GL1800 Wing Things
Some owners feel that there’s more engine noise on the 1800 thanks to cam-chains and shim and bucket valve adjustment, over the previous version’s belts/hydraulic valve adjusters. Some issues with exhaust sensors were initially reported – Wings that gulp down fuel are the biggest give-aways of this issue. The radiators (mounted one each side above the motor) may make the bike slimmer, but a number of owners report that the Wing does often run hot, with some early 2001/04 models actually overheating. Back in 2003 Honda did a recall of potentially affected bikes across both Europe and the USA where frames were inspected for any issues and remedial work being undertaken to repair frames that were found to be faulty. The Uk/irish VIN numbers included GL1800A2 ABS model from 1HFSC47A72A101111 up to and including 1HFSC47A12A101170. GL1800A3 ABS from 1HFSC47A43A200051 to 1HFSC47A53A200110, but most (if not all) of these will have been sorted now. Other issues included squeaky rear brakes, which was sorted with different pads, CD changers swallowing discs whole and damaging them (I had this happen more than once…) and kill-switches cutting out the engines, often at the most alarming moments! Again, this was the subject of a recall in 2002 which should see all modifications having been completed. Apart from pannier latches catching and lacquer peeling off the wheels (especially if used in rain/salty roads often) the Wing is a very reliable piece of kit! Oh and do keep tabs on the steering head bearings (ball in the 1800, not tapered as before) and check every 10,000 miles at least.