With less than 10k miles I have excessive tire cupping. Upon a deep dive inspection of the motorcycle I found the bolts to the upper control arm coming loose/ backing out. Excessive amount of threads showing on all 4 corners of the control arm. I Contact the dealer, who informed me that this is normal. Doesn't look like it should be especially with grease showing on the bolts. I have examined other same year similar bikes with about the same mileage and they are having the same tire issue and bolt problem.
NHTSA complaint #11746321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a Service Bulletin on the steering handle bars. The dealership I take it to is Go Az Flagstaff, AZ (928)526-7959. On a recall service appointment I was advised by the service manager of the loose handle bar service bulletin. It was addressed at that time. I had my motorcycle in for another recall and told them that the handle bars are still loose and American Honda told them they wouldn't cover it. This seamed illogical to me. It is obvious that their problem that generated the steering SB was not fixed by the direction Honda has given them. I am asking for assistance in raising the issue with American Honda. I don't feel comfortable riding a motorcycle with loose handle bars that Honda has a Service Bulletin generated to the public.
NHTSA complaint #11668158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while operating the motorcycle, the handlebars had become loose and were wobbly. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the nut used to secure the handlebars was loose. The contact tightened the steering nut, but eventually the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not yet been contacted. The failure mileage was 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11667669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal at speeds of 40 MPH or higher, whether on cruise control or not, the motorcycle experienced the death wobble. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the bearings on the handlebar were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The motorcycle was taken to another dealer, Xtreme Machines (700 NJ-33, Millstone, NJ 08535); who did not diagnose the failure and confirmed that the motorcycle was not safe to ride. The dealer tightened the bolts on the 2nd set of bearings underneath the bearings on the handlebar; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
NHTSA complaint #11661403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shortly after purchasing brand new in July of 2021, this motorcycle developed a violent shake and wobble at 40mph, which could be felt between 35mph and 45mph, but was much worse at 40mph. It also developed at the same time a constant, uncommanded pull to the right. I have tried for three years to get this problem fixed and addressed under warranty. I have not been successful thus far. I have spent thousands of dollars myself because I have not gotten resolution from the manufacturer or dealer, and to this date, April 19, 2024, it is unresolved. You should know that there are many riders that own the 2018+ model of the Honda Gold Wing GL1800 that have the same issues. Not all, but enough that it is a common finding online, with professionals saying that they believe 1 out of every 1000 of these bikes have a bent or twisted frame, to a very well documented (by Traxxion Dynamics) defect in the right tie rod due to inferior components. I feel like I a being ignored until my warranty expires. I can provide extension high quality footage of these issues. I have included my letter to Honda Corporation, as well as a timeline of events since purchase. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11584058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda GL1800. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the handlebars had become extremely loose at the stem. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Item Number: 10187553 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 34,000.
NHTSA complaint #11579982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I TRAILERED MY 2018 GOLDWING DCT, IN A TOY HAULER 5TH WHEEL. I SECURED THE BIKE WITH RATCHETING TIE DOWNS AT THE HANDLEBARS, ACROSS THE SEAT AND MORE IN THE BACK OF THE BIKE. THE BIKE WAS FINE AFTER DAY 1 OF TRAVEL. AFTER DAY 2, WHEN WE ARRIVED WE DISCOVERED THAT THE SPINDLE ON WHICH THE HANDLEBARS PIVOT, HAD COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF, AND THE HANDLEBARS WERE NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE STEERING SYSTEM. HONDA DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMED THE OWNER'S MANUAL SPECIFICALLY WARNED NOT TO ANCHOR AT THE HANDLEBARS; MY OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT STATE ANYTHING REGARDING ANCHORING/NOT ANCHORING AT THE HANDLEBARS. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING THE BIKE, WITH ZERO ABILITY TO STEER, I WOULD HAVE CRASHED. THIS WAS AS CATASTROPHIC A STEERING FAILURE AS I CAN IMAGINE. THERE ALREADY IS A SHOP BULLETIN, REGARDING MY BIKE, BUT MY DEALERSHIP TOLD ME MY BIKE DIDN'T QUALIFY, AS THE REPORTED SLOP IN MY HANDLEBARS WAS NOT VERTICAL, SO THEY ALLOWED ME TO LEAVE WITHOUT ACTUALLY MY BIKE'S STEERING SPINDLE. I HAVE VIDEO OF THE DAMAGE, BUT THIS PAGE WON'T LET ME LOAD IT. IT LOOKS LIKE THIS SPINDLE HAS CRACKED, PREVIOUSLY, BASED ON THE DISCOLORATION. THE BIKE WILL BE DELIVERED TO MY DEALERSHIP ON TUESDAY, 9/8/2020. THEY CLAIM THEY WILL NOT WARRANTY THIS ISSUE. I COULD HAVE DIED. THEY NEED TO RECALL ALL 2018 GOLDWINGS, AS HONDA ALREADY KNOWS ABOUT AN EXISTING ISSUE (THE SHOP BULLETIN).
