new goldwings separating in half

[roadcrave]

Heard thru the grapevine that certain new 2003 or 2004 goldwings had frames that were cracking, Recently i found out that a goldwing on sept 2004 traveling in the state of Montana split in two , the other half was seen two hundered yards down the road from the rider and the front half , by a person traveling by that site that day. anyone know about this ...matthew

[JetDoc]

Hmmmm.... Isn't this the way urban legends get started? :dunno

[manicmechanic]

Yes, the GL1800's have had a problem with the frames cracking, at or near a weld near the catalytic converter. Also had problems with overheating.

[Gizmo]

Geez.... and it has been said in this forum that this kind of thing only happens to BMW, that Honda is superior.

[basketcase]

There is a recall in effect for some Honda GL1800's, otherwise referred to as the Gold Wing 1800.

You can read about it at the gl1800.org website.

Or, click here (http://www.ridersrally.com/sb/sb14.pdf) to go directly to the online service bulletin.

The Honda GL series are very different motorcycles from most of the BMW lineup. The closest BMW comes is the K12LT, and it can't touch the GL1500 or GL1800 for comfort and ease of use -- meaning, the maintenance routine is minuscule compared to that required by the beemer.

Over the past 25 years I've owned both brands (BMW & Honda), and presently own a GL1500. Both the 1500 series and 1800 series are rock solid dependable.

My other online haunts are Gold Wing boards, and I've not read of any GL1800 breaking in half. I do personally know several GL riders who were impacted by the recall. Honda has been forthcoming about it, and their dealers took care of it with no complaints.

Beyond that, all, that is all Gold Wing motorcycles are made in the U.S., and American Honda works closely with GWRRA, GWTA, and other rider groups who focus on their product.

Two questions:

1. By comparison, how responsive is BMW NA to owner concerns?

2. Are BMW service bulletins available to the consumer like this?

If you don't know the answer to that, ask Flash412 for an informed and effusive commentary. :thumb

Rick (I own and ride both marques) in AL

[jdiaz]

The K12LT can't touch the GL for comfort?

[basketcase]

:type :stick


:brow

[Hodag]

hey Rick any word on if honda will import a dual-sport to compete with the GS?
mark

[lkchris]

There is a recall in effect for some Honda GL1800's, otherwise referred to as the Gold Wing 1800.

Kind of funny that "trikes and bikes with sidecars attached are exempt from the recall."

[Cliffy777]

I would like to start a collection to buy a GL1800 w/cracked frame for Flash. Then he can deal with a company that will love and cherish him. I will personally put up all the $$$ I was paid under the table for writing a favorable reviews of my Rockster and the gloves. I challenge all the schwag-sucking-thread-stomping-message-deleting bastiges to pony up and match that.

[basketcase]

Kind of funny that "trikes and bikes with sidecars attached are exempt from the recall."

Not really.

If you were the manager at Honda, would you accept liability for bikes that had been modified extensively by aftermarket vendors?

[lkchris]

Not really.

If you were the manager at Honda, would you accept liability for bikes that had been modified extensively by aftermarket vendors?

Go ahead and let 'em break, right?

[kbasa]

Go ahead and let 'em break, right?


Well, there's a load the bike is designed for and there are loads beyond that limit. Motorcycles are designed to be strong and light, or at least as light as is practical to carry the intended load. Beyond that load rating, well, you're on your own. If I stuck a 2000 pound load in my halfton pickup truck and it broke the frame, I'd figure it was my fault.

Ya have to draw the line somewhere, I guess. :dunno

[Montana]

In August 2003 I watched as a GL1800 entrant in the Iron Butt Rally was crawling around under his bike out of concern that he may already have the crack. "You may already be a weiner."

But wait, there's more...

Besides, the BMW GS is breaking in a different location, so that makes it different.

But, they're all on crack.

[kbasa]

But, they're all on crack.

:heh