Shocks

[TunaWing]

I’ve been commuting on a Goldwing to work for the past 15 years in the Bay Area. Upgrade four years ago to a 2007 GL1800 from an ‘84 GL1100. Retired it when it flipped 200k.

Shocks are always a question. Is there a solution for not bottoming out when riding double? Max’ed out air. I understand I am big. Over 250 and my wife is not as skinny as she used to be, but muchsmaller than myself. Do I just need shocks or is there an aftermarket?

Thanks,
TunaWing

[DaveO430]

A set of aftermarket springs should do the trick.

[Wingsconsin]

I’ve been commuting on a Goldwing to work for the past 15 years in the Bay Area. Upgrade four years ago to a 2007 GL1800 from an ‘84 GL1100. Retired it when it flipped 200k.

Shocks are always a question. Is there a solution for not bottoming out when riding double? Max’ed out air. I understand I am big. Over 250 and my wife is not as skinny as she used to be, but much smaller than myself. Do I just need shocks or is there an aftermarket?

Thanks,
TunaWing

Opinion follows: My understanding is thus--
Some things are different on the 1800 than the 1200 or 1500 -
The rear shock has 'pre-load' which is not air - the pre-load adds tension to the spring to help avoid the bottom out
The pre-load is assisted by hydraulics and these reservoirs are notoriously under-filled at the factory.
There is a method of filling them - Google Gl1800 actuator (hint: http://goldwing.eurekaboy.com/reservoirfill.htm)
Most of us run them near the largest number - I run 270LBS and run it at 22 single and 25 two-up

Aftermarket springs are greatly helpful on the rear - Progressives - Traxxion - others ?

Progressive Monotubes seem to be the best choice ($$) affordability bang for the buck -
Other options exist - (Traxxion , et al) but if you are not a canyon caarving peg scraping demon on 2 wheels probably the Monotubes will suffice.

Opinions expressed are to the best of my ability - sharing knowledge

[jackjohn]

The GL1800 is sorely lacking in the suspension department. Last year I replaced the rear shock with a trike take-off ($) with almost zero miles. This year I rebuilt the forks with Progressive Monos ($$). Wish I had done both ends three or four years ago.

[Rednaxs60]

I’ve been commuting on a Goldwing to work for the past 15 years in the Bay Area. Upgrade four years ago to a 2007 GL1800 from an ‘84 GL1100. Retired it when it flipped 200k.

Shocks are always a question. Is there a solution for not bottoming out when riding double? Max’ed out air. I understand I am big. Over 250 and my wife is not as skinny as she used to be, but much smaller than myself. Do I just need shocks or is there an aftermarket?

Thanks,
TunaWing

Opinion follows: My understanding is thus--
Some things are different on the 1800 than the 1200 or 1500 -
The rear shock has 'pre-load' which is not air - the pre-load adds tension to the spring to help avoid the bottom out
The pre-load is assisted by hydraulics and these reservoirs are notoriously under-filled at the factory.
There is a method of filling them - Google Gl1800 actuator (hint: http://goldwing.eurekaboy.com/reservoirfill.htm)
Most of us run them near the largest number - I run 270LBS and run it at 22 single and 25 two-up

Aftermarket springs are greatly helpful on the rear - Progressives - Traxxion - others ?

Progressive Monotubes seem to be the best choice ($$) affordability bang for the buck -
Other options exist - (Traxxion , et al) but if you are not a canyon caarving peg scraping demon on 2 wheels probably the Monotubes will suffice.

Opinions expressed are to the best of my ability - sharing knowledge

When I bought my ex-2008 1800, I researched the internet forums for information regarding the 1800 and what I could expect for maintenance/work. Two issues that topped the list of issues were tire longevity and suspension. The suspension issue was because of the difference in what each front fork did and the weak/soft OEM suspension after only some 30,000 to 50,000 miles. As Wingsconsin mentions, the hydraulic fluid in the rear shock was also commented on.

I agree with Wingsconsin in that a suspension upgrade is the answer. Progressive front monotubes - saw the Youtube and it looks very straight forward and can be done next fork oil change/refurb, easier than the Traxion (had the Traxion on my ex-1800). The rear shock can either be a complete unit or just replace the spring. This upgrade will improve the ride quality and handling, and tire longevity.

Just another opinion.

Good luck. Cheers

[Rednaxs60]

The GL1800 is sorely lacking in the suspension department. Last year I replaced the rear shock with a trike take-off ($) with almost zero miles. This year I rebuilt the forks with Progressive Monos ($$). Wish I had done both ends three or four years ago.

Agree wholeheartedly. Understand the OEM cost benefit issue as well. Always comes down to money - keep the price of the product as low as possible and at the same time give the best product possible - catch 22.

[WingAdmin]

Also remember that one of the early wear items of the GL1800 is the hose that goes between the rear suspension adjustment unit and the rear shock. This hose is under constant pressure, and Honda cheaped out and used simple rubber hose for it. It wears out and swells, the result being that you have to crank the preload up higher and higher to get the same result.

There are aftermarket braided lines that can be used to replace this, and eliminate this problem for good:

https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/gl1800 ... ine/162955

[cihilb]

When adjusting the rear pre-load setting, set it to "0" and then try setting it to "25". Listen for when ti starts to labor. You will hear a distinct change in the sound. Should change right at 1 or 2 on the display. If not, it may need the fluid topped off in the rear shock pre-load adjuster. Part of this is due to the expansion of the hose, but once refilled it will be fine.
Many threads on how to refill the adjuster.