1981 GL1100 Goldwing Starter removal and installation

[@anonimous2451]

Years later and still gettin props. Thanks for saving me HOURS of work. 42 mins in and out.

[@BarrySoetoro187]

The older gold wings are probably some of the best bikes ever made

[@mikelovestofish391]

Good video. I learned something today. You crack me up.

[@amazingmrtitts]

Thanks for NOT abreviating the video. I hate it when people cut the video down to like 3 minutes. This was real time, even had trouble removing the starter. I appreciate what you did here. People have the freedom to leave if they don't like the language. I am glad you did this. Thanks. Now I can fix mine.

[@keithbenson9968]

that's a good video..and I like the ongoing commentary 👌

[@jpdart269]

Thank you very much. My repair manual called for complete engine removal. Your video /allowed me to R & R the starter in 30 minutes. Thanks again. Art

[@baleylavarta2573]

Thank you it's the same process on my 75 1100 and I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. But I've got it now thanks to you.

[@SwordsmanXB12Ss]

Just used your instructions to pull the starter off an old '83 Aspencade. Worked like a charm Thanks a bunch!

[@robwright4398]

Did you use a cheaper starter, I'm buying one and wonder if they are any good

[@avenabell4]

I love to watch you doing that work and telling it like I would full of causing because it's the only way to do it when you struggle with things

[@hollylambert8936]

Thank You although I have fixed broken shit all my life , but never bikes , so I did some thing smart and KZbin came with you and I not only took the starter off . fixed and put it back on !! Thanks Man !!!

[@cHUCHo458]

IVe got a Gold Wing GL 1100 and one time I snatched the starter motor out of one at the junk yard, once you know the trick, they come out easy. Have a great weekend bro!

[@silvermanewj4366]

Thank ya! Just picked up an '81 1100B and the instruction is great!

[@dustinsharpe18]

Thanks for the upload. Got my starter out and replaced in about 30 minutes... before dinner was done! Thought for sure I was going to have take off the pipes at the very least.

[@TheStormPlacid]

This is just a comment to all the people complaining about the language. Don't ever go into the service department or mechanic shop literally anywhere in the country. I haven't worked in one yet that didn't have language 10 times worse than this. The language doesn't show ignorance. If you think about it, you are watching a video on something you probably don't already know. That makes you the Ignorant one. I was going to go into how awesome he is but I don't have the time. He didn't ask anyone to like or subscribe to his channel but he still has 14k subscribers. He must be doing something people like.

[@nemo6900]

I am new to riding my first bike is 1100 gl and I'm new to your channel love the dialogue you sound like me when I'm working on cars

[@MrDogrover]

I love the commentary. Would like to meet this guy in person. This guy is my kind of guy. Also great video.

[@birdatkinson1]

After watching this video and reading two forums on the starter removal, I spent over 3 hours attempting to remove the starter after freeing it from the engine. Went so far as to remove the shifter and exhaust from my '79 GL1000 without success. After 3.5 hours I gave up and will attempt it again tomorrow. Frustration at it's finest!

[@edgardomatos6923]

I feel your pain , but i think the , removing the shift is worst ....idk.....

[@MrCanoeguy]

I really appreciated your video. I just finished putting in my starter. Thanks, man.

[@firbyd]

BTW, not sure it works on every year , I just got done getting the starter out of an "86" Aspencade and took everything off, including the engine cage! You were lucky no cage , cuz cage goes before pipe install, which makes manifold bolts easier to work on, impossible to if on 86, least it was for me. pardon to all, this works for some 1200's not all though, sorry bout that any1 whom I directed here, but some of you did find it great to see and it worked for you! And I'm glad for that! If you all do take the manifold bolts off, penetrant oil and take time, I see some got broke or stripped, I got all mine by taking my time. Cheers! TCRS!

[@adriantibbits6375]

I just bought a 82 gl1100 and it didnt have a starter. What do i have to do when i install it with the gear and chain since im almost positive it moved

[@dawino6260]

Hope like hell 2 things happen 1 the chain didn't come off and 2 that you can take a pick tool or soft screwdriver and fish it up into the appropriate position... Otherwise you got to get it sideways in the frame and pop that back cover - which is a day in, a day out and at minimum a new gasket while you have it open... I've brought em up with 3 pieces of wire and a steel ring as a gripper before .. but it's a practiced art and it's too easy to lose a ring if the wires cave in

[@adriantibbits6375]

@dawino6260 ok thank you. I'm gonna guess bot happened. The gear freely moves around if touched and if pulled center alot of slack in the chain

[@iantaylor6614]

This man is a legend, loved his delivery and the fuss free job. Now all I've got to do is work around the sidecar to get at the starter..UK bikes huh.

[@jeaservices]

Curious, is the exhaust that tough to get off? I'm looking at an 82 that won't crank. $1000

[@dawino6260]

Not that hard at all to take off .. crush gaskets are 17 bucks apeice though so I try not to have to take em off unless I have to ..

[@johndasilva884]

just wanted to say thank you, you helped me a lot, even though i messed up a little, the sprocket fell out,..........lol oh well, as for as the language "i like normal people and your it man" i hate these guys in uniform who are so professional and put on an act like they know everything, you hleped me a lot more then they did, thanks again....

[@jamesb.9155]

I'm so glad I don't do mechanical work much at all now days!

[@carlfranchuk9791]

you look and sound just like me when working on mine, and yup i have long grey hair and a beard as well. love the vid

[@dawino6260]

with S&W Street strokers (progressive makes replicas). Fronts I just use the air caps and divider from a CB900. Personal preference - some people like the air shocks rear - I like to be able to throw it around like a sport tourer

[@salvoaloisi3433]

by lowering the gear lever by hand and the starter motor enters and exits without difficulty

[@dawino6260]

yup .. stock you are 100 percent correct ... I went this route because I see a ton with aftermarket wingleader and markland shifters that dont quite always clear

[@ronaldgodfrey4028]

Is 81 and 82 the same install process?

[@dawino6260]

yup - and the 1200's too

[@dawino6260]

Yes actually I do get em back on... see 'O' rings come in different thickness' as well as different diameters... I literally pull one out of a red storehouse O-ring kit that has one that's a hair tight but fits --- in a pinch you can use a thicker one and grease the heck out of it first - NAPA also has those O rings available in the exact right size as well but usually you have to pick it up the next morning

[@dalinamann6012]

I pulled the starter off my 1100 and oil poured out, what would cause that

[@dawino6260]

being overfull and on the sidestand -- should be done on centerstand.. Also.. i have had a few drops come out if that seal up in the snout was bad and held a little... I'm pointing out both common scenarios only because I'm not sure what you mean by "poured out"

[@gak69moviemaker]

The starter doesn't slide all the way in to the "wear-line" on the starter. Did I get the wrong one? It was also suggested that it's the "One way clutch" that's at the top of the chain/engine. Sound likely? Thanks for your time helping me figure this out.

[@kevinthemayor]

Thanks for posting!

[@83wingrider]

GREAT Vid. Mine just died on my '83 interstate. First step in the book: "remove engine". Shit. I was going to try to pull the pipes and give a go. Looks like I don't even have to do that! Thanks, pal.

[@BrokeWinger111]

Once the bolts are out I tap the starter out of the opening with a rubber mallet

[@christophereakin]

I made the mistake of move that little cog inside and now I'm fighting to try and get the starter in. Any ideas that might help?

[@dawino6260]

most of the time you can finger it up with a thin screwdriver (gently) or a curved dental pic (harbor freight 5 bucks)

[@gak69moviemaker]

Thanks, great video. My replacement starter came w/ sprocket so I removed stock one and it's unlikely it falls into place the right way. Am I going to have to pull sprocket off & use old one (Wear on them might match better too)?

[@firbyd]

Good deal, I am on this job myself today, so appreciate the extra tip that saves time. I wonder one thing though, why didn't they think about having the frame lower than the pipes? Is it because they rather have ya scrap pipe than frame? 🙂 Good vid, thanks!

[@dawino6260]

They had to cradle/basket that engine -- think in terms of torque -- a boxer automatically produces almost double the torque of an inline (4cyl vs 4cyl) if the same compression ratio and cam lobes.. Too much twist for an under and skinny or a single top rail

[@dawino6260]

New starter wasn't new? -- cant figure why it would dump oil unless you are doing something crazy like checking it on the sidestand instead of the center stand like you are supposed to....-- or a carbs leaking gas into a cylinder somewhere which WOULD most definitely cause hydraulic lock (you are shutting your fuel off when parked right? and if so is your petcock good?)

[@cHUCHo458]

I think that Made in Japan was giving him the creeps the whole darn time!

[@sebulva]

Thanks dawino, respect!!.. fortunately, i have my muffles sewed out of the maniful, so i will remove the maniful 1st step.. Regards from Mexico.

[@subaru8548]

I have a friend who swears this is true when removing a Goldwing starter. The only problem with this is that there are two years where the engine MUST be removed to remove the starter or the transmission will fall into a pile of gears. Does that make any sense as to why he thinks that?

[@roscoesmith6744]

Mine rolled out and back in just by pushing my shifter down. 5 minutes and done. I don't have the heal toe shifter, so didn't have to remove it.

[@killakevv72]

Great video. How do you repair/replace the air shocks or air pump on a 82 Goldwing Aspencade?

[@keshiastowell2439]

I'm still having trouble changing my starter on my gl1000! It looks like to me that the area on my bike is much tighter to try and do this and get it out any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated thanks?????

[@dawino6260]

It's tight - but even with Jardines or Fentons I still pull em the same way.. It's all a matter of looking, twisting and feeling for stops all at the same time... I truly dont know any other way to describe it... Which is why I did the video -- Worst case scenario - pull your shift lever off so it's out of the way if your hands are too big - I have to do that sometimes if someone has one of those stupid heel-toe shifters on

[@pidjones]

Pull the shifter, pull the header, then two bolts plus the cable and the starter slides right out on a GL1000. I just pulled mine a few minutes ago. It will come out with the header on, but the shifter comes off easy (take the 10mm cinch bolt ALL the way out).

[@madesmad9935]

@@pidjones no way, on my gl1000 impossible to remove the starter that way!

[@madesmad9935]

@@dawino6260 I tried to remove the starter without remove the exhaust header on my gl1000. NO WAY! It’s impossible to do it. maybe mine is a bit longer. Is just a matter of 2 millimeters…

[@pidjones]

@@madesmad9935 Do you have engine guards?

[@gak69moviemaker]

That was my next question, Thanks. Been doing that for a while now. Looks like sprocket centers itself so should line right up, right?

[@dawino6260]

always glad to help

[@dawino6260]

Some have a dot that needs to face the starter - but most dont. if you are just pulling the starter and leaving the gear in it's just a matter of "wiggle and twist" to get it back in

[@PatriciaJones-xw1ui]

Got a Honda Goldwing Aspencade 1200 SEI, 1986. Trying to get the starter back in and the sprocket is just not popping back in to place. Had easily removed it, sent it out for a re-build, replaced O ring, but have been struggling to get that sprocket to fit just right. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@usstotts]

Thanks for the vid. I bought a Gl1200 on ebay with lots of problems. How do you get the nose to engage with the sprocket. The starter on this just spins. I have tried a few times to feel it as I put it back in and the bike has started but then just spins again. The chain and sprocket are fine - I think I am just catching the sprocket and not engaging it properly. Can you give any tips or is it a case of keep trying. Thanks.

[@TheStormPlacid]

I know that starter seal is in there to keep the bike from leaking oil. But can the starter be removed without draining the oil or can you just change the seal without draining. I would also like to know what size o-ring that is. In another tutorial you said to change the seal when you get the bike but you didn't say the size. I have an O-Ring Kit and don't want to spend the money right now if I don't have to.

[@jeffreywidtfeldt2707]

I recently replaced the starter for my 80 gl1100 when the old one wasn't working. It worked great for about a week but now it doesn't. When I took the new one out, a bunch of oil spilled out of the engine (probably the quart I had just added). What would you say the problem is here? Weird thing is, when I put the old starter back in, it started right up! any thoughts?

[@dawino6260]

Probably fried a winding.. but yeah I can see it causing hydraulic lock... Have you already put a wrench on your crank and made sure it turns over by hand with em in? Also while doing so: take a peek at your timing marks just in case... I'm guessing only because it's not in front of me but I'd be inclined towards the starter itself. or a little leftover rust in her (in which case Flush the engine with 9qts Marvel Mystery oil to 5 gallons diesel and a pond pump (same as I did that unsticking vid)

[@dawino6260]

By you saying 200 amp boost.. I'm thinking fried winding instead of burned brushes but it's still worth a look - 3 dollars worth of brushes and springs is cheaper then ebaying in a starter (actually for the 1100's I've had better luck on Amazon - couple of rebuilders listing there).

[@gak69moviemaker]

That was going to be my next question, thanks! So I can assume the chain will settle to where the armature should automatically line up for the starter huh?

[@brianmcdaniel5116]

I have one I got from a friend who had already pulled the starter and now the sprocket doesnt line up with the shaft seat on the engine housing any tricks ?

[@toddmurat2673]

Hey there - are you still riding that Goldwing? I have an 81 just like yours and a little problem - I forgot where some of the hoses go. lol I was wondering if you might help me with that? I can take a video and post it to my youtube if ya like, but I feel rather silly not remembering some of that when I took it apart. This is my first bike and project and today it's ridable, but only for a minute - I gotta figure out those darn hoses. Otherwise, what a learning experience this was for me, pretty much everything major got done and it took a while, but thanks to folks like you I learned and trialed and errored my way to pseudo-success. lol Thanks man!!

[@jacoblee8181]

What is the part number of the starter for a 1982 Honda goldwing gl1100

[@dawino6260]

No clue .. but bikebandit or cheapcycleparts both have parts fiches up .. one of them actually lists oem part numbers ..

[@kkjolly2501]

does this also apply to the 1984 goldwing. ??????

[@dawino6260]

that sounds more like it's on the starter clutch end than the starter end... put in a high detergent oil for about a 20 minute run around the block, change it immediately while the engine is still hot (detergent oil and 30 year old rubber hate each other) might free up the drummies - if that doesnt do it you are due for new springs in your starter clutch

[@franco-russo]

Is it normal that a small amount of oil comes out of the bike after removing the starter.

[@connerslagle3491]

I'm wondering the same thing. Pulled my 81 last night and almost a quart poured out.

[@dawino6260]

Yup - it's a sealed tip on the starter

[@franco-russo]

@@dawino6260 thank you

[@joejohnston6306]

LMAO , great tutorial man , and bravo on the adjectives ! ! ! lol sounds like me workin on junk a$$ stuff

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

What year FZR 1000 are you working on

[@dawino6260]

Right now none -- but back then a 1/2 02 and 1/2 00

[@dawino6260]

same as the vt100 - i did a vid on them

[@Artofwilliamsburgva]

You amuse the shit out of me! thanks for the help on the starter.

[@moveitback1]

How fast is that old goldwing

[@dawino6260]

153 iwith the rear swapped and a larger tire on it -- but it'll hold 135-140 all day long without having to work for it ..

[@mikewhite7133]

this was years ago. that forward bolt couldnt get a socket on it deep well to long regular socket nope either. solution a snap on half deep socket best money ever spent. And a honda tech said what ever you do put the bike on the kick stand before you take the starter out if that startergear falls in the case gotta take the motor apart.

[@dawino6260]

If it's on the centerstand it stays put .. I've never tried one on the side stand ... worst I've had it move on the centerstand was a hair out of alignment ..

[@readyxxi]

I did not have to remove anything on the bike but the starter , the gear stayed inside the housing , then I got that out after I got the starter off I have 2 1983 gold wings

[@xmattyo]

when i go to start the bike the relay by the battery just cliks. does that mean my starter is bad?

[@darthzairr]

Does this work on a 1986 interstate?

[@customracer1]

which way does the gear go in the chain drive

[@buickapollo455]

Was told solenoid is nasty if is not starter, my starter sounds like turns, but wont engage the chain gears. just spins once in a while sound like will grab. is that starter or solenoid?

[@dawino6260]

Could be something as simple as a low battery or a loose cable when it does that

[@kevinthemayor]

I'm a novice. Where is the oil cap where I check the oil? Thanks.

[@chiva2222]

Kevin Jaynes They dont hace a stick guage they have a window un the motor on the right side at the bottom.

[@tonywright923]

Can you do one for installing the carbs on this same bike? I replaced mine & cannot for the life of me remember how to hook up the gas lines & cables!

[@dawino6260]

I can barly walk these days much less drive up to the shop -- But bikebandit - use the parts fiche there - the diagram is pretty self explanatory -- vacuum line off right rear carb goes to ignition advance (doesn't show in that diagram) Petcock to filter to pump to 2 lower rear fittings on rear carb bodies

[@raymondlane1075]

when I started to out my starter on my 1983 gl1100a oil started to come out is this normal

[@dawino6260]

Not really .. unless it's over full and on its side stand when you do it ... shouldn't have been more than an ounce or so even then .. unless maybe your starter snout somehow got full ... there is an oil seal on it .. so it's supposed to see a little ... oil level when on centerstand is below that hole though ...

[@dawino6260]

Because I live in a country which has this wonderful thing called freedom of speech... therefore i say what I want how I want

[@gak69moviemaker]

Got it in but all it does is make a bunch of noise. WTH? Is it possible it's spinning backwards?

[@joaneberlin2622]

On my 1976 gl 1000 exhaust Has to come off.

[@OverTheEdge68]

1/4" ratchet, extension and 9mm socket for the bolts and a rubber mallet and wood dowel to nock the starter back.

[@leroysolo7066]

My Honda service manual says to remove the rear engine cover on 84 and eighty five 1200 models but not for any other years. I assume there is a good reason for this. Does anybody know whats different about the early 1200s? I just just got an 84 and the starter seems pretty weak so I'll be having to work on it pretty soon. I was planning to try it without removing the rear cover. I just dont know why the book says to remove the cover specifically for my year model and the following year only. Makes me think there's a good chance I'm gonna have problems.

[@housetrash]

You need to drop the exhaust. I just did this on my 85. take off all foot pegs, floor boards. engine guards. so you can drop the exhaust. Then you can get the starter out and back in.

[@dawino6260]

yup

[@williemiller5202]

Hey Guys, I have a 1985 Honda Goldwing aspencade with the round speedometer do anyone know if I can change it to a digital one without a lot of trouble, like having to change the harness or speedometer cable

[@p228Alex]

i just put a wrap or two of teflon tape around it. seems to work ok

[@dawino6260]

clean your armature and put in some new brushes ... that or put a whole different starter on... 9 times out of 10 if they sat like that it's just a dirty armature.... then there's that other time.... Also - they love the crap out of some amperage - but not from a booster. SOMETIMES you can hook em up to a car battery and start the bike a few times and that will clean it - but I'd recommend a look inside the starter and cleaning it up right ...

[@JSAFIXIT]

I'd have just taken the exhaust off. My patients would end quickly.

[@dawino6260]

OK "Assembled in Ohio" I'll compromise that far... We had some of the top machinists in the country in Ohio for a long time.. I think most of em moved to the Toyota plant in Tennessee or the Mercedes plant in Madison/Decatur Alabama now.... Maybe 1 or 2 went to Polaris/Victory/Indian {Victory is starting to show quality after all} but we know none of em went to Hardley Abelson

[@austinricketts2705]

I loved when the vid starts prety much first thing I heard was him cussing at the bike and whoever was working on it before him I knew right then he was going to show us the fastes easiest and least expensive way to get the job done!!! I can be in the garage fixing something I've done countless times before and yet I'll be swearing at the machine! Cursing whoevers fucken idiot cousin that just graduated last in his class in engineering and needed a job lmfaso. Thanks for the post look foward to seeing more!

[@dawino6260]

Japan? Goldwings were made in Marysville, Ohio from 1975 till 2009. A good chunk of the VT's and VTX's were too. about 1/2 the V-star/Yamaha virago line is made here too ... shame Honda America decided to quit making bikes here 09 was the last year my new bike for the year was a goldwing... and we dont have a US maker willing to build anything that lasts anywhere near the miles

[@dawino6260]

You have you a good one too.. I know I am - got the Brough out to puttt putttt on

[@handyhippie6548]

hell, the speedo on my '83 goldwing reads 150. 115 indeed. WTF!?! i'm in the middle of taking an '81 and an '83 i traded for a NIB ar-15, and making an off road scrambler out of the pair. the '81 runs, no title, the '83 don't run, but has a title. they said the engine in the '83 was bad, but i think it's just the starter chain. i'm gonna give this a try. if it ain't the starter, no biggie, i was gonna swap the engines anyway. it will save me a shit ton of work though, if it is. thanx!

[@dawino6260]

Confederates are noisy but well balanced and really high quality machine work... A little uncomfortable for more than 50 miles at a time though -- but well balanced.

[@mackpainton4325]

DUUUDE BEST PHONE CALL INTRO EVER HOPE YOU DONT MIND BUT IM USEING THE SAYING

[@bobyluppo]

Thank you.

[@dawino6260]

there's only one hot post on em ...

[@kevinthemayor]

I'm only getting 10.8 volts at the starter. Why is that? I know I need at least 12.2 volts. It will start though. What is the harm in turning over and running Motorcycle ononly 10.8 volts at the starter? Why am I only getting 10. 8 volts of the starter? It's a 1980 Honda Goldwing GL 1100, 48,867 miles. What's it worth just to sell it? Thank you.

[@kevinthemayor]

Brand new starter, brand new solenoid, brand new battery.

[@winstonfosdick9887]

One fucking thing to need a hand, and find someone willing to take their personal time to show you, step by step, how to perform a procedure...Another all together to piss & moan cause you do not like the manner with which he speaks... What the fuck next, want him to send a pedicure team to your house to trim your toes while you watch the free lesson it took this guy a while to perfect ? Some peoples kids, I swear... Thanks dawin, most informative, appreciate your efforts... Thanks

[@housetrash]

You need to drop the exhaust. I just did this on my 85. take off all foot pegs, floor boards. engine guards. so you can drop the exhaust. Then you can get the starter out and back in.

[@seau2007]

Except for a speedy repair I was wonder why not drop the exhaust.

[@anonimous2451]

You dont have to remove exhaust.... fiddley thing it is but it will work.

[@dawino6260]

I just rotate the armature a little bit

[@TherealAngry817]

Awesome job,very useful

[@cHUCHo458]

Look at the valve cover, Made in Japan. The engines where made in Japan, that is why they are so good, if made in Ohio, the pistons would fly out the valve covers.

[@MrEd01US]

Thanks Dude!

[@beesou]

thank you, it save the day, bye peter

[@p228Alex]

that oring on there is a special honda o ring, its not a normal size, its thinner than a normal one. and if you use a normal o ring, you will never get that starter back on.