randy1149
New member
The 2018 Goldwing has a frontend spring/shock/bumper problem. The problem is the shock, with just a passenger it is less than 1/4" travel before it hits the bumper and no more travel left in the system. Oh boy... here we go. I had a 2003 GW with the overheating and frame breaking problems Honda had to be dragged thru the NTSB in tooth and nail to get Honda to fix the problems under warranty. Here's a Youtube video of the problem. Honda Link.
I have had several problems with Honda both cars and motorcycle that where systemic to the particular line and very expensive to fix. In both cases we had to go to the NTSB to get Honda to fix it. They weren't going to fix anything unless they were forced.
I also noticed on the 2018 Wing Honda still uses ball bearing on the steering system rather than roller bearing. Many of us owners for the older model had to replaced the bearings around 10K miles. Ball bearings have a short life on 900 lbs. bikes. Relubricate the bearings on the 2018 looks to be a $500-$600 job to get to the bearings. All the reason Timken roller bearing should have been used.
If I was in the GW market again I would keep my nose to the ground and not buy a Wing until Honda does the right thing and brings out a permanent fix to the shock.
P.S. Let me add my GW steering head bearings wore seats into the race from the balls. The steering created a slight tank slap as the balls vibrated in and out of the seats in the race. The complete seat and bearings had to be replaced. Why Honda uses these bearing on such a heavy bike is beyond me.
I have had several problems with Honda both cars and motorcycle that where systemic to the particular line and very expensive to fix. In both cases we had to go to the NTSB to get Honda to fix it. They weren't going to fix anything unless they were forced.
I also noticed on the 2018 Wing Honda still uses ball bearing on the steering system rather than roller bearing. Many of us owners for the older model had to replaced the bearings around 10K miles. Ball bearings have a short life on 900 lbs. bikes. Relubricate the bearings on the 2018 looks to be a $500-$600 job to get to the bearings. All the reason Timken roller bearing should have been used.
If I was in the GW market again I would keep my nose to the ground and not buy a Wing until Honda does the right thing and brings out a permanent fix to the shock.
P.S. Let me add my GW steering head bearings wore seats into the race from the balls. The steering created a slight tank slap as the balls vibrated in and out of the seats in the race. The complete seat and bearings had to be replaced. Why Honda uses these bearing on such a heavy bike is beyond me.
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