I only put lithium batteries in my motorcycles anymore. They make the bikes start like a snap, they spin the starters like crazy. They have a battery management system on them that is designed to work in place of lead-acid cells; they will take care of handling whatever the motorcycle gives to it. I use regular battery chargers on it just fine. It only takes the battery up to about 80% charge but that's plenty to maintain it over the winter, and plenty to start a bike where it'll charge the rest of the way. One benefit I've realized from a lithium is that the BMS will not allow you to discharge the battery so much that it's damaged - if you leave your headlights on overnight or something, a lead-acid battery can get destroyed. The lithium battery will be putting out like 0.5 volts and almost zero current, but that's just the BMS protecting the cells internally. Trickle charge it and it'll come right back to life good as new. I have ridden my Yamaha Tracer down to 5*F so far, and the lithium battery in it has started it right up every time, didn't seem sluggish at all. The trick of running headlights to warm up the battery is handy for lead acid cells as well, even back in the 70s we did that when it was really cold. FYI the US is poised to become the world's leading source of lithium - in 2025 they are opening up a mine in what is expected to be a deposit that is larger than all other known lithium deposits in the world combined. And lithium batteries are approaching 96% content recycling with the new recycling plants that are opening up to support EV battery recycling.
I have a 1983 1100 I and it will get hot but not over heat I have removed the thermostat and it helped but it now goes up to almost hot then it will cool down to normal while I am riding is there something that I am missing or would putting a new thermostat in fix this
I work in lead acid battery R&D- we measure CCA on batteries pulled straight out of -3C freezer. Not sure how our customers who sell batteries measure it, but in the lab, that's how it's done
I've owned at least ten 1500 Goldwings, all pre-owned. It would have been handy to have had you as my neighbor. I've also owned three 1800's. One lost overdrive, two had ADG failure. Went back to the 1500's. I currently have an '88 (68k) and a '97. (40k) The cruise on the 97 will not engage. The cruise light comes on and the set light comes on but will not engage cruise. Fuses and relays okay. I can swap parts from the '88 as its cruise works perfect. Any advice where to start? Thanks Scott.
I would start pulling fuses one at a time to see if pulling any one of them makes the sound stop. That will at least give you an indication which electrical system is causing the problem.
Hey Doc, I have a 1992 GL1500i that my left corning light keeps turning on but without the signal and I the switch is not being touched when it comes on....except when I cancel my right signal.....what could be causing this?
1998 GL1500 SE. Honda dealership replaced failed key ignition switch. Went to pick up bike, started fine but wouldn't continue to run. Shop put the battery charger on and bike started but still wouldn't continue to run. Diagnosed as a failing alternator. Replaced alternator. 2nd trip to get bike, ($1600 for repairs now) and rode bike home fine. Sat in garage for a week, all lights lit up but would not crank. Charged battery and bike started fine, let it run for about 10 minutes. Appeared to be ok now. Sat another week and same thing happened. Took battery to 2 places to check, shows with a full charge but a bad cell. Both places said Bad battery. Bought new battery, put in acid, charged as per directions, installed battery. All lights lite up fine. Hit starter and heard an loud immediate POP. Now no power to anything. Dog bone "B" fuse is fine. Can't figure out to check the "A" fuse. Haven't found video for the "A" fuse above the main fuse "B" . How do I trouble shoot the problem now? Thanks Dave
First off, I'd recommend an AGM battery rather than a flooded wet cell for a GL1500. See: goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=36953 Second, when you get a "pop" and then no power anywhere, it's generally caused by a loose connection. Check your battery terminals, the wires going to the battery, at each end, check the ground strap from the battery and the frame, give them all a wiggle and see if the bike comes back to life.
My 1998 goldwing trike has a fuss box on the right side & a 1 relay I have no power to fuss box what wrong? The relay has power to it. & do U have a video on this?
I have a 2003 Goldwing trike will not start. I press the ignition. All I have is the click and put in your battery and a new fuse that goes on the bottom of the fuse can you please help
I have a stater plug that burnt how do you identify the two wires three wires that the stater plug goes into if the stater plug itself was melted and wouldn’t that affect the regulator or maybe they call upfront I have a 1978 Goldwing GL 1000
Thank you so much, it is the radio system now I know what and why, I have to figure out how...to be able to fix it. Is there any way I can contact you directly?
