Honda GOLD WING BUYER'S GUIDE; Common problems, what to watch out for, & pros & cons of buying used!

Pegasus Motorcycle Tours & Consulting LLC brings you another Gold Wing review and purchase guide full of tips on why the Honda Gold Wing is one of the best buys in the used market, and what some of the most common problems and issues to watch out for are when choosing your next 5th generation GL1800, such as the frame weld recall and sticking control buttons, etc.

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Copyright: Pegasus Motorcycle Tours & Consulting LLC, All Right Reserved 2018

DISCLAIMER:
The suggestions and opinions expressed are the result of about 15+ years of every-day motorcycling, touring, camping, intl. travel, and overlanding experience, including extensive international adventure touring. The opinions expressed are my own only, and do not necessarily reflect those of any retailer or brand mentioned or reviewed, nor any other third party. The purpose of this disclosure is to reassure you, the viewer, that what you are getting is an honest personal opinion, so that you can make the best possible decision as a consumer. If you like what you see, please take a moment to like, share, and subscribe to help this channel grow in order to benefit the largest number of riders. And as always – ride smart, ride safe, and keep the rubber side down!

Looking for a fun, unique thing to do while visiting San Diego and Southern California? Check out our private narrated, guided city sidecar tours on a Honda Goldwing GL1800 with a 2 seater Champion Daytona Sidecar - let Nik show you San Diego in the most unique way.

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Thanks for watching and participating in the conversation.

Cheers - Nik

[kimhorton]

I’ve ridden road bikes since 1962. I started with a Miyapet 50cc step thru, a Triumph 250, A Norton Atlas and on and on.
I am, at 77 riding a 2015 40th Anniversary Edition that I bought new at Tommy’s Motorsports in Crossville, TN in 2016. It had four miles then. It has 90k more now and runs like a fine watch. It has a radio I’ve never tried, no Navigation. I’ve been to both coasts on this scoot and both borders. I’ve piled $200 with of groceries in the poor thing. Outstanding roller.

[tennwingman]

I have a red 2012 airbag model and the updates that were done in 2012 is important to mention. A good reason to buy the 2012-2017. Updated fork bushing, stronger triple tree, upgraded stereo system and upgraded seat. I went with the 2012 for these reasons and yes I probably cannot tell because my previous Wing was a GL1500 and all I can say is I ride really hard with many miles in the Smokey Mountains and so many runs on the curvy roads up there. Thanks for the video, be safe, have fun.

[Jodyrides]

I had one just like the one in this video. Gold wings are perfect. I admit that right off the top. Not so much if you’re over 6 feet tall, and you have to accept the fact that they get low 30s for gas mileage.
I lived with my Goldwing for two years. I bought it used with 13, 000 miles on it from the original owner. I did the basic maintenance myself, I was a motorcycle mechanic at several different dealerships at one time. If you don’t do your own work, your goldwing will either being neglected or it will cost you a lot of money to have simple things done.
example, six hours is what the dealer charges you to change the air cleaner. Labor is $125 an hour the last time I checked..
I thought that was absurd to charge that much to change the air cleaner. So I did it myself. ..After doing the job, That is not an unreasonable time to be charged to change that air cleaner. That thing is so buried in that machine.. six hours is about right just to change the air cleaner.
I upgraded the fork springs and rear shock spring on my Goldwing. The fork springs were not too tough, I changed the oil, seals, bushings, and dust wipers while I had the forks apart. Fairly straightforward..but to get the rear shock absorber off to change the spring so the suspension spring rates would be evenly matched to each other front to rear, Here’s what I had to do using the 2 inch thick Honda service manual to guide me..
remove the instrument plastic cover on the dashboard, including the speaker covers..remove parts of the panels of the fairing in front of your shins, lots of little screws mostly different sizes don’t mix them up. Remove the cover over the engine that looks like the gas tank. To remove that you have to have the seat off. You have to remove parts of the fairing on the lower sides of the machine. You have to remove the fuse box, battery, Voltage regulator, battery, battery tray, fuel tank support beam, now you can remove the fuel tank. It looks like a little coffin. It holds 7 gallons. It is low in the frame. You have to disconnect those high-pressure fuel lines and electrical connections. You have to turn the fuel tank a certain way to get it out, so it better be practically empty..
once you get the fuel tank removed, you now have access to the top bolt on the rear shock so that you can remove the shock to upgrade to a different spring. That took me seven hours using the Honda factory service manual as my guide.. having that done at the dealer after paying for the spring to be installed on the shock, that’s easily over $1000… just changing the air filter is over $700, plus parts.
I tried to fall in love with my yellow Goldwing for two years. After doing the upgrades to the suspension, changing the air cleaner, changing the clutch fluid, the brake fluid, putting on new Dunlop elite four tires, new fork springs/seals/bushings/dust wipers… all the fluids were changed..
after I did all of that regular maintenance work. After becoming intimately accustomed to what it takes to work on a gold wing, I sold it and I went back to a Yamaha royal star venture. I actually have a video on YouTube “Goldwing or venture” is the title. And I explain things like this in that video. And I admit, the gold wings are perfect. They are smoother than any other motorcycle that I have ever ridden.. they have way way too much power and I really mean that. And I explain why in my video. The answer to that is gas mileage. My Venture gets between 45 and 48 miles per gallon, it’s my third venture since 1986. The ventures all got in the mid to upper 40s for gas mileage.
The gold wings handle better than my Venture, the suspension is more sport bike taunt than plush vevture.. venture has much more leg room especially if you’re over 6 feet tall. And you get floorboards with a venture. You are not permitted to put floorboards on gold wings by the factory. Honda says that in the owners manual do not put floorboards on this machine. It has something to do with a history of damage to the shift mechanism or the transmission if you have this floorboard style shifter..
I admit the Goldwing is smoother, faster, I like that it had reverse, I like that it had a center stand. But on my Venture, I can get at the clutch, water pump, alternator, starter, and slave cylinder without removing a single piece of plastic or the gas tank. You can’t even see those things on the goldwing unless you remove square feet of plastic……
that’s why I went back to a venture.. they are simple. Both machines will go over 200, 000 miles with no problem, just basic maintenance..
The gold wing is smoother, faster, handles better, has better brakes than the venture. But a gold wing has the personality of my toaster, it doesn’t look feel or sound like a motorcycle. It has no personality. No soul. I tried but I could not fall in love with it.. it was like I imagine it would be to have a trophy wife. expensive, beautiful, thinks money grows on trees

