Goldwing (GL1800) Beginner's Guide

[tamathumper]

Goldwing (GL1800) Beginner's Guide
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1. It is an "FI" (Fault Indicator) light, not an F1 light. Sorry, no racing option.
2. Use Honda Pro GN4 oil, and don't ask what else is OK without searching first. Better yet, don't ask, don't tell.
3. Yes, some bikes "pogo" bounce when coasting down, 35-30 mph. Maybe retorque the steering head bearings.
4. Yes, Seafoam is OK, use as much as you want.
5. No, high-test gas is not necessary, 87 octane is just fine.
6. Replace the tires if they're 5 years old, or older, regardless of appearance.
7. If you get monkey butt, get a bead seat. Thank me later.
8. Yes, the bike needs a sixth gear. Live with it, or search for "Henry's Final Drive Gear".
9. No, the bike should not slip out of gear. Search for "ghost shifting", then cry a little.
10. If it ran fine an hour ago and won't start now, check the battery and cable connections.
11. If the "R" (Reverse) light starts flashing, it's OK to cry a little more.
12. If the brakes shudder, check for recalls and use both the front and rear brakes to stop smoothly.
13. If the cruise control shuts off when you hit a bump, replace the lever bushings.
14. If you hear and feel a "clunk" after you hit a bump, check the center stand spring.
15. If the preload motor doesn't start really working until well after 1 or 2, search "preload refill".
16. Try not to fill the tank past the bottom of the filler tube, especially just before storing the bike.
17. Exercise switches 100 times, they stick when the OEM grease hardens. Spraying outside doesn't help much.
18. If the Cruise switch sticks on, just leave it.
19. The speedometer is optimistic, when it says 70 you're only doing 65.
20. If it won't start, check the kill switch. I won't tell anyone.
21. The method for checking the oil is crazy. Look it up. No, really.
22. If the bike is running poorly, search for "ECM reset".
23. No, just because you have CB controls on your left grip does not automatically mean you have a CB.
24. It only has ABS brakes if it has "ABS" on the fender covers, and sensor rings on the right side.
25. No, you probably won't get a lot of positive responses on how to make it louder.
26. Yes, there is a mouse nest on the air filter if you bought it used. Search "intake screens".
27. No, you will not get a straight answer about what the rear preload setting does.
28. Yes, a belly pan will help. No, it will not. Yes, it will. No, it will not.
29. You should probably learn to ride it stock before considering going darkside.
30. You should expect about 40 MPG riding one-up. Ish.

[joeincalif]

J agree with everything except 7. If you get monkey butt, get a bead seat. Thank me later. I had one and it was TERRIBLE !!

[Terry D]

What did you have? Monkey Butt?

[keithg64]

That should be posted in Facebook, over and over.

They really stink.

[tamathumper]

If your bead seat stinks, you have a problem I didn't address...

[blupupher]

That should be posted in Facebook, over and over.

They really stink.

Yes, Monkey Butts do stink, at least I would think they would...