Honda GL1800 Goldwing. Owners Manual

Cover Removal

Side Cover Removal

Saf ety Precautions

Refer to

on page142

The left side cover must be removed for battery and fuse maintenance.

Failure to use extreme care removing or installing the side covers may damage

the side cover hooks.

Removal

1. Carefully pull the side cover out until the prongs are clear of the frame

grommets.

2. Remove the side cover.

Installation

1. Insert the top edge of the side cover under the seat.

2. Position the side cover so the prongs on the inside of the cover are lined up

above their securing grommets.

Push the cover in place.

LEFT SIDE

grommets

side cover

prongs

Servicing Your Honda

155

Cover Removal

Engine Side Cover Removal

Saf ety Precautions

Refer to

on page142

The left engine side cover must be removed for coolant maintenance.

The right engine side cover must be removed for engine oil and rear brake fluid

maintenance.

Failure to use extreme care removing or installing the side covers may damage

the side cover hooks.

Removal

1. Carefully pull the rear of the engine side cover out until the prongs are clear

of their securing grommets.

2. Carefully slide the engine side cover to the rear until the hook is clear of the

tab in the hole of the engine side cover.

Installation

Installation can be done in the reverse order of removal.

tab

LEFT SIDE

grommet

engine side cover

prong

156

Servicing Your Honda

Cover Removal

Cylinder Head Side Cover Removal

Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page142

Both cylinder head side covers must be removed for spark plug maintenance.

The left cylinder head side cover must be removed for crankcase breather

maintenance.

Removal

1. Remove the rubber plugs.

Remove the bolts.

Installation

Installation can be done in the reverse order of removal.

LEFT SIDE

cylinder head side cover

bolt

rubber plug

Servicing Your Honda

157

Fuel

Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page142

Fuel Recommendation

type

unleaded

pump octane number

(or higher)

We recommend that you use unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine

deposits and extends the life of exhaust system components.

The use of leaded gas will damage the catalytic converters.

Your engine is designed to use any gasoline that has a pump octane number of

86 or higher. Gasoline pumps at service stations normally display the pump

octane number. For information on the use of oxygenated fuels, see page

256

Use of lower octane gasoline can cause persistent ‘‘pinging’’ or ‘‘spark knock’’

(a loud rapping noise) which, if severe, can lead to engine damage. Light

pinging experienced while operating under a heavy load, such as climbing a hill,

is no cause for concern.

If pinging or spark knock occurs at a steady engine speed under normal load,

change brands of gasoline. If pinging or spark knock persists, consult your

Honda dealer.

160

Servicing Your Honda

Fuel

Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid

getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank.

Fuel Capacity

Fuel tank capacity, including reserve:

6.6 US gal (25

)

The tank should be refilled as soon as possible when the fuel gauge needle

enters the red band.

Refueling Procedure

Refer to

Saf ety Precautions

on page142

ignition key

fuel fill cap

fuel fill compartment

1. Insert the ignition key in the fuel fill compartment and turn it clockwise.

2. Open the fuel fill compartment.

3. Turn the fuel fill cap counterclockwise and remove it.

(cont’d)

Servicing Your Honda

161

Fuel

filler neck

4. Add fuel until the level reaches the bottom of the filler neck.

Avoid overfilling the tank. There should be no fuel in the filler neck.

Gasoline is highly flammable

and explosive. You can be

burned or seriously injured

when handling fuel.

Stop the engine and keep

heat, sparks and flame away.

Handle fuel only outdoors.

Wipe up spills immediately.

5. After refueling, be sure to tighten the fuel fill cap firmly by turning it

clockwise until it clicks.

6. Close the fuel fill compartment.

7. Remove the key from the fuel fill compartment.

162

Servicing Your Honda

Engine Oil & Filter

Engine oil quality is a major factor that affects both the performance and the

service life of the engine.

Using the proper oil (page

) and filter, and regularly checking, adding, and

164

changing oil will help extend your engine’s life. Even the best oil wears out.

Changing oil helps get rid of dirt and deposits in the engine. Operating the

engine with old or dirty oil can damage your engine. Running the engine with

insufficient oil can cause serious damage to the engine and transmission.

Change the engine oil as specified in the maintenance schedule on page146

When running in very dusty conditions, oil changes should be performed more

frequently than specified in the maintenance schedule.