[TOURMANBOB]

I agree completely on the issues you mention. I have had those same issues on my 2003 Orange Wing. As far as the windshield problem you mention, it's likely that the triangular piece of metal assisting in holding down the windshield has been installed upside down. You will see it when you take the cowling off. It's an easy fix and once done, you will have no further problems. Switches on all Gold Wings are a problem after 10 years and the solution is an easy one. You just have to replace the switch assemblies on both sides at $125 an assembly (parts price). Plus even then, it's very important to continually "exercise" the switches so the internal grease that Honda uses doesn't harden prematurely . Some people take them apart to fix but it's a horrible job, and involves keeping track of a myriad of parts and springs, and won't fix the problem permanently. The other issue which is a royal pain is changing out the air filter but you don't have to do that very often in reality. A couple of hours of labour if you're handy and can keep track of all the screws and their proper positions, will take care of it. Oil and filter changes are as easy as it gets. Plus don't forget to have a plate installed underneath to protect the exposed oil filter. I do all my own wrenching and there is very little to do overall on the Wing...

Your experience with problems with the bags not closing completely such that the dash shows them open is an almost universal problem. I deal with it by learning to close the bags firmly which takes care of the problem. Apparently it can be fixed but it's a fiddly job and not worth having done....

It's wise to keep your eyes open for bad welds even though only a certain range of bikes were affected (mine wasn't). TIG or MIG welding of aluminum is a very difficult process and even when automated, can create problems in manufacturing the aluminum frame ( I have my own completely equipped metal shop with all types of welding equipment). Plus some people have had problems with the alternator dying after 150, 000 miles have been covered, but I don't personally know anyone who has had that reported problem. Other than those points, it's probably the most reliable motorcycle I've ever owned in 60 years of driving bikes.... my 1966 Honda Dream 305 taught me to trust Honda !! Otherwise, it's as reliable as any automobile made and you can safely go coast to coast without a moments worry...

Love your blue colour (my second favourite colour after my Candy Apple Orange one....:)) You are now the lucky owner of TWO of the best bike ever made....

[DeSoccerRefMan]

i have a 2005 gl1800 with 30, 815 miles in super duper blue like the one in the video, i change the oil and filter about every 3, 000 miles. my bike has a 6 cd player in the trunk. i just love my 2005 bike

[estebanserrano]

Hello Nick, I'm 62 and will be taking the rider safety course in July of 2022. I've never ridden a motorcycle, only once as a passenger many decades ago. I really enjoyed this video and the comments from other viewers. Learning a lot. I'm not sure what motorcycle I will get after I complete the course, but I've read that a Goldwing is not a beginner bike to own. I just find them to be amazing machines and would love to own one someday. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and stay safe.

[shoomapadoo]

The definitive number one reason to buy honda goldwing: over 600, 000 units sold worldwide

[chrismaggio]

Bought my '06 two years ago to supplement my FJR 1300. Well, I fell so in love with the Wing that I sold my beloved Burgundy '07 FJR, (which I do believe is the most beautiful bike ever made). Also, I was for many years a Porsche fan and always wanted a 911 (or amore recently the Boxter) and when I took the Wing out for a test ride I realized I didn't actually want a Porsche, I wanted this Honda, and it fulfilled all my needs without the Porsche costs and issues! Sure I still get to pay $350 for a new rear tire just like on the 911, but I only need one. I even bought the bike for about the cost of a full 70k tuneup at a Porsche dealer! Love the Wing and highly recommend you buy one BEFORE you get "older" because it is a damned rocket with a comfy seat, and I should have bought my first one years ago.

