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 2023 Newsletter
Sixth-Generation 6-Speed GL1800's with Transmission Failures A new problem that has apparently emerged for 2018 and 2019 model year GL1800's: failing transmissions. The problem is caused by a bolt that fails and breaks, and causes the engine to lock up. Repairing the damage includes a new engine case, transmission gears, and of course the broken bolt. The bolt failure is apparently caused by an improperly hardened bolt. There are several examples of this failure shown in this thread - if you've got one of these bikes and are worried, or want to know what the symptoms are, check out: Sixth-Generation 6-Speed GL1800's with Transmission Failures SAFETY ISSUE - Engine Dies when Emergency Braking on DCT GoldwingDocs member RavingDan has a problem with his brand new 2023 GL1800 DCT: he recently took the MSF Advanced Rider Course. On the portion of the course where you have to perform a simulated emergency braking (and ABS engages) the engine repeatedly stopped as soon as the bike stopped. Several times, the engine quit while the bike was still in gear, so getting it to restart was a real problem. This is a safety issue, as it means that after your panic stop, you are completely unable to move your bike out of the way of other vehicles behind you that might not have noticed your emergency stop. Inexplicably, when reported to Honda, despite the fact that they can reproduce the problem, multiple levels of management have told him that emergency braking is "beyond the design of the motorcycle" and therefore they will not do anything about it.
If this concerns you, or if you're having the same problem, check out: SAFETY ISSUE - Engine Dies when Emergency Braking on DCT Add-On Accessories is No More Over the years, there have been some very huge aftermarket manufacturers of parts and accessories for Goldwings. Markland was a huge one, but went out of business years ago. Without question, Add-On Accessories was one of the largest remaining manufacturer, providing a ton of accessories and parts for Goldwings of all eras. Unfortunately, the end has come for Add-On Accessories. The owners are retiring, and calling it a day. We talk about what led to this decision, what the future is for aftermarket Goldwing accessories, and what alternatives are left after the exit of Add-On Accessories: Add-On Accessories is No More Fork Seals - One or Both? GoldwingDocs member GD2 has a GL1500 with a leaky fork. This is not unheard of - fork seals are the rubber seals that keep the fork oil inside the fork, and dirt and grit outside of the fork. They can wear out over time, and when this happens, the fork oil will begin to leak out. This can be dangerous: if enough fork oil leaks out to get onto the brakes, you can lose your front brakes. Sometimes the leaky seal is due to foreign debris between the seal and the fork, and can be fixed by cleaning this debris out. He's wondering if it's worth just fixing one, or if he should go ahead and replace the fork seals on both forks while he has it apart? See what our experts had to say: Fork Seals - One or Both? ATF vs Fork Oil? Member Colts in North Dakota is wondering if it is OK to use ATF (automatic transmission fluid) instead of fork oil in his Goldwing. Some of the Honda manuals actually specify the use of ATF in the forks - but if that's the case, why is there specific fork oil made? What is the difference? We sort out the confusion between ATF and purpose-specific fork oil, why you should use one over the other, and what the differences actually are. If you've been curious as to what you should use in your forks, check out: ATF vs Fork Oil? Timing problems/Cams Out of Sync GoldwingDocs member RobbyMoto right here in Cleveland has a confusing problem with his GL1000: After replacing the timing belts, the bike keeps getting out of time. He has checked the cam sprockets, the belts, and sets up the timing perfectly. After rotating the engine by hand 10-20 times, he sees that the left cam is now out of sync. He can't see any belts jumping, and the cam sprockets are not rotating on the shafts - he's at a loss as to what is going on. Think you can help solve the mystery? Check out: Timing problems/Cams Out of Sync VIN Digits Don't Match! Member WingMan71 has a friend with a 1985 GL1200 that he purchased from its original owner. While checking the VIN numbers, he noticed an oddity. The VIN stamped into the frame of the motorcycle matches the VIN on the title. However, the VIN on the plate affixed to the steering head does NOT: all the numbers match except for the check digit. The check digit is used by the manufacturer to mathematically check that the rest of the digits in the VIN are valid, and haven't been accidentally mis-typed or copied. Needless to say, the check digit on both VINs should be the same. He's wondering if anyone has ever come across this before? Have you seen mismatched VIN