Honda GL1800 Goldwing. Owners Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on choosing a GL1800 GOLDWING motorcycle.

When you own a Honda, you’re part of a worldwide family of satisfied

customersʵ

people who appreciate Honda’s reputation for building quality into

every product.

Your GOLDWING has earned its reputation as the ultimate luxury touring

motorcycle. It comes loaded with power, unequaled cargo space, a sophisticated

audio system, adjustable windscreen, suspension, and ventilation, and other

unique features to provide maximum convenience and comfort. Additionally,

there are special packages available: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Tire

Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Premium Audio, Navigation System,

Airbag, and Comfort.

Before riding, take time to get acquainted with your motorcycle and how it

works. To protect your investment, we urge you to take responsibility for

keeping your motorcycle well maintained. Scheduled service is a must, of

course. But it’s just as important to observe the break-in guidelines, and perform

all pre-ride and other periodic checks detailed in this manual.

We also recommend that you read this owner’s manual before you ride. It’s full

of facts, instructions, safety information, and helpful tips. To make it easy to use,

the manual contains a detailed list of topics at the beginning of each section, and

both an in-depth table of contents and an index at the back of the book.

As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by a

symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your

Honda, other property, or the environment.

Introduction

Read the Warranties Booklet (page

261

) thoroughly so you understand the

coverages that protect your new Honda and are aware of your rights and

responsibilities.

If you have any questions, or if you ever need special service or repairs,

remember that your Honda dealer knows your motorcycle best and is dedicated

to your complete satisfaction.

Please report any change of address or ownership to your Honda dealer so we

will be able to contact you concerning important product information.

You may also want to visit our website at www.honda.com.

Happy riding!

California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Introduction

A Few Words About Safety

Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this

motorcycle safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating

procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information

alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all hazards associated

with operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You must use your own good

judgment.

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:

Safety Labels

-- on the motorcycle.

Safety Messages

-- preceded by a safety alert symbol

and one of three

signal words:

DANGER, WARNING, orCAUTION

These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT

if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT

if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow

instructions.

Safety Headings

-- such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety

Precautions.

Safety Section

-- such as Motorcycle Safety.

Instructions -- how to use this motorcycle correctly and safely.

This entire manual is filled with important safety information -- please read it

carefully.

Safety Messages

Contents

These pages give an overview of the contents of your owner’s manual. The first

page of each section lists the topics covered in that section.

Motorcycle Safety

Important safety information you should know, plus a look at the safety-

related labels on your motorcycle.

Instruments & Controls

The location and function of gauges, indicators, controls, and the Multi

Information Display on your motorcycle and operating instructions for

various controls and features.

Before Riding

The importance of wearing a helmet and other protective gear, how to make

sure you and your motorcycle are ready to ride, and important information

about loading.

Basic Operation & Riding

How to start and stop the engine, shift gears, and brake. Also, riding

precautions and important information about riding with a passenger or cargo.

Audio Systems

The location, function, and operation of the audio components on your

motorcycle.

Servicing Your Honda

137

Why your motorcycle needs regular maintenance, what you need to know

before servicing your Honda, an owner maintenance schedule, and

instructions for specific maintenance and adjustment items.

Contents

Tips

207

How to store and transport your motorcycle and how to be an environmentally

responsible rider.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

213

What to do if you have a flat tire, your engine won’t start, etc.

Technical Information

239

ID numbers, technical specifications, and other technical facts.

Consumer Information

257

Information on warranties, emission controls, how to get Honda service

manuals, and...

‘‘Reporting Safety Defects’’

266

Table of Contents

268

Sequential listing of topics in this owner’s manual.

Index

276

Quick Reference

Handy facts about fuel, engine oil, tire sizes, and air pressures.

Contents

Motorcycle Safety

This section presents some of the most important information and

recommendations to help you ride your motorcycle safely. Please take a few

moments to read these pages. This section also includes information about the

location of safety labels on your motorcycle.

