2021 Honda GL1800

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 ID

11667669

Incident

Apr 18, 2025

Mileage

22,000 mi

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 ID

11584058

Incident

Jul 15, 2021

Found that the front brake rotors were on the wrong side. Honda specifies different part numbers for each rotor. Went to dealer to resolve this issue and express my concern about it being a safety issue. The dealer contacted Honda, and they agreed to pay to have the rotors installed the right way and replace the brake pads. But not replace the rotors. My concern is after 14000 miles they are now the rotors are rotating in the opposite. And that this may have compromised structural integrate of the rotors themselves

NHTSA ID

11492330

Incident

Nov 4, 2022

I was pulling into a parking spot to turn the bike around and back into the spot. While sitting sideways in a parking spot, I increased the throttle slightly to pull forward. The throttle acted as if it was stuck and the bike lurched forward after I released the throttle. I applied the front brake but the bike continued moving forward pushing the front tire which left a skid mark on the pavement. I continued forward until the bike ran into the driver's door of a parked car. This was the second time the throttle stuck in this manner. The first time I was leaving my driveway when the bike acted in the same manner and caused me to run over some Christmas lights on the edge of my driveway. The first time I did not realize what happened therefore I did not file a complaint. I researched this on a motorcycle forum and found many instances of other GL 1800 owners experiencing the same problem.

NHTSA ID

11449495

Incident

Jan 30, 2022

At approximately 800 miles, the throttle became sticky. The return spring will close the throttle; however, there is excessive friction that developed while riding. Temperatures were approximately 85-95 degrees. The problem is that fine feathering of the throttle is not possible. By the time enough hand control pressure is released to ease off the throttle, the throttle closes aggressively and by the time I can stop the throttle closure, the engine and dual clutch transmission are downshifting--in Sport mode the downshifts are aggressive and vehicle speed decelerates more than desired. Worse, this condition occurred while riding US129 in Tennessee and North Carolina at inopportune time such as at the apex of a curve. This resulted in the motorcycle changing lean angle and straying from the intended arc through the curve. Other instances happened when encountering slow traffic and the throttle needs to be feathered to slow. The motorcycle engine and dual clutch transmission interpret this larger throttle closure as an intent to slow resulting in unintentional downshifts and excessive speed reduction. Not an ideal situation with traffic following closely because the brake lights are not activated leaving the drivers behind the motorcycle wondering what is happening. To continue riding with the throttle in this condition, the rider has to increase throttle twist force and counter twist force in an attempt to control. This technique doesn't really help and should not be required to ride a motorcycle. This condition has been brought to the attention of the selling dealership service department for which they contacted a Honda technical representative whom never heard of this condition. Therefore, no action was taken to date. This sticky throttle condition can be seen on new Goldwings sitting on the showroom floor; however, the friction/stickiness is not to the degree being experienced at 800.

NHTSA ID

11432523

Incident

Jul 15, 2021

The throttle is sticking open at low speeds that makes for a dangerous situation dealer could not duplicate at time of visit the throttle is sticky will not operate smooth no accident has happened at this time

NHTSA ID

11428738

Incident

Aug 11, 2021

when just starting out using foot brake and handbrake , handbrake came in towards grip real far and throttle cut out but not off for a few seconds. Then abs and traction control lights came on along with mode selector lights until bike was shut down and restarted. Upon restarting all would be ok for a few miles or even the whole day or would just do it all over again. It did this from june until now where it is presently at the honda dealer while honda tries to figure it out. So far they have not.

NHTSA ID

11425731

Incident

Jun 12, 2021

"Newsletter - If the LCD screen is blank/inoperative and asterisks appear in place of the riding modes, perform the following test. • Inspect the number five (15 amp) audio fuse next to the battery in the main fuse box. • If failed, replace the fuse and disconnect the main multi pin connector from the Navi/audio unit. Power up the unit, and the fuse should not blow. You can also test with a known good Navi/audio unit. TechLine may be able to loan a known good Navi/audio unit if one is not available. • If the fuse does not fail, the original Navi/audio unit is internally shorted and will need to be replaced. " Newsletter - We have heard of customers riding with the cruise “ON” with no intention of actually using the cruise control function. These customers have noticed an issue where the cruise “ON” light in the dash will intermittently turn off on its own and not turn on again until the ignition key is turned off and back on. This will cause a P0504 error code to be stored for a brake switch malfunction. However, there is no actual malfunction of the switch. The rear brake pedal has a brake light switch and a cruise cancel switch. The problem is when both switches are activated for longer than 30 seconds while riding. Newsletter - When installing the NC750X/D accessory light bar (p/n 08A70-MJL-D30 or p/n 08A70-MGS-D30), ensure the front cowl stay holes are drilled in the correct position. The distance between the two mounting holes should be 37mm. If the mounting holes are less than 37mm, the front cowl stay (p/n 08A70-MJL-D30 or p/n 08A70-MGS-D30) will need to be replaced to install the accessory light bar. Newsletter - If the indicator warning light is on at all times and the motorcycle functions normally, you could have a DTC code P170D (shift sensor ground fault) due to the unit not having the quick shift option installed.

The Wrench - When performing the Service Bulletin GL1800 #1- Loose Handlebar Repair on 2018 GL 1800, or removing the Steering Bridge to adjust the upper steering stem nut on any 2018 and newer GL1800, the left rear tie rod bolt needs to be held by a 14 mm open wrench to prevent the bolt from turning when loosening the 17 mm upper nut. If the bolt is not supported, the rubber bushing will be damaged, which will then need to be replaced. Bushing damage will not be covered by warranty.

Video Message - It concerns how to replace a leaky front rocker arm oil control valve. Due to a deteriorated lower gasket or an out-of-spec gasket groove, the front rocker arm oil control valve can leak in certain V6 models with variable cylinder management. To fix this issue service bulletin A20-023 was posted. Please let us know if you would like a copy of the video sent to you on a DVD or thumb drive.

Video Message - It concerns how to replace a leaky front rocker arm oil control valve. Due to a deteriorated lower gasket or an out-of-spec gasket groove, the front rocker arm oil control valve can leak in certain V6 models with variable cylinder management. To fix this issue service bulletin A20-023 was posted. Please let us know if you would like a copy of the video sent to you on a DVD or thumb drive.