My Second Motorcycle, A 2010 Honda Goldwing

Purchased August 2016:

I've been drooling over the Goldwing for the last few years, and finally pulled the trigger and picked up a used model at a local dealership. It had just over 68k miles on it, and already had the brake recall performed, and a brand new rear tire installed. Unfortunately, it is missing the CB radio and cell phone integration I had installed on the XS1100. I have managed to connect my cell phone's sound output to the Wing's AUX connection, and mounted my RAM X-Grip to the clutch resevoir. The integrated heated grips and seats will make my winter riding more comfortable, but I need to try to find a way to get the Hippo Hands to work with the RAM mount on the bars.

GL1800 Brakes - A complicated machine:

The Goldwing has a feature that is similar to my old Yamaha - linked brakes. On most motorcycles, when you squeeze the front brake lever, it actuates both front brake calipers, and pressing the brake pedal actuates the rear caliper. Sounds simple, right? Well, with the Goldwing, it's not so much. Squeezing the front brake lever DOES actuate the front calipers, but if the bike is moving, this will lift the left front caliper enough to activate a "Secondary Master Cylinder". This is connected to a proportional control valve, that then activates the outer two pistons on the rear caliper! If the bike is not moving, no pressure is sent to the rear caliper by using the front brake lever. If the rear brake pedal is used, it does activate the center piston on the rear caliper, but also connects to a delay valve which then activates both front calipers! Here's a picture I found that explains it:

Spring 2017 Update:

For Christmas, I received a MacGyver Belly Pan, so I installed that in February. In April, I managed to perform a low-speed dump of the bike... It all started with losing my cell phone from the un-tethered X-Grip on my handlebars when I hit a pothole on the freeway. Needless to say, I now have a tether, and use it religiously. I got my bike repaired, replacing over $3000 worth of plastic, and the right crash bars. I have also sold my old Yamaha, and used the funds from that to purchase the CB Radio and antenna, J&M Bluetooth integration unit (links on the right column), and a new Shoei GT-Air helmet, recommended by LidPicker.com. I borrowed an SWR meter from a fellow 'Winger, and tuned my CB, removing almost an inch from my antenna. I performed my first oil change, and since Walmart doesn't sell a full synthetic Castrol in 10W-40, I decided to try Mobil 1 for the first time. It took exactly 4 quarts, including what I used to prime the filter.