2018 HONDA GL1800 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

There is a Service Bulletin on the steering handle bars. The dealership I take it to is Go Az Flagstaff, AZ (928)526-7959. On a recall service appointment I was advised by the service manager of the loose handle bar service bulletin. It was addressed at that time. I had my motorcycle in for another recall and told them that the handle bars are still loose and American Honda told them they wouldn't cover it. This seamed illogical to me. It is obvious that their problem that generated the steering SB was not fixed by the direction Honda has given them. I am asking for assistance in raising the issue with American Honda. I don't feel comfortable riding a motorcycle with loose handle bars that Honda has a Service Bulletin generated to the public.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal at speeds of 40 MPH or higher, whether on cruise control or not, the motorcycle experienced the death wobble. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the bearings on the handlebar were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The motorcycle was taken to another dealer, Xtreme Machines (700 NJ-33, Millstone, NJ 08535); who did not diagnose the failure and confirmed that the motorcycle was not safe to ride. The dealer tightened the bolts on the 2nd set of bearings underneath the bearings on the handlebar; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Gold Wing GL 1800 Motorcycle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V113000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The UBS bolt broke off ( according to honda mechanics who worked on the bike) causing the motorcycle to lose all power instantly. The engine basically fell apart. I was traveling 55 miles an hour on a two lane curvy mountain road with virtually no shoulder and traffic in both directions. With no power I tried to pull off the road But could not as my first reaction was to grab the brakes, causing traffic to come dangerously close behind me. with on coming traffic I had no choice but to try and get off the road. There was a 6 to 8 inch drop off onto the grass (no shoulder) at this point I lost control of the motorcycle and struggled to keep from falling over- injuring my left leg, right arm, and left neck. Honda dealers and Honda have told me this is a problem they are aware of and have had several other cases of failure in the same way. The vehicle has been with the Honda dealership since April 29, 2024 This is a very serious and life threatening problem of which Honda is aware. My injuries are still on going.

31300-KVZ-632 1.00 MOTOR, RATIO CONTROL - this is the part that failed. It is not available for inspection as the dealer has replaced the failed part under warranty. The safety risk is, if it breaks under acceleration, you are stuck in that gear so merging onto an interstate you could in fact be run over. Yes, the dealer confirmed and replaced the component. Yes, there were warning lamps including the check engine light. After starting and restarting the bike several times it cleared, and I rode the bike to the hotel (approx. 10 miles) and then it failed again. My assessment is as follows: This motor is mounted to the rear underside of the engine and moisture can infiltrate and cause intermittent or complete failure. Possibly from a bad gasket? I had ridden 260 miles that day in the rain while on a trip. After stopping for an hour then restarting the bike, the failure occurred. It wouldn't go into gear (it's a DCT - automatic) and the warning lamps were flashing (see attachments). I was able to eventually, after several restarts of the engine, to get the bike drivable and get to my hotel where it failed again. Fortunately, it didn't fail while in motion or under acceleration, but it can. In fact, Honda mentions that in the owner's manual, page 181.