Battery Swap on my 2018 Honda Goldwing | CruisemansGarage.com

[@dougnelson3380]

The battery died on my '18 Goldwing yesterday without warning miles from home. I watched this video. It was spot on. I retrieved the tools needed as described, and was able to replace the battery in a parking lot. Thank you for this thorough, detailed & accurate video.

[@Chillybee62]

To keep the terminal nuts from sliding, I just leave the screws in while installing the battery back into the bike.

[@dray439]

I've had batteries with the same type of connectors. I wedged a small piece of cardboard between the brass fitting and the backside of terminals. This held everything in place, making it easier to install the battery and connect the bolts.

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

As you stated the brass screw connectors want to slid out when putting bolt in. I put a piece of tape on each where they go in. Leave a tab long enough to pull tape off after cables are on. Honda has printed on the OEM battery the charging method. These are AGM type batteries. Like you I like to replace every three or four years. It makes me feel better anyway. Good video. People BUY the MAINTENANCE Videos. Even if you don’t do all your own work you will learn so much about the Goldwing.

[@SecurityBob]

Great video Chris thanks. I can’t over emphasize your preventative strategy. I had a couple of older bikes and my last was a 98 Aspencade. Two times had the batteries failed without warning, as they always do, just at the wrong time after shutting of the ignition switch. And yes never in your garage , always miles from home. One in a remote gas station and second several miles from home. For us older riders, first time was lucky to have a motel next door on a Sunday. Yes had to wait till am Monday and local dealer brought a new battery. Second failure I did the old “put it in second gear, and pull in the clutch, push the 900 lb monster at a run down a slight decline (lucky) jump in air slam my ass on the seat, pop the clutch and YES the bike started. Drove to local Honda dealer and they installed a new battery. EVERY THREE YEARS DO IT. AND yes the clutch popping thing will not work with a DCT. SO. I carry the Scoche battery jump starter with the installed harness Chris previewed. Be Wise Be 😃

[@dougvann5230]

My situation is almost identical to the video. After reading about so many having to replace their battery i figured it was time. I am from Ontario but in Florida for the winter and the Goldwing is with me. I have a 2018 6 speed. Just before i bought the new battery i had an issue starting at a gas station down here. Hit the start button and the bike did 2 or 3 quick attempts to start but didn’t. Right after that i pressed the start again and it did start. Got back to the trailer park and shut off. Turned back on and started and the engine light was on. Figured from the false start at the gas station. Got a replacement exact match to the origional battery. No issues installing and started right up. Voltmeter readings matched what the shop manual said it should be. Have not had a chance for a longer ride yet but did take it out for a couple of 20 km rides with no issues. After 3.5 years it was time for the replacement before it might have left me stranded.

[@stephenthomas2730]

Cruiseman you are right the battery doesn't give you much of a warning when it goes. That's why I carry a small compact jump box with me at all times.

[@JimsTrikeAdventures]

Just replaced my original battery for my 2014. it Lasted 6 years.

[@30231253]

Your Explanation is So Clear & Well Done. Most of us like you Mr Cruiseman

[@rhillman1261]

Wow, this helps out so much Cruiseman. I’ve had a spinal reconstruction surgery almost a year ago and haven’t been able to ride my 2021 Goldwing trike and my battery has died. Although I tried to crank the bike weekly the battery didn’t last and I was cringing at removing and replacing the battery. This video has made this appear so simple I’m embarrassed to think I was apprehensive.

[@lonniecross4698]

Good video. Helpful tip, use some dielectric grease to keep this nuts in place.

