Most common GL1800 Fault

[GLRT]

Without a doubt the number one issue on the GL is also the easiest to fix and it's that pesky old ADV. I just got a call from someone who watched my YouTube video regarding the rough ride and stiff front end. He purchased a shim for $20 off eBay to fix this however while it will work it can be fixed with a simple flat washer for pennies. I would say over 50% of the 1800's I have had in the shop have stuck AD valves so it is an issue for sure. I also recommended lowering the air pressure on the front to 38 max and recommended a bias ply so he could run 32 or 34 psi which would really soften up the ride. I have found changing to a bias and disabling the ADV actually helps more than replacing the fork tube innards with monotubes or others. It's a cheap fix that works.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Actually, the #1 issues is the hardest one to fix. If owners changed their brake fluid every 2 years or 12k, whichever comes first, for the most part there would be no ADV issue. Other examples of poor maintanence are SB-20, SB-22, and SB-23. If Honda had discovered early on, that the real issue is poor maintenance, they would have never done those 3 service bulletins.

Most GL1800s are highly shined, and very poorly maintained.

[GLRT]

The stuck ADV has not been linked to poor maintenance and 99% of goldwings i see are if anything over maintained. The ADV is really not needed. Honda should have eliminated this item in 2003. But it is a 2 min fix so no big deal

[GoldWingrGreg]

Here, when we bleed 5th gen brake systems, the dirtiest fluid is often found in the ADV. Dirty fluid in a hydrolic system often causes other issue such as sticking ADV.

To tell, instead of disabling the ADV system by installing a shim, remove the ADV and disassemble it. You might be surprised at how muddy the fluid in it is.

On a Wing, if the brake and clutch fluid is changed per Honda's Maintenace Schedule, even at 200,000 miles the new fluid is hard to tell from the old fluid ... the system stays that clean.

As for a Wing needing a ADV, we and Honda apparently does think they are needed too. Wings are extreemly large and heavy, and can be challenging to manuver in emergancy situations. Honda uses the ADV to control tire patch size, which can be critical in such situations during braking and maneuvering.