Many will recognize him as the technical editor of GWRRA's Wing World magazine, where he would answer technical questions from readers about their bikes in his "Workbench" column. He also wrote articles extensively covering the care and feeding of Goldwings.
He did the same for other bikes as well: he was also the technical advice columnist ("Downtime Files") and frequent article contributor at the wonderful (and now defunct) Motorcycle Consumer News, dishing out advice on all makes and models of motorcycles. He wrote books, produced DVD maintenance series, and wrote prodigiously for many different motorcycle periodicals.
His depth of knowledge about Goldwings was, and still is, unequalled. He had incredible, experiential knowledge on fixing and maintaining all model years of Goldwings, he knew what worked and what didn't.
He was also opinionated, and sometimes appeared crusty and obstinate as a result. He knew the right way (HIS way
) to do things and woe to he who challenged him and offered their own opinion! A US Army Vietnam veteran, he brought his no-nonsense attitude and applied it with elegance and grace to everything he did.I spent many hours over the years talking at length with Stu, and when he finally retired (the LAST time) from wrenching, he shipped CRATES of manuals, videos, notes - everything he had - on the Goldwing, to me. I have a massive, unparalleled treasure of Goldwing technical information here as a result.
I counted him as a friend, and I like to think he considered the same of me. The world is a poorer place without him.
- Stu Oltman
- Stu and his wife Hilo
