Goldwing Q&A Episode 9: Broken Cables, Fuel Efficiency and Dead Batteries

[@Free4summer]

I lost both throttle and clutch cables at the same time on my GL1100. Throttle went first, about 10 km from home. Started heading back using choke to get rpm’s up to get moving. About halfway home, lost the clutch cable. Had to shift without the clutch, and use the choke as a throttle. Unbelievably, made it home safely.

[@glovester]

No matter how many of these are made - i will always watch them. These are great videos.

[@samdomingue8113]

Thanks Scott. I always enjoy watching your videos. Especially this series.

[@albertifergan6506]

That first question on cables was mine and I was looking forward to your comments. Thank you very much for addressing my concern. Great video.

[@pedlpower]

I love these QA videos! Please keep em coming!

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Excellent Q & A video! Throttle cables can be a bugger to change in GL1800's, requiring top shelter & airbox removal, among other things, for all cables. PITA for sure! I keep a battery tender on both my bikes, no issues with starting. Got almost 9 years out of my last battery! Thanks for the video!

[@brianpollard3500]

I have a 89 1500. I got 9.5 yrs out of a Duracell AGM battery. Just took care of it, Always kept it on a trickle charger over the winter, and I keep a battery tender in the saddle bag. So I can plug in anytime I want to.

[@wildberj]

Hello Scott, thanks for the video. Most auto parts stores will test the battery at no cast, and may even have a new battery for your motorcycle. On the cable make sure you use a cable lubricant and not wd40 which will make the strands prone to failure. Have a Happy Easter.

[@oldmanjim2376]

I always watch, Scott, good advice always.

[@nevsmate8663]

another excellent video, I have battery tenders on both my bikes (GL1100 & GL1500C) and have no issues with all the panelling as they are both naked bikes. 😁

[@oldmanjim2376]

I've modified 1500 to put an sae panel so no panels have to be removed. Just added a plug in point using the trunk cubby doors I never use.

[@christopher7026]

These Q&A videos are wonderful! I do have a Q for perhaps another video. What tire pressure is best for these bikes? Normally I'd be sticking to the sticker in the trunk for my GL1500, but I've read on the forums that running a higher pressure in the front is actually a good idea to prevent scalloping. This spring I decided to try going back to the factory spec and well, it felt a little "off". I've been running 41 PSI in my front, which is 3 psi below the max listed on the sidewall.

[@chrisfrost1545]

When I had a 1500 I tried a higher air pressure, and the front tire was trying to follow all the little cracks in the road, so I went back to recommended, a much better ride

[@williammeyer3376]

Don't forget the proper air pressure in your tires 🏍

[@stevetaylor8698]

You forgot about the speedo cable, that was a pain to remove/install at the meter end.

[@p.dubyah5012]

Does that tall windshield make a difference in buffeting? Where can I get one at a reasonable price?

[@GoldwingDocs]

The company that makes them (Tulsa) is out of business, but really the best windshield I could suggest now for buffeting and general use is the Madstad. goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=59925

[@JoseHernandez-fj9tv]

Can you lubricate clutch cable

[@GoldwingDocs]

Yes! Check out: goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27121

[@supermankent1041]

The worst thing for fuel milage is BREAKING. All energy is LOST during breaking. Heavy accelleration wastes NO ENERGY. Heavy accelleration is not as efficient as light accelleration. For Best Results ride in such a way that you NEVER BREAK and NEVER STOP. Keeping your movement takes less energy than starting from a Stop. If you didn't time the light right make it so you COAST to a Stop (no breaking). Driving this way will make you more AWARE of what is going on around you. When coasting to a stop I will tap the break just enough to turn the break light on but not slow the bike. That way people behind you know you are slowing down.

[@GoldwingDocs]

100% agreed. You can also get automatic brake lights that turn on and/or flash whenever you decelerate regardless of whether you are braking: amzn.to/3Kae2Jj

[@mdwillowswillows5414]

🚶💭👍👍👍👍👍

[@timgimben7731]

Why did Honda think it's ok to be able to crank the engine over with a battery dead enough not to provide spark, making me think that maybe my fuel is the issue rather than a battery needing charging? Why did Honda think it's ok to be able to crank the engine over with a battery dead enough not to provide spark, making me think that maybe my fuel is the issue rather than a battery needing charging?