Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
- Bentrider
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 2:34 pm
- Location: Clio, Michigan
- Motorcycle: 1989 GL1500 Commodore Blue
Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
I recently bought a pair of Markland highway boards off eBay. According to the seller, they came off an 88 GL1500. My bike is an 89. I tried to put them on my bike and could not do it. I assume, but do not know, my crash bars are stock. If I try to put the plate (3) behind the bars I can not connect the bottom connector (4). If I put plate 3 in front of the crash bars, connectors 1 and 2 are too far forward to attach to the bar. I believe the assembled picture is the right side and the disassembled numbered picture is the left. Anybody out there have these Markland boards installed?
- bluthundr31
- Posts: 573
- Joined: Tue Jul 11, 2017 11:43 pm
- Location: Morgan Hill, CA.
- Motorcycle: 1991 GL1500 Interstate (Cinnamon Beige)
Re: Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
Those don't look right, , to me. My boards were put on 20+ years ago and went on in about 20 minutes without a problem.
It looks like you have two different brands/styles of board.
It looks like you have two different brands/styles of board.
- Ivan Boring
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Dec 31, 2018 6:04 am
- Location: Sweden
- Motorcycle: 1999 - GL1500 SE
Re: Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
As far as I can see, your boards will most likely fit a -98 to -00. I might be wrong but the boards looks identical to the Markland boards I had on my -99. The engine crash guards on the newer models looks different from the older ones. You can look at the pic of my bike and you´ll probably notice the difference.
There are two important rules in life:
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- Andy Cote
- Posts: 492
- Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2011 11:38 am
- Location: Windham, ME
- Motorcycle: 2015 Goldwing, basic black
Re: Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
You have identified the issue. My 88 had boards that I believe were from Markland. The clamps went on the bottom tube and top tube, not the front tube.Ivan Boring wrote: ↑Mon Sep 16, 2019 3:28 pmAs far as I can see, your boards will most likely fit a -98 to -00. I might be wrong but the boards looks identical to the Markland boards I had on my -99. The engine crash guards on the newer models looks different from the older ones. You can look at the pic of my bike and you´ll probably notice the difference.
20190525_135800.jpg
BTW the part of the clamp that goes between the bars and the valve cover has very little room. If your bars are 'tweaked" at all (and most 30 year old bikes have been) you may need to fight the install some. Advance warning to lessen frustration.
2015 Goldwing, basic black
Previously: GL1200 standard, GL1200 Interstate, GL1500 Goldwing, GL1500 Valkyrie Standard, 2000 Valkyrie Interstate, many other Hondas
Previously: GL1200 standard, GL1200 Interstate, GL1500 Goldwing, GL1500 Valkyrie Standard, 2000 Valkyrie Interstate, many other Hondas
- Bentrider
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 2:34 pm
- Location: Clio, Michigan
- Motorcycle: 1989 GL1500 Commodore Blue
Re: Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
I believe you are correct. Your engine guard has no top tube. That's why these boards attach to the bottom and front. Looks like I have a set of nice highway boards for a 98 to 00 GL1500.Ivan Boring wrote: ↑Mon Sep 16, 2019 3:28 pmAs far as I can see, your boards will most likely fit a -98 to -00. I might be wrong but the boards looks identical to the Markland boards I had on my -99. The engine crash guards on the newer models looks different from the older ones. You can look at the pic of my bike and you´ll probably notice the difference.
20190525_135800.jpg
- curtm
- Posts: 195
- Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2017 3:05 pm
- Location: Aylmer,Ont.Canada
- Motorcycle: 91 GL 1500 Aspencade Anniversary Canadian Edition
Re: Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
Ya they don't look like the one's on my 91
Curt
Curt
-
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 2:08 pm
- Location: Oshkosh, Wi.
- Motorcycle: 88 gl1500
Re: Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
Get a set of the '98-'00 crash bars. I've got a set on my '88, they bolt right up easy peazy.
- CrystalPistol
- Posts: 1419
- Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:07 pm
- Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
- Motorcycle: 1997 GL1500SE/'98 Lehman Trike
Re: Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
Seen a lot of 1500s with boards since getting into the "Wing Life" in the '90s, but I never seen boards that mount like those that I recall. I do see how they would mount on a '98-'00 GL1500. The newer '98 & up bars would add a modern touch to a '89, the absence of the top loop digging into an ankle or heel might even be another "plus".
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Make Courtesy your "Code of the Road" …
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… & Have a Safe Trip!

- Bentrider
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 2:34 pm
- Location: Clio, Michigan
- Motorcycle: 1989 GL1500 Commodore Blue
Re: Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
That sounds like a good reason to give it a try.CrystalPistol wrote: ↑Wed Sep 18, 2019 8:40 pmSeen a lot of 1500s with boards since getting into the "Wing Life" in the '90s, but I never seen boards that mount like those that I recall. I do see how they would mount on a '98-'00 GL1500. The newer '98 & up bars would add a modern touch to a '89, the absence of the top loop digging into an ankle or heel might even be another "plus".
Just a thought.
- Andy Cote
- Posts: 492
- Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2011 11:38 am
- Location: Windham, ME
- Motorcycle: 2015 Goldwing, basic black
Re: Can't Install Markland Highway Boards
As I said, I had Markland highway boards on my 1500 with the original full loop bars. I could feel the rear loop on my leg when using the boards. But I would sometimes alternatively rest my feet on those loops. Different positions was a nice option.
2015 Goldwing, basic black
Previously: GL1200 standard, GL1200 Interstate, GL1500 Goldwing, GL1500 Valkyrie Standard, 2000 Valkyrie Interstate, many other Hondas
Previously: GL1200 standard, GL1200 Interstate, GL1500 Goldwing, GL1500 Valkyrie Standard, 2000 Valkyrie Interstate, many other Hondas