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 2021 Newsletter
Winterizing Your Bike (with video) Welcome to November! Like it or not, Winter is on its way, and for many of us in the northern latitudes, that means it's time to start thinking about winterizing our bikes. Our How To Winterize Your Motorcycle article covering all of the steps to do just this has always been one of our most popular articles, with many members over the years contributing their own ideas as to what works (and what doesn't work!). This year, we've gone one better: we've produced a comprehensive video that talks about all the things you should do to properly prepare for its winter slumber, and why you should do each of them. But more importantly, we talk about the one thing that SO MANY motorcycle owners do to their bikes in wintertime - something they think is helping it get through the winter, but in actuality, it's destroying your engine! Check out our new video to find out more: Winterizing Your Bike As we move towards the cold months, many of our members are going out on their last ride of the season. Member sassy documented his last ride, which I thought was a great idea. Going out for your last ride? Snap a couple pictures for us and share them: Last Ride of the Season Goldwing Won't Start! (with video) Another video released this month, we produced this one to try to answer this extremely common question that pops up on the forum repeatedly. Probably once a month a member posts on the forum with this specific problem: They hit the starter, they hear it spin, but the bike doesn't start up. Sometimes the problem is intermittent, sometimes they can't get it started no matter what. Sometimes it only happens when the bike is cold. Sometimes they are stranded! It's a fairly common problem, and is (surprisingly) caused by an engineering failure on Honda's part. We talk about this failure, how to fix it, and more importantly - how to prevent it - all for less than $10! Check it out: Bike Won't Start! The Cheap and Easy Fix (Video) An Alarming Development - Theft! With the advent of the pandemic, used cars and motorcycles have become scarce as people buy them up - and those that have them, aren't selling them! Unfortunately, as a direct result, car and motorcycle theft has skyrocketed in the last couple of years, following decades of decline. Technology to the rescue! I tested and reviewed the MoniMoto 7 GPS alarm/tracking system for motorcycles. I was skeptical at first, but once I had a chance to try it out in the real world, I have to say, I was surprised in every way. It's not often that a product actually exceeds your expectations in terms of functionality and performance. It's inexpensive, it works amazingly well, and it might even reduce your insurance premiums. Check out our review: MoniMoto 7 GPS Alarm Tracker Review (Video) Holiday Product Spectacular (with video) We had a fantastic response to last month's Holiday Product Review special, with thousands of people watching our Goldwing product review video. We had several suggestions as well, which we wil definitely incorporate into our next product review video. We even had a few product manufacturers contact us about featuring their products in future videos. We hope to present more of those in future, and offer those products as free giveaways to our members. Watch this space! In the meantime, if you haven't seen it already, and are in need of a few gift suggestions, check out: 2021 Product Review Spectacular! Relay Failure! Member vladimirch in the Czech Republic posted on the forum recently that he had bought a new G8MS-H30 replacement relay for his GL1500, and that it had failed. I was immediately worried! As GoldwingDocs is the go-to source for replacement GL1500 relays, we sell literally thousands of these relays, and I automatically assumed it was one of ours. Why was I concerned? Because of the tens of thousands of relays we have sold over the years, we have never had a report of one failing, ever! Fortunatelly, vladimirch cut open his failed relay and posted a picture of it, and I was able to immediately see that it was not one of our heavy-duty, over-built relays. This relay looks to have overheated badly. Fortunately for him, we can send new relays worldwide to get him going. Check out his story, and see why our relays are so superior to everything else on the market: G8MS-H30 Relay Failed GoldwingDocs member sczinege in Canada wondered if we ship relays internationally. We sure do! And it's always a good idea to have some spares in advance to prevent you from being stranded: GoldwingDocs G8MS-H30 Relays Sitting on your Bike? While on a trip up to Toronto last month, I stopped in to pay a quick visit to a friend of mine. After a pleasant afternoon seeing each other for the first time in two years, it was time to start towards home. I got on my bike to move it down the driveway while he moved his car out of the way before I suited up for my ride home (that's my yellow helmet on the ground in the background). As I did, he turned around, squatted down on the driveway, and took this snapshot with his phone. Later that day, he sent me the picture, and I was thrilled with how good it came out - far better than the little "selfies" I try to take at the odd gas station or rest stop! I posted it on the forum, and a few members did the same. It gave me an idea: If you have a picture of you sitting on your Goldwing, let's see it! Visit this posting in the forum, and share your favorite pictures - we want to see you, and your beautiful Goldwing! Come on, you know you want to show off: Pictures On Your Bike Lifting Onto Center Stand (with video) Another topic that comes up on a fairly regular basis is the best way to get your bike up onto its center stand. Lifting a 1,000-pound motorcycle onto its center stand seems like a formidable task, but with the correct technique, it can be done quickly and easily by just about anyone. Member GL1000K1dan is having problems with his GL1000 in this regard, and our members step in with several suggestions and tips. We also talk about the one wear item on the Goldwing that can potentially make lifting it onto the center stand much more difficult. Having troubles with your center stand? Check out: Center Stand Technique Carbon Spatter New GL1500 owner Farmboy57 noticed that the garage floor behind his new-to-him 1990 GL1500 is covered with black soot, from where the bike sits when it is warming up. He's wondering if this is a common issue with our bikes, or if there might be something wrong? Normally when an engine is running rich, it can emit soot particles like this - but is that what is happening here? Or does he have other issues? Other members