Servicing Your Honda

163

Engine Oil & Filter

Oil Recommendation

API classification

SG or higher except oils labeled as energy

conserving on the circular API service label

viscosity (weight)

SAE 10W-30

JASO T 903 standard

suggested oil

Pro Honda GN4 4-stroke oil (USA &

Canada), or Honda 4-stroke oil (Canada

only), or an equivalent motorcycle oil.

Suggested oils are equal in performance to SJ oils that are not labeled as

energy conserving on the circular API service label.

Your motorcycle does not need oil additives. Use the recommended oil.

Do not use oils with graphite or molybdenum additives. They may

adversely affect clutch operation.

Do not use API SH or higher oils displaying a circular API ‘‘energy

conserving’’ service label on the container. They may affect lubrication

and clutch performance.

NOT RECOMMENDED

Do not use non-detergent, vegetable, or castor based racing oils.

164

Servicing Your Honda

Engine Oil & Filter

Other viscosities shown in the following chart may be used when the average

temperature in your riding area is within the indicated range.

JASO T 903 standard

The JASO T 903 standard is an index for engine oils for 4-stroke motorcycle

engines.

There are two classes: MA and MB.

Oil conforming to the standard is labeled on the oil container. For example, the

following label shows the MA classification.

code number of the sales

company of the oil

oil classification

Servicing Your Honda

165

Engine Oil & Filter

Checking & Adding Oil

Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page142

RIGHT SIDE

oil filler cap/dipstick

upper level mark

lower level mark

1. Park your motorcycle on its center stand on a firm, level surface.

2. Remove the right engine side cover (page156).

3. Start the engine and let it idle for 3ʵ5 minutes. Make sure the low oil

pressure indicator goes off. If the indicator remains on, stop the engine

immediately.

Stop the engine and wait 2ʵ3 minutes.

5. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.

6. Insert the oil filler cap/dipstick until it seats, but don’t screw it in.

7. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and check the oil level.

If the oil is at or near the upper level mark

you do not have to add oil.

If the oil is below or near the lower level mark

add the recommended oil

until it reaches the upper level mark. (Do not overfill.)

8. Reinstall the oil filler cap/dipstick.

9. Reinstall the right engine side cover.

10. Check for oil leaks.

166

Servicing Your Honda

Engine Oil & Filter

Changing Engine Oil & Filter

Saf ety Precautions

Refer to

on page142

Your motorcycle’s oil filter has very specific performance requirements. Use a

new Honda Genuine oil filter or a filter of equal quality specified for your

model.

Using the wrong oil f ilter may result in leaks or engine damage.

This procedure requires mechanical skill and professional tools such as a torque

wrench and oil filter wrench, as well as a means for disposing of the drained

fluid (page

201

). If you do not have the skills or the tools, see your Honda

dealer.

Drain the Engine Oil:

1. Park your motorcycle on its center stand on a firm, level surface.

2. If the engine is cold, start it and let it idle for 3ʵ5 minutes. Turn the engine

off. Wait 2ʵ3 minutes for the oil to settle.

Remove the front lower cover (page

158

4. Place a drain pan under the engine oil drain bolt.

5. To drain the oil, remove the oil filler cap/dipstick, engine oil drain bolt, and

sealing washer.

FRONT, UNDER ENGINE

sealing washer

engine oil drain bolt

(cont’d)

Servicing Your Honda

167

Engine Oil & Filter

Install a New Oil Filter:

6. Remove the oil filter with a filter wrench and let the remaining oil drain out.

Discard the oil filter in an approved manner (page

211

Pour the drained oil into a suitable container and dispose of it in an approved

manner (page

211

Improper disposal of drained f luids is harmf ul to the environment.

8. Apply a thin coat of engine oil to the rubber seal of a new oil filter.

LEFT FRONT, UNDER ENGINE

oil filter

rubber seal

oil filter

9. Install the new oil filter and tighten it by hand.

10. Using an oil filter wrench attachment and a torque wrench, tighten the new oil

filter to the specified torque:

19 lbf·ft (26 N·m , 2.7 kgf·m)

11. Check the condition of the sealing washer on the engine oil drain bolt.

Replace the washer every other time the oil is changed.

