Goldwing Tech - Bodywork/Paint

The following article submitted by Gordon on June 2, 1999
Subject: Servicing of Goldwing Speedometer Cables and Gears
After witnessing the $100 plus expense of repairing a Wing speedometer cable and gears, We thought it would be prudent to take a look at the ones on our Wings.  Each of the three cables inspected showed the same problem developing as the one that failed.  The lower 6 to 12 inches of the cable was caked with grease/dried oil and muck that had worked its way down the cable from above.  The upper 1/3 of the cable showed signs of rust and minor wear.  This muck had put too much strain on the nylon gear which failed on the first bike.  Replacing the gear without doing the following will only result in the failure of the new gear.  The inner drive cable can be very difficult to pull down, out of the outer sheath.  Rotate it as you gently pull down.  Once the inner cable is out, it is cleaned with solvent.  If the inner cable shows signs of major muck, removed the outer cable from the speedometer head.  Clean the outer sheath  with a small rag dipped in solvent and tied to a piece of string as used to clean a rifle barrel.  General Motors recommends using dry graphite on speedometer cables.  We have replaced many broken nylon gears in domestic vehicles over the years and most damage has been caused by the prior failure and seizing of the speedometer drive cable.  On inspection the failed cables showed grease/oil caked with dust/rust, just like our Wings.  Honda recommends WD40 or a silicon based spray.  Take your pick of lubricants, but inspect and clean the cable the next chance you get.  It is a quick and easy way to save $100.


The following article submitted by Ken Chapin on February 25,1999
Subject:   Trunk Mount Rack 80-82 GL1100
Does your passenger complain of being cramped on the back of your Hondaline equipped '80 to '82?  Wouldn't you like to give him/her a little more room?  Your problem is solved in finding the trunk rack mount from an '83.  Honda realized this problem and listened to riders complaints, and subsequently used a mounting rack that effectively moved the Interstate/Aspencade trunk back approximately 2 1/2" and raised it slightly higher.  The mounting rack is still available from your dealer or at your favorite local cycle salvage yard.  It is a direct bolt-on.  While you are at it, the engine guards from the '83 are unique as well, and available as a one year only item.  They provide more toe room for the rider (especially with floorboards) and have an extra vertical bar at the timing belt cover area to allow for better mounting of highway pegs/boards.  Also available still from your dealer or salvage yard.

The following article submitted by Ken Chapin on February 23, 1999
Subject:  Windshields
The stock windshield on a GL1100 HONDALINE fairing worked very well for it's time and now there are several aftermarket suppliers with their oversized, tinted and vented screens.  Want to save some money and still provide an improvement over the stock one?  With simple cutting modifications to the lower mounting holes of a GL1200 windshield, it fits perfectly.  The GL1200 windscreen is taller and has the attached side wind deflectors as a bonus.