NHTSA complaint #11353462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TO WHOM IT CONCERNS, I AM INQUIRING IF NHTSA HAS HAD ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLES HAVING THE WOBBLE IN THEIR STEERING HANDLEBARS? I SEE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS STEERING DEFECT ON THE INTERNET AND I HAD EXPERIENCED FIRST HAND WITH MY 2015 GL1800. I CONTACTED HONDA ABOUT THIS SERIOUS HANDLEBAR WOBBLE THAT IT WAS GETTING SO BAD BETWEEN 30-45MPH THAT IT WAS CAUSING TAKING CORNERS AT THESE SPEEDS THE ENTIRE MOTORCYCLE SHAKE TERRIBLY AND ALMOST OUT OF CONTROL. HONDA SAID THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM EVEN UNDER MY PURCHASED 5-YEAR WARRANTY POLICY. I WENT AROUND AND AROUND WITH THEM WITH NO HELP. I HAD TO TAKE SOME OF THE INTERNET GOLDWING FORUMS SUGGESTIONS: FORK BRACE, NEW MATCHED AND BALANCED TIRES, AND THE MOST RECOMMENDED SOLUTION TO GO WITH AFTERMARKET TAPERED BEARINGS REPLACING HONDA'S ROUND BALL-TYPE BEARINGS. THIS IN FACT FIXED THE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED HONDA AGAIN TO GIVE THIS FEEDBACK AND THEY WOULDN'T PAY FOR THE PARTS OR LABOR THAT FIXED THE 'DEATH WOBBLE'. HONDA JUST DON'T WANT TO ADMIT THEY HAVE A VERY SERIOUS ENGINEERED FLAW! THE INTERNET IS FULL OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS SPECIFIC DANGEROUS HANDLEBAR SHAKING/WOBBLE. HONDA WILL NOT OWE UP TO THIS POTENTIAL DEADLY ENGINEERED BEARING PROBLEM. I FEEL IT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND FORCE HONDA TO DO A RECALL TO FIX THESE BEARINGS BEFORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED, IF NOT ALREADY. I HAVE ALL MY PAPERWORK ON CONTACTING HONDA AND THE OLD REPLACED BEARINGS THAT ARE VERY LOOSE. THE FIXED COST ABOUT $400 WITH THE LOCAL MOTORCYCLE SHOP'S DISCOUNT THEY GAVE ME FOR ALL THE TROUBLES. THE SHOP SAID THEY HAVE DONE SO MANY OF THESE GL1800 OVER YEARS ALREADY HERE IN OUR SMALL COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO COMMUNITY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH,
NHTSA complaint #11280624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HANDLE BAR SHIMMIED AND MOVED UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE MAKING TURNS AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME DEFECT FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,730.
NHTSA complaint #11255085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE FRONT FORKS, WHEEL, AND HANDLEBARS SHAKE BADLY AND CONSTANTLY WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN 32 AND 42 MILES PER HOUR, ON ANY ROAD SURFACE. A QUICK LOOK ON THE INTERNET SHOWS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTORCYCLE. THE HONDA DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS SHAKING WAS DUE TO "FLAT SPOTS" ON THE MAIN STEERING BEARING CAUSED BY ALLOWING THE MOTORCYCLE TO SIT FOR LONG PERIODS WITHOUT MOVING IT. I SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT OF THAT BEARING, AND AFTER LEAVING THE BIKE WITH THE DEALER, THE DEALER ADMITTED THAT THE BEARING DID NOT NEED REPLACING. SEVERAL OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM ON WEBSITES CATERING TO SUCH SUBJECTS. SOME SUGGESTED THE OEM FRONT TIRE IS FAULTY, AND REPLACING IT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I REPLACED THE FRONT TIRE WITH A MICHELIN TIRE, WHICH DID NOTHING TO SOLVE OR HELP THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER NOW STATES THAT THIS TERRIBLE SHAKING IS "WITHIN ACCEPTABLE RANGES". I BELIEVE THIS DANGEROUS SHAKING IS CAUSED BY AN INHERENT DESIGN DEFECT, THAT HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT, AND THAT HONDA HAS NO INTENTION OF CORRECTING IT.
NHTSA complaint #11232894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE FRONT WHEEL WOBBLES AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH AND GETS WORSE AS SPEED INCREASES. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK, THE DEALER SAID THEY INSPECTED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, STEERING HEAD BEARINGS, AND CHECKED THE BALANCE OF THE TIRE. WOBBLE IS STILL THERE AND FEELS UNSAFE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH. BRAND NEW MOTORCYCLE, DELIVERED MAY 3, 2018.