Install the engine oil drain bolt and tighten it to the specified torque:

25 lbf·ft (34 N·m , 3.5 kgf·m)

168

Servicing Your Honda

Engine Oil & Filter

Add Engine Oil:

12. Fill the crankcase with the recommended oil (page

164

), approximately:

3.9 US qt (3.7

)

13. Install the oil filler cap/dipstick securely.

14. Start the engine and let it idle for 3ʵ5 minutes.

15.

Stop the engine and wait 2ʵ3 minutes.

16.

Check that the oil level is at upper level mark on the dipstick (page

166

17. Check that there are no oil leaks.

If a torque wrench is not used for installation, see your Honda dealer as soon as

possible to verify proper assembly.

Servicing Your Honda

169

Coolant

Your motorcycle’s liquid cooling system dissipates engine heat through the

coolant jacket that surrounds the cylinder and cylinder head.

Maintaining the coolant will allow the cooling system to work properly and

prevent freezing, overheating, and corrosion.

Coolant Recommendation

Use Pro Honda HP coolant or an equivalent high quality ethylene glycol

antifreeze containing corrosion protection inhibitors specifically recommended

for use in aluminum engines. Check the antifreeze container label.

Use only distilled water as a part of the coolant solution. Water that is high in

mineral content or salt may be harmful to the aluminum engine.

Using coolant with silicate inhibitors may cause premature wear of water pump

seals or blockage of radiator passages. Using tap water may cause engine

damage.

The factory provides a 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water in this motorcycle.

This coolant solution is recommended for most operating temperatures and

provides good corrosion protection.

Decreasing the concentration of antifreeze to less than 40% will not provide

proper corrosion protection.

Increasing the concentration of antifreeze is not recommended because it

decreases cooling system performance. Higher concentrations of antifreeze (up

to 60%) should only be used to provide additional protection against freezing.

Check the cooling system frequently during freezing weather.

170

Servicing Your Honda

Coolant

Checking & Adding Coolant

Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page142

LEFT SIDE

reserve tank cap/dipstick

upper level

lower level

1. Remove the left engine side cover (page

156

2. With the engine at normal operating temperature, remove the reserve tank

cap/dipstick and check the coolant level.

If the reserve tank is empty, or if coolant loss is excessive, check for leaks

and see your Honda dealer for repair.

3. Add coolant to the reserve tank as required to bring the coolant level to the

upper level mark.

Always add coolant to the reserve tank. Do not attempt to add coolant by

removing the radiator cap.

Reinstall the left engine side cover.

Servicing Your Honda

171

Coolant

Coolant Replacement

Refer to

Saf ety Precautions

on page142

Coolant should be replaced by your Honda dealer, unless you have the proper

tools and service data and are mechanically qualified. Refer to the official

Honda Service Manual (page

258

Removing the radiator cap while

the engine is hot can cause the

coolant to spray out, seriously

scalding you.

Always let the engine and

radiator cool down before

removing the radiator cap.

To properly dispose of drained coolant, refer to You & the Environment,

page

211

Improper disposal of drained f luids is harmf ul to the environment.

172

Servicing Your Honda

Crankcase Breather

Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page142

Service the crankcase breather more frequently if your motorcycle is ridden in

the rain or often at full throttle. Service the breather if you can see deposits in

the transparent section of the drain tube.

Draining

LEFT SIDE

crankcase breather tube plug

1. Place a drain pan under the crankcase breather tube plug.

2. Remove the left cylinder head side cover (page

157

3. Remove the plug to drain the deposits in the tube.

4. Reinstall the crankcase breather tube plug.

5. Reinstall the left cylinder head side cover.

Servicing Your Honda

173

Final Drive Oil

Oil Recommendation

type

hypoid gear oil

viscosity (weight)

SAE 80

Checking & Adding Oil

Refer to

Saf ety Precautions

on page142

RIGHT REAR

oil filler cap

lower edge

1. Place the motorcycle on its center stand on a firm, level surface.

2. Remove the oil filler cap.

3. Check the oil level. It should be flush with the lower edge of the oil filler hole.

4. If the level is low, check for oil leaks. Add the recommended oil through the

oil filler hole until it reaches the lower edge of the opening.

