2006 Honda GL1800 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 Honda GL1800, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering519.2%
- Brakes415.4%
- Suspension415.4%
- Transmission415.4%
- Tires & wheels311.5%
- Electrical27.7%
- Other / unspecified27.7%
- Powertrain (other)13.8%
- Fuel system13.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT THIS BIKE WITH ONLY 8000 MILES ON IT BACK IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR. AT SPEEDS BELOW OR AROUND 30MPH, THE FRONT END WOBBLES. HONDA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS AS A WARRANTY ISSUE, YET ALL THE DEALERS TELL ME THAT IT IS A PROBLEM THEY HAVE HEARD ABOUT FROM MANY GOLDWING OWNERS. THE DEALER RECOMMENDS ALLS BALLS TAPERED STEERING BEARINGS FOR CORRECTION BUT I HAVE TO PAY. I HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN AND IT IS NOT COVERED. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE STEERING ON THE GOLDWING AND HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO RECALL AND FIX THIS ISSUE AT THEIR COST. I REMEMBER THE GAS TANKS EXPLODING ON THE FORD PINTO THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS NOT. LIVES WERE LOST OVER A LOW COST REPLACEMENT GASKET THAT FORD KNEW ABOUT BUT CHOSE TO IGNORE. THIS ISSUE WILL CAUSE GOLDWING OWNERS TO HAVE ACCIDENTS, WHICH ULTIMATELY COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, NOW. *TR
WHEN RIDING MY HONDA GOLDWING, A 2006 MODEL THE FRONT END WOBBLES WHEN DECELERATING AT AROUND 40 -45 MPH DOWN UNTIL THE BIKE IS GOING UNDER 30MPH. AT THAT POINT IT STOPS HAPPENING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DECELERATE AND IS NOTICEABLE WHEN MY HANDS ARE ON THE GRIPS. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVER SINCE THE BIKE WAS NEW IN 2006. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED IN MAY. A COMPLETE BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT AND BLEED DON. A BRAKE SHUDDER PROBLEM HAS BEEN EVIDENT SINCE PURCHASE NEW AND AN ABNORMAL NUMBER OF TIRES HAVE FAILED DUE TO BLISTERING OF THE TREAD AND IN ONE CASE THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. I HAVE LONG CONTENDED THIS IS DUE TO A BRAKING ENGINEERING PROBLEM. ROAD BIKE 400 MILES AFTER RECALL SERVICE AND RETURNED TO DEALER. HE THEN STATED THAT MY REAR BRAKES PADS WERE COMPLETELY GONE AND THE REAR ROTOR MARRED. THE BRAKE PADS HAD LESS THAN 3000 MILES ON THEM. AFTER REPLACING THE ROTOR AND BRAKE PADS I WAS CALLED AND TOLD THE CALIPER WAS DRAGGING AND HONDA IN TORRANCE HAD BEEN CONTACTED , THEY ASKED THAT THE MECHANIC TAKE THE CALIPER APART AND HE STATED IT SEEMED NORMAL BUT WAS NOT. SHOP INSTALLED A NEW CALIPER AND NOW WAITING FOR NEXT BRAKE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THE FIRE AND SHUDDER PROBLEM IS CAUSED PRIMARILY FROM REAR BRAKE CALIPER DRAGGING AND OVERHEATING THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY.. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY THAT MY TIRES BLISTER AND FAIL AND THAT I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WITH THE TREAD SEPARATION. THIS IS NOT ONE BRAND OF TIRE ..HAPPENED ON METZELER, AVON AND 3 DUNLOP E3 ALL AT CORRECT TIRE PRESSURES.THIS PROBLEM IS EVIDENT IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS
I APPLIED THE BRAKES IN A NORMAL NOT A PANIC SITUATION. THE BRAKES APPARENTLY LOCKED UP AND LEFT A 22' SKID MARK ON THE BLACK TOP ROAD. WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS WERE PERFECT AND I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED GOLDWING RIDER HAVING RIDDEN APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MILES. I WAS RIDING WITH MY WIFE ON BOARD AND PULLING MY ESCAPADE TRAILER AS I HAVE DONE FOR APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES FOR 20 YEARS. MY WIFE AND I WERE EJECTED FROM THE BIKE AND SUSTAINED NON LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. WE WERE TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL IN FAYETTEVILLE AR AND WERE TREATED AND RELEASED WITH ROAD RASH AND I HAVE CRACKED RIBS AND A BROKEN FINGER. OUR FULL FACE HELMETS AND OTHER PROTECTIVE GEAR AND LUCK SAVED US FROM MORE SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURIES. I HAVE THOUGHT LONG AND HARD ABOUT THIS ACCIDENT AND CAN FIND NO EXPLANATION OTHER THAN BRAKE FAILURE / LOCK UP. IN MY 299,000 MILES OF GOLDWING RIDING I HAVE NEVER LOCKED THE BRAKES NOR HAVE I LEFT A SKID MARK BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT. NOTE HONDA ISSUED A SAFETY ALERT WARNING OF POTENTIAL BRAKE PROBLEMS BUT THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED AND SAID THEY WILL REPAIR WHEN THEY DETERMINE HOW TO REPAIR. MY BIKE WAS INSURED AND MY WIFE AND I HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE BUT I ESTIMATE MY OUT OF POCKET MEDICAL COSTS AT $5,000. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT END WOBBLES AT A LOW SPEED AN AT HIGH SPEEDS, MAKES THE MOTORCYCLE VERY UNSAFE. *TR
PREMATURE WEAR-OUT OF FRONT TIRE ON HONDA GL-1800, ALSO HANDLEBAR WOBBLE, "HEAD SHAKE" AT 45 MPH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2006 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE, THE TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR OCCASIONALLY. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND MORE OFTEN NOW TO ALMOST ONCE EVERY TANK OF GAS OR 230 MILES. TWO DAYS AGO WHILE ENTERING A CORNER IT DROPPED OUT OF GEAR THEN INTO A LOWER GEAR AND TEMPORARILY LOCKED UP THE REAR TIRE. THE PRICE TO LOOK INTO THE TRANSMISSION IS BETWEEN $3,500 AND $4,000. IF THE PROBLEM ISN'T SERIOUS ENOUGH TO BE COVERED BY MANUFACTURES WARRANTY I HAVE TO PAY. I WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT BREAKS. MY CONCERN IS IF THE TRANSMISSION BREAKS IN A TURN OR WHILE ON THE FREEWAY IT MAY TAKE MY WIFE AND MYSELF WITH IT. THANKS IN ADVANCE. *TR
WHILE RIDING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH IN 5TH GEAR PROCEEDING NORMALLY I FELT THE TRANSMISSION 'CLUNK' AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION HAD SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. THEN A LOUD 'CLUNKETY CLUNK' AS THE ENGINE SEEMS TO NOW REV FREE, THEN A 'CLUNK' AS THE TRANSMISSION 'FELL' BACK INTO GEAR. AT NO TIME DURING THIS EVENT, WHICH TOOK PLACE OVER A PERIOD OF 2-3 SECONDS WERE MY FINGERS TOUCHING EITHER THE BRAKE OR CLUTCH, NOR WAS MY FOOT TOUCHING THE BRAKE OR SHIFTER. THE BALLS OF MY FEET WERE PLANTED ON BOTH FOOTPEGS DURING THE ENTIRE EVENT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
A Shinko SE890 size 180-60-16 prematurely started coming apart at 3850 miles. My wife and I were riding 2 up on a Honda Goldwing. Pressure of the tire was checked the day we went for this 480 mile ride. The temperature was 90 degrees and the road was very good. When we neared the end of the ride, the motorcycle started shaking violently. I kept control, and the others who were riding with me helped me figure out what just happened. The tire was coming apart and there was a big bulge on the left side. The tire was not over any rough road. Granted it was hot, and we had 390 lbs on the bike, which is not overloaded. The pressure was at 44 lbs, which was probaly due to the heat. Chapparal tire in San Bernadino Ca recieved pictures and commentary. Initially they said They would warrant the tire, then 2 days later said it was because of a road hazard. I know I hit nothing with the tire. I wanted money back not another Shink tire. These tires are not well made and on a motorcycle very dangerous
PREMATURE WEAR-OUT OF FRONT TIRE ON HONDA GL-1800, ALSO HANDLEBAR WOBBLE, "HEAD SHAKE" AT 45 MPH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Honda/Garmin has not provided updates to the integrated navigation system since 2014. As a result, on numerous occasions, the navigation system has given the wrong information to the rider. My motorcycle is a 2006, but I know this problem exists through at least the 2009 model year. Contacted Garmin for updated navigation data. They said there will be none because Honda would not pay Garmin to create updated navigation data for the GPS. The navigation system is now unsafe because can give wrong directions. There are hundreds of Goldwings with built-in GPS that are unsafe. Honda should be required updates or reimburse owners for their purchase of an external GPS.