Important Safety Information

Accessories & Modifications

Safety Labels

Motorcycle Safety

Important Safety Information

Your motorcycle can provide many years of service and pleasureʵif you take

responsibility for your own safety and understand the challenges you can meet

while riding.

There is much that you can do to protect yourself when you ride. You’ll find

many helpful recommendations throughout this manual. The following are a

few that we consider to be most important.

Always Wear a Helmet

It’s a proven fact: helmets significantly reduce the number and severity of head

injuries. So always wear an approved motorcycle helmet and make sure your

passenger does the same. We also recommend that you wear eye protection,

sturdy boots, gloves, and other protective gear (page

Take Time to Learn & Practice

Even if you have ridden other motorcycles, take time to become familiar with

how this motorcycle works and handles. Practice in a safe area until you build

your skills and get accustomed to the motorcycle’s size and weight.

Because many accidents involve inexperienced or untrained riders, we urge all

riders to take a certified course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

(MSF). See page

Ride Defensively

The most frequent motorcycle collision happens when a car turns left in front of

a motorcycle. Another common situation is a car moving suddenly into your

lane.

Always pay attention to other vehicles around you, and do not assume that other

drivers see you. Be prepared to stop quickly or make an evasive maneuver. For

other riding tips, see the booklet,

You and Your Motorcycle Riding Tips,

which

came with your new motorcycle (USA only).

Motorcycle Safety

Important Safety Information

Make Yourself Easy to See

Some drivers do not see motorcycles because they are not looking for them. To

make yourself more visible, wear bright reflective clothing, position yourself so

other drivers can see you, signal before turning or changing lanes, and use your

horn when it will help others notice you.

Ride within Your Limits

Pushing limits is another major cause of motorcycle accidents. Never ride

beyond your personal abilities or faster than conditions warrant. Remember that

alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and inattention can significantly reduce your ability to

make good judgments and ride safely.

Don’t Drink and Ride

Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond

to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional

drink. So don’t drink and ride, and don’t let your friends drink and ride either.

Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition

It’s important to keep your motorcycle properly maintained and in safe riding

condition. To help avoid problems, inspect your motorcycle before every ride

and perform all recommended maintenance. Never exceed load limits (page

and do not modify your motorcycle (page

) or install accessories that would

make your motorcycle unsafe (page

Motorcycle Safety

Accessories & Modifications

Modifying your motorcycle or using non-Honda accessories can make your

motorcycle unsafe. Before you consider making any modifications or adding an

accessory, be sure to read the following information.

Improper accessories or

modifications can cause a crash

in which you can be seriously

hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this

owner’s manual regarding

accessories and modifications.

Accessories

We strongly recommend that you use only Honda Genuine Accessories that

have been specifically designed and tested for your motorcycle. Because Honda

cannot test all other accessories, you must be personally responsible for proper

selection, installation, and use of non-Honda accessories.

Check with your Honda dealer for assistance and always follow these

guidelines:

Make sure the accessory does not obscure any lights, reduce ground clearance

and lean angle, limit suspension travel or steering travel, alter your riding

position, or interfere with operating any controls.

Do not add any electrical equipment that will exceed the motorcycle’s

electrical system capacity (page

245). A blown fuse can cause a loss of lights

or engine power (page

232).

Do not pull a trailer or sidecar with your motorcycle. This motorcycle was not

designed for these attachments, and their use can seriously impair your

motorcycle’s handling.

Carefully consider the weight of any accessories and any cargo stored in

those accessories to avoid exceeding the maximum weight limits.

For more information, see

Load Limits,

page

Modifying the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or any other part of

your motorcycle’s safety systems could make the systems ineffective

(page

Motorcycle Safety

Accessories & Modifications

Modifications

We strongly advise you not to remove any original equipment or modify your

motorcycle in any way that would change its design or operation. Such changes

could seriously impair your motorcycle’s handling, stability, and braking,

making it unsafe to ride.