5. Install the oil filler cap.

174

Servicing Your Honda

Final Drive Oil

Changing Oil

Refer to

Saf ety Precautions

on page142

RIGHT REAR

oil filler cap

lower edge

sealing washer

drain bolt

Change the oil with the final drive at normal operating temperature to assure

complete and rapid draining.

1. Place the motorcycle on its center stand on a firm, level surface.

2. Place a drain pan under the drain bolt.

3. Remove the oil filler cap, drain bolt and sealing washer.

4. After the oil has completely drained, check that the sealing washer is in good

condition. Reinstall the drain bolt with its sealing washer (or a new washer, if

necessary) and tighten it to the specified torque:

15 lbf·ft (20 N·m , 2.0 kgf·m)

5. Pour the drained oil into a suitable container and dispose of it in an approved

manner (page

211

Improper disposal of drained f luids is harmf ul to the environment.

Fill the final drive with the recommended oil:

4.1 US oz (120 cm )

Make sure the final drive oil level is at the lower edge of the oil filler

inspection hole.

7. Install the oil filler cap.

Servicing Your Honda

175

Clutch System

Your motorcycle has a hydraulically-actuated clutch. There are no adjustments

to perform, but the clutch system must be inspected periodically for fluid level

and leakage.

If the motorcycle creeps or stalls when shifted into gear, or if the clutch slips,

causing acceleration to lag behind engine speed, there is probably air in the

clutch system. See your Honda dealer to have the air bled out of the system.

Clutch Lever Adjustment

Refer to

Saf ety Precautions

on page142

The distance between the tip of the clutch lever and the grip may be adjusted.

LEFT HANDLEBAR

adjuster dial

clutch lever

index mark

1. Turn the adjuster dial while pushing the clutch lever forward.

2. Align the index mark on the clutch lever with the numbers on the adjuster dial.

3. Start the engine, pull the clutch lever in, and shift into gear. Make sure the

engine does not stall and the motorcycle does not creep. Gradually release the

clutch lever and open the throttle. Your motorcycle should move smoothly

and accelerate gradually.

176

Servicing Your Honda

Clutch System

Fluid Level Inspection

Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page142

LEFT HANDLEBAR

LOWER level mark

Check that the fluid level is above the LOWER level mark. If the fluid level is

below the LOWER level mark, it indicates fluid leakage. See your Honda dealer

for repair.

Other Inspections

Make sure there are no fluid leaks.

Check for deterioration or cracks in the hose and fittings.

Check that the clutch lever assembly is positioned properly and the securing

bolts are tight.

Servicing Your Honda

177

Spark Plugs

Spark Plug Recommendation

standard spark

BKR6E-11 (NGK)

or K20PR-U11 (DENSO)

plug

for cold climate

BKR5E-11 (NGK)

K16PR-U11 (DENSO)

(below 5°C, 41°F)

for extended high

BKR7E-11 (NGK)

K22PR-U11 (DENSO)

speed riding

Use only the recommended type of spark plugs in the recommended heat range.

Using spark plugs with an improper heat range can cause engine damage.

Spark Plug Inspection & Replacement

Refer to

Saf ety Precautions

on page142

1. Remove the left and right cylinder head side cover (page157).

2. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug bases.

3. Disconnect the spark plug caps. Take care to avoid damaging the spark plug

wire when disconnecting the caps.

Using a spark plug wrench provided in the tool kit, remove the spark plugs.

spark plug wrench

spark plug cap

178

Servicing Your Honda

Spark Plugs

5. Inspect the electrodes and center porcelain for deposits, corrosion, or carbon

fouling. If the corrosion or deposits are heavy, replace the plug. Clean a

carbon or wet-fouled plug with a plug cleaner, if available, or a wire brush.

Check the spark plug gap using a wire-type feeler gauge. If adjustment is

necessary, bend the side electrode carefully.

The gap should be:

0.039ʵ0.043 in (1.00ʵ

1.10 mm)

With the plug washers attached, install the spark plugs in by hand to prevent

cross-threading.

Tighten each spark plug:

If the old plug is good:

1/8 turn after it seats.

If installing a new plug, tighten it twice to prevent loosening:

a) First, tighten the plug:

NGK:

3/4

turn after it seats.

DENSO:

1/2

turn after it seats.

b)Then loosen the plug.

Next, tighten the plug again:

1/8 turn after it seats.

