2001 Honda GL1800: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 84 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (49% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“On 06/26/2021, Approx 4pm. Traffic heavy. Speed 20 mph or less. This caused consistent brake use. Rear brakes locked up. I was very close to the right edge of the road and bike stopped. I quickly activated emergency flashers and avoided any incident. This bike has ABS. There was a service recall performed about 4 yrs ago- at Barneys MC shop, St Petersburg- related to brakes. I was able to shut off the bike twice. Pumped/tapped FR/R brakes twice and the brakes finally released. No further incident. Will have bike inspected tomorrow. No warning lamps. This bike has very low mileage at 21,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2021
“On 3/27/17 during routine maintenance and cleaning in my garage, I removed the side covers and found the frame was broken completely apart on both sides of the motorcycle. Frame brake was in the lower tube section of the rear triangle of main frame directly aft of the weld. This is a known weak spot, since honda reinforced this area of the aluminum frame in mid-2004. This break was reported to honda powersports customer service in torrance, ca on 3/28/17. Had the broken frame inspected and photographed by authorized honda service manager 3/31/17. Now waiting to hear from honda.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2017
“Engine stop switch is overly sensitive. If motorcycle hits a bump the engine may shut off. If switch is touched it will stop engine.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“I bought a 1800 honda goldwing touring bike 2-3 years ago had a brake recall and still do? Mine was worked on twice? After I bought I drove it 54 miles the rear wheel locked up pulling me in the ditch? Flipping the bike and sending it end over end total? That was all don,t before I got out of the er and hospitol....updated 06/21/17 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle was totaled and sold. Updated 08/04/2017*js”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2015
“Motorcycle, honda goldwing, 2001 left frame crack: there have been numerous instances of frames being cracked and upon inspection of my motorcycle frame I noticed that I have the identical crack in my frame. The crack is located adjacent to the left passenger footrest and is visible by removing the rear tire and viewing it from under the bike. The crack extends down from a weld that attaches the lower left rear support tube to the center section of the frame. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2010
“Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 40 mph, the motorcycle stalled suddenly without warning. The dealership determined the fuel injector failed which caused the fuel pump to shut down automatically. The dealership informed the contact an fi light was supposed to illuminate on the motorcycle prior to failure of the fuel injector; however the contact did not notice a light illuminated.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2006
“Frame tubbing fracture in the rear triangle of the main frame on the edge of a weld. Note that this is a known failure point on this model of honda goldwing which occurs in the tubing at the edge of the weld to a frame casting.*ak no repair is recomended on this 7003 type of aluminum when the failure is outside of the weld”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2005
“Front brake antilocked up. When hitting a severe bump in the road, not a pothole, the left fork seal blew outward, releasing a massive amout of suspension oil covering the left front of the bike including saturating the left front brake pads and rotors. I replaced the failed seal with a new one and examined the anti dive valve for operation. It operated normaly at that time, but on further examanation at a later date was found to again be locked up, and at that time I replaces the deffective plunger mechanism on the top of the anti dive unit that operates it with front brake pressure. Not sure of the exact dates. Initial failure was in late 2003, and the second was in late 2004. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2004
“There is a noticeable wobble in the front end of my 2001 honda gl1800 at approximately 45 mph. It wasn't there with the first tire I had, dunlop. It has become progressively worse as the front tire ages. This is submitted in support of odi#10135765. *nm”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2004
“Motorcycle tire: avon venom for honda gl1800 goldwing rear tire 1.tire cracked and tread seperated- less than 5000 miles 2. Tire had bulge in tread, ready to seperate-less than 5k miles 3. Tire is getting bulge in it, can feel when riding-less than 2000miles all of these were replaced by avon. I own a small motorcycle shop and have heard many problems with these tires. It is a very dangerous situation.*ak some one will die because of these tires. I asked the rep. At avon if this was a problem and he denied there is a problem. I also asked if I should notify my customers of the danger, he repleid "no". Please fell free to call me to discuss these tires.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2010 and 2012-2015 GL1800, 2001-2005 GL1800A and 2013-2015 GL1800B motorcycles. The rear brakes of the affected motorcycles may drag after the brakes are released.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary brake master cylinder and the rear brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JV6. Note: This recall supercedes recall 14V-472.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ENGINE STOP SWITCH. THE ENGINE STOP SWITCH IS SENSITIVE TO ACCIDENTAL CONTACT OR STRONG JOLTING, SUCH AS HITTING A POTHOLE OR RIDING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS,WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CUT OUT MOMENTARILY OR EVEN SHUT OFF.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CONTACT PLATE, E-CLIP, AND 2 CONTACT PLATE SPRINGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-310-532-9811.
ON SOME MOTORCYCLES, CERTAIN FRAME WELDS DO NOT MEET MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH LOADS CREATED WHEN RIDING ON ROUGH ROAD SURFACES OR THROUGH POTHOLES CAN CAUSE THE AFFECTED WELDS TO CRACK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REINFORCE THE WELDS ON 2001-2002 MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. ON 2003-2004 MOTORCYCLES, THE UNITS WILL BE REPAIRED, NO INSPECTION WILL BE NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
KURYAKYN IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MOUNTS, PART NUMBER 607005, SOLD AND INSTALLED FOR USE ON 2001-2012 HONDA GL 1800 (GOLDWING) MOTORCYCLES. THIS MOUNT WAS SOLD ON KURYAKYN 'TRANSFORMER' PASSENGER FLOORBOARD SETS, PART NUMBER 7005 FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, TO PRESENT. THE FLOORBOARD MOUNT MAY CRACK AND BREAK FREE FROM THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT SECURE THE MOUNT TO THE MOTORCYCLE.
Remedy: KURYAKYN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE REPLACEMENT MOUNT KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KURYAKYN AT 1-866-296-4728.
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2010, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 GL1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE COMBINED BRAKING SYSTEM'S SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO DRAG.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PULSE ROTOR. THE CRANKSHAFT PULSE ROTOR, A DEVICE USED FOR IGNITION TIMING, COULD FAIL AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED PULSE ROTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
How other years compare
Check your exact GL1800 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Honda GL1800 reliable?
NHTSA has 84 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Honda GL1800. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (49% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Honda GL1800 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 41,250 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Honda GL1800 have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.