GL1500 Reverse and Neutral Light Issue

radecal · Post by **radecal** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:06 am

G'day from Australia,
In the process of purchasing a GL1500 Trike which has an issue with the reverse gear and no neutral light.
I am getting the trike at a reduced price as I offered to sort the issue out instead of having it sorted professionally (at a huge price) before being despatched to me. Unfortunately I am 1500 kms away so have to wait until it gets here to start sorting it out.
Overall the trike is in immaculate condition and this issue has just popped up shortly before I sealed the purchase.
I have scoured the Forums here for this problem and believe it has to be a relay issue as the trike was ok and suddenly failed. Still riding ok and only the reverse not working and the neutral light out.
Will be purchasing some relays from the store as I have seen the issues starting to appear on the forums with the GL1500 relays as described by WingAdmin.
I will replace the suspect relays (or all 7 probably just for good measure) and check the reverse setup for starters.
Will see what happens from there but have to wait until it gets here now.
Guess I am only checking with all the learned people to see if I am on the right track.

blupupher · Post by **blupupher** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 9:31 am

It could also be the neutral (N) switch is bad.
The reverse (R) not working is most likely related to no N light.
For R to work, it must be in N, and since it is not getting a signal for N, no R.

It could also be a bulb (do the N and R lights light up when the ignition switch is turned on?), but a burned out N bulb should not cause R to not work.

Also being a trike, there could be some other wiring changes made that we don't know about.

radecal · Post by **radecal** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 4:08 pm

Thanks for the reply.
At this stage, the trike is 1500kms away so I don't have access to it and when it gets here I only have 14 days to complete the changeover of registration process along with a roadworthy check hence my questions about possible quick fixes.
From what I know, it was working fine until a short time ago and is still rideable so has to be something simple.
Many thanks for possible areas to look.

blupupher · Post by **blupupher** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 4:59 pm

There are other things it could be as well, but the relays is an easy check (even just swapping them may help).
There is also an issue with the reverse switch that could cause these issues.
What year is the trike? There are some slight differences between the '88-'89 wiring and '90+ models for how the starter, N, R, sidestand and such are set up.
Also check to see if the cruise control works, that is a slightly different path to look into.

ct1500 · Post by **ct1500** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 5:10 pm

You wrote it is still rideable. Does the starter work normally while in neutral or does the clutch lever need to be pulled in to now start or push starting or what to get the engine going?

radecal · Post by **radecal** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 6:23 am

At this stage because I am so far away from the bike, I am having to speak to the owner when he is available so it may be another day to get totally accurate answers to your questions.
From previous conversations with him, he can start and ride the bike like normal but has to "find" neutral by feel as the neutral light is not working.
He cannot get reverse to work at all by selecting as per normal so not sure what is up.
The owner is the father of a friend of mine so a genuine problem and a genuine reason for selling the trike and not just a seller trying to unload an electrical/mechanical nightmare onto a sucker!!!!
All worked well until recently when it just decided to stop going into reverse along with the neutral light failing.
The trike is a late 1988 model so will also have to check if it has cruise control and if that works as well.
I will get back to you both after I speak to the owner.
Unfortunately I am having some further issues with getting the trike registered in my state as we have different laws in each state as to what and how modifications can be done to motorcycles. Even though it has an engineer's certificate, the modifications may not be allowed in my state so in the process of climbing over this hurdle as well.
Won't know the outcome until my state transport licensing body checks all the paperwork and makes a decision.
Will keep you informed as this is one Goldwing that I don't want to get away. When I share the photos, you will understand.

radecal · Post by **radecal** » Sat Dec 26, 2020 10:19 am

G'day blokes,
Sorry about the long delay in replying to this thread but some major family issues put the brakes on me totally.
Just now picking up where I left off.
A quick update is in order.
Ordered a full set of relays from WingAdmin and fitted them.
Found one relay had been cooked and the surrounds where it plugged in were slightly melted.
Will investigate further to find out why.
As for the reverse issue, I now have reverse!!!! Yehah!
BUT, a new problem has raised its ugly head but not a biggie.
Reverse not engaging every time so requires a bit of a jiggle on the reverse lever until the reverse light comes on up on the dash.
Have ordered a new switch just in case but will check and clean the reverse assembly and switch when I get back home from this work run.
Neutral light on the dash is stuffed so have to pick up a new one as well.
Other than that, all a goer!
Thanks for help as it pointed out a few things to check and eliminate.
I only have one MAJOR issue!!! Whoever designed the bloody bike needs shooting as it is so complicated.
I can literally pull the engine out of one of my bevel drive Ducatis quicker than trying to take all the covers and seat off this GL1500!!!
Practice will make perfect I suppose

Big learning curve ahead.
Managed to get it through registration as well so the road beckons.
Promised some photos as well.
Colour scheme and cobra snake emblem based on an Aussie Ford icon (1978 Ford Cobra).
Regards,
RAD