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 February 2022 Newsletter
Quitting Motorcycles Wow, did this ever ignite a firestorm! I can't believe the number of responses to this posting! This is something that has been brewing in the back of my mind for a couple of years now. I know it's a click-baity title, but this is genuine: I'm evaluating whether or not motorcycles are a going to be a part of my future. Don't get me wrong - GoldwingDocs is not going anywhere. Regardless I will continue running the GoldwingDocs web site and YouTube channel. But there are a number of different things - and one in particular - that are leading me towards this direction, after 36 years of riding motorcycles. I was honestly surprised at the huge number of "yeah, I'm thinking the same thing" responses I got to this announcement. You can see the video where I discuss this decision, and what others have to say: I Think I'm Quitting Motorcycles More Q&A Videos! Continuing on with our popular Q&A video series, we released episode 4 in January - which includes demonstrating some maintenance you likely don't even know is required - but when neglected, can end up stranding you! Check out our Q&A episodes: Sixth Annual GoldwingDocs Gathering The dates and location for the Sixth Annual GoldwingDocs Gathering have been announced. This year, it will be held from August 24 to August 28, 2022 in Elkins, WV, and the beautiful Monongahela National Forest Area. A hotel has been selected, and special group rates have been negotiated. If you're interested in attending, please visit the Gathering information topic, where there are far more details listed. Let's make this year's Gathering the biggest ever! For more information, check out: Sixth Annual GoldwingDocs Gathering Buying a Used Bike Spring is just around the corner, and this is when many people go shopping for a new-to-them motorcycle. Goldwings are just like any vehicle in that there are good bikes and not-so-good bikes, but there are a few things peculiar to Goldwings that you should look for. We compiled a checklist of items to look out for, and posted a video where I demonstrate each of the items and what to look for. Other members have chimed in with their suggestions, and we have ended up with a great reference document and tutorial video for buying a used Goldwing. Check out our reference guide and checklist: What to Look For in a Used Motorcycle (VIDEO) Data Tracking on Goldwings? Member garyfrancis posted asking if anyone knew where the "airbag data connector" was located on his GL1800 Goldwing. For those unaware, for many years cars have operated as rolling data-collection devices, logging everything from how quickly you accelerate and brake, to engine oil temperature (and oil change frequency!) to the temperature you prefer your cabin. This information is ostensibly private, but with today's online telematics systems, if you read the fine print in your manual, you'll find it's all being transmitted to the car companies - and that data is sold and monetized. This data is also available to law enforcement if they deem necessary (although it may require a warrant). Back to garyfrancis' query: he asked about the "airbag data connector" - as his insurance investigator was wanting to download the data from his bike after an accident. Remember - after an accident that totals a bike, "your" bike now belongs to the insurance company, and so does the data on it. Most of our members said that there was no such thing, but believe it or not, GL1800's built since 2006 definitely do have an Event Data Recorder, and there is in fact a connector used to download that data. Find out more about it here: Airbag Data Download Connector More Proficient Motorcycling I've always been a proponent of learning and becoming the best at something that I can possibly be. With motorcycling that meant learning the mechanics, physics and techniques to ensure that I ride as safely and competently as I can. With that in mind, I wanted to share something that I have used to gain more knowledge about riding proficiently and safely (and making good decisions) than pretty much anything else. Better than classes, courses or YouTube videos. I go over this item in detail in this video: More Proficient Motorcycling Oh...and if you don't want to buy it yourself, you can win it, because it's this month's Contest Prize! Aftermarket Performance Upgrades More power from your bike, simply by installing a little $300 electronic aftermarket device? Who wouldn't want to go faster on their Goldwing? Of course, most of these "go-fast power booster" devices are pure snake oil. Member jimm4 was wondering if there were any aftermarket products for his GL1800 that might boost power a bit. Specifically, some aftermarket cams, although another popular one is "high flow exhausts." Others mentioned devices such as the one shown here that purport to alter the way your bike's ECU operates. But do they work? Just what do they do? Check out the posts made by our experts, and see if an aftermarket power booster is in your future: Aftermarket Performance Upgrades Honda Snow Wing Not something I would ever consider trying, but some motorcycle owners ride their bikes year-round. Some go to extremes, equipping their rides with outrigger wheels or skis, tire chains and more. We have a few pictures of two (and three!) wheeled snow contraptions on this topic posting. Have you seen someone riding a motorcycle in the snow before, especially one that has been specially adapted? Have a picture? Add it to our list! Check out the growing picture collection here: Snow Bike Best Chrome Spray Paint? Member Wingitgary wants to add some chrome shine to his Goldwing, and is thinking that perhaps some of the special chrome "rattle can" spray paints could be the answer. He's asking if any of our members have experience using these chrome paints, and if so, which one worked out the best? As usual with these sorts of things, the answer is..."it depends." Much depends on the surface you are painting, as well as the preparation of that surface. Have you had experience with these chrome spray paints? Or perhaps you want to see what others have to say? Check out: Chrome "Rattle Can" Spray Paint Metal 90° Valve Stems? Honda did us all a favor when they switched to easily-accessible 90° valve stems on our Goldwings, but let's admit it - they could have done better than the rubber stems with supports that they selected. Subjected to centrifugal force, the loss of the plastic supports can cause failure and disaster of the rubber stems. The aftermarket sprung up with metal valve stems like this one, which don't dry rot and crack like the Honda OEM rubber stems. But which ones fit? Which are best? These are the questions that member Quick Cal had when considering adding them to his bike. Our members had answers to his questions - and if you have the same questions about replacing your old tire valve stems, you should read on: Metal 90° Valve Stems Mountable USB Ports Member patbrandon1 has a dual-USB port mounted on his bike similar to the one in this picture. With more and more devices drawing their power from USB (in his case, he had USB-powered heated gear), motorcycle owners are looking for high-capacity USB power ports to add to their bikes - preferably weatherproof. The port in this picture does not supply quite enough current for his heated gear, and he's wondering if there are other viable options for him to investigate. Our helpful members jumped in with many suggestions and ideas as to how he could accomplish his goals, including links to several recommended products. Looking for reliable, high-powered, mountable USB power points on your bike? Look no further: Moutable USB Ports Worst Engine Ever? Member wilbo in the UK has come across a basket case 1983 GL1100, and has decided he needs to strip the engine: instead of oil, he found milky sludge and rusty goo inside. The water pump (pictured here) is caked with dried, milky goo. He suspects it might be the worst engine anyone has ever seen. But he's doggedly going forward with attempting to restore it. He's posted lots of pictures, some of which have me just shaking my head. It truly is in apalling condition. He has asked for opinions or ideas on its cleanup and restoration. If you care to check out this disaster of an engine or offer some words of encouragement, head on over: Worst Engine Ever Dead Spot in Throttle Brand new GoldwingDocs member g0sammo picked up a 1983 GL1100 a little while back that had sat for a couple of years. These bikes don't like to sit, but fortunately the bike came with a throttle rebuild kit from Randakk's, as well as a set of carb sync gauges. So he cleaned out, rebuilt and synced the carbs. The bike idles great, and up to about 1/4 throttle, it runs strong, but from there to about 3/4 throttle it spits and sputters - and from 3/4 throttle onwards it clears up and runs strong again. He came to GoldwingDocs for answers and help, and boy did he get it, and was able to solve the problem! Do you have a "dead spot" in your throttle where the power just drops off? Find out what got g0sammo's bike back in working order: Dead Spot in Throttle Inconsistent Oil Readings When you check your oil, it's not outside the realm of normalcy to find that the oil level has dropped slightly since the last time you checked it. Leakage, blow-by, worn valve seats, all can cause oil to be consumed. But what if you check your oil, and it's lower - and the next time you check it, it's higher again? And then the next time it's lower?! That's exactly what member Captain Steve is seeing on his 2021 Goldwing Tour. He's doing everything correctly, as shown in our Oil Checking Video. Yet the inconsistent oil readings continue, and he's confused. Have you ever seen anything like this? Think you might have an idea of what's going on? Or perhaps you're having the same problem with your late-model Goldwing? Check out: Inconsistent Oil Readings 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 through this arctic blast of a winter! 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 Februarybe 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 Be Comfortable when doign maintenance: Pneumatic Stool Become a better, safer rider: Proficient Motorcycling Stay Warm: BORLENI Heated Gloves What gear are you in? GFYSHIP Gear Indicator for GL1800 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 |
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 rebuild the forks on a GL1800 Goldwing - 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 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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