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 November 2020 Newsletter
It's That Time of Year Again The trees are changing, leaves are falling, temperatures plummeting...it means different things depending on where you live. For some, it means the oppressive heat of summer is finally gone, and it's time to go riding. For many of us however, it means it's time to put our bikes to bed for their yearly hibernation. We have our Goldwing winterization guide available for our members. Other members have added onto the article through the years with ideas of their own. Even if you've winterized your bike before, check it out and see if there are any ideas you might not have thought of before: How to Winterize your Motorcycle If you're still riding, be careful out there - the trees have dumped a ton of leaves recently, and with the neverending rain afflicting much of North America in the last week, the roads are absolutely covered with wet leaves. Riding on wet leaves is much like riding on wet oil, and doesn't offer much more in the way of traction: Wet Leaves are Slippery! If you're like me, and consider cold weather just a challenge to overcome when it comes to motorcycling, you might want to have a look at our reviews on some of the products I've come to rely upon to keep me warm when the mercury dips: By far the cheapest (and one of the best) ways of staying comfortable in the cold: The Schampa Double Layer Fleece Neck Gaiter Nothing else works as well at keeping your core warm down to freezing and below: Gerbing's Microwire Heated Jacket Liner Same goes for your fingers: Keep them warm and limber with Gerbing's Microwire T5 Heated Gloves, and also for your toes with Gerbing's Heated Insoles I also mentioned last month that we had a record year in terms of GL1500 relays. Seriously: I sold through my one year's supply of relays in the last six months! However, two weeks ago I received another shipment of relays from the factory, so we're well stocked going into the winter maintenance season. Thinking about replacing your aging relays? Or just want to keep a few on hand to make sure you don't get stranded with a failed relay? Check out our store: GL1500 Relays COVID Positivity Last month we talked about how COVID has caused an increase in motorcycle riding and accessory sales. We posted a topic and survey on how COVID has affected our members: COVID Survey We've had a few COVID-related posts this past month that have generated discussion. Member W109Driver is interested in how people plan to get through the pandemic. Member dingdong talks about his potential exposure from family members. And lastly, I posted a music video of a song I wrote about dealing with the pandemic, that my wife sings (she's a professional singer), focusing on the positive aspects of dealing with the age of COVID-19: Let's Infect 1977 GL1000 Cafe Restoration Member twofest has spent the last three years restoring his 1977 GL1000 that he calls "Rose." He wanted to thank the GoldwingDocs members for their extensive help in troubleshooting and diagnosing the various problems he encountered during the restoration. It's back on the road now (after a couple attempts at rebuilding the carbs), and with its new Dyna ignition system, he reports that Rose is now a little rocket! If you'd like to have a look at some pictures of the finished project and see how he went about the restoration - and perhaps let him know what you think of his efforts - check out: 1977 GL1000 Cafe Restoration Finally Done What's the Condition of Your Tires? Probably more than any other single item on your motorcycle, your life depends on the condition of your tires. With a contact patch only a couple of inches in area, and a piece of rubber and steel or nylon just a few millimeters thick the only thing holding your bike on the road, it's essential to make sure your tires are in good shape. Of course, you check your tires completely before every ride, right? I know it's part of the MSF safety dogma, but how many owners actually check the condition of their tires? To me, it's about risk mitigation - I will check my tires normally on the first ride of the day, but if I stop in between legs, I'm normally not looking at my tire condition. That said...just what are we looking for when checking for tires? Scalloping? Delamination? Wear? And how do we know when a tire is too worn to safely ride on anymore? Member Billthebulldog wondered this, and posted this question. We've got lots of members with expertise answering - it might be worth your while reading on: When are tires worn out? Goldwing Sudden Death! You're out riding on a beautiful fall day, the sun is shining, you go around a corner, and your Goldwing unexpectedly just