plates with an incorrect VIN check digit? Check out: VIN Digits Don't Match! GL1100 Mid-Life Refresh GoldwingDocs member koshak in Cyprus is continuing to work on his 1982 GL1100: Complete restoration, engine case split, seals and bearings redone, bike made better than new. He started posting pictures from his project in September, and he's made even more rapid progress since then, currently working on the fuel system. The engine case with its fresh respray looks like a million bucks, and I can't wait to see the finished result. Have a look at his progress and offer your comments: GL1100 Mid-Life Refresh Fuel Mileage Member Nlmman47 has a question about his 1993 GL1500: he gets at best 32 mpg on the open road, which he considers to be pretty poor for a motorcycle. He wonders what others are seeing on their bikes? This is always an interesting and popular topic, and generates a lot of discussion. Many of our members chimed in with their own mileage numbers, and a discussion on factors that affect mileage emerges: speeds, types of windshields, riding styles and more. If you're wondering if the mileage you are getting from your bike is typical, and how you might improve on it in order to travel farther on the same amount of gasoline, check out: Fuel Mileage GL1500 Rear Shock Questions/Ideas GL1500's have a lot of weight to carry, especially when people overload them with heavy passengers and tons of luggage. The suspensions, particularly the rear shocks, take a beating - and shocks don't last forever. Seals fail and springs wear out. Once upon a time, there was a perfect answer: the Progressive 416 air shock, which gave great damping, support and adjustable load carrying capability. But it's been quite a few years since Progressive manufactured the 416 shock, and there are precious few aftermarket options remaining for the GL1500. Options from Progressive (without the air support) are expensive. Member blibecap wonders if there might be a less exensive option available that gives good performance on average-to-heavier loads. Our members came up with several ideas - including some quite inexpensive ones. If you're looking for a shock replacement option for your GL1500, or have an option you want to share, check out: GL1500 Rear Shock Questions/Ideas Cruise Control Slow to Turn On This is a pretty common problem, particularly on GL1500's and GL1800's - and I'm surprised this question still comes up, as it has been talked about for so long. The problem is the cruise control power switch: when the temperature gets cold, pressing this button on doesn't immediately work: it can take from several seconds to several minutes before the cruise light illuminates on the dashboard. Member usedtobefast wonders what the issue could be, and how to fix it. The issue is actually pretty simple, and the solution is even simpler - and free! If you've got this problem on your bike, you should check out: Cruise Control Slow to Turn On Sluggish When Cold Member Goldwinger1800 has a problem with his 2008 GL1800, especially at this time of year. When the engine is cold, it is extremely sluggish, and the throttle response is jerky and nonlinear. Once the coolant temperature gauge gets to a normal range, it runs just fine: smooth, with no sluggishness or jerkiness. He's tried ethanol and non-ethanol fuel, and it doesn't seem to make any difference. He's looking for ideas and options. This has been a very popular topic this month, with many of our GoldwingDocs members jumping in to help diagnose the issue. If you think you have something to offer, or perhaps you're seeing the same problem with your bike, check out: Sluggish When Cold
We're starting to see freezing temps - watch for ice! 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. |
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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 Make Quick Work of Fasteners: SeeSii Cordless Compact Impact Wrench Where's Your Bike? Sizzapp GPS Tracking System Bright Headlights: Philips Osram LEDs for GL1500 Great new action camera: Innovv H5 Helmet Action Camera View and measure heat: Portable Thermal Camera Look where you can't see: Endoscope Camera Handy Power Tool: SeeSii Cordless Electric Impact Wrench Loosen stubborn bolts: Cordless Electric Impact Wrench Tidy wires are happy wires: Wire Crimper Tool Kit Move your GL1500's trunk: GL1500 Trunk Relocation Kit Be comfortable when doing 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 |
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 make a DIY Headlight Protector - How to Replace Your Throttle Cables - Fitting a Gear Indicator on your GL1800 - How to remove seized reservoir screws (VIDEO) - 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 - How to Replace GL1500 Relays (with VIDEO) 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! 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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