[Dragorus]

2006 Goldwing also had larger upgraded radiators. A must for hot climates. And an improved water pump. Water pump bearings were a known issue on the 2001-2005 Goldwings.

[edgardomatos]

Your on point, I have the same bike . 03 . Love the color. It grew on me .. absolutely amazing ride. Smooth as silk ...great video.

[mollymcghee]

The windshield is stuck because there is a "lever", for lack of a better term, that falls out when you are adjusting the height. Not every time, but sooner, and with no warning.
The #1 button to stick is the 4-way flasher button. The button is actually a dual position switch that defaults to "ON" when pressed. To release, push in and UP then release.
The VIN is on the lest front of the frame, beneath the tree. If the frame weld has been inspected, Honda puts a divot in the VIN plate at the end of the number.

[p.j.phillips]

Thank you for the information, I'm just starting to look for a used Goldwing and any information I can get is very helpful.

[GodzillaGoesGaga]

I’m very tempted by the Goldwing. It’d be a step up from my ST1300.

[CCitis]

Your bit about meeting friends with private sales is so true. I become long friends with some of the guys I have bought from and sold to. Sometimes we spend hours talking bikes before we even get to the sale at hand lol

[michaelb.]

I LOVE your business idea of a tourist bike. Brilliant and on the best bike ever made, too. Oh, and your blue Gold Wing is absolutely gorgeous. I rode a GoldWing ONE TIME and I was surprised how EASY it was to ride. I felt it was easier to ride than my Interceptor.

[wingmanhoy]

I have exact same Gold Wing, illusion Blue and absolutely love it, best motorcycle made in my opinion great video of information, thank you, all the very best.

[jdear]

I have a 1979 Goldwing similar to yours. Mine was a full bagger, but I am taking it back to stock. Not running yet, but hopefully soon.

[notsoeasyryder]

Greetings! In February 2020, I bought a 2001 GL 1800 with 37, 000 Kilometers on it (about 22, 000 miles). Same color as the one in your video and looks identical. Paid $10, 000 for it (I'm Canadian, so that's about $8200 US dollars). I don't know if that price is high, but it came with some nice add-ons including full Traxxion suspension system, dual headsets for the CB, Garmin GPS already mounted, fog lights, trailer hitch, battery trickle charger/maintainer, Passenger arm rests and cup holder, 18-DVD shop manual, original owners manual etc, etc. I've since put on about 6000 miles of trouble free riding. Only issue I had was the cruise control switch sticking in the on position, but multiple applications of contact cleaner solved that problem. It rides like a dream and will probably outlive me. From what I've heard, 28, 000 miles on a goldwing is barely broken in.

I also have a 2012 Kawasaki ZX10R for when I just want to go for a tear. There's fast, and then there's stupid fast, and the Kawi falls in the latter bracket. It's a whole lot of fun in a frightening kind of way, but I think I'll be putting it up for sale in the next week or two. At 65, my reflexes are probably not as good as they once were, and the novelty of holding on for dear life when cracking the throttle is wearing off LOL. I've owned a lot of bikes over the past 40 years, but the wing does it all. It's a keeper and likely my last motorcycle.

Thanks for the informative video. Helped to confirm I made the right choice. Goldwing is king!

[robertkaraba]

I enjoyed your video. Very good information and I thought you made some real good points on why to buy used. Thank you.

[briand]

I really enjoy my '06 GL1800. Now, with all the luxuries and power, there are some things that can be improved. The front suspension...Traxxion Dynamics gets it right, but it's costly. It fixes the dive. The most significant improvement that I just added is a Henry's Final drive. THIS...is a MAJOR improvement!! The stock transmission is grossly undergeared. First gear is practically useless and it revs waaay too high on the highway. It needs a sixth gear, but the Henry's drive is the way to go for sure that drops rpm. The bike is not for long legged riders...you WILL be cramped at the knees. There is a back draft that hits you right in the neck that is an aerodynamic issue, not easily solved. My Electra Glide, with the big ole chunky batwing fairing is actually much better in this regard. I put on an OEM taller windshield, which does help, but really doesn't fix it. It's a windy bike, although it looks so very streamlined. Overall though, this is a fantastic machine, just needs some refinement, but then all motorcycles are like that. Oh and if you can find one with heated grips and seat...get it! They get seriously hot and make riding in moderate winter climate a very doable thing. Storage is excellent, brakes are strong and the engine is about bullet proof. With rumors of Honda discontinuing the Gold Wing...well...get'm while you can.