An improperly tightened spark plug can damage the engine. If a plug is too

loose, a piston may be damaged. If a plug is too tight, the threads may be

damaged.

Reinstall the spark plug caps. Take care to avoid pinching any cables or wires.

10.

Reinstall the left and right cylinder head side covers.

side electrode

spark plug gap

Servicing Your Honda

179

Suspension

Your front and rear suspension systems use springs and hydraulic damping

devices that suspend your weight and most of the weight of your motorcycle.

The spring pre-load for your rear suspension system adjusts the amount of force

required to begin compression of the spring.

The oil damper systems hydraulically control the natural compression and

rebound of the suspension springs so that traction and comfort are maintained as

the wheels ride over road surfaces.

Consider adjusting your rear suspension pre-load whenever you change your

normal load, when adding or subtracting a passenger, cargo, or accessories, or

when the road or riding conditions change.

The way you ride your motorcycle and the type of ride you want to experience

can also influence your suspension needs.

Lower spring pre-load provides a softer ride and is usually preferred for light

loads and smooth roads. Higher spring pre-load provides a firmer ride and is

recommended for heavy loads, rough road conditions, and faster, more

challenging riding.

Rear Suspension Adjustment

The rear suspension can be adjusted for rider (and passenger) weight and riding

conditions by changing the spring pre-load.

Do not attempt to disassemble, service, or dispose of the damper; see your

Honda dealer. The instructions found in this owner’s manual are limited to

adjustments of the shock assembly only.

Rear Suspension Spring Pre-load Adjustment

Rear suspension spring pre-load can be easily increased or decreased using the

rear suspension spring pre-load adjustment switch on the left fairing panel. Then

you can confirm the pre-load position with the multi information display.

This rear suspension spring pre-load adjustment system functions only when the

ignition switch is ON or ACC, your motorcycle is stopped, and the transmission

is in neutral. (When the reverse indicator is ON, the system will not function.)

180

Servicing Your Honda

Suspension

The rear suspension spring pre-load adjustment system has 26 positions (from

0 to 25) for different road or riding conditions. (Standard position is 0.)

Adjustment

1. Place the motorcycle on its center stand on a firm, level surface. To prevent

discharging the battery, make sure the audio system and other electrical

accessories are off.

Turn the ignition switch to ON or ACC.

Push the DOWN or UP side of rear suspension spring pre-load adjustment

switch until the desired pre-load is reached.

MEMO button

rear suspension spring pre-load

adjustment switch

To increase (HIGH)

(Models not equipped with

(Models equipped with

Navigation System)

For USA

For Canada

To decrease (LOW)

(Models not equipped with

(Models equipped with

Navigation System)

For USA

For Canada

Servicing Your Honda

181

Suspension

Storing Pre-load Into the Memory

You may store two selected adjustments in ‘‘MEMO 1’’ or ‘‘MEMO 2’’.

1. Adjust the pre-load to the desired position.

2. Push and hold the MEMO 1 or MEMO 2 button until ‘‘STORE MEMO 1’’ or

‘‘STORE MEMO 2’’ blinks in the multi information display. When the

blinking stops, the current position is stored in memory.

Storing

Stored

(Models not equipped with Navigation System)

(Models equipped with Navigation System)

Selecting the Memorized Position

Push the MEMO (1 or 2) button to select the memorized position. ‘‘CALL

MEMO 1’’ or ‘‘CALL MEMO 2’’ will blink. When the position is selected,

‘‘MEMO 1’’ or ‘‘MEMO 2’’ will turn on.

Calling

Called

(Models not equipped with Navigation System)

(Models equipped with Navigation System)

Pushing the rear suspension spring pre-load adjustment switch or the MEMO

(1 or 2) button while selecting a memorized position will cancel the calling

procedure.

182

Servicing Your Honda

Suspension

Each MEMO button stores only one pre-load position. Storing a new position

erases the previous setting stored in that button’s memory. If you want to add a

new position while retaining the current one, use the other memory button.

All stored pre-load positions will be lost if your motorcycle’s battery goes low

(or dead) or is disconnected.

If ‘‘SUS ADJ ERROR’’ blinks on the display, contact your Honda dealer.

(Models not equipped with

(Models equipped with

Navigation System)

For USA

For Canada

Servicing Your Honda

183

Brakes

The hydraulic braking systems on your motorcycle dissipate the heat generated

by the friction of the brake pads on the brake discs as the wheels are slowed.

