Known problems
Alternator and charging system
medium concernGL1500, 1988 to 2000
UK publication BikeSocial lists alternator failure as the first thing to look for on a used GL1500 and says it is more common on bikes built after 1996. It blames cheaper parts, which we could not confirm. A goldwingdocs owner thread on a 1994 SE shows the bike dying on the road with a dead charging system. Owners there name worn brushes as the usual suspect. We found no figures on how often this happens.
Ask or check: With the engine running, a healthy charging system should show roughly 14 volts at the battery. Ask whether the alternator has been replaced or rebuilt, and when.
Sources: BikeSocial: Honda GL1500 1988 to 2000 buyers guide , goldwingdocs forum: GL1500 charging failure (owner report)
Fourth gear in the early GL1500 gearbox
medium concernGL1500, before 1997
BikeSocial says fourth gear on pre-1997 GL1500s may not engage smoothly or at all, and that repair is slow and expensive. It says bikes from 1997 got the more robust Valkyrie transmission. This is one publication's report. We did not find a second source or any figures on how often it happens.
Ask or check: On a test ride, run through every gear under load, with extra attention to fourth. Be wary of any pre-1997 bike that pops out of gear or shifts hard.
Rust at the swingarm and exhaust collectors
low concernGL1500, 1988 to 2000
A second BikeSocial buying guide lists rust around the swingarm area as a common problem and says the exhaust collector boxes can be rusted. It gives no model years, and it is written for the UK, where road salt and wet weather may make this worse than in dry climates.
Ask or check: Look closely at the swingarm, the pivot area and the exhaust collector boxes under the bike. Check the brake pads and discs too, which are hidden behind shrouds and often ignored.
Sources: BikeSocial: buyers guide to the Honda GL1500 Goldwing
DCT behavior at low speed
low concern2018 to present, DCT models
RevZilla's first-ride review found the DCT a little slushy compared with a manual, said it sometimes hunted for gears in Sport mode, and said dragging the rear brake hurt low-speed maneuvering. MotorBiscuit relays Gold Wing owner forum posts about reaching for a clutch lever that is not there and clunky stops. This is a trait, not a documented defect. Owner forum reports are anecdotal, and the same article says most replies are positive.
Ask or check: Ride it in a parking lot. Try slow U-turns, stops and the creep-forward button. Decide whether you can live with it. Consider a six-speed manual bike instead.
Sources: RevZilla: 2018 Honda Gold Wing Tour first ride , MotorBiscuit: Honda Gold Wing problems (cites owner forum posts)
What to check on a Gold Wing
- Run the VIN with a Honda dealer or NHTSA and ask for proof that every open recall was completed. GL1800s have several, including brake and airbag work.
- On any GL1800, test the rear brake. After you release the pedal, the rear wheel should spin freely with no heat or drag.
- Ask for service records. BikeSocial says high-mileage GL1500s need valve checks and timing belt replacement, so confirm they were done.
- GL1500: look for coolant or oil leaks from the water pump, and test reverse and cruise control where fitted.
- GL1500: check that the fuel and temperature gauges read sensibly, and that the center display works. BikeSocial says replacements are hard to find.
- Check the wheel, swingarm and steering head bearings for play or notchiness with the bike on the centerstand.
- Test every electric accessory: heated seats and grips, audio, navigation, lights, windshield and cruise control. Wiring faults are hard to trace.
- Airbag models: confirm the airbag warning light behaves normally and ask about any airbag recall work.
- Check the final drive for oil seepage and play at the rear wheel, and ask when its oil was last changed.
- Look at the plastics and fairings for cracks and repaint. They are expensive to replace and heavy bikes get dropped.
- Do a parking lot test. These bikes are heavy, so make sure you can hold it up at a stop and turn it around.
Do these on top of the standard walkaround. The free kit has the full list. Want a pro to look it over? Find a local shop.
Safety recalls
Recalls are fixed free by a dealer, but only if someone took the bike in. Ask the seller for proof, or have a dealer check the VIN. You can also check a VIN yourself at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2020 to 2022 software #22V449000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles equipped with manual transmissions. An ignition timing software error for the engine control unit (ECU) may reduce engine performance, which can result in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2022. Owners may contact American Honda Motor Co customer service at 1-866-784-1870.
2018 to 2024 fuel pump #24V113000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2024 GL1800 (Goldwing), CBR600RR, and 2018-2019 CBR1000RR motorcycles. The fuel pump impellers may have been improperly molded, which can cause them to deform and result in fuel pump failure.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump module as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's numbers for this recall are KP8, KP9, KQ0, and KQ1.
2018 to 2021 hard parts internal/mechanical #24V820000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021 GL1800 Goldwing motorcycles. The primary drive gear bolt on the crankshaft may break, which can result in an engine stall and lock up the rear wheel.
Risk: An engine stall and rear wheel lockup can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the primary drive gear bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KQ9.
2009 to 2016 inflator module #18V045000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2010 and 2012-2016 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles. These motorcycles have air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag module that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KJ1.
2006 owners/service/other manual #06V270000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
Risk: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
Fix: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.
2006 to 2012 inflator module #17V031000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2006-2009 and 2012 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A," Honda is recalling certain 2006-2009 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in Zone A or Zone B above, Honda is recalling certain 2006-2008 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the operator resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KE5.
2006 to 2010 air bags #16V347000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Honda (American Honda Motor, Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Honda GL1800 (Gold Wing) motorcycles manufactured February 8, 2006, to May 14, 2009 originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Honda GL 1800 (Gold Wing) motorcycles manufactured May 10, 2007, to May 14, 2009 originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Motorcycles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These motorcycles are equipped with an air bag inflator assembled as part of the air bag module, used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module containing the inflator, free of charge. Honda distributed an interim notification to owners on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KA8.
2002 to 2003 fuel pump #02V340000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE BANK ANGLE SENSORS DESIGNED TO SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP AND THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL POWER IN THE EVENT THE MOTORCYCLE FALLS OVER, WERE INSTALLED USING THE WRONG SIZE SCREWS ALLOWING THE SCREWS TO EVENTUALLY DETACH FROM THEIR MOUNTING POINT.
Risk: IF THE SENSOR DETACHES, THE ENGINE WILL STOP UNEXPECTEDLY. SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, ESPECIALLY WHILE TURNING, COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOUNTING SCREW SIZE AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL SCREWS OF THE CORRECT SIZE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-289-8226.
2002 to 2003 underbody shields #03V350000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
ON SOME MOTORCYCLES, CERTAIN FRAME WELDS DO NOT MEET MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH LOADS CREATED WHEN RIDING ON ROUGH ROAD SURFACES OR THROUGH POTHOLES CAN CAUSE THE AFFECTED WELDS TO CRACK.
Risk: THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REINFORCE THE WELDS ON ALL FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
2002 to 2004 service brakes, hydraulic #05V010000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH COMBINED-BRAKE SYSTEMS HAVE A PROPORTIONING CONTROL VALVE (PCV) THAT MECHANICALLY PROPORTIONS BRAKE FORCE WHEN THE REAR BRAKE IS APPLIED. A SEAL IN SOME PCVS IS IMPROPERLY SHAPED, AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR.
Risk: IF THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUES TO BE USED AFTER A LEAK OCCURS, THE REAR BRAKE WOULD EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE. A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FORCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE FORLEAKAGE. IF LEAKAGE IS CONFIRMED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PCV FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 31, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 866-784-1870.
2001 engine #01V133000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PULSE ROTOR. THE CRANKSHAFT PULSE ROTOR, A DEVICE USED FOR IGNITION TIMING, COULD FAIL AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL.
Risk: THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED PULSE ROTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
2001 engine #01V162000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ENGINE STOP SWITCH. THE ENGINE STOP SWITCH IS SENSITIVE TO ACCIDENTAL CONTACT OR STRONG JOLTING, SUCH AS HITTING A POTHOLE OR RIDING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS,WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CUT OUT MOMENTARILY OR EVEN SHUT OFF.
Risk: SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CONTACT PLATE, E-CLIP, AND 2 CONTACT PLATE SPRINGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-310-532-9811.
2001 to 2012 master cylinder #11V567000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2010, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 GL1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE COMBINED BRAKING SYSTEM'S SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO DRAG.
Risk: UNEXPECTED BRAKING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE REAR BRAKE DRAGGING MAY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO CATCH FIRE.
Fix: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.
2001 to 2015 master cylinder #15V700000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2010 and 2012-2015 GL1800, 2001-2005 GL1800A and 2013-2015 GL1800B motorcycles. The rear brakes of the affected motorcycles may drag after the brakes are released.
Risk: A rear brake that drags may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, extended riding with the rear brake dragging could generate enough heat to result in a fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary brake master cylinder and the rear brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JV6. Note: This recall supercedes recall 14V-472.
2001 to 2012 equipment #11E054000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
KURYAKYN IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MOUNTS, PART NUMBER 607005, SOLD AND INSTALLED FOR USE ON 2001-2012 HONDA GL 1800 (GOLDWING) MOTORCYCLES. THIS MOUNT WAS SOLD ON KURYAKYN 'TRANSFORMER' PASSENGER FLOORBOARD SETS, PART NUMBER 7005 FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, TO PRESENT. THE FLOORBOARD MOUNT MAY CRACK AND BREAK FREE FROM THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT SECURE THE MOUNT TO THE MOTORCYCLE.
Risk: THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR A CRASH.
Fix: KURYAKYN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE REPLACEMENT MOUNT KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KURYAKYN AT 1-866-296-4728.
2001 to 2004 frame and members #05V027000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1800. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
ON SOME MOTORCYCLES, CERTAIN FRAME WELDS DO NOT MEET MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH LOADS CREATED WHEN RIDING ON ROUGH ROAD SURFACES OR THROUGH POTHOLES CAN CAUSE THE AFFECTED WELDS TO CRACK.
Risk: THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REINFORCE THE WELDS ON 2001-2002 MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. ON 2003-2004 MOTORCYCLES, THE UNITS WILL BE REPAIRED, NO INSPECTION WILL BE NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
1997 turn signal #96V213000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1500. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
THE METAL STAY OR RUBBER SUPPORT FOR THE REAR TURN SIGNAL CAN FALL CAUSING THE REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT TO BE OUT-OF-POSITION.
Risk: VEHICLES FOLLOWING MAY NOT NOTICE THE TURN SIGNAL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE METAL STAY AND RUBBER SUPPORTS OF THE REAR TURN SIGNAL.
1988 to 1990 hoses, lines/piping, and fittings #95V128000
NHTSA lists this for: GL1500. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
THE SENSOR'S PLASTIC CASE MATERIAL CAN LEAK ALLOWING THE SENSOR TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY DURING ABRUPT TURNS OR WHEN RIDING OVER BUMPY SURFACES.
Risk: SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, ESPECIALLY WHILE TURNING, CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BANK ANGLE SENSOR.
NHTSA data fetched 2026-11-06.
Is it a good first bike?
Heavy and hard to manage at walking speed. Total Motorcycle calls even the first GL1800 too heavy and unwieldy for beginners, and RevZilla lists the 2018 Tour at 833 lb.
Generations
GL1500
1988 to 2000
1,520cc flat-six, carbureted, with reverse gear and air-assisted rear suspension. Many trims (Aspencade, Interstate, SE) that differ mostly in equipment and paint.
First GL1800
2001 to 2005
All-new 1,832cc fuel-injected flat-six in an aluminum frame, with optional ABS. Lighter than the GL1500.
GL1800 with options
2006 to 2011
Navigation and heated seats and grips became available in 2006, along with the first motorcycle airbag option.
Updated GL1800
2012 to 2017
Updated styling, more luggage space, better comfort and handling, and new infotainment.
Redesigned Gold Wing
2018 to present
All-new design with a new front suspension, a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed dual clutch automatic (DCT). Tour models have a trunk. Standard models do not.