[@gatorwing6231]

Nice video. I connected two wires about 24ga. to a tiny 12v battery. The other ends to large alligator clips. I connect negative to bikes frame and positive to positive bike cable connector. This holds all bike presets when battery is being swapped. It is very tough to jump start a Wing because jumper clamps usually don't fit on bikes battery terminals. This is my workaround. I purchased a stainless steel 1/2" diameter towel bar from Home Depot. I cut 2 pieces 5/8" long and bored holes through each for longer 6mm battery bolts. Easy with a lathe. Never use aluminum. I purchased 2 longer 6mm stainless steel bolts with 10mm heads and trimmed to length. Now it is easy to connect any jumper or zero gravity starter. Since my Wing is a 2012 other years may need a check for any interference with side covers etc. I hope I don't need to use them.👀

[@waynebasso3791]

The battery on my 23 Goldwing recently died after I stopped for gas. I decided to replace it and it has been nothing but a nightmare. I live in Manitoba Canada and went to a battery shop for a replacement. They sold me an Odyssey that would fit, but the way the battery casing was formed, it was impossible to connect the terminals. I returned that one and was sold a Yuasa which also fit, but the bolts for the connectors were either too long or too short. I returned that one and showed them a picture of my battery and took another Yuasa battery that was very similar to mine, however when I tried to install it, the bolt holes do not line up making it impossible to make the connection. This morning I went to my Honda dealership and they had an Interstate battery, but again, I could tell the bolt holes would not line up. I showed the parts man a picture of my old battery and told him to order me that one. It was the most expensive and won't arrive for about a week, so just in time to store the bike for the winter. I wonder why these battery manufacturers can't make posts that will fit more than one motorcycle.

[@wmauibill]

I always enjoy Trey Gowdy helping me work on my Bike

[@jamesdawn8439]

Very good job Cruiseman. I have a 2021 DCT and last week I was in my drive way getting ready to take a short ride and BOOM!! it wouldn’t start. I followed right along with your video and changed the battery. I did try the Duracell . Thanks for making it simple ..

[@chipset2900]

I'm done with lead-acid and AGM. The Antigravity battery I bought has been superb.

[@berntkristensen4171]

I usually attach extra positive cables to the start relay battery post. And ground cables to the frame. Thereby easier to service battery

[@kirkstickney7394]

Terminals are made of lead, which is a soft metal. The square nut insert is made of steel which is a much harder metal. By putting the threads in a harder metal, you can tighten and loosen them multiple times without destroying the threads….

[@prestonallyn2502]

That Positive Terminal connection is a bear to connect. Two inch more wire would make all the difference 🤯 Thank You

[@aeroplod]

Very useful video. Mine's not due for a while but the tip on removing the bottom piece looks worth doing Routing the cables,especially thicker ones can be problematic. I closed the securing bracket over the positive and immediately realised that the sharp (ish) edge was likely to cut over time into the pos. If the bracket is attached to a grounded metal part at its base, there could be a nasty surprise! It looked like your pos was vulnerable to this too. I may have been mistaken. Just sayin'! I put a protective covering on mine just to be safe. It's worth mentioning in case anyone else might be doing the same. Best wishes.

[@tomclements9244]

What an awesome instructor you are! The quality of your videos is superb. Thanks for all your training efforts, Chris!

[@cruisemansgarage]

Thanks, Tom.

[@roadglide]

BTW. Wing Stuff sells a small bag of those plastic body clips in the event you ever break them.

[@RanGer-498]

Im upgrading to the GYZ20HL As it gives me 12 Volt, 20 amp-hour, 》310 cold cranking amps《 over the stock 250 cca. Only because im in the north east if i was down south or in warmer climate ,i would keep my factory one. But i would not down grade to a lower amp hours like that Duracell battery has.(yes its a down grade). I some time use painters tape at the ends to stop the nut from falling out or ill add a small piece of flexible rubber under the nut to give the nut pressure and not move or fall out.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I would be anxious to hear your experience.

[@bw6480]

Last I looked, Amazon had the higher performance model for a dollar more - that makes it the easy choice for me 👍

[@alp3781]

@@bw6480 Have you had issues with the size of the upgraded one? It seems that the space for the OEM one is tight enough.

[@bw6480]

@@alp3781 I haven't needed to buy it yet, but the specs say the dimensions are about the same.

[@jgoogleheim8880]

Thanks for the video and tips on the batery. All bikes and batteries can be different. My 2014 Indian Chief battery lasted 10 years when I sold it. My KTM1290 battery lasted 7 years before it died. Seems that the more complex electrical featured bikes go through batteries quicker. I noticed that if you leave the heated grips on when you shut off the GW they don't automatically cancel after shutting off the bike. Bought a jump pack (Noco) just to be safe with the GW.