Removing or modifying your lights, exhaust system, emission control system, or

other equipment can also make your motorcycle illegal.

Motorcycle Safety

Safety Labels

Safety labels on your motorcycle either warn you of potential hazards that could

cause serious injury or they provide important safety information. Read these

labels carefully and don’t remove them.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda dealer for a

replacement.

(Models not equipped with Airbag)

Motorcycle Safety

Instruments & Controls

This section shows the location of all gauges, indicators, and controls you would

normally use before or while riding your motorcycle.

The items listed on this page are described in this section. Instructions for other

components are presented in other sections of this manual where they will be

most useful.

Operation Component Locations

Gauges & Indicators

Multi Information Display

Opening/Ending Ceremony

On/Off-Opening/Ending Ceremony

Special Message for Opening/Ending Ceremony

Odometer/Tripmeter

Switch the Day Mode Display and Night Mode Display

Display Illumination Adjustment

Digital Clock

Air Temperature Meter

Travel Trunk & Saddlebags Open Indicator

Display Type Selection

Changing the Information Display

Controls & Features

Ignition Switch

Engine Stop Switch

Start/Reverse Button

Reverse (RVS) Switch

Cruise Control Switches

Headlight Dimmer Switch

Turn Signal Switch

Horn Button

Audio Control Switches

Hazard Switch

Headlight Beam Adjustment Knob

Rear Suspension Spring Pre-load Adjustment Switch

Ventilation Controls

Windscreen Height Adjustment

Instruments & Controls

Operation Component Locations

(Models not equipped with Navigation System)

audio system controls

windscreen height lever

left handlebar controls

windscreen ventilation louver

(Models equipped with

Comfort Package)

handgrip heater

switch

clutch lever

front seat heater

switch

windscreen

height lever

left fairing

front brake

pocket

lever

throttle grip

right handlebar controls

left fairing

right fairing pocket

panel controls

right side ventilation louver

fairing pocket lock

audio system controls

ignition switch

left side ventilation louver

Instruments & Controls

Operation Component Locations

(Models equipped with Navigation System)

audio system controls

windscreen ventilation louver

windscreen height lever

ignition switch

front seat heater switch

handgrip heater switch

left handlebar

right handlebar controls

controls

windscreen height lever

front brake lever

clutch lever

left fairing

throttle grip

pocket

right fairing pocket

left fairing panel

controls

right fairing panel

controls

right side ventilation

louver

audio system controls

fairing pocket lock

left side ventilation louver

multi information display controls

Instruments & Controls

Operation Component Locations

foot warmer ventilation louver lever

rear headset terminal

(Models equipped with Comfort Package)

front headset terminal

trunk side pocket

trunk

shift lever

saddlebag

foot warmer ventilation louver

helmet holder

(Models equipped with Comfort Package)

rear seat heater switch

(Models equipped with Comfort Package)

Instruments & Controls

Gauges & Indicators

The gauges and indicators on your motorcycle keep you informed, alert you to

possible problems, and make your riding safer and more enjoyable. Refer to the

gauges and indicators frequently. Their functions are described on the following

pages.

USA: Speedometer, odometer & tripmeter read in miles.

Canada: Speedometer, odometer & tripmeter read in kilometers.

tachometer red zone

right turn signal indicator

left turn signal indicator

PGM-FI malfunction

indicator lamp (MIL)

speedometer

tachometer

tire pressure

coolant

monitoring system

temperature

(TPMS) indicator

gauge

low tire pressure indicator

anti-lock brake system

side stand indicator

(ABS) indicator

(Models equipped

reverse system indicator

with ABS)

neutral indicator

low oil pressure indicator

overdrive indicator

low fuel indicator

CRUISE ON indicator

fuel gauge

CRUISE SET indicator

high beam indicator

Instruments & Controls

Gauges & Indicators

Lamp Check

Most of the indicator lights come on when you turn the ignition switch ON so

you can check that they are working. Some indicators turn off after a few

seconds; others remain on until or after the engine is started. The ABS indicator

goes off after you ride the motorcycle at a speed above 6 mph (10 km/h).