Hey guys I have a 85 gl1200 trike, running injection not carb ..I have a fuel system error, I have fuel flow, when I press the starter it just clicks, I'm struggling I think it's a earth ..where is the earth location on the front end please
Do you have any input on my problem. I recently had to replace my alternator which was a 40 amp with a new 90 am alternator. After installation I took it for a ride and wow it seemed to run a lot better and faster. Does the 90 amp alternator do that ? The problem continues with the alternator it makes noise and vibrates to the point I do not trust the bike to ride it. I never had that problem before so the only thing I could think of is replace the dampers. Do you think I am on the right track or should I send this alternator back ?
Can the current fuel pump recall issue have anything to do with a sudden drop in fuel economy in my 9,500 mile 2018 GW touring DCT? Maintenance is up to date by dealer. Have dropped to 32mpg measured. Worse by electronic monitoring (like 25 mpg). Leaving on a 4,000 mile adventure in April. Thanks.
Another great video I was actually considering getting a lithium after my AGM battery needs replacement I'm also curious if you have any updated recommendations on LED headlights I just saw your video with the electrical connections headlights but also noticed it's a couple years old and was wandering if anything better has come out. Thanks from California
I would like to make a Tobar for hauling my trike but I was going to make it for the two back wheel would be on the road and front wheel would be a rack?
I have a 1988 honda goldwing GL 1500 I put a new fuel pump on it and a new filter..ps..the pump is pumping out but not going in fuel line from pump hose to filter or to the carb..pls help.. Douglas Hopkins in chesterfield VA 😊
Question, my current 1988 1500 has a 40 amp alternator, and we are doing an overhaul of the bike. I bought a parts bike (blown engine) for replacement parts. It has a 90 amp alternator. Can I swap this alternator??
I would not be recommending lithium batteries for motorcycles in general. Lithiums need particular charging considerations, temperature monitoring, and management. Motorcycles do not yet have any of this. A more suitable, more forgiving alternative coming into the fore is the lithium iron phosphate battery. While it has many of the good characteristics associated with lithium technology, it's much safer, less critical for charging, and easier to manage. I suggest a follow-up Q&A on this to discourage casual placement of lithiums in bikes without proper research and professional advice. Thanks for doing the Q&A sessions. I like them as they are very helpful.
I have a 91 going Aspincade I need two parts that I can’t find online maybe someone Has one switch head light turn signal headlight switch also I need that plastic part goes where the fuse is that’s the one under the main fuse help
Turn signals stopworking and navigation stop working, check fuse replace navigation fuse working ,all other fuses good.Turn signals not working. Took to dealer,they replace relay checking all wires ,turn signals not working. 2016gl1800 with 20thousand miles in the past 6wks not been able to find problem. HELP!
This one's a bit complex for a video - I'd encourage you to post this in our GL1800 forum, where we can delve into a bit more in depth: goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=7
Hey Scott, awesome series! Am wondering if Terry Boyle's question was answered. It sounded to me as asking if the goldwing would correctly charge a lithium battery, not whether the battery would run the bike. Is there any risk of over or under charging/volting a lithium battery during normal operation of the bike?
I only put lithium batteries in my motorcycles anymore. They make the bikes start like a snap, they spin the starters like crazy. They have a battery management system on them that is designed to work in place of lead-acid cells; they will take care of handling whatever the motorcycle gives to it. I use regular battery chargers on it just fine. It only takes the battery up to about 80% charge but that's plenty to maintain it over the winter, and plenty to start a bike where it'll charge the rest of the way.
One benefit I've realized from a lithium is that the BMS will not allow you to discharge the battery so much that it's damaged - if you leave your headlights on overnight or something, a lead-acid battery can get destroyed. The lithium battery will be putting out like 0.5 volts and almost zero current, but that's just the BMS protecting the cells internally. Trickle charge it and it'll come right back to life good as new.
I have ridden my Yamaha Tracer down to 5*F so far, and the lithium battery in it has started it right up every time, didn't seem sluggish at all.
The trick of running headlights to warm up the battery is handy for lead acid cells as well, even back in the 70s we did that when it was really cold.
FYI the US is poised to become the world's leading source of lithium - in 2025 they are opening up a mine in what is expected to be a deposit that is larger than all other known lithium deposits in the world combined. And lithium batteries are approaching 96% content recycling with the new recycling plants that are opening up to support EV battery recycling.
Great job sir. And glad to hear from you. Be safe.
Good hot battery good solenoid will click but won't send juice to starter
Excellent information on batteries! Thanks
Thanks as always, a fresh set of eyes and new thoughts always helps. I will do it
Hi, nice vid, from Wales, GB.
Thanks Scott. Always great information. Alan
very pro explain on the batterys thank you
Thank you
I have a 1983 1100 I and it will get hot but not over heat I have removed the thermostat and it helped but it now goes up to almost hot then it will cool down to normal while I am riding is there something that I am missing or would putting a new thermostat in fix this
my 2007 gl1800 is loping at idle and has acceleration delay until accelerating to about 2000rpm. runs great at speed. hard starting.
Hi Scott very well done about the batteries ! Do you have a video on how you set up and attached your extra fuse panel or box by your battery ?
I work in lead acid battery R&D- we measure CCA on batteries pulled straight out of -3C freezer. Not sure how our customers who sell batteries measure it, but in the lab, that's how it's done
I've owned at least ten 1500 Goldwings, all pre-owned. It would have been handy to have had you as my neighbor. I've also owned three 1800's. One lost overdrive, two had ADG failure. Went back to the 1500's. I currently have an '88 (68k) and a '97. (40k) The cruise on the 97 will not engage. The cruise light comes on and the set light comes on but will not engage cruise. Fuses and relays okay. I can swap parts from the '88 as its cruise works perfect. Any advice where to start? Thanks Scott.
Not getting full 13volts through the solenoid to the starter
Hi from 🇬🇧
Putting you to your test, I got question! 07 gl1800 electrical snapping sound coming from speakers every 2-3 sec
I would start pulling fuses one at a time to see if pulling any one of them makes the sound stop. That will at least give you an indication which electrical system is causing the problem.
Can you show me hoe the noise suppression capacitor and power connection in a 1988 GL1500 I connected to the fuel pump. The fuel pump IS good.
How do you know for sure if the odometer on a used goldwing has rolled over.
How do i replace the goldwing display cluster i was told its 3000 the one that showes ths gold wing enblen or says hellow
What size back tire does a 1994 Honda gold wing have
Hey Doc,
I have a 1992 GL1500i that my left corning light keeps turning on but without the signal and I the switch is not being touched when it comes on....except when I cancel my right signal.....what could be causing this?
1998 GL1500 SE. Honda dealership replaced failed key ignition switch. Went to pick up bike, started fine but wouldn't continue to run. Shop put the battery charger on and bike started but still wouldn't continue to run. Diagnosed as a failing alternator. Replaced alternator. 2nd trip to get bike, ($1600 for repairs now) and rode bike home fine. Sat in garage for a week, all lights lit up but would not crank. Charged battery and bike started fine, let it run for about 10 minutes. Appeared to be ok now. Sat another week and same thing happened. Took battery to 2 places to check, shows with a full charge but a bad cell. Both places said Bad battery. Bought new battery, put in acid, charged as per directions, installed battery. All lights lite up fine. Hit starter and heard an loud immediate POP. Now no power to anything. Dog bone "B" fuse is fine. Can't figure out to check the "A" fuse. Haven't found video for the "A" fuse above the main fuse "B" . How do I trouble shoot the problem now? Thanks Dave
First off, I'd recommend an AGM battery rather than a flooded wet cell for a GL1500. See: goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=36953
Second, when you get a "pop" and then no power anywhere, it's generally caused by a loose connection. Check your battery terminals, the wires going to the battery, at each end, check the ground strap from the battery and the frame, give them all a wiggle and see if the bike comes back to life.
My 1998 goldwing trike has a fuss box on the right side & a 1 relay I have no power to fuss box what wrong? The relay has power to it. & do U have a video on this?
I have a 2003 Goldwing trike will not start. I press the ignition. All I have is the click and put in your battery and a new fuse that goes on the bottom of the fuse can you please help
I have a stater plug that burnt how do you identify the two wires three wires that the stater plug goes into if the stater plug itself was melted and wouldn’t that affect the regulator or maybe they call upfront I have a 1978 Goldwing GL 1000
How do I order the relay switches do I change all of them or just a certain one
About Delo SDE 15w40?
Thank you so much, it is the radio system now I know what and why, I have to figure out how...to be able to fix it. Is there any way I can contact you directly?
Hey guys I have a 85 gl1200 trike, running injection not carb ..I have a fuel system error, I have fuel flow, when I press the starter it just clicks, I'm struggling I think it's a earth ..where is the earth location on the front end please
Do you have any input on my problem. I recently had to replace my alternator which was a 40 amp with a new 90 am alternator. After installation I took it for a ride and wow it seemed to run a lot better and faster. Does the 90 amp alternator do that ? The problem continues with the alternator it makes noise and vibrates to the point I do not trust the bike to ride it. I never had that problem before so the only thing I could think of is replace the dampers. Do you think I am on the right track or should I send this alternator back ?
Can the current fuel pump recall issue have anything to do with a sudden drop in fuel economy in my 9,500 mile 2018 GW touring DCT? Maintenance is up to date by dealer. Have dropped to 32mpg measured. Worse by electronic monitoring (like 25 mpg). Leaving on a 4,000 mile adventure in April.
Thanks.
My reverse gear lever is probably broken how can I know or what can be wrong
Another great video I was actually considering getting a lithium after my AGM battery needs replacement I'm also curious if you have any updated recommendations on LED headlights I just saw your video with the electrical connections headlights but also noticed it's a couple years old and was wandering if anything better has come out. Thanks from California
Not really, they are definitely still high quality bulbs, and have lasted many years now.
I would like to make a Tobar for hauling my trike but I was going to make it for the two back wheel would be on the road and front wheel would be a rack?
NEVER tow a Goldwing like this unless you first remove the driveshaft. Here's why: goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=164354#p164354
When tire are ready, I want too go with "Dark Siding" what make an model size is best for GL1500?
Check out: goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=66146
I have a 1988 honda goldwing GL 1500 I put a new fuel pump on it and a new filter..ps..the pump is pumping out but not going in fuel line from pump hose to filter or to the carb..pls help.. Douglas Hopkins in chesterfield VA 😊
If I take hose off fuel pump it's pumping out
Nice videos and great info thanks for you hard work, I have question do you have video wen you installed computer on you gl1500? Thanks again 👍🏼😎
Have a look here: th-cam.com/video/WjYMwlB-TuU/w-d-xo.html
@@GoldwingDocs 😱😱 No way looks amazing men, really really nice. Thanks for the link. ✌️
Question, my current 1988 1500 has a 40 amp alternator, and we are doing an overhaul of the bike. I bought a parts bike (blown engine) for replacement parts. It has a 90 amp alternator. Can I swap this alternator??
You can, it will still only draw the power required of it, but having an oversized alternator means it will run much cooler, and last longer.
I would not be recommending lithium batteries for motorcycles in general. Lithiums need particular charging considerations, temperature monitoring, and management. Motorcycles do not yet have any of this. A more suitable, more forgiving alternative coming into the fore is the lithium iron phosphate battery. While it has many of the good characteristics associated with lithium technology, it's much safer, less critical for charging, and easier to manage. I suggest a follow-up Q&A on this to discourage casual placement of lithiums in bikes without proper research and professional advice. Thanks for doing the Q&A sessions. I like them as they are very helpful.
My reverse is weak. since it has been triked out it is worse. It will not pull uphil much and is just sluggish.
I have a 91 going Aspincade I need two parts that I can’t find online maybe someone Has one switch head light turn signal headlight switch also I need that plastic part goes where the fuse is that’s the one under the main fuse help
Im looking into buying a 2006 gl1800 i was wondering if there are any regular problems i should be aware of
Check out: goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=66391
Turn signals stopworking and navigation stop working, check fuse replace navigation fuse working ,all other fuses good.Turn signals not working. Took to dealer,they replace relay checking all wires ,turn signals not working. 2016gl1800 with 20thousand miles in the past 6wks not been able to find problem. HELP!
This one's a bit complex for a video - I'd encourage you to post this in our GL1800 forum, where we can delve into a bit more in depth: goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=7
Fuel gage doesn't work
Temperature gage doesn't work
Hey Scott, awesome series!
Am wondering if Terry Boyle's question was answered. It sounded to me as asking if the goldwing would correctly charge a lithium battery, not whether the battery would run the bike. Is there any risk of over or under charging/volting a lithium battery during normal operation of the bike?
I talked about it with the voltage being produced by the bike, but yes, it will work just fine, no issues.
question cd players what's a good one seems a lot of problems with them ???
I'm pretty sure you'd have trouble finding ANY CD players for sale (new) anymore.
New feel pimp still not pimping