NHTSA complaint #11093628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE ON 11/05/16 FROM IMOTORSPORTS IN ELMHURST ILL. FROM DAY ONE IT HAD A VERY BAD WOBBLE IN THE STEERING AND IF I WAS NOT HOLDING STRONGLY ONTO THE BIKE IT WOULD DEFINITELY CRASH. AFTER ASKING FOR A REPAIR TO THIS WOBBLE IMOTORSPORTS MANAGER JASON SAID THEY WOULD INSTALL A NEW SET OF TIRES ON IT AND THIS SHOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE BIKE ONLY HAD 15,158 MILES ON IT SO I THOUGHT FOR SURE THIS WOULD BE THE ANSWER. JASON TOLD ME THAT AFTER THE BIKE GOT USED TO THE NEW TIRES THAT THE WOBBLE WOULD GO AWAY. THE WOBBLE WOULD OCCUR ANYTIME IT WAS IN MOTION FROM 15-45 MPH. THE WOBBLE NEVER GOT ANY BETTER AND BEING A BIT NAIVE TO PURCHASING A VEHICLE FROM A DEALER THE 30 DAY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND WHEN I RETURNED ON 12/15/16 THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP ME. NOW I HAVE A $13,000 MOTORCYCLE THAT I AM AFRAID TO RIDE. I RODE IT A FEW MILES IN APRIL AND MAY AND JUNE OF 2017 AND BECAUSE OF THE WOBBLE, THE PLASTIC SHROUD THAT IS SURROUNDING THE TIMING CHAIN CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES. I AM AT A STAND STILL NOW AND DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I ALSO DONT KNOW IF THE SEVERAL RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR YEAR GOLDWING HAVE BEEN ATTENDED TO. I FEEL SO BAD ABOUT THIS AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I SAVED EVERY PENNY I COULD FOR 6 YEARS TO PURCHASE THIS MOTORCYCLE AND NOW I CANT AND AM AFRAID TO RIDE IT.
NHTSA complaint #11010116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE FRONT END SHAKES WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35 MPH AND 45 MPH. I FEEL THAT HONDA SHOULD CORRECT THIS ISSUE AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER, (OWNER).
NHTSA complaint #10746263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON COLD START MOTORCYCLE HESITATES OR MOTOR STUMBLES CAUSING RIDER TO ALMOST LOSE THE BIKE( FALL OVER) WHILE EXCITING DRIVEWAY . SEAMES TO ONLY STUMBLE WHEN COLD.
NHTSA complaint #10653041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HANDLE BARS WILL START TO SHAKE AND WOBBLE. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHEN GOING INTO A TURN OR JUST GOING DOWN THE ROAD. IT WILL STOP AFTER THE TURN OR I JUST PUT A TIGHTER GRIP ON THE HANDLE BARS. IT CAN FEEL LIKE THE MOTORCYCLE IS GOING OUT OF CONTROL. I HAVE TAKEN THE MOTORCYCLE TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT HONDA WILL NOT FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10610589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA GOLD WING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE AND THE HANDLEBARS VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10487654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE CYCLE HAS A FRONT END WOBBLE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35-45. IT REQUIRES THAT BOTH HANDS ARE KEPT ON THE HANDLEBARS TO AVOID A CRASH. IF I LET GO WITH ONE HAND THE WOBBLE INCREASES. I THINK THE WOBBLE INCREASES THE WEAR ON THE FRONT TIRE AND CAN ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO DAMAGE OF OTHER ITEMS. IT IS ALWAYS UNCOMFORTABLE ESPECIALLY GOING AROUND CORNERS WHERE I HAVE TO FIGHT THE WOBBLE WITH BOTH HANDS. THE FRONT TIRE WAS CHANGED AND THE STEERING BEARINGS CHECKED FOR TIGHTNESS. ALL AT MY COST AND THE CYCLE STILL WOBBLES.
NHTSA complaint #10481303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE MOTORCYCLE HANDLEBARS SHOOK VIOLENTLY UPON DECELERATION FROM ABOUT 40 MPH DOWN. AFTER CHECK WITH HONDA THEY ADVISED IT COULD BE A TIRE PROBLEM. THEY ACTED AS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. A CHECK WITH OTHERS WHO OWN GL1800'S STATE THIS IS A WELL KNOWN AND WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH THE GL1800 CALLED A DECELERATION WOBBLE. HONDA HAS NO FIX FOR IT AND WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THE NHTSA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE HONDA FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOME IS KILLED. I CHECKED WITH SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE AND EVERYONE KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM KNOWN AS A SLOW SPEED OR DECELERATION WOBBLE. APPARENTLY THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT SPANS SEVERAL YEARS OF PRODUCTION. WHY WILL THE GOVT NOT MAKE HONDA FIX THE PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #10458538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-37 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE IN THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE STEERING BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE BUSHINGS. THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #10443550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.