up and quits! The engine shuts off and you coast to a stop. Or...you are out riding, and stop for gas. You get back on the bike, switch it on, hit the starter - and nothing happens. In both cases, the same thing has caused the problem, and I have personally had this problem occur to me multiple times. The last time it happened, I had to call a tow truck! A fault with the Goldwing? Hardly! Member OL_ROAD_DAWG just had this exact scenario play itself out with his GL1500, but it could happen to any model of Goldwing. Find out what causes this sudden Goldwing death, and how to quickly and easily fix it - for FREE! Goldwing Sudden Death A Brand New GL1100 For $20?!? GoldwingDocs member Lucky07 definitely lives up his moniker: he was browsing online and found this beautiful GL1100 in basically brand-new condition. Now finding a GL1100 that looks like it just rolled out of the factory is rare in of itself. But that's not what's amazing. The amazing part is that this fantastic specimen had a price of only $20! You read that correctly, a like-new GL1100 for only $20! But that's not all...there is more than just one of these available!! So if you are looking at your Christmas list, have an empty spot on it that is just right to have a new GL1100 pencilled in, and have $20 to spare, you should click on this link pronto before they're all gone forever: A New GL1100 For Only $20 Trunk Locked Forever, Now What? Member okie2ee from Oklahoma was working on the trunk latching mechanism of his GL1500. He made a very critical mistake in reassembling it: he didn't put the latching mechanism back in the proper way...or think to test it, before closing his trunk lid. You guessed it...the trunk is now latched closed, and absolutely nothing will open it. Not the trunk release, not the key, not even the bypass method described in our How To Unlock a GL1500 Trunk Without Keys how-to article. He came to GoldwingDocs for suggestions as to how to gain entry to his trunk once again. Believe it or not, there is a way...but it takes a little bit of work and some specific tools. Our members offered their assistance, and got him back into his trunk. Read how he managed to make this mistake in the first place, and how he got his trunk opened again here: Trunk Locked Forever Now What After going through this process, okie2ee wrote up a How To article for others who might end up in the same situation: How to Open a Trunk With a Jammed Latch Jump Starter Review (VIDEO) I get a lot of requests from manufacturers of products to review their products on GoldwingDocs, basically providing them with free advertising. Almost all of the time the products are either junk, or (more often) have absolutely nothing to do with motorcycles. This one was a bit different. It's a portable jump starter that could definitely be carried and used in your motorcycle (or car!). While I wasn't expecting much, I was actually pleasantly surprised! Have a look at my video review of the Hulkman Alpha A85S Jump Starter. Useful Goldwing Accessories GoldwingDocs member Scooter363y is the proud owner of a 2014 GL1800, which is sporting a few accessories. I know, pretty odd, a Goldwing owner who has installed aftermarket accessories? Who ever heard of such a thing?! In any case, he's considering adding some more accessories to his bike, and has a few options that he is looking on opinions for. Care to weigh in on his accessory choices? Or perhaps you have a better idea as to what kind of accessory works best for you on your bike? Check out: Accessories Opinion Almost-New GL1200 Purchased for $200 By Accident Brand new member Randy1965 has a problem. At an estate auction, he found himself accidentally purchasing a barn-find GL1200. When nobody else would start the bidding, he jokingly offered $200...and ended up the owner of an almost-new GL1200. How is a 30+ year motorcycle almost-new, you might ask? Well this particular GL1200 happens to have only 1,673 miles on it! You read that correctly! It was taken apart in the mid 1990's, and left in its disassembled state since then. Now that Randy1965 has it home, he has come to GoldwingDocs looking for help getting it back together and running again. Want to help Randy with his fantastic new acquisition? Read on: The Adventure Begins... Misbehaving Temp and Fuel Gauges This question comes up on a very regular basis: Owners of four-cylinder Goldwings with mechanical temperature and fuel gauges will report that the gauges are either not working at all, or are constantly reading at the top of the scale, regardless of the fuel level or coolant temperature. The problem is well-known, and the fix is easy and cheap. You do need to fix it, or else you could permanently damage your gauges. This