As the brake pads wear, the brake fluid level will drop. A leak in the system will

also cause the level to drop.

Frequently inspect the system to ensure there are no fluid leaks. Periodically

inspect the brake fluid level and the brake pads for wear.

If the brake lever or brake pedal freeplay does not feel within the normal range

187

while riding, check the brake pads for wear (page

). Worn pads should be

replaced. If the pads are not worn beyond the recommended limit, there is

probably air in the brake system. See your Honda dealer to have the air bled

from the system.

Front Brake Lever Adjustment

Refer to

Saf ety Precautions

on page142

The distance between the tip of the brake lever and the grip may be adjusted.

RIGHT HANDLEBAR

adjuster dial

brake lever

index mark

1. Turn the adjuster dial while pushing the brake lever forward.

2. Align the index mark on the brake lever with the numbers on the adjuster dial.

3. Apply the brake, release it, then spin the wheel and check that it rotates freely.

Repeat this procedure several times.

184

Servicing Your Honda

Brakes

Brake Fluid Recommendation

brake fluid

Honda DOT 4 Brake Fluid

The recommended brake fluid is Honda DOT 4 Brake Fluid, or any brake fluid

of equal quality and performance. Use fresh brake fluid from a sealed container.

Be sure to read the label before opening the sealed container. An opened

container may be contaminated or may have absorbed moisture from the air.

Fluid Level Inspection

Refer to

Saf ety Precautions

on page142

If your inspection indicates a low fluid level, have your Honda dealer add the

recommended brake fluid.

Do not add or replace brake fluid, except in an emergency. If you do add fluid,

have your Honda dealer check the system as soon as possible.

Brake f luid can damage plastic and painted surf aces. Handle with care.

Wipe up spills immediately. Avoid brake fluid contact with skin or eyes. If it

comes in contact with your eyes, wash them out with clean water and

immediately call a doctor. If it comes in contact with your skin, wash with clean

water and, if necessary, call a doctor.

Servicing Your Honda

185

Brakes

RIGHT HANDLEBAR

RIGHT SIDE

(Front Brake)

(Rear Brake)

LOWER level mark

UPPER level mark

LOWER level mark

1. Place your motorcycle in an upright position on a firm, level surface.

2. Check the fluid level.

Front: It should be above the LOWER level mark.

Rear: It should be between the UPPER and LOWER level marks.

If the level is at or below the LOWER level mark, check the brake pads for

wear.

Worn pads should be replaced. If the pads are not worn beyond the

recommended limit, have your brake system inspected for leaks.

Other Inspections

Make sure there are no fluid leaks.

Check for deterioration or cracks in the hoses and fittings.

186

Servicing Your Honda

Brakes

Brake Pad Wear

Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page142

Brake pad wear depends upon the severity of usage, the type of riding, and road

conditions. Generally, the pads will wear faster on wet and dirty roads. Inspect

the pads at each regular maintenance interval (page

147

Front Brake

LEFT FRONT (right side similar)

grooves

Always inspect both pads in both the right and left front brake calipers.

Check the grooves in each pad. If either pad is worn to the bottom of the

grooves, replace both pads as a set. See your Honda dealer for this service.

Rear Brake

RIGHT REAR

cutouts

Check the cutouts in each pad. If either pad is worn to the cutout, replace both

pads as a set. See your Honda dealer for this service.

Servicing Your Honda

187

Brakes

Brake System Inspection

Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page142

1. Place the motorcycle on its center stand, stop the engine, and place the

transmission in neutral.

2. Move the left caliper assembly upward while slowly rotating the rear wheel.

The brake system is normal if the rear wheel stops. If the rear wheel does not

stop, see your Honda dealer.

LEFT FRONT

brake caliper

LEFT REAR

188

Servicing Your Honda

Tires

To safely operate your motorcycle, your tires must be the proper type and size,

in good condition with adequate tread, and correctly inflated for the load you are

carrying.

Using tires that are excessively

worn or improperly inflated

can cause a crash in which you

can be seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this

owner’s manual regarding tire

inflation and maintenance.

The following pages give detailed information on how and when to check your

air pressure, how to inspect your tires for wear and damage, and our

recommendations for tire repair and replacement.

Servicing Your Honda

189

Tires

Air Pressure

Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page142

Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and

riding comfort. Generally, underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect

handling, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Overinflated tires

make your motorcycle ride harshly, are more prone to damage from road

hazards, and wear unevenly.

Even though your motorcycle is equipped with tire pressure monitoring system

(TPMS), we recommend that you visually check your tires before every ride and

use an air pressure gauge to measure the air pressure at least once a month or

any time you think the tires might be low. Even tires that are in good condition

may lose one to two psi per month if not checked and adjusted regularly.

See page 85 for more information.

Tubeless tires have some degree of self-sealing ability if they are punctured.

However, because leakage is often very slow, you should look closely for

punctures whenever a tire is not fully inflated.

Always check air pressure when your tires are ‘‘cold’’, after the motorcycle has

been parked for at least three hours. If you check air pressure when your tires

are ‘‘warm’’ -- even if your motorcycle has only been ridden for a few miles --

the readings will be higher. If you let air out of warm tires to match the

recommended cold pressures, the tires will be underinflated.

The recommended ‘‘cold’’ tire pressures are:

front

36 psi (250 kPa , 2.50 kgf/cm )

rear

41 psi (280 kPa , 2.80 kgf/cm )

190

Servicing Your Honda

Tires

Inspection

Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page142

Whenever you check the tire pressures, you should also look for:

Bumps or bulges in the side of the tire or the tread. Replace any tire that has a

bump or bulge.

Cuts, slits, or cracks in the tires.

Replace the tire if you can see fabric or cord.

Nails or other foreign objects embedded in the side of the tire or tread.

Excessive tread wear.

wear indicator

wear indicator location

mark

Also, if you hit a pothole or hard object while riding, pull to the side of the road

as soon as you safely can and carefully inspect the tires for damage.

For the best performance, you should replace a tire before the tread depth at the

center reaches the following limits:

front

0.06 in (1.5 mm)

rear

0.08 in (2.0 mm)

If the wear indicators are visible, replace the tire immediately as it is no longer

safe.

Servicing Your Honda

191

Tires

Tire Service Life

The service life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including, but not

limited to, riding habits, road conditions, vehicle loading, tire pressure,

maintenance history, speed, and environmental conditions (even when the tires

are not in use).

In addition to your regular inspections and tire pressure maintenance, it is

recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach 5

years old. It is also recommended that all tires be removed from service after 10

years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of

wear.

The last four digits of the TIN (tire identification number) (1) are found on the

sidewall of the tire, and indicate the date of manufacture.

Tire Identification Number (TIN)

The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look

like the following example.

TIN is located on the sidewall of the tire.

DOT

ʷʷʷʷ ʷʷʷʷ

22 07

(2)

(3)

(4)

DOT

This indicates that the tire meets all requirements of the U.S.

Department of Transportation.

(2)

ʷʷʷʷ ʵ

Factory code

(3) ʷʷʷʷ ʵ

Tire type code

(4)

22 07

Date of manufacture

Year

Week

TIRE LABELING EXAMPLE

(1)

(1) tire identification number (TIN)

192

Servicing Your Honda

Tires

Tire Repair

Saf ety Precautions

Refer to

on page142

We strongly recommend that you replace, not repair, any tire that is punctured or

damaged. As discussed below, a tire that is repaired, either temporarily or

permanently, will have lower speed and performance limits than a new or

undamaged tire.

A temporary repair can sometimes be made in an emergency situation.

However, since a temporary repair may not hold, you must ride very slowly,

preferably without any cargo or passenger, and have the tire replaced or

permanently repaired as soon as possible.

(For more information on temporary repairs, see If You Have a Flat Tire,

page

218

Using a puncture-repairing agent can damage the TPMS sensors, causing the

TPMS indicator to turn on. Have you motorcycle checked by your Honda

dealer as soon as possible.

Use caution to not damage the TPMS sensor if an internal plug patch must be

used to repair the tire. If you have a tire prof essionally repaired at a non-

Honda f acility, we recommend that you have the work checked by your Honda

dealer. TPMS wheels require special handling when changing the tire. Failure

to follow the proper tire replacement procedure can result in damage to the

TPMS sensor.

Servicing Your Honda

193

Honda GL1800 Goldwing. Owners Manual - page 5