2018 GL1800 Center stand


Information and questions on GL1800 Goldwings (2018+)
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doxbike
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2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by doxbike »



It really pisses me off when........................
your new gazillion $ bike doesn't come with a centerstand :cry:

but the "bagger" wing doesn't come with one, so if you want it, you have to put it on by yourself or have the dealer do it for you.

Having just put one on, let me save you 2 hours. If you follow the directions, you have to remove the left exhaust pipe cover (virtually impossible to not scratch it in the process) which takes quite awhile to figure out how that's done, and retrieve the dropped bolts and rubber pieces, remove the hoses and hose clamp, install the centerstand from the left side, figure out how to put the damn pipe cover back on, which requires putting it up on the installed centerstand (without the spring 'cuz you haven't done that yet), retrieve the bolts and rubber bits once more and button it all back up. I'm quite handy mechanically and it still took me nearly 2 hours, and a lot of scratches in the clear coat on the cover :evil:

Or you can leave everything in place and install the center stand from the right side, leaving the bike on the sidestand, which requires removal of NOTHING!!! The cotter pin and the washer will be on the left rather than on the right. 10-15 minute job, maximum.

In either case, you then have to install the spring. Unless you have the Hulk as a partner, you're not gonna get that spring on. Unless you use your head and $5.75 worth of quarters. Stick one end of the spring in your vice and bend it away from you, inserting a quarter between every coil. Turn it around and repeat on the other side. There'll be a few quarters left, double them up between coils where possible. Hook the top hook on the bike, lift the centerstand to its highest point and just push the lower hook over the pin on the centerstand. Then push the centerstand down until the left arm hits the ground to stretch the spring and retrieve your quarters-done!

Bike is as it shoulda come from the factory!


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mterraci
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Re: centerstand

Post by mterraci »

Can't believe they wouldn't put a center stand on at the factory. We've always needed one, if nothing else to check the oil level. I put the bike on the center stand to change the oil and filter too.

Do the new Goldwings still require the bike to be level to check the oil???
doxbike
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Re: centerstand

Post by doxbike »

yep, has to be level. Or you can check it once when level and see where the level is when on side stand.
Tour comes with centerstand
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joeincalif
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Re: centerstand

Post by joeincalif »

The F6B didn't come with a center stand unless you bought the F6B Delux.
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Re: centerstand

Post by WingAdmin »

Maybe I'm cheap, but I use pennies instead of quarters. :) Also, use needle-nose pliers to insert them:

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doxbike
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Re: centerstand

Post by doxbike »

I tried dimes first, then pennies, finally needed quarters to get the spread necessary. ;)
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GoldWingrGreg
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Re: centerstand

Post by GoldWingrGreg »

The Tour model comes with a center stand.
seniorbiker
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Re: centerstand

Post by seniorbiker »

I just bought a 2018 tour model. Have not yet put it up on the centerstand. It looks like there is no good place to grab the bike with your right hand because the new grab handles for the passenger are almost impossible to grab. On my 2015 I did it just like the you tube video said.....and it worked fine (after a couple of tries). Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks :D
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Re: centerstand

Post by WingAdmin »

seniorbiker wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 7:32 am I just bought a 2018 tour model. Have not yet put it up on the centerstand. It looks like there is no good place to grab the bike with your right hand because the new grab handles for the passenger are almost impossible to grab. On my 2015 I did it just like the you tube video said.....and it worked fine (after a couple of tries). Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks :D
When I did it, I used the little tiny grab handles, and was able to do it without much difficulty. It might just be me, but I found the new 2018 model easier to put up on the center stand than previous Goldwings.
doxbike
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Re: centerstand

Post by doxbike »

ball of your right foot on the CS, right hand on the grab rail, left hand on the left grip. Tip the bike up with continued pressure on the CS until both legs are in contact with the ground. Lift with right hand, pull back with left hand, step down on the CS and it'll pop right up. Goes up easier than the prior gl1800 or gl1500
seniorbiker
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Re: centerstand

Post by seniorbiker »

Thanks guys..........just didn't think much of those tiny grab handles.
RoughRider1
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by RoughRider1 »

I Guess I am really CHEAP

I use washers

I learned to be cheap from Honda
dalpol57
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by dalpol57 »

Thanks for the info on the centerstand. followed you advice and it went on fast and easy.
doxbike
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by doxbike »

dalpol57 wrote: Sun Jul 15, 2018 5:54 pm Thanks for the info on the centerstand. followed you advice and it went on fast and easy.
You'd think those factory engineers would have figured that out, huh?
ferdrock
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by ferdrock »

Hi: I tried the right side install method. The shoulder hits the right exhaust pipe cover! Dang I was supposed to be done by now lol.
doxbike
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by doxbike »

Don't know what's different for you? Several others have done it from the right side with no issue. Is yours a 2019 or 2018? Maybe they changed something?
ferdrock
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by ferdrock »

It's a 2018. It scratched just a small bit on the bottom of the guard. Less damage than I would have done removing the guard.
doxbike
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by doxbike »

maybe the angle of the muffler to the pipe can be off just a little between bikes? Oh, well, you got it on.
Redwing822
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by Redwing822 »

Thank you, for your insight into this procedure. I just ordered a centerstand for my “stripper” model, and will certainly appreciate your installation tips.
doxbike
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by doxbike »

Unless you are riding 2 up all the time and need the extra storage, you'll find that the base GW will give you everything you need. I've never adjusted the rear shock setting since it's just me and my duffle bag if necessary. It's not a stripper-but a bagger!. enjoy
Redwing822
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by Redwing822 »

Well alrighty!

Got my new stand and installed it tonight. Slid the axle in on the right side as suggested here and there’s truly no need to mess with the muffler cover as per the instructions. I put a piece of cardboard on the flanged end of the axle, then tapped it into position; the axle deflects the cover a bit but doesn’t bend it, and the cardboard prevents scratches. I placed nickels/washers between the coils of the spring to expand it, then put it into place without much trouble (reminds me of reinstalling brake springs when doing a drum brake job). Done in less than a half hour.

The hardest part? Getting the son of a b*tch up on the center stand!! 🤣

Hopefully it will get a little easier with practice and an acquired technique- before I drop it.

Cheers and thanks for the tips.
brigand
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by brigand »

New to me 2018 GL1800B, been looking for good used since this generation first hit the market, 3127 km on bike in two years, some installed extras, could not walk away from a good deal, less miles than most demos. Rode it home, after having owned HD FLHTK and VTX1800, also presently a '98 Valk, this bike is like silk is to denim. Feels like 300 pounds when riding, the 800 figure only haunts you when you have to push it down the driveway because you don't want a wet ass putting it away after washing.
Question: This unit has the reverse (electric). Can one "walk" the bike back onto the centre stand (providing it has one?).
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topgun
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by topgun »

Likely the rear wheel will be off the ground long before stand over centers
Ardanair@icloud.com
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by Ardanair@icloud.com »

Hi folks, have noticed a lot of discussion re getting bike easily onto centre stand. I have a piece of 8” x 1” board, (about 18” long), in my shed. I simply drive the rear wheel onto the board, (the 18” lies across the direction of travel), drop it onto the side stand, get off and use the normal procedure for putting it onto the centre stand. This 1” height gain makes all the difference for muscle challenged old farts like me and the rear wheel stays clear of the board. Leave the board there and the bike drops easily back onto the board and keeps rolling onto the floor. Just send money to say thanks !!!
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ArkansasTraveler
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Re: 2018 GL1800 Center stand

Post by ArkansasTraveler »

I strongly recommend getting the ride on/ride off center stand. Easier, safer, and convenient.


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