October 2009 Technical Corner

This is the final article about the T-CLOCK Inspection. In this article, we'll talk about both C and K, since they are closely related.

C is for Chassis, but it could also stand for center stand. As far as the chassis is concerned, there is really no routine chassis maintenance mentioned in your Gold Wing Owner's Manual. However, it would be a good idea to look at the frame once in a while and look for cracks at gussets and to look for lifted paint. If you find any peeling or lifted paint, there's a chance that you might have a weak spot on the frame due to rust or corrosion. It's most likely to happen near the battery box. American Honda ran a recall campaign for several GL1800 Gold Wings that may have had some weak or damaged frame welds.

In our Honda Gold Wing Owner's Manual, nowhere is it shown how to put the motorcycle on the center stand. I've seen people who weigh well over 200 pounds end up dropping their motorcycle in an attempt to put it on the center stand.

I only weigh about 125 pounds, and if I can put a Gold Wing on its center stand, anyone can, assuming that the tires and wheels are not too small or worn out. Undersize tires and aftermarket rear shock absorbers that are too short will make it rather difficult to put a Gold Wing on its center stand.

Here's how little bitty teensy weensy 125 pound Howard does it:

He holds the Gold Wing upright and presses lightly down on the center stand foot lever. Then he rocks the Gold Wing slightly left and right until he can feel both center stand feet on the ground. Then he puts all his 125 pound weight on that foot lever while pulling gently up on the grip to the left of the passenger seat. Now the Gold Wing easily rolls up onto the center stand rather easily.

To get the Gold Wing off the center stand, Howard sits on the seat, shifts his weight back, and then for-ward. He makes sure the kickstand is up, and his feet are on the ground. If the kickstand is down, you can easily lose your balance and end up dropping your bike if the kickstand hits the ground before the rear wheel does.

If the center stand shows any sign of weakness, don't use it. You're better off replacing it with a genuine factory replacement part rather than trying to repair it. I don't recommend any kind of aftermarket center stand. Chrome plated center stands tend to lose their hardness during the chroming process.

Make sure that your center stand springs and kick-stand springs are strong enough to hold them in place. If you have any doubts, replace them with genuine factory replacement springs. Make sure the springs are hooked to the frame and stands correctly.

Don't try to weld cracked or damaged center stands and side stands. Welding heat will soften the hardened steel and the repaired stands will fatigue in a short period of time.

The 1988 and later model Gold Wings are equipped with a side stand safety switch that turns off the ignition if the side stand is lowered while the Gold Wing is in gear. When the side stand is down, the Gold Wing will start only in neutral gear. Faulty side stand safety switches should be replaced.

A common problem with the 1984 and early 1985 Gold Wings is difficulty getting the Gold Wing off the center stand. There's usually nothing wrong with the center stand. The problem is usually with the stop on the bottom of the frame that the center stand rests on when the center stand is in the down position. Frame repair or replacement will correct this problem, but one must ask if it's worth it to perform such a re-pair on a vintage Gold Wing. To me, it would be well worth it, being that I’m the proud owner of an award winning vintage 1977 Honda Gold Wing.

Howard Halasz, Technical Coordinator

GWRRA Spring, Texas Chapter M-2

Chapter M-2's Technical Corner