spoke up, and member bigsteveswing posted a similar picture from his 1500 leaving the same marks. So is this normal? Or does it indicate a problem? Does your Goldwing leave black marks on the garage floor from the exhaust? Check out what others have to say as well: Carbon Splatter Bizarre Failures This is a strange one - member richardelsberry has a bike that almost seems possessed. When he switches into OD, he suddenly loses power. He can pull over to the side of the road, wait a few minutes, and then the bike will continue on as if nothing happened. His rear brake pedal will also go down as if there is no fluid in it, and he'll have no rear brakes. The next day, it all magically fixes itself. The bike makes a strange buzzing sound when these failures occur. Now his clutch is being affected, too. Check out our diagnosticians helping him solve his issues: Loss of Power and Rear Brakes in OD Member jmaskdc also has some weird problems: while riding, his bike will just suddenly shut down - no electrical at all. He messes around with some connectors, and it magically comes back to life. It keeps doing this over and over again, and he can't find any correlation or cause. Think you might have some insight? Or perhaps you have a similar problem? Check out: Bike Shuts Down After Warming Up Another Strange Mystery Speaking of unexplainable failures, member Charlie1Horse has an issue that has left quite a few of our members befuddled. While riding his GL1500 down the highway, the bike will suddenly shut down. The bike is still in gear, so the engine is still engaged and turning, but it's not making any power. Turning the ignition off and back on while the bike is moving does not restore power, so it's not the bank angle sensor. However, pulling the clutch in and hitting the starter immediately starts the engine, and he can continue on his way...until the next time it happens again. Think you know what the problem might be? Or curious as to what our experts think could be the issue? Check out: Mystery: Bike Shuts Down on the Highway Leaking Radiator Cap Member kotkinjs1 just finished replacing a leaky head gasket on his GL1100, and now faces a strange problem. Once the engine heats up, it starts leaking copious amounts of coolant from the radiator cap! As shown in the video he attached to his post, coolant is streaming out of the cap as the engine runs. Well that's a no-brainer, right? He went and bought a brand new radiator cap, fastened it in place, and started the bike up - only to have it leak coolant just as a badly! It's not the overflow tube leaking - it's actually coming from the cap itself, as shown in the video? So what is the problem? A couple of our astute members figured it out, and with their help, he's got his GL1100 now keeping its coolant in the inside. Check out what his problem turned out to be: Bizarre Coolant Leak Flat Tire Fixes Flat tires on motorcycles can be a real problem. We don't carry spare tires, and motorcycle tires are very specialized - with many different diameters, wheel sizes and widths. Shops that stock and can change motorcycle tires are nowhere near as plentiful as they are for cars. So when you are far from home and get a flat tire, what do you do? Member novatz has had four flat tires in two years on his Goldwing. He's wondering what our members recommend for a temporary fix in order to get them home. Interestingly, several members all came up with the same product - and it's one we have recommended in the past - and given away as one of our monthly prizes! Check out what our members recommend for emergency tire fixes: Four Flats in Two Years LED Headlights Member Zappawing would really like to upgrade the headlight in his GL1100. As an owner of the GL1100 pictured here, I can attest to the limitations of 40-year-old motorcycle headlight technology. In addition, the reflective surface of the older Goldwing's headlights has lost a lot of its reflectivity in the past 40 years, resulting in even less light coming out the front of the bike. For this reason, retrofitting high-output LED bulbs into the original light housing seldom produces acceptable results. Zappawing is not an electrically talented person and is hoping for a solution that does not involve wiring and relays, so he's asking for help. And we've supplied it! If you're looking for a modern, low-electrical-load, high-light-output headlight solution for your old Goldwing, look no further: Let There Be Light: LED Surging Engine During Acceleration Member Brent1204 is having problems with his newly-acquired GL1500. When he accelerates hard on the highway, the engine RPM surges ahead for a bit before the bike starts to accelerate. The same thing happens when he starts moving from a stop - he has to baby the throttle in order for it to not happen. Both these symptoms are the hallmark of a slipping clutch - but why is the clutch slipping? There are several potential causes. Goldwing clutches are huge and beefy, and it really takes a lot of effort to wear one out. So is that the problem here? Come along as we help Brent1204 diagnose his problem, and get him back on the road again, slip-free: Revs Surging When Accelerating 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 product as well: GL1000/GL1100/GL1200 7 volt regulators. We are now sold out of our discontinued GPS Inputs, however there are a few still available from other vendors.
Stay warm, see you out there! 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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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 Keep Thieves at Bay: MoniMoto 7 Alarm/GPS Tracker A boost on the road: Portable Rechargeable Air Compressor Be Prepared with a MyMedic First Aid Kit A super wide-angle review mirror! The Handy Motorcycle Lift Table SAM 1200 works great! Fabulous Resolution: The new Innovv K2 Dual Camera System Review Hook up your trailer: Trailer Wiring Harness and Adapter 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 |
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 renew the vacuum lines on the auto cruise valve to the accumulator - How to Remove, Rebuild and Reinstall your Clutch Slave Cylinder (VIDEO) - How to make your gloves work with touchscreens (VIDEO) - How to Quickly Clear Clogged Carburetor Jet Nozzles - How to mount a GPS RAM mount to your GL1500 - Installing GL1500 Braided Front Brake Lines - How to Add LEDs to a GL1800 Radio and Handlegrips - How to Add LEDs to a GL1800 Navigation Panel - GL1500 Rear Brake Master Cylinder Out in 30 Minutes, Easy - 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 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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