymore. At first he thought it was a low battery, but the problem turned out to be a much more common issue: at fault is poor engineering by Honda; a design issue that affects many GL1800's, and affects far more than just keyfob lights. You may have this problem already occurring in your GL1800, and the failure just hasn't happened yet. Check out what the cause ended up being, and how you can check your own bike for the same fault caused by this engineering gaffe: Flashers and Dash Indicators Not Flashing 1982 GL1100 Oddities Brand-new member 42kDraven just brought home his very first Goldwing: a beautiful blue 1982 GL1100. He's getting to know the bike, and has a few quirks that he would like to run by our members. He can't get the choke to work, he's got a knock at low RPM, limited power going up hills, and one handlebar seems a bit lower than the other. Thankfully, all of these should be able to be fixed for free, or for very low cost! Join us in welcoming 42kDraven to the world of Goldwings, and offer some comments and advice (or just see what others have had to say!): '82 Oddities and Quirks Surging Engine Idle RPM This is a fairly common problem with carbureted engines: You expect the engine to idle normally, but instead it's revving up to 3,000 RPM, 4,000 RPM or more - without you touching the throttle! Sometimes it happens only when cold, sometimes only when warm. There are myriad possible causes. And this month, we have three different members, with three different Goldwings, who are all experiencing this problem - each with different causes and solutions! Read what each member reports his bike to be doing, when it happens, and see what our helpful members suggest to fix the problem: 1979 GL1000 Revs Itself up to 3000 RPM and Rough Idle 1984 GL1200 Aspencade Idles at 3000-4000 RPM Plastic Bodywork Repair and Repaint - Update! Last month, we reported how long-time GoldwingDocs member Rednaxs60 has been repairing and restoring the plastic bodywork on his GL1500. We detailed both extensive plastic repairs, paint prep, and the start of his painting process. If you missed the beinning of his prep work postings, you can see it here: Prepping for Summer 2020: Painting Plastic and Body Panel Work has progressed substantially, and his project is nearing completion. Some of the pieces of bodywork, which frankly looked ready for the scrap heap, now look like brand new! Have a look at his updates, see the processes he employed, and let him know what you think of the end result: Painting the GL1500 Corvette Racing Car? What does this have to do with Goldwings? Absolutely nothing, but I think the young man behind this car deserves some publicity, and I suspect you'll agree. "Sluggy" is a famous racing car, that has ended up in the hands of a 25-year-old mechanic. He was able to purchase it for pennies on the dollar, with the caveat that he rebuild it - and race it, rather than have it end up sitting in a collection or museum somewhere. He is documenting the rebuild and restoration on his YouTube channel, and this kid is absolutely killing it! Seeing this young man's drive, talent and determination gives me faith that the future just might not be doomed after all. If you're at all interested in things mechanical, or just want to see a classic car go from a box of parts into a beautiful racing machine, check out: Classic Racing Car Rebuild Get Your Kids' Hands Dirty And while we're on (somewhat) non-Goldwing topics, Rock Auto, one of the site partners, posted a message about getting your kids involved in helping to work on cars (and bikes!). With any luck, we'll end up with more resourceful and driven kids like mentioned above. I responded with a picture of me underneath my daughter's car along with her, as we do an oil change together. I've tried to help her understand the workings and maintenance of her car, and give her an appreciation for how to keep it running well. Other members have since posted pictures of their kids wrenching as well! Does your kid have an interest in vehicle repair and maintenance? Got a picture to prove it? Join in on the fun and post your pictures: Kids & Cars (or Bikes!) Goldwing EMP Survivability Is it apparent that our members have had a little extra time on their hands this past month? One of the topics being discussed is how a Goldwing would fare against an EMP. An EMP is an electromagnetic pulse - a massive pulse of radiation, normally associated with a nuclear blast or massive solar flare, that destroys most modern electronics. However, some older bikes don't rely on sophisticated fuel injection computers or other electronics. Member Moosehead wondered if his GL1100 might be his best mode of transportation in such a situation. Our members had lots to say in response to this very important (and useful?) topic: Post EMP - Will a GL1100 Still Start? GL1500 Won't Turn Off! I know a lot of people hate them, but I love electrical mysteries! Member hotrodpearl recently brought home a 1996 GL1500 with an odd affliction: He could shut the bike off