INSTRUMENT GAUGE FACE PLATE MELTING DUE TO DIRECT SUN LIGHT. SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, AND FUEL/TEMP GAUGE ARE AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION WHICH RESULTS IN ERRATIC READINGS. THE MOTORCYCLE IS A 2006 AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER, THE COMPANY WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE GAUGES YET. IN DECEMBER 2001 A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED FOR REPLACEMENT GAUGES FOR THIS SAME CONDITION (SERVICE BULLETIN GL1800 #8). I FIRST NOTICED THE TACHOMETER GIVING ERRATIC READINGS IN JULY 2008, AT WHICH TIME I CONTACTED THE REPAIR SHOP. I DO HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES OF THE AFFECTED GAUGES. THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED IN MAY. A COMPLETE BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT AND BLEED DON. A BRAKE SHUDDER PROBLEM HAS BEEN EVIDENT SINCE PURCHASE NEW AND AN ABNORMAL NUMBER OF TIRES HAVE FAILED DUE TO BLISTERING OF THE TREAD AND IN ONE CASE THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. I HAVE LONG CONTENDED THIS IS DUE TO A BRAKING ENGINEERING PROBLEM. ROAD BIKE 400 MILES AFTER RECALL SERVICE AND RETURNED TO DEALER. HE THEN STATED THAT MY REAR BRAKES PADS WERE COMPLETELY GONE AND THE REAR ROTOR MARRED. THE BRAKE PADS HAD LESS THAN 3000 MILES ON THEM. AFTER REPLACING THE ROTOR AND BRAKE PADS I WAS CALLED AND TOLD THE CALIPER WAS DRAGGING AND HONDA IN TORRANCE HAD BEEN CONTACTED , THEY ASKED THAT THE MECHANIC TAKE THE CALIPER APART AND HE STATED IT SEEMED NORMAL BUT WAS NOT. SHOP INSTALLED A NEW CALIPER AND NOW WAITING FOR NEXT BRAKE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THE FIRE AND SHUDDER PROBLEM IS CAUSED PRIMARILY FROM REAR BRAKE CALIPER DRAGGING AND OVERHEATING THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY.. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY THAT MY TIRES BLISTER AND FAIL AND THAT I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WITH THE TREAD SEPARATION. THIS IS NOT ONE BRAND OF TIRE ..HAPPENED ON METZELER, AVON AND 3 DUNLOP E3 ALL AT CORRECT TIRE PRESSURES.THIS PROBLEM IS EVIDENT IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS
FRONT END WOBBLES AT A LOW SPEED AN AT HIGH SPEEDS, MAKES THE MOTORCYCLE VERY UNSAFE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS ACCELERATING IN THE ENTRANCE LANE ON THE INTERSTATE. AUTO AND TRUCK TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND AS I MERGED INTO THE TRAFFIC LANE THE MOTORCYCLE SHIFTED FROM 5TH GEAR TO FOURTH AND BACK SURPRISING ME AND CAUSING ME TO QUICKLY SLOW AND TAKE ACTION TO THE RIGHT TO AVERT BEING REAR ENDED BY A SEMI TRUCK. THE TRUCK HAD NOWHERE TO GO AS THE LANE TO HIS SIDE WAS OCCUPIED. I PROCEEDED TO GAIN SPEED AND THE MOTORCYCLE DID THE SAME SHIFTING ACTION EVERY MILE OR SO. I TOOK THE CYCLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I AM AT PRESENT HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AT MY COST. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THIS EPISODE. THE MECHANIC SAID THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILED COMPONENTS IN THE TRANSMISSION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS FUMES WHEN RIDING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE O RINGS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW IF THIS HAS CORRECTED THE FAILURE BECAUSE HE HAS NOT RIDDEN THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE # OF CYLINDERS AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 11,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .