air cleaner

[bronze]

I bought a GL1800 earlier this year. It now has 50,000 km (31,000 mi.) I understand that it's a 2 to 3 hour job to replace the air filter. Since I'm not the original owner I have no idea when, or if, it has ever been changed; and I don't want to spend the time or money (everything costs more in Canada) to check it unnecessarily. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.

[harvey01]

The air filter costs about $20 US or slightly less depending on supplier! Getting to the air filter is quite a job so If you pull off the top shelter to check the filter, after all that you might as well replace.

It sounds like you don't have a service manual(available from Helminc.com) that explains pretty much how to do various repairs. There are also some videos available that show how to do a lot of the maintenance on the GL1800. One of the more popular sets is found at: http://www.angelridevideos.com/

There is a sale on for the video through 12/31/2015.

Another video source is: http://www.cruisemansgarage.com/

You can also probably find similar stuff online or from youtube. But it is nice to have the sets in case you are without internet connection and need to fix something.

I find that an old egg crate is ideal to keep the various screws in order when doing this job.

I understand about the cost but if you do it yourself you will save all of the labor fees which you can use for gas money. Honestly if it were my new GL1800, I would put a new air filter in that thing and not worry about it for a while. It is sort of like tires, if in the slightest doubt, do the replacement and then ride without worry.

[Rednaxs60]

Had the same issue when I bought my '08. Asked about the filter, but the PO mentioned he had it done. Since I like to make sure it was, ordered a new air filter from Canada's Motorcycle - approx $25.00 and installed it. It took me 4 hours from start to finish. The bike only had 37K on it and it needed to be replaced. If it's any consolation, to change the air filter on my '85 GW takes about 20 minutes; however, to remove and replace the rear wheel takes 2 to 3 hours - go figure. I would change it, lots of good videos on line and just take your time.

Cheers

Ernest

[Rednaxs60]

Further to my last, when I removed the air filter from my '08, it did not appear to have been changed. Cheers

Ernest

[PastoT]

As long as the air filter change takes the first time, I'd prefer to do so in the winter as I suspect weather is keeping you off the roads. Its nice to be able to take your time and do all you need under the shelter when you're not rushed. The videos posted above are good tools. Just mark the bolts and note what you disconnect electrically and don't forget to reconnect it when you're done and putting things back together (I.E. the FM antenna).

While you're under there you can adjust your cruise control lag, add shielding between the cruise control and radio, replace burnt-out radio lights, etc.

[bronze]

Thanks for the suggestions - appreciate it!

[Old German]

Hello

I did an air filter change with my friend at a 2008 Gl 1800. It took us about 4 h. If you need any help, I would be able to give you a hand.

Happy new year

[AZgl1800]

Depending on the area you are riding in, the filter can be filthy and needing changing lots sooner than some folks.
I am going to let mine go to 50,000 miles if there are not other symptoms indicating it needs changed.

ie, fuel mpg drops drasically.

My '02 had 99,800 miles on it when I changed mine out... I found one of those K&N washables in it, and in my opinion, that thing is a piece of trash that does not deserve to be used on a good engine.

Every single report I have seen shows that it rates deal last in filtration efficiency.

anyway, pulling the shelter off and putting it back on is a 90 minute to 4-5 hour job depending on how often you have done it.
I watched DaveO430 ( Ogden ) remove the shelter off of mine, change the air filter and the ECM and had it back together and I was riding in 90 minutes flat last September at the Eureka Springs rally.... Dave is fast, but he has been into a slew of 1800s fixing them for folks.

Back to the air filter, OEM is the only thing I will consider in my GL1800 or other m/c.

Oh, forgot: the ECM had to be changed because the original one was reporting a faulty knock sensor. it has a bad solder joint on the motherboard at the cable harness plug.... going to open it up and see if I can fix it... I like spare parts

[Ghostman]

PM sent. Happy New Year!

[jjmjrvt]

I'm going to try and change the filter on my 2012 1800 this weekend, I have been putting it off but after viewing some videos I'm ready to give it a try, I also have the factory manual.

[rcdoc]

while you have the shelter off check your grounds. if they get loose they and cause all kind of electrical problems.

[jjmjrvt]

Thanks good point I'll be sure to check them.

[Red Ron]

The first time the filter is changed I like to take the screens out of the old filter and zip tie them on the ends of the two air intakes in the wing. This prevents mice from getting up in the filter and building a nest.