Brittle plastic

[bohdan]

Gents, has anybody also discovered brittle plastic parts on their GL1800? Both of my opposite sides of my inner front fender cover has failed with broken tabs. Both times had to be industrious with a fix. This is on my 2013 model.

[AZgl1800]

very common when someone torques the screws down tight.
I always leave the screw just barely snug to prevent that.

[tamathumper]

IIRC those are shouldered bolts, and if the shoulders aren't aligned into the holes perfectly they will crush the plastic?

[Lickity Split]

Yes!! What TT said.
Always, always, make sure that the hole in the tab is fit properly to the shoulder of the screw BEFORE tightening down the screw. It only takes ONE time of tightening the shoulder onto the tab to kink/crush/break the tab off.

[Andy Cote]

May be that green paint has embrittled the ABS.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Gents, has anybody also discovered brittle plastic parts on their GL1800? Both of my opposite sides of my inner front fender cover has failed with broken tabs. Both times had to be industrious with a fix. This is on my 2013 model.

Actually, there is nothing wrong with the plastic ... it's probably being abused. Usually it happens because it is not able to support the weight of your Wing ... read on. If you remove the back part of your front fender, you will probably find that its 4-mount points are broke (cracked) too. If so, your real fix will be to remove that very long aftermarket mud flap. As your tire drops into a chuck-hole, or doing wide u-turns, and the front tire drops off the pavement, the bottom of the aftermarket mud-flap hits the pavement. Your issue is actually very common.

If yours is broke too, here is what you'll want to do. While it is still available, replace all broke/cracked plastic with new plastic. On older 5th gens, such rear fenders are no longer available. If you need a mud flap, only install a Hondaline one. It's just long enough to keep mud off the lower center cowl, and short enough to hardly ever break a lower fender. Be sure to inspect those small brackets too ... sometimes they get bent, or start cracking in their corners. If needed, be sure to replace them too.

But here is the most import part. There are 5 rules to riding a 2 wheel 5th gen Wing. Everyone who rides one will eventually learn all 5 rules. Sometimes learning them is costly. If you need the other 4, just ask. However, I will list rule #1 here.

1. 5th gen Wings only like hard pavement ... no exception. Do not do wide u-turns, stay on the pavement.

Another reason plastic breaks there is from using incorrect fasters. Every bolt that goes though plastic on 5th gen Wings has a specific shoulder to support it. If incorrect bolts are used, plastic will brake. For example, I believe I see an incorrect bolt in the picture below. The other common reason plastic breaks is from bolts getting over tightened.

[bohdan]

Thanks Goldwing Greg. Yes, that fender extension I believe is probably the culprit on the first wack which broke the tabs on the other side. After I thought that was determined, I am very careful on edge pavement drops. Apparently, potential overtightening is another victim. I did put a repair on this yesterday as I think it will work. I will post a picture tomorrow. Thanks for pointing out the bolt issue on the top. I will have to check that out. Mighty obliged.

[Rambozo]

Fender extension for the fail.
One thing that does make plastic brittle is locktite. Be sure to keep it away from ABS plastic.

[bohdan]

Gents. Best I could fir a repair. JB Weld and 22 gauge. Thanks for all your help and suggestions. Cheers

[WingAdmin]

Fender extension for the fail.
One thing that does make plastic brittle is locktite. Be sure to keep it away from ABS plastic.

Yup. And brake fluid.

[reeceds]

Try this i'm having successes with it so far https://easyabsrepair.com/abs-plastic-r ... le-repair/

[captkerk]

Honda has persisted in cutting corners / costs for their body work. Items are now thinner, lighter, and more fragile than those of previous years. Tabs are very thin. The front fender sections are barely able to support themselves without the tabs breaking. I've broken a few on my 2014 without ever having fender extensions. Rough pavement or, (dare we imagine it), unpaved roads and associated grime are all that's necessary for serious damage of $150 + parts. Honda does not wish to warranty. Perhaps Honda does not need my business either.

[Wingsconsin]

Gents, has anybody also discovered brittle plastic parts on their GL1800? Both of my opposite sides of my inner front fender cover has failed with broken tabs. Both times had to be industrious with a fix. This is on my 2013 model.

Actually, there is nothing wrong with the plastic ... it's probably being abused. Usually it happens because it is not able to support the weight of your Wing ... read on. If you remove the back part of your front fender, you will probably find that its 4-mount points are broke (cracked) too. If so, your real fix will be to remove that very long aftermarket mud flap. As your tire drops into a chuck-hole, or doing wide u-turns, and the front tire drops off the pavement, the bottom of the aftermarket mud-flap hits the pavement. Your issue is actually very common.

If yours is broke too, here is what you'll want to do. While it is still available, replace all broke/cracked plastic with new plastic. On older 5th gens, such rear fenders are no longer available. If you need a mud flap, only install a Hondaline one. It's just long enough to keep mud off the lower center cowl, and short enough to hardly ever break a lower fender. Be sure to inspect those small brackets too ... sometimes they get bent, or start cracking in their corners. If needed, be sure to replace them too.

But here is the most import part. There are 5 rules to riding a 2 wheel 5th gen Wing. Everyone who rides one will eventually learn all 5 rules. Sometimes learning them is costly. If you need the other 4, just ask. However, I will list rule #1 here.

1. 5th gen Wings only like hard pavement ... no exception. Do not do wide u-turns, stay on the pavement.

Another reason plastic breaks there is from using incorrect fasters. Every bolt that goes though plastic on 5th gen Wings has a specific shoulder to support it. If incorrect bolts are used, plastic will brake. For example, I believe I see an incorrect bolt in the picture below. The other common reason plastic breaks is from bolts getting over tightened.

I am curious for the other 4 rules ---

[bohdan]

I understand that the option of overtightening, fender extension, etc. There was a piece of broken trim that did fall off and was captured in a crevice. What was interesting to note, it basically crumpled in my hand. As if it was in the process of disintegration. I live in FLorida and high heat, so maybe................

[tamathumper]

1. Only use Honda Pro GN4 oil.
2. Only use OEM parts.
3. The cheapest way to maintain your bike is to follow the manufacturer's recommended schedule for maintenance.
4. No you weren't imagining it, your transmission did just shift by itself.

[Lumberjack1844]

Check the bottom lip of your fender for impact/scuff marks for curb theory.
Looking a picture to me you can see a clear line where a force caused both mounts to shear off with similar pattern.

Thanks Goldwing Greg. Yes, that fender extension I believe is probably the culprit on the first wack which broke the tabs on the other side. After I thought that was determined, I am very careful on edge pavement drops. Apparently, potential overtightening is another victim. I did put a repair on this yesterday as I think it will work. I will post a picture tomorrow. Thanks for pointing out the bolt issue on the top. I will have to check that out. Mighty obliged.

[GoldWingrGreg]

I am curious for the other 4 rules ---

These rules have to do with 5th gens falling over. They are either taught or learned through self analysis after one falls over.

1. they only like pavement, leave the pavement and they can fall over
2. when entering a curve to hot, push harder. To save your butt, never stand them up and apply the brakes, unless you have ABS
3. everytime when coming to a stop, at 0mph, make sure the handlebars are straight
4. unless on a MSF coarse, never use the kill switch to kill the engine. To kill the engine and set the stand do this. Come to a stop in 1st gear, with the clutch in. To kill the engine, lower the sde stand, and let the clutch out. Now allow the Wing to roll where it wants to take up the transmission slack. Once it stops rolling, only then set the stand.
5. OMG ... I can never remember all 5 at once. If I remember the 5th one, I'll report back.

[Wingsconsin]

I am curious for the other 4 rules ---

These rules have to do with 5th gens falling over. They are either taught or learned through self analysis after one falls over.

1. they only like pavement, leave the pavement and they can fall over
2. when entering a curve to hot, push harder. To save your butt, never stand them up and apply the brakes, unless you have ABS
3. everytime when coming to a stop, at 0mph, make sure the handlebars are straight
4. unless on a MSF coarse, never use the kill switch to kill the engine. To kill the engine and set the stand do this. Come to a stop in 1st gear, with the clutch in. To kill the engine, lower the sde stand, and let the clutch out. Now allow the Wing to roll where it wants to take up the transmission slack. Once it stops rolling, only then set the stand.
5. OMG ... I can never remember all 5 at once. If I remember the 5th one, I'll report back.

Thanks for the information -- I feel like I know (or learned) all of these so far
Proposal for the list --
Once the big gurl wants to lay down all you can do is slow the motion - There is no catching a falling Goldwing once momentum has ceased.

[DenverWinger]

Rule #1 "They only like pavement, leave the pavement and they can fall over."

That reminds me - Going camping on the bike soon, Hafta remember to put that 6x6 piece of plywood back in the saddlebag for parking on dirt.

[WingAdmin]

Rule #1 "They only like pavement, leave the pavement and they can fall over."

That reminds me - Going camping on the bike soon, Hafta remember to put that 6x6 piece of plywood back in the saddlebag for parking on dirt.

Or just install one of these pad enlarger things:

https://www.amazon.com/Worldmotop-Motor ... ref=sr_1_3

I put one on my 1500 years ago and have never needed a piece of wood, metal plate or anything else ever since. Works great!

[GoldWingrGreg]

Rule #1 "They only like pavement, leave the pavement and they can fall over."

That reminds me - Going camping on the bike soon, Hafta remember to put that 6x6 piece of plywood back in the saddlebag for parking on dirt.

We to camp a lot. When I book camp sites, I look for privacy, fire rings, showers, paved roads in, and a paved driveway at the camp site. Usually, I find everything but the paved driveway.