using the kill switch, but the ignition key wouldn't turn off the bike! Oddly enough the ignition switch worked fine in every other regard, it would switch the accessory power and headlight on and off - but if the engine was running, turning the ignition switch to "off" left the engine running. Looking at the circuit diagrams, this seems impossible - the same circuit that is switched by the key to power things like headlights, etc. also powers the engine - so how could the engine keep running when everything else was turned off? The ignition switch had been replaced by a previous owner, perhaps that was a clue? The actual cause of the fault ended up having absolutely nothing to do with the switch itself. Curious as to what the problem was, or just want to read through the diagnostic process our members came up with to help? Read on: 1996 GL1500A won't turn off with key? Lesson Learned the Hard Way: Urgent Brake Fix GoldwingDocs member zeoran came to GoldwingDocs with a serious problem: his rear brake pedal had suddenly become soft. He bought fluid and bleeding equipment and bled the brakes, which fixed it...but only temporarily. Soon the pedal went soft again, with each stroke of the pedal pushing down farther and farther, until it got to the point where there was no resistance (and no braking!) at all. He found fluid leaking at the rear caliper, and at that point made a critical mistake; a mistake we have talked about before here many times - and a mistake that has caused some significant damage to his beloved Goldwing. Read about zeoran's brake issues, and the mistake that caused the damage - and more importantly, learn how to avoid this same simple problem on your own bike: Urgent Brake Problem Expensive Tick...Or Not? Member thesprinklerguy1960 had a problem with his GL1500 - a very expensive sounding ticking noise, coming from the bottom of one side. He had a similar noise with a car previously, and the engine of that car ended up being destroyed. Of course, he's worried about his GL1500 - does he need a new engine? Our members jumped into action to help, doing remote diagnosis and suggesting ideas of what the problem might be - and how to fix it. As you might suspect, the cause of the noise was found, and the fix ended up being a cheap one, as in less than $10! Curious? Perhaps your bike also has a ticking noise from one side? Check out: Loud Ticking Lower Right Side of Engine A Solution For Cramped Legs I have freakishly long legs, and short arms. This is always a problem - picture driving a car with your legs folded up and your arms out straight, or your legs crammed up against the fairing of your bike, with your arms barely reaching the handlebars. That's my life, and is why I have never liked the GL1800's seating position: my legs are bent like pretzels, crammed against the fairing. Member JustJim has a similar problem - he's 6'7", and he just can't fit his legs into his GL1800. He's wondering if there is a solution? Of course there is, and our members know exactly what it is. A custom seat, with the rear bolster moved backward, sliding the rider backwards - giving more arm and leg room. See what our members recommend, and how they like it - or if you have an option you'd like to offer, please speak up: GL1800 Custom Tall and Big Seats? GL1500 Timing Belt Error Member Jthieling has a 1996 GL1500 with 52,000 miles on it, and decided it was time to replace the timing belts. All seemed to go as planned, all the marks looked lined up, the engine rotates...but the bike will not start. It cranks just fine, but it doesn't fire - at all. Obviously he was worried that perhaps the timing was out. Mis-timing belts and cams during a timing belt replacement can have disasterous results, up to and including a destroyed engine. He came to GoldwingDocs for help - and just by looking at the pictures he posted, our members were able to get him sorted - and started! What was his mistake, and how did he fix it? Check out: 96 1500 Timing Belt replacement 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.
Here's hoping you and yours are healthy and well. 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 Maybe 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 Tool Porn: Knipex Adjustable Wrench Our very own GoldwingDocs 7-Volt Regulator gets a review! Tie down your bike with Canyon Dancer Handlebar Cup Tiedowns Adventure with Tiffani with her fantastic new motorcycle book Get rid of bungee cords forever: ROK Straps Move your bike around with Center Stand Dollies? 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 |
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. - Adding Aftermarket CB Radio to GL1200 - How to Replace GL1500 Relays (with VIDEO) - How to Solve your Intermittent Engine Not Starting - How to fix broken plastic bodywork (with VIDEO) - Installing 4 Inch Replacement Front Speakers in GL1500 - 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 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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