All indicators are identified on the following pages with the words: Lamp Check.

When applicable, the high beam and neutral indicators come on when you turn

the ignition switch ON and remain on until you select the low beam or shift out

of neutral.

If one of these indicators does not come on when it should, have your Honda

dealer check for problems.

speedometer

Shows riding speed in miles (USA) or kilometers (Canada) per hour.

tachometer

Shows engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).

tachometer red zone

Shows excessive engine rpm range (indicated from the beginning of the

tachometer red zone) in which operation may damage the engine. Do not let the

tachometer needle enter the red zone.

Instruments & Controls

Gauges & Indicators

turn signal indicator (green)

Flashes when either turn signal operates.

reverse system indicator

Lights when the reverse system is engaged.

neutral indicator (green)

Lights when the transmission is in neutral.

overdrive indicator

Lights when the transmission is in overdrive (5th gear).

low oil pressure indicator (red)

Lights when engine oil pressure is low enough to cause engine damage. If the

low oil pressure indicator lights during operation, pull safely to the side of the

road. See page

231

for instructions and cautions.

Lamp Check

Instruments & Controls

Gauges & Indicators

PGM-FI malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) (amber)

Lights when there is any abnormality in the PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel

Injection) system. Should also light for a few seconds and then go off when the

ignition switch is turned ON and the engine stop switch is at RUN. If the

indicator comes on at any other time, reduce speed and take your motorcycle to

a Honda dealer as soon as possible. Lamp Check.

tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator

(amber)

Lights when there is any abnormality in the tire pressure monitoring system

(TPMS). Should also light for a few seconds and then go off when the ignition

switch is turned ON. See page

for instructions and cautions.

Lamp Check

If the indicator turns on and stays on at any other time, there is a problem with

the TPMS, and the indicator will remain on until the problem is solved.

Or if the TPMS indicator does not turn on when you turn the ignition switch to

ON, it is possible there is a problem and it will not turn on until the problem is

solved.

With this indicator on, the low tire pressure indicator will not come on when a

tire loses pressure, take the motorcycle to your Honda dealer to have the system

checked.

low tire pressure indicator (amber)

Flashes or lights when one or more of your motorcycle tires are significantly

low on pressure. Should also light for a few seconds and then go off when the

ignition switch is turned ON. If the indicator comes on while riding, stop the

motorcycle in a safe place and check the front and rear tires for inflation.

See page

for instructions and cautions.

Lamp Check

Instruments & Controls

Gauges & Indicators

(Models equipped with ABS)

Anti-Lock Brake System indicator (ABS) (amber)

Lights when there is any abnormality in the anti-lock brake system (ABS).

Normally, this indicator comes on when the ignition switch is turned ON, and

goes off after you ride the motorcycle at a speed above 6 mph (10 km/h). If the

indicator comes on while riding, stop the motorcycle in a safe place and turn off

the engine. Refer to

ABS Indicator, page

. For information about ABS, see

page

82. Lamp Check.

CRUISE ON indicator

Lights when the CRUISE CONTROL master switch is on.

CRUISE SET indicator

Lights when the cruise control SET/DECEL switch is on.

high beam indicator (blue)

Lights when the headlight is on high beam.

side stand indicator (amber)

Lights when the side stand is put downʵto indicate that the side stand ignition

cut-off system (page

) is activated.

Instruments & Controls

Gauges & Indicators

low fuel indicator

Lights as a reminder to refuel soon. The indicator comes on when there is about

1.16 US gal (4.4 liters) left in the fuel tank. Lamp Check.

fuel gauge

Shows the approximate fuel supply available, if your motorcycle is on a level

surface.

At F (Full) there are 6.6 US gal (25 liters), including reserve supply. When the

gauge needle enters the red band, fuel will be low and you should refill the tank

as soon as possible. The amount of fuel left in the tank when the needle enters

the red band is approximately 0.79 US gal (3.0 liters).

coolant temperature gauge

Shows engine coolant temperature. When the needle moves above the C (cold)

mark, the engine is warm enough to start riding. If the needle approaches the H

(hot) mark, pull safely to the side of the road. See page

229

for instructions

and cautions.

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

Your motorcycle is equipped with a Multi Information Display that presents

various displays. This section explains display functions and operations.

(Models not equipped with Navigation System)

SETUP button

INFO button

DIM button

TRIP button

(Models equipped with Navigation System)

DISP button

INFO button

DIM button

TRIP button

The Opening/Ending Ceremony and Clock can be set with the Setup/Info

Menu of the Navigation System. Refer to the Navigation System Manual for

further information.

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

On/Off-Opening/Ending Ceremony

(Models not equipped with Navigation System)

The opening/ending ceremony can be turned off.

1. Push the SETUP button to show the CLOCK ADJUST display (page

2. Push the DIM button to show the OPENING/ENDING CEREMONY display.

3. Push the TRIP or INFO button to switch ON/OFF.

4. Push the SETUP button to fix the setting.

When approximately 5 seconds pass without operating a button on the

OPENING/ENDING CEREMONY display, the display automatically returns to

the previous display.

ceremony display ON

ceremony display OFF

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

Special Message for Opening/Ending Ceremony

(Models not equipped with Navigation System)

1. Select ‘‘ON’’ on the OPENING/ENDING CEREMONY display (page24).

2. Push and hold the TRIP button. Push and hold the INFO button. Then push

the SETUP button.

SETUP button INFO button TRIP button

3. The display should now show ‘‘STANDARD’’ in the middle line.

4. Use the TRIP button to select the ‘‘SPL’’ function.

The display should now show ‘‘SPECIAL!’’ in the middle line.

TRIP button

5. Push the SETUP button to select the ‘‘SET’’ function.

The display should now show ‘‘CHANGE OK?’’ in the middle line.

Push the SETUP button to select the ‘‘YES’’ function.

SETUP button

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

7. Use the INFO and TRIP buttons to cycle through the alphabet, number and

symbol selection.

Capital Letters

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Numbers

0123456789

Symbols

ʂʡˌ$%&ʟ

ˎʴ,ʵ./ʼ=ʻʁ

()

INFO button

TRIP button

8. When you have completed your message, push the SETUP button to select

the ‘‘SET’’ function which will lock in your special message to be used for

the opening and ending ceremony.

When approximately 5 seconds pass without operating a button, the display

automatically returns to the previous display.

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

Odometer/Tripmeter

ODO (Odometer)

shows the total miles (USA) or kilometers (Canada)

ridden.

TRIP (Tripmeter)

shows the number of miles (USA) or kilometers

(Canada) ridden since you last reset the meter.

(Models not equipped with

(Models equipped with

Navigation System)

For USA

odometer

tripmeter

For Canada

odometer

TRIP button

tripmeter

odometer

tripmeter

TRIP button

The tripmeter will show mileage in two sub modes, ‘‘TRIP A’’ and ‘‘TRIP B.’’

Push the TRIP button to select the ‘‘TRIP A’’ or ‘‘TRIP B’’ mode.

To reset the tripmeter, push and hold the TRIP button with the display in the

‘‘TRIP A’’ or ‘‘TRIP B’’ mode.

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

Switch the Day Mode Display and Night Mode Display

(Models equipped with Navigation System)

The display automatically switches to the Day mode or Night mode in

accordance with the time. To switch the display manually, push and hold the

DIM button.

Refer to the Navigation System Manual for further information.

For USA

For Canada

DIM button

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

Display Illumination Adjustment

(Models not equipped with Navigation System)

To adjust the brightness of the display:

Push the DIM button once. ‘‘DIMMER’’ will display.

To brighten the display

push the TRIP button (ʴ).

To darken the display

push the INFO button (ʵ).

(The brighter and darker ranges each have six steps.)

To set the selected step

push the SETUP button.

INFO button

DIM button

SETUP button TRIP button

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

(Models equipped with Navigation System)

To adjust the brightness of the display:

Push the DIM button once. The display shows ‘‘Dimmer/Day’’ at Day mode,

while it shows ‘‘Dimmer/Night’’ at Night mode.

To brighten the display

push the TRIP button (ʴ).

To darken the display

push the INFO button (ʵ).

(The brighter and darker ranges each have six steps.)

To set the selected step

push the DISP button.

To switch the display between ‘‘Dimmer/Day’’ and ‘‘Dimmer/Night’’, select

the display between Day mode and Night mode (page28) and push the DIM

button.

For USA

For Canada

For USA

For Canada

DISP button

TRIP button

INFO button

DIM button

When approximately 5 seconds pass without operating a button, the display

automatically returns to the previous display.

The display can become dark when the display is very hot. If it does not restore

the original brightness, consult your Honda dealer.

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

Digital Clock

(Models not equipped with Navigation System)

The display shows the hour and minute.

To adjust the time:

Turn the ignition switch to ON or ACC.

2. Push the SETUP button once. ‘‘CLOCK ADJUST’’ will display.

3. To set the hour, press and release the INFO button until the desired hour

appears.

Quick setting

push and hold the INFO button until the desired hour

appears.

4. To set the minute, press and release the TRIP button until the desired minute

appears.

Quick setting

push and hold the TRIP button until the desired minute

appears.

5. Once the time is selected, push the SETUP button to enter the time.

When approximately 5 seconds pass without operating a button on the CLOCK

ADJUST display, the display automatically returns to the previous display.

Be sure to push the SETUP button to enter your adjusted time in the system.

SETUP button

DIM button

INFO button

TRIP button

(Models equipped with Navigation System)

The navigation system receives signals from the Global Positioning System

(GPS) and automatically sets the time display based on the time zone you select.

You may also set the time manually using the ‘‘Other’’ option. Refer to the

Navigation System Manual.

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

Air Temperature Meter

Push the INFO button once to display the air temperature.

After 5 seconds, the previous display returns.

USA: Fahrenheit (°F)

Canada: Centigrade (°C)

Temperature Display

(Models not equipped with Navigation System)

Below 13°F (ʵ11°C)

‘‘- -’’ is displayed

Between:

actual air temperature is indicated.

14°F

ʵ122°F (ʵ10°Cʵ

50°C)

Above 122°F (50°C)

The display will remain and blink

‘‘122°F (50°C)’’

(Models equipped with Navigation System)

Below 13°F (ʵ11°C)

‘‘- -’’ is displayed

Between:

actual air temperature is indicated.

14°F

ʵ158°F (ʵ10°Cʵ

70°C)

Above 158°F (70°C)

The display will remain

‘‘158°F (70°C)’’

The temperature sensor is located in the upper fairing. Therefore, the

temperature reading can be affected by heat reflection from the road surface,

engine heat, and the exhaust from the surrounding traffic. This can cause an

error in the temperature reading when your speed is under 19 mph (30 km/h).

For USA

(Models not equipped with Navigation System)

INFO button

(Models equipped with Navigation System)

For Canada

INFO button

Instruments & Controls

Multi Information Display

Travel Trunk & Saddlebags Open Indicator

This indicator turns on when the ignition switch is ON and your motorcycle’s

travel trunk or saddlebags are open.

If all compartments are not fully closed, the display will blink OPEN and

indicate the open compartment(s).

(Models not equipped with

(Models equipped with

Navigation System)

For USA

open indicator

For Canada

open indicator

Travel Trunk open

Saddlebag open

Instruments & Controls

Honda GL1800 Goldwing. Owners Manual - page 1