month our member jmayhallfb23 had the problem on his 1978 GL1000: Temp and Fuel Gauges Reading High Honda no longer makes the part to fix this problem, but never fear: GoldwingDocs has been manufacturing and selling this part for many years, and there are thousands of Goldwings out there with properly functioning guages thanks to our replacement part. Are you having this problem with your Goldwing? Check out our solution: Goldwing 7 Volt Regulator Suggestions for Wireless Headset? Member Solo So Long wants it all. He wants a wireless headset that lets him talk to his passenger, talk over the CB, talk on the phone, and listen to music. Does such a thing exist? Usually the CB is the sticking point, but there have been developments... Read what our members suggest from their own experiences: Suggestions for Wireless Intercom/Phone/CB Headset? You might also want to read up on how well Bluetooth earbuds stand up compared to dedicated headsets: Helmet Bluetooth headset vs Bluetooth ear over buds Where Do You Store Your Riding Gear? GoldwingDocs member tamathumper wants a method of storing all of his riding gear in one place, sealed against dust, spiders and bugs, and out of the way. The problem with riding gear is it takes up an AWFUL lot of space. When I look at my gear, I see a cold weather jacket, warm weather jacket, rain AND thermal liners for both jackets, heated jacket, cooling jacket, cold and warm weather pants, liners for both pants, many gloves, hemlets boots and more. And that's just MY stuff...my wife has her gear as well! Then there's the older gear that I keep just in case I am giving a ride to someone who doesn't own gear...it all ends up taking a tremendous amount of space. This becomes a big bone of contention with my wife, where we have almost two full closets full of just riding gear! Where do you keep your gear? How do you safely store your expensive riding gear, while maintaining matrimonial harmony? Read on what our members had to say: How and where do you store your riding gear? GL1500 Broken Engine Case Member vagent has a 1988 GL1500, and there's nothing wrong with it at all. However, his wife was riding her 1997 GL1500 trike the other night, and a rock hit the bottom of her engine case, breaking off a bolt and causing oil to pour out of the engine. He's wondering if the damage is terminal, requiring a new engine, or if it can perhaps be fixed in some way. Have experience with this kind of damage before? Or want to see what the solution is? Check out: Engine Housing Broken High-Performance Sintered Brake Pads GoldwingDocs member Captain Steve was thinking of installing some high-performance sintered metal brake pads on his 2012 GL1800. Sintered metal pads have bits of metal embedded within the pad material, and can provide impressive stopping power with less lever or pedal force, better resistance to fading caused by heat or moisture, and can even last longer than regular OEM organic brake pads. However, our members highly recommended that he stay away from these type of aftermarket pads, and stay with OEM pads? Why? There's one very important reason, the same reason these types of high-performance pads should not be used on any Goldwing. Read on: Sintered Metal Brake Pads 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.
Stay warm, stay dry and stay safe! Don't forget to check out the GoldwingDocs YouTube Channel! See you next month... |
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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 Novemberbe 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 Start it up: Hulkman Alpha A85S Jump Starter Unboxing and In-Depth Review (VIDEO) Back it up: Reverse Lights for your Wing Shine on: Cerakote and Vapor Blasting Replacement fuel hose: 5mm Cloth Braided Fuel Hose Strap your cargo - a video review of Rokstraps Stay visible: a review of the Feniex T3 Flasher A video on: Rivco Air Horns Shine on: The Last Coat Ceramic Coating 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 |
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 Open a GL1500 Trunk with a Jammed Latch - GL1200 MPH to KM/H Quick Fix - How To Install an Electric Solenoid Fuel Shutoff Valve - How To Install a Fused Power Distribution Block - How to Fasten Cargo to your Bike (with VIDEO) - GL1000 Custom 3D Printed Cockpit - Torque Wrenches: How to use them, when, and why! (with VIDEO) - How to remove the GL1500 lenses from light housing - How to Restore old hard rubber parts - Cleaning up GL1500 Turn Switches - How to Make Your Own GL1500 Digital Gear Indicator - 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 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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