[@RobertLupo]

Love your video's. I have an idea for a new one, find a work around for the fog lights turning off when the high beams are on. This is a common "fix" on all 3 light Harley Davidsons, in face Harley makes a plug n play wire harness that allows you to run both the passing lights and high beam at the same time. I know in some states this is not legal, but us old Harley Guys have been running this for generations and NO one has ever been stopped or questioned on it.

[@cruisemansgarage]

There is a jumper you can install that will override this.

[@07GoldWinger]

My ‘18 battery lasted 1 year. Dealer/Honda would not replace under any type of warranty. I replaced it with a Bikemaster TRDLFP20HL-BS lithium ion and it is a strong battery. No more struggling starter.

[@bcuzicancuellar5478]

Great vid. I need to replace my battery when it comes in. Thanks for posting! Ride safe…

[@memerun1496]

My 2018 Goldwing wouldn't start and the lights flickered weirdly and horn was very weak . Ended up jump starting it to get it home. I took the battery to a local store called Battery Warehouse to buy a replacement. They load tested my battery and it tested good. They told me to check my ground, sure enough the threaded brass block inside the negative battery stud had white hard corrosion on 3 sides. I Filed off the corrosion then reinstalled the battery and everything is back to normal. I'll have to wait and see how long this original Yuasa battery lasts.

[@dabike]

Super clear directions. Next time I need a battery I'll do so myself using this video. Thank you.

[@AmerSheikh]

Excellent job on replacing the battery. I think precaution is better than taking risk.

[@KareemHadee]

I'm one of the "lucky ones" with a bad battery in my 2021 Touring DCT. I'm going to be replacing it soon. Some folks on the Facebook Forum act as if I'm crazy for replacing AGM's every ~3yrs. I'm considering lithium, or lead acid.

[@klt479]

My OEM battery failed on my 2018 Gildwing after approximately 250 miles. Honda eventually replaced the battery for free. However, I had to push them to make this happen and before the battery was replaced, I missed a multi day group ride. This was not the type of issue I expected to run into on a brand new Goldwing purchased from a dealer.

[@charleetho]

I was looking forward to see how he dealt with the positive connection. I must have spend half an hour trying to get it all lined up.

[@prestonallyn2502]

Me too. I connected the positive terminal before I slid it into the battery box. The terminal lead should be a little longer🤔

[@Supercell725]

Believe it or not CM I had a battery last 9 years on my 97 Valkyrie. I rode that bike pretty much daily year round. That’s a record for me , car or bike in my lifetime. We’re the same age I believe. When I was a teenager with my first bikes you were lucky to get a year out of them.

[@robertbarel896]

great video. they don't build the threads in the terminals because there are a lot of different threads they use . metric , imperial , marine and so on .

[@PapaDougsAdventures01]

Had my 2021 since June, no battery issues

[@tomboyd224]

3 years was about the best I could ever get with the old lead-acid-watch-and-add-distilled-water-as-needed batteries on my GL1100 and GL1500. The AGM battery that came with my 01 GL1800 lasted 8 years, but I needed to replace twice more in the remaining 11 years I owned the bike. YMMV, but I think a 3-year replacement schedule is overkill for an AGM battery. Having said that, those of us of a certain age may remember Yuasa putting out a large batch of bad batteries quite a few years ago (late 80s-early 90s?). IIRC, they were intended for Honda and were to be used in a whole bunch of their new bikes, including the GW (1200? 1500? Both?). Honda had enough warranty problems that they returned a bunch of batteries to Yuasa. Those batteries started showing up in the aftermarket, being sold as replacements, with the same problems showing up. Fairly big stink at the time in the motorcycle press.

[@brianhudson7058]

Good video, helps avoid all the pitfalls or at least make them easier

[@paulkonar7842]

I have a 2020 Gold Wing and no problems yet.

[@alp3781]

Chris, order yourself Optima1 panel mount short tail female trickle charge waterproof plug. I mounted one on the black plastic area of the left panel(battery panel) close to the tip of the triangle shape area. It looks super and clean looks, very sturdy and easy plug in/out. It's only 13.00 on Amazon.

[@mikespicer2810]

Good job Cruiseman. And as always ride safely.

[@prestonallyn2502]

My 2020 Goldwing DCT battery lasted 1yr & 4 months. Honda said sorry we only warranty for 12 months even though 3 of those 12 month the bike was in shop while they removed the engine to make warranty repairs. I didn’t purchase the replacement battery from Honda.

[@steveknode4517]

Nice video, Cruiseman. I'd add for everyone to really tighten up those terminal screws because they can loosen up over time. I had that happen to a 2006 Wing and saw it happen to another bike within the last month. Both times it was after a new battery was installed. So if you get on the bike and it acts dead, check those terminal screws first thing.

[@keithallen3119]

I have a Wing and a CanAm Spyder. On the Spyder this summer it was behaving badly with an interminent starting issue . Power would come on but no starter activity. I assumed it was going to be a electrical issue and took it to the dealer. Guess what? The positive screw had backed off and came loose. There was enough juice to power the electrics but not enough to start the Spyder. Lesson learned. Check the screws. (Note: it was a dealer tech who serviced the bike in the spring; he installed an accessory power port for me during the oil change and must not have tightened it enough). Loose terminal screw = $100. I agree with replacing a battery at 3 years. Over many bikes and years I have learned the hard way, only once was I not out on the road. I use a battery tender constantly when not riding.

[@GUMP1987]

My 2021 Honda Goldwing Tour battery failed after a couple months. I have not had a single problem since then with my new battery.

[@richarddillon5904]

Leaving the terminal bolts on while inserting the battery will keep the nuts aligned.

[@larrymiller320]

My last GYZ20L used on my 2010 GL1800 lasted 7 years. i know I was really pushing it. I never had a problem with any of my motorcycle batteries. on my GL1500 or the GL1800.

[@jibberny512]

I did. Just over a year and my 2021s battery is toast.

[@dperique]

Thanks. Hm... now I'm thinking about if I need to get one of those jump starters (just in case) 🙂

[@markinstlouis]

Replaced my 2012 at 6 years as a preventative. With the comments on here, I may change that to 4. As far as the brass inserts on the battery posts, I'm pretty sure that's so you can install the cables on the front or on the top, depending on the application. Couldn't have it solid and drill/tap both directions (not enough metal for that), and they don't want to have two battery configurations on the shelf.

[@cruisemansgarage]

Yes, you are correct about the threaded inserts. I should have mentioned that it is so the battery can be used with top mount connectors.

[@chadgruver4423]

Thank you for the video Cruiseman! I'll be changing my battery on my 2019 DCT Tour next spring before my summer long trip. I too only get about three years out of a motorcycle or car/truck battery.

[@patrickmcguire1988]

The lead post is “too soft” and will strip, over time. Hence, the harder brass threading sleeve.

[@patrickcooper1122]

So Glad to hear you were not in a Fight!🥊🥊Cruiseman...I feel like you might not necessarily be on the delivery side of a knock-out Blow!!😆

[@mamo4104]

Excellent instruction video, the best I have seen, thank you, I subscribed.

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

You did a great job 👏 Thank you for sharing Love from Mississippi USA 🇺🇸

[@MarksGarage17]

Thanks Chris for the outstanding video. I have the same vintage 2018 Gold Wind DCT as you. I'm going to attempt 1 additional year and then change it out. I am very particular about keeping the bike on a tender/maintainer when not in use....and when I get to three years, I perform a battery health check. Great job. Thank you....from a maintenance video subscriber....

[@mikeaho4143]

My 2021 battery has had issues with staying charged, so I'm probably going to replace it before next year's riding season.

[@danrahn9863]

I would go ahead and remove the seat any way; easier to replace the motorcycle battery, BUT also to inspect my accessory isolation fuse block connections/wiring.:)

[@dragutinhorvat4093]

A slick master

[@rogervandyke6323]

I charge new battery before I install it into the gold wing

[@patzke]

Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

[@pennsyltuckian4941]

I have a quick question, replaced my battery. The lights were Flickering and the display was blank. After replacing the battery, the bike would do nothing as if the battery was disconnected, I checked the electrical connection to the new battery and had 12.8V. Fuses are all good, none were blown. Would a Bad Audio unit cause this problem?

[@dabike]

Ironically I went out for what might be one of the last rides before winter hits and bike would not start. Suspect it could be the battery even though Honda replaced the original at no cost to me this past May (at least they told me they did but now wondering if they changed it or charged the old one???). Not sure how to tell if it's really the battery but it is acting like that could be the issue (lights, dash lights, radio, nav all come on but just not enough juice to turn engine over). I clicked the link for the Yuasa YUAM720GZ GYZ20L Battery in the video and Amazon reports that "This does not fit". I have a 2018 Goldwing DCT Non-Tour. Guess next I'll take side cover off and see what's in there. But was surprised to see that message.

[@allanwright4552]

Great clip.

[@crossup357]

Since you are doing battery this question is about the key fob battery. I'm having to change mine about every 3 to 4 months. Yes I make sure to turn it off after use. Just wondering if anyone else has to do this.

[@alp3781]

Every 6 months either it's good or not. I don't take a chance. eBay has 10 packs for cheap. No brainer.

[@crossup357]

@@alp3781 I keep spares in my glove box now. I got lucky when mine died for the first time. I was at wal-mart and went back in to buy several.

[@dcbrown5333]

I went through 2 batteries within a month of purchasing my new 2018 DCT Tour in Nov. of 2018. The current one just failed me after 4 years.

[@bernarddeschamps8538]

I appreciate very much your videos. In this case, it seems to me that removing the seat (which is very simple) makes the battery replacement much easier.

[@danrahn9863]

Yes, I too would go ahead and remove the seat; EASY. :)

[@barneycollins1374]

My battery was getting sketchy so I decided to replace it as well. 3 years old and thankfully all the issues I had were in my owe garage. I aways put it on a trickle charge if I wasn't riding for 6 weeks or more. I had a couple of instances during the riding season when I went out and couldn't start the bike without charging back up. A lot of choices were out of stock in my area and I ended up buying an Interstate battery. The swap was easy and went well, EXCEPT my Zumo XT mount is no longer supplying power to the Garmin. UGG! Any thoughts on how to trace the problem without tearing it all apart? Have you heard of this before? I appreciate all you do. Sincerely, Barney

[@allenchevalley5322]

I’m so glad I watched this Video. I did it all wrong. Your way looks much easier.

[@chipset2900]

Batteries will last exactly 1 day after their warranty. They have that (stuff) dialed in to the minute.

[@obwan7217]

I replaced my 2018 Goldwing factory brand battery twice before installing a Duracell with two year warranty last week....Time will tell...

[@chriscaliente5033]

CRUISEMAN Thanks for the shout out and recognition

[@mhilde7744]

Thanks Cruiseman! Didn't you have to reset your clock, after this?👍

[@tracyratzlaff7421]

Good video, thanks.

[@giddyuptechreviews733]

When are you getting an all electric GoldWing?

[@rooster3019]

I think Yuasa is taking the heat for a Honda problem. I made the easy to make mistake 3 times; turning the bike off while on center stand and not noticing that doing so without the park brake on causes some circuits to remain active. Total drain down when my 18 was new, parital drain last year, and a recent total drain again that would not recover enough to trust. My fault and Honda's fault.

[@gibsonrocker17]

Hey, have you seen that some of those panels don't sit completely flush like they should? For the life of me, I can't get it to sit completely flush again after installing ring terminals for a battery tender. I've tried all sorts of repositioning and have literally taken the cover off probably 15 times trying to adjust the cord, but I still have a small gap near the seat. The saddlebag does close just fine, but I hate seeing any panel gap. And truthfully, I never even thought to look when I first removed it if it was flush or not. Anyway, let me know what you think. It's probably only the last inch and a half closest to the seat that doesn't sit flush. Nobody would notice it, but it is quite the annoyance for my OCD lol.

[@alp3781]

It's a very tight fit. Check that the added terminal is bent inward to clear the panel. Also, you might have extra wires/thick wires that blocking the panel locking. I had the same issue after installing NOCO battery tender tail which has bulky terminals on it.

[@hamprof]

thank you

[@ggrizzlybare1y310]

Now you all have me scared. Own 2018 GW never had any problems. Keep a battery tender on it during winter. Ride daily unless there is snow or ice. Temps dip into teen’s during winter. Use heated clothing have plenty extra lights. Any advice on what brand might last, be better than others? Thanks

[@randygregory4774]

I have a 2022 DCT and it was having trouble starting, Lights on dash would flash and would not turn over, replaces battery with a Yuasa GXZ20L still experiencing problems. Is his a common problem?

[@garyedwards8142]

Good job. crystal clear vid…🇬🇧👍

[@raclark5870]

Just wondering your thoughts on coating all connections with dielectric grease when reassembling connections? I have done for years with no issues except collects dirt pretty bad. Thank love you videos

[@cruisemansgarage]

It is probably unnecessary on quality waterproof connectors, but I have done it as well.

[@johnvaleriewelbers2995]

🤓👍🏻😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦 good advice to change before the trouble starts. Although if you do have the batter jumper with you all the time, could maybe go a little longer. Generally to 5 year average if person is comfortable going longer.🥂

[@danrahn9863]

I also have a "compact" battery jumper pack; Micro-Start XP-3 by Antigravity. :)

[@danielboyd9380]

Great video thanks.

[@billmeyer7903]

Just wondering, what kind of work did you do before? Thank you for all your videos, they have helped me so much since I got my 21 Wing DCT. Have to say, been riding since I was 7. Owned many different motor cycles and now at age 67, this is one of the most for filling bikes I have ever owned, love it. Thanks Again

[@cruisemansgarage]

Background in computer application development and database design.

[@rickmiller3769]

My question, which didn't get answered here, is any of the data/settings for the bike lost when a battery is changed? Bike settings? Nav settings?

[@IDYLBERRY]

I've been replacing my battery at 5 years even if it still starts the motor.

[@KOM674]

Beware, I recently purchased a battery from the local Battery Plus store, which they looked it up on their computer for 2019 Goldwing. But when I tried to attach the right-hand positive cable to the battery terminal the screw hole of the terminal was off to the left about half inch so the screw holes would not line up. I tried to force the cable to line up the hole but was unable. I returned the battery for a refund.

[@bobcraft3458]

Good info!

[@jeanielombardo8805]

After 3years when to go to work and bike made clicking sound

[@jimwatts5581]

Where did you get your backrest from for your Goldwing???

[@cruisemansgarage]

amzn.to/3UR7AwO

[@AnAZPatriot]

2019 GW...mine just died.

[@Loveya1038]

YUASA GYZ20L(250cca)-GYZ20HL(320cca)-YTX20HL(310cca)- All 15lbs. As stated in older Vids, one of the Honda Dealers had put an aftermarket Battery in my 18' GW in Nov. 2020(I've Bought two Batteries in 11 months. This dealer Batt. died on me 10/07/21 in middle of street. He replaces it(11month old under warranty) With another Aftermarket(Fire Power CTX20L-BS) Claiming This is what HONDA Sent him. Even eBay knows its the wrong Battery for the 18 GW "But I been doing this a long time, this is From HONDA".. had a Yuasa GYZ20L put in at another Dealer. Another Dealer Thinks I might have too many Accessories - Older GW have a different charging system than the new ones(3 batteries in 29 months). I'll see how long this one Last(No tender Available Live in Apt. Building garage has on Electric Hook up)

[@tomhb9479]

2.5mm screw under foot rest

[@amurch1]

why not use a lithium battery to save weight?

[@cruisemansgarage]

There are advantages and disadvantages to Lithium Ion. I did consider it. But, less weight is definitely a positive.

[@alsaint7944]

Wow that's two in a row . seems you have this odd coincidence to be doing a video on the same exact thing as another youtuber the very next day. This time you admitted you watched his videos first. hilarious.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I have not watched his video, but one of my subscribers had watched it.

[@mikelamuraglia5645]

Not a great idea to have the battery on the seat

[@utubeteruo]

Why not?

[@northerniltree]

@@utubeteruo Because it's not a great idea.

[@alv9815]

Good video butttttt , that god awful music 😮