GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
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- Posts: 5
- Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2010 10:01 pm
- Location: St. Johns, FL 32259
- Motorcycle: 2008 GL1800 Trike
GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
Have a problem on occasions with starting Goldwing (2008). Sometimes when I push starter switch it will not start without slightly wiggling handlebar. It has then always started after doing that. Only on an occasion, but I am doing the 40 to Phoenix in a few weeks, and am concerned it may get worse. Dealership could not recreate the problem, couldn't help me. Suggested that if it continued to replace start/rev switch. Any thoughts on what the problem or fix could be would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. This is my 1st post- hope I am in correct forum
P.S. This is my 1st post- hope I am in correct forum
- Viking
- Posts: 3760
- Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:59 pm
- Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Motorcycle: 2009 GL1800 AD
1987 Harley Softail Custom
1974 Harley FLH (sold)
1965 Harley FLHE (sold)
1957 Harley Chopper (sold)
Re: GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
Spray an electronics cleaner in the switch and work it a bit. This might clean it up. The switches on these GL1800s seem to be notorious for getting dirty and not working well.
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- Posts: 5
- Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2010 10:01 pm
- Location: St. Johns, FL 32259
- Motorcycle: 2008 GL1800 Trike
Re: GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
Sprayed electronic cleaner into starter switch a few days ago. I have periodically tried starting and still get intermittent problems as mention in above post. Today, while trying again, I had same issue, and wiggled handlebars and it would start. Then I thought of testing it by starting in neutral, no clutch, and it would start every time. Starting it with clutch lever pulled and in gear it went back to same problem. Looks like the clutch lever is causing problems. Lever is OEM ( had problem with after-market a few years ago only starting in neutral), Any suggestion on fixing the problem. Heading to 40 to Phoenix next week and would like to solve this problem
- virgilmobile
- Posts: 9102
- Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:39 pm
- Location: Denham Springs,La.
- Motorcycle: 1988 GL1500 I
Previously owned
78 GL1000
81 GL1100
82 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 standard
84 GL 1200 I
Re: GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
First...I am not a expert on the 1800's...but...
If you have a intermittent crank while in gear and relying on the clutch lever switch to operate the starter,I'd inspect there.
On the 1500's,when this happens,it's caused by 3 possibilities.
1.the switch is intermittent..a ohm meter test..
2.the pivot bushing is worn...visual inspection..
3.the grips may be interfering with the activation of the switch.
Listen very closely,as you operate the clutch lever,just before it touches the grip it should click the neutral switch.
If you have a intermittent crank while in gear and relying on the clutch lever switch to operate the starter,I'd inspect there.
On the 1500's,when this happens,it's caused by 3 possibilities.
1.the switch is intermittent..a ohm meter test..
2.the pivot bushing is worn...visual inspection..
3.the grips may be interfering with the activation of the switch.
Listen very closely,as you operate the clutch lever,just before it touches the grip it should click the neutral switch.
- Viking
- Posts: 3760
- Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:59 pm
- Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Motorcycle: 2009 GL1800 AD
1987 Harley Softail Custom
1974 Harley FLH (sold)
1965 Harley FLHE (sold)
1957 Harley Chopper (sold)
Re: GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
Virgil is correct. The most likely culprit is at the clutch itself. Either the pin or bushing, or the little switch inside the handlebar switch housing.
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- Posts: 5
- Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2010 10:01 pm
- Location: St. Johns, FL 32259
- Motorcycle: 2008 GL1800 Trike
Re: GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
Thanks for the help with this problem. Everything is working as it should. I can now rest a little easier with my trip to Phoenix.
- virgilmobile
- Posts: 9102
- Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:39 pm
- Location: Denham Springs,La.
- Motorcycle: 1988 GL1500 I
Previously owned
78 GL1000
81 GL1100
82 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 standard
84 GL 1200 I
Re: GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
WHAT...and not tell us what was wrong and how you fixed it..???
Come on....have some sympathy.???
Come on....have some sympathy.???
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- Posts: 5
- Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2010 10:01 pm
- Location: St. Johns, FL 32259
- Motorcycle: 2008 GL1800 Trike
Re: GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
Sorry about that. Yes it was the clutch lever- adjusted and replaced pivot point- was loose.
- virgilmobile
- Posts: 9102
- Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:39 pm
- Location: Denham Springs,La.
- Motorcycle: 1988 GL1500 I
Previously owned
78 GL1000
81 GL1100
82 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 standard
84 GL 1200 I
Re: GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
Thank you.My mind is at ease now.
At least for a few minutes...next...

At least for a few minutes...next...
- canuck623
- Posts: 113
- Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2013 2:50 pm
- Location: Glendale, Arizona
- Motorcycle: 2008 GL 1800 Level 3
Re: GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
Glad you got it fixed. See you in Phoenix. I will be there helping with the local tour rides. I am doing South Moutain with a luch stop at a nice Mexican restaurant. Ride safe.
2008 GL1800
1990 GL1500
1986 GL1200
1983 GL1100
1982 CBX 1000
1972 CB750
1966 305 Dream
1990 GL1500
1986 GL1200
1983 GL1100
1982 CBX 1000
1972 CB750
1966 305 Dream
Re: GL1800- 2008 Intermittent Starting Problem
Same on mine 2001 170000km
Start switch inop on neuttral or with clutch. intermitently.
Play back and fort with the key always work for me. Have to open ignition switch probably loose or worn rotation contact.
Start switch inop on neuttral or with clutch. intermitently.
Play back and fort with the key always work for me. Have to open ignition